I need some tips. I'm going to make a payed directory and I've got my domain name. I'm going to be using PHPLD. I need a few tips on getting started!
This is just a few personal opinions: 1) only create a directory if you plan on dedicating serious time to promotion, otherwise it probably won't become profitable anytime soon... 2) ask for a few sponsors, give them sitewide links for a few months (years?) in exchange for a listing in their directory... 3) start submitting it to other directories... 4) place a link in your DP sig... 5) don't include too many adsense blocks, they turn off submitters... 6) work on getting pagerank, through link exchanges and other methods (I know it doesn't mean much, but submitters will be more likely to pay if your site has PR)...
paid, not payed =) need to get the word out on your directory for it to get big and get people who will pay
Start submitting your directory to the paid and free directories out there to get the word out and secure backlinks for it.
Whilst its future is unknown, PR is what will currently get paid submissions to your site, with zero or low PR you will struggle to get submitters to pay for a listing, to get PR the same old rules apply, get plenty of good back links to get your PR up, then you'll start to build paid submission numbers, and therefore revenue, it will take time for sure so only start it if you have the stomach for the fight...