New Directory Feature

Our little directory has been doing quite well and is close to hitting the 4000 listings mark in just a couple months.

I have added an option to list your email address so that you can be notified if your listing is approved. We approve/deny all listings same day, and have been very consistent. However I have noticed that most directories out there do not let the end users know if they were ever approved.

Right now, again, it is optional to list your email. I would like some input however as I customize our directory and the email notifications:

1. We do not send out an email currently if a listing is denied. Should we?
2. If we do send out a deny email, should a reason be listed?
3. Does anyone see any potential problems with notification of deny/approve emails?
4. Should we list some small print or agreement stating, we may notify you from time to time about updates to our directory?
5. If we do do updates, should there also be an optional opt-in that the user can check?

Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated. The directory is located at: http://kingbloom.com

Thank you!

 

Here are my thoughts:

1. We do not send out an email currently if a listing is denied. Should we?

Yes, one should if possible

2. If we do send out a deny email, should a reason be listed?

Explaining a reason helps a lot, at times genuine folks make some mistake during submission and informing them of the reason helps a lot. I remember, recently my site was denied listing by another directory and they do gave the reason, however they overlook certain aspects, after reminding them of same they did included my site.

3. Does anyone see any potential problems with notification of deny/approve emails?

There might be, as all people are not gentle and they might try to spam you or threaten you, but that hardly matters for a seasoned webmaster.

4. Should we list some small print or agreement stating, we may notify you from time to time about updates to our directory?

I think you should, and should also include that you have rights to deny, modify the listing and such updates will be notified. General directory updates should be optional, IMO.

5. If we do do updates, should there also be an optional opt-in that the user can check?

I think, it should be optional for sure, no webmaster would like to be termed as spammer and face spamcop.

Wish you all the best with your directory!