Im thinking of making a directory, should I make a general directory, or a niche directory that targets jewelry ?
It's generally easier to advertise a general directory but it is also a much more competitive marketplace. You'll get more listings simply because there are more categories. It's far more difficult to rank in the search engines for the individual categories and you'll generally get less non-submitting traffic. Niche directories are generally a bit easier to monetize. Depending upon the niche, Adsense may be viable as well. (I would think jewelry would be one where it would work.) They get less traffic overall due to the fact they only cover one topic. However, by covering only one topic it is easier to rank in the search engines and get non-submitting traffic. I'd suggest you opt for jewelry over general. But, then, I'm a bit biased as I operate two niche directories.
I vote for niche directory. General directories are all around, but we really have few good niched directories.
My suggestion would be to buy an established directory and build on it. I think anything started from scratch at this point is going to be extremely difficult.
I would recommend going the niche way..It's will bring in better quality links and general directories can take a long time to setup and create all the categories/sub-categories for. People like niche-specific..I say go that route!
I prefer Niche Directories as this provides better link value as well as targeted traffic by being specific to a particular business or industry as it is easy to locate.
I would elaborate further on MIA's point because it's a good one. Clearly Jewellery or Jewelry is your business (or an area of expertise, or a niche you understand), so it makes sense to build a niche directory around this. If you own a Jewelry website, then the inclusion of the niche directory would probably be your best option as part of that site. Failing that it could be wise to take MIA's advice and utilise and existing directory which already has it's own traffic etc. Starting a general directory from scratch, unless you have investors and editors, is really just going to be a waste of your time. That model is now defunct for all but the highest end directory owner.
Niche directory is the way to go. Niche directories also look less spammy. Most general directories are full of bad quality links and Google doesn't give a crap about them...Not anymore. Go for a niche directory and edit the descriptions of the links before approving them. This will be a little time taking but will keep the content on your pages unique. Also promote the directory well.
Niche Directories list only specific type of Businesses and Websites. They are also known as Vertical Directories. Unlike general directories, Niche Directories provide more link value and targeted traffic by listing websites that are specific to a particular topic or industry.
Niche directory will be the best. You will have targeted visitors. General directory will get number of visitors. But they are not targeted visitors.