Ive just started 10 new directories, spread across different hosts all running phpLD. The only other directories I have are really industry specific, these are my first "general" web directories. My plan is to use some submission services in the BST area, but are there any places where you more knowledgeable webmasters would suggest I listed my new sites? Thanks for your guidance! MOG
Are you planning to list you directories in Paid Directories? If yes, there are a lot of quality paid directories. Check: http://www.avivadirectory.com/strongest-directories/ That list would be there best one to get started. Also check the announcement section quite a few offers are running there for new year discounts, one of them is in my signature. If you looking to list you site in Free Web Directories, well a lot of them are announced daily here on dp submit onto them Though paid directory submission would always benefit you more.
so the general consensus then is to submit my directories to lots of other directories to develop backlinks... I intend on just building links on them until such a point that I have a decent PR spread, would that be a good strategy before I offer any paid links?
you souldn't cousider PageRank the most important goal of you directories. Make them unique, add custom MODs, take care of the links you approve, don't approve a website just because his owner paid(if it is not a quality one reject), also take care of the seo of your directory, and don't forget about content. If you have time, you should add a blog or something to your directory and try to offer something unique to your visitors. Make them link to you, make them come back.
Announce here http://forums.digitalpoint.com/forumdisplay.php?f=65 and also submit your directory in others' announcements.
Im no expert but for the new 3.x version Im fairly sure you do. I just used the free to use 2.1 instead.
That works really well, also you might want to purchase a few signature links for your directories as well. DP is a really good source of traffic, since it is thronged by webmasters and getting a good coverage here guarantees traffic and submissions.