I'm not too deeply involved in the directory section, but every now and then Ill jump in and drop some comments. I currently own 3 active directories. Two general directories, one of which has been consistently active for 2+ years now with 500+ uniques daily and is pretty well known, another general directory which is about half a year old and is picking up traffic every day, and one niche medical directory which runs off PHPLD News. My longest standing directory is in the process of getting a new theme, and I am thinking to revamp the business structure. Basically, will be cleaning out all the junk links and setting editorial standards. Other than that, I haven’t focused on these bad boys for a long period, but surprisingly they have survived and even with the G rampage, the most established directory still gets frequent business. I'm thinking to either sell out and let someone else with more integrity towards the industry pursue this network, or will commit myself to the highest standards of editorial integrity and continue updating and running these directories myself. I know that directories aren’t what they used to be and if you are new to the industry I believe it might not be worth getting into the business, but since these are already established, I believe they have the potential to make it big and strong. I would appreciate any advice from some of you who already have established directories. The directories in question are in my sig.
You need to spread the word about your directories using word of mouth. It's silly to think that by getting a bunch of links or high rankings, that this will make these kind of sites famous on the web. It should be obvious by now that this level of success only happens to the few, which means one of 2 things, they either had a top idea, or loads of cash to sink into PPC. There are levels, and what may look like some webmaster directory, there could well be a large company backing it. People are more and more web savvy, and they can spot which directories to use and which to avoid, but alas too many directories are not designed for the searcher, and it's a fatal mistake to make. NO searchers - then no advertising, no cashflow and the directory dies. Good luck okay
I disagree, directories are becoming more important - they're the first stop for most avid webmasters who want to get their site in the index. I can't talk about the commercial viability because I have no experience there, but the directory industry is still very much alive - new webmasters have to get their site in to the index somehow and with bloggers using "nofollow" - it makes it near impossible for a new webmaster to get their site in the index. Using social networks like Digg will get their url banned, or won't have them in the google index for long (they clear out old urls, so those backlinks will be gone within 6 months) - so directories are still viable and the most reliable way to get a backlink.
What a pity, i agree with you my friend. I have 3 directories and they was pr4 pr4 pr0 .Now they are pr2 pr3 pr2. I have really big plans and i want to add "i beware all the bad thing, no spams, no bad links, family friendly site, no auto submissions, no paid links etc" but google finished my dream.) If you have time you can ream more please http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=778599
i still get the same as i was making when i had a High pr, i dont think PR seems to matter on my Dirs big companys still buy links and all i do is treat my dir like a baby and feed it with good links i dont go for back links i simply just feed it with good info and it makes money.
Mike. You can still make some money with directories, you just need to think outside of the box. The regular link directory + blog for articles might not work anymore, you need more content and good one in places that no one has ever done it. Links are becoming secondary feature of a directory where guides and articles (maybe be even with comments or reviews) are on the first plan. Times have changed, and directory business model needs to change too. This isn't 2005 anymore, no body is selling links, everyone is selling reviews
Thanks for the reply Serg. Actually with my original and longest standing directory, I tried to structure it like a regular every day business. Rather than marketing towards subissions, I promoted the slogan, look, and feel of the business to attract searchers. This approach helps distinguish WebndEx from all the other general directories out there. It can use a bit of cleaning up, but regardless it's still making constant revenue after 2 years without any maintenance. I do agree with your stance on "outside the box", and this is why I plan to restructure the business plan. I feel that it has great value now, but can turn into something even better. I'm just thinking if it's worth my time to sell out to someone who is 100% focused, or if I should keep at it and bring it to a different level?