Starting a Directory need some advice from the pros

Well folks I've made all kinds of sites from sales to general info, but never had the nerve to enter in to the directory game. Until today that is, its a niche directory for FREE STUFF.

I was wondering if anyone has suggestions for categories they would like to see on this directory. So if you have any suggestions for more categories I'm all ears! Or even just comments good or bad on the site please let me know.

The directory is http://www.get-it-free.org

Thanks guys and gals

 

Ditch the basic template. It screams PHPLD... You want to look professional and credible.

 

Thanks Braddd,

I've looked around for good ones at a low cost but I haven't really found what I'm looking for. Do you know of any good sites where I can get free or cheap templates, or even know someone who could do this job for me?

Casey

 

http://www.phpldtemplates.com

Good free ones there, plus some excellent paid ones.
And he will design a template just for you at reasonable cost.

 

Don't be afraid to have empty sub categories. Some people like finding the specific category that they want to submit to, regardless if it's empty or full.

 

Nice thanks for that link Iowadawg.

 

K will do as soon as I get in from classes tonight.

 

Forgot to mention, make sure if you're wanting to charge people for listings that there's a definite difference between paid and free.

Also, make sure that the url submission link is very easy to find. I often find that if I have to register or cannot find the link within a short period I'll simply move on to the next directory.

 

Yah I plan on keeping this directory free, until I have a high enough PR and traffic to actually give some benifit to the featured listing providers.

Thanks again for the tips.

 

Games, Software, and Information are three that come to mind.

 

Thanks, just put them up

 

Are you not going to have featured submissions? I know the site is brand new, but even a dollar or two would be better than nothing for you.

 

Like I said I'm brand new to the directory game, so I'll definitally take that in to consideration along with any other tips you guys can give me.

 

Any other categories I should add here before I announce that I am accepting links?

 

I can desing a template for you, if you are looking for a cheap custom template that nobody else has. I can do that for you.
Take a look at my design: http://www.ranktips.com

also, make sure you have featured links available... you have paypal right?

 

Thanks for the offer, but I'm looking for a much different style template than the one you have, although yours definitally is stylish.

Thanks again for the featured tip, I might open that up in a bit when the ball starts rolling.

 

Don't forget you don't have to get a phpld template. You can just modify an existing website template to fit your site. It'll be a bit more work for you but, it will give you alot more options.

 

Or you could always use my template, the one in the signature

 

I think thats a wise decision...we would do the same when we get our directory site up and runing...you do need to have a high PR to attract paying customers I reckon

 

Definitely. I was not suggesting changing it from free. I think it should be free. I was just suggesting a featured option (at an affordable price) for those who might want to be listed at the top of a category. Just a way for you to make revenue from the site, and you can always change the price when the site is more established. Anyway, best of luck!