Starting my directory - any suggestions for a first timer?

Well, I just paid $40 for the domain and have started to draw up a marketing and site plan. Ive picked a niche, but one that has many sites that could benefit from a niche specific directory. I plan on launching the site with a $200 marketing plan focused on: press releases, forum posts, advertisements on forums, directory submission (around 400 directories), emailing top sites in niche, and a few other things. I plan on using phpld v. 3.X, with free and paid listings, and a customized free template. Site will also have a google map and social bookmarking links integrated. Any tips for launching a directory for the first time (it doesnt have a PR)? Should I spend a little more on initial marketing? Should I roll the $200 out over a few months, or in 1 initial bang? Should I spend the money and get a fully unique template? Should I accept other payment methods besides paypal? Should there be google adsense on the pages? Thank a bunch!

 

Ok,
With $200 you don't go far, only gets you nice template.

Probably a good idea is to spend around $50 on 500 free directory submissions.
Then buy some links of around $5 to $15 each.

Pick a nice free template for now.
http://www.emillie.net/blog/

Best of luck
Cheers

 

Thanks, but as I posted, I am getting a free template customized. Also, the $200 is just for the initial marketing portion of the site. Should I spend less on press releases, forum advertisements, etc and more on purchasing 1 or 2 links? I guess what Im asking is should I spend my initial marketing on raising my PR or getting links / users to the site? Thanks

 

And you should keep buying links everyday!

 

If your looking to raise PR fast, if you search hard $200 can get you around 4 pr5 sitewide for 6 months probably enough to get you PR4 or maybe PR5.

 

I guess thats what Im asking. Should I concentrate on raising my PR or getting users / submitters to the site? Its a niche directory will only small competition.

 

really depends on the niche you must specify, for me PR is almost useless but the great majority of submitters look at it.

Personaly I would prefer to have a nice skin and try to get relevant links probably not high pr.
Even make some link exchange.

 

And yeah don't forget to make an unique category structure if possible. Using the category dumps will just make your directory structure like 1000 others.

 

Actually, my niche only allows for about 5 categories, so it will be limited to that.