After months of deliberation, I recently decided to take the plunge and throw some time, money and effort into setting up a directory of my own. First step was picking my domain - as I sifted through a few of my unused/under-used domains, I spotted that Stumblex.com - which has previously just been a holding page of sorts - was PR4. Combining this with the fact the domain is short, brandable and hopefully memorable I decided to use this one. Next was choosing a script. It didn't take much to settle on phpLD, which I went ahead and installed along with a pretty swanky free theme offered by another DP member. I also loaded up with a 'category' dump to get me started (whcih I am making my way through as we speak, editing the names, metas and descriptions to make them more unique from others using the same dump) After reading numerous articles, I decided to go down the route of being a paid directory - I detest dealing with mountains of spam and also heeded the warning given by many on these forums that if you're planning a paid directory you should always start out as one rather than being free for a period of time then shifting gears. My short-term to-do list includes such things as creating my own logo and brand package; finishing up the editing of categories and sub-cats as well as writing up a batch of articles for publication on launch and onwards. I do, however, have a few questions that i'd greatly appreciate some input on: - Stumblex.com is PR4 however none of the internal pages have PR... would anyone actually purchase a link on the directory considering it will automatically be placed on a page without a pagerank? - If not, how do you go about building rank for each internal page? Literally a case of procuring incoming links to specific pages? Is it common practice to part-populate your own directory when starting out, and how much benefit does this provide? - Is the pagerank of stumblex.com actually worth anything at all seeing as it does not affect the rank of internal pages? - When trying to build pagerank for internal pages, do you guys even put that much emphasis on deep incoming links? Or is it all about SE indexing, SEO etc? - While I feel I have some of the basics covered; what would be your number one tip for where my focus should be moving forward? I realise this post may have been a meal to read through, and i'm asking for a lot of insight, but i'd greatly appreciate any help some of the established directory owners could give. Thanks in advance
It is true that those who know SEO may not buy a link if the actual backlink page has no PR, but they are not always smart in their decision. Smarter ones (or risk-takers) buy those links while it's affordable, expecting the page will get decent PR So, it's how you can advertise and convince the PR0 page! Ultimately, you will have to buy links before selling one. Throw some money to make more. Otherwise, it's hard to grow a directory these days unless you have a great link bait idea. I wouldn't say it's worthless. I think I can see a good potential. You seemed to study a lot. I think you are on the right track. Getting backlinks for your inner pages are good. Of course your domain PR is the main and the most important page. But there are directories offer deep links, so you can go for a "sandwich"-link development at the same time for the maximum results. I recognize that the most important factor is the trust by other directory owners. It's been very much emphasized, and if you plan to sell some links to other directory owners or other DP members, you would like to gain some sort of trust and respect from them. This could be more important than PR of your directory. Hope this helps
ummmm which aviva? the origanal ? ...........or the FAKE one with DIR on the end? heheheh had to go thier just kidden though kingclaw does sound very good thx malcolm
coolsitez : Thanks a lot for your response; this is the first project i've undertaken where internal PR is an issue or forms part of the basis for the projects success, so having some insight from others is extremely helpful. Rep added. As for the theme, as mentioned - yes, it is awesome, and no, its not my design
If you need any help with changing anything, ill be glad to help, just let me know, am sure an0n will help too, just give em a BUZZ!!! hey hey now, having problems with PS I didnt even design this, I dont think it looks anything like aviva.