Thinking of starting my first directory can you please help me get started

i feel like your approach would certainly make for more quality submissions, however at the cost of an incredible amount of time. Hmmm this makes for a difficult decision do I go the easy route or take the time to create quality submissions

i just feel it would be so time consuming to manually submit sites so i am tempted to offer some free submisisons, is there a way to block directories from submiting to that category? Or how about adding that category after i start charging for submissions. what do you think?

 

there is aclosed cayegory mod out by dargre of http://www.linkforever.net/pld_mods.php

 

does anyone else have any valuable suggestions before i get started that they would like to share?

 

1) What software do i use? Is there any free software i could use?

phpLD is the one that I use, since it has good support and a lot of mods. Go for the paid version.

2) Should i make it a free directory right from the start?

You can do that at first in order to fill your categories but be prepared to contend with spam and MFA sites, do not approve these type of sites in your directory. Later on, if you wish to go for the paid model no one should stop you from doing so.

3) Will Adsense work well on a directory?

Very bad idea. Do not by ANY account put up Adsense on a directory. It will just devalue it.

4) Is there anything i need to be aware of before i start this?

Be prepared to work hard and work smart. Have a budget for promotions, submit to free and paid directories. Do not be afraid to spend money if you need to in order to improve your directory.

Best of luck with your future endeavour!

 

Yes, I have 1 suggestion

Read as many threads here and in the Google forum as you can

Thing are changing dramatically, and in your question, there is no sign that you are aware of the major changes happening right now

 

tbh if you arent prepared to spend an incredible amount of time then you would be better not starting
since this is your first directory and you want to do it right its gonna take that
there are no easy options and especially with the competition now you`re up against it

 

Start with something you know something about and build it into a resource that you have a personal interest in. Rather let other web masters fill your other categories and charge them for reviewing their sites. You dont need to fill your site with content before accepting submissions. In fact the less content you have the better it is for the sites you list. Not everyone is a dirctory owner who believes you have to cover your tracks and paint your face or be damned.

 

Whatever you do, don't use the exact same categories and software as everyone else. You won't have a chance, if you do.