Directories have their place, the problem is with low quality directories that are not loved and taken care of and developed. Each directory should be unique.
Nope. I can tell you, with 100% certainty, that I would buy from ANY and EVERY directory that focuses solely on my niche. I know that I am not alone in that sentiment. Therefore, niche directories will probably have a much higher conversion ratio. Plus, niche directories have much a better chance of earning authority status.
ok ... thx for the reply Reason i say this is that the few niches i have are just not profitable and the they are currently free just to get the alexa lower and traffic pumping in them. the only difference i see is the categories are "specific" to that niche...(where i agree that it would have more weight) I can create a niche directory just as fast with all the same mods and toys as a general directory with the only difference being the categories so i just may build the next few to certain niches that are popular... I run into a site that had about 50 different directory niches but was either not very well promoted or ???..... (which is why i asked ) thx malcolm
I agree with you, problem you see though is some people are not content in trying to make a real success with just on directory they need to go nuts and get 50 plus which imho is sheer madness and quite frankly cluttering up the directory scene.
Adding more "free stuff" wont make any script or directory more famous or popular but just makes more "riff raff" come into the fold and de-values those who "try" to be different... thx malcolm
Back to the topic guys, 90 votes so far. Lets get it to three digits eh? Anyone else think they'll be more votes on option #2 if it wasn't for the wording? lol.
I haven't voted as not one option reflects my feelings. I was thinking exactly what you wrote a second before I read it. (Hence replying to a thread that I'd rather nothing to do with.) Not only would #2 get alot more votes but I think this entire thread could of had a different outcome had the poll options been alittle less biased. Anyone else think they'll be more votes on option #2 if it wasn't for the wording? lol.[/QUOTE]
Hello... sorry to go off topic before... actually thiers many different variables that have to be taken into consideration but agree that if the wording was different it may make a difference... thx malcolm
Keep in mind that there is a 100-character limit for each poll option. I didn't want to use more than 3 poll options, either.
So very true, why dont we all stop kidding ourselves that general directories are still worth going for, there's just too many of them and regardless of what anyone say's there's probably one or three that are of any real value. Niche is a never ending market, you'll never saturate it, you can make a niche within a niche and so on.
There is one topic missing. You can only vote one way. What about the person running the directory? There is no option for general directories that are run with purpose and dedication by a committed directory master. The assumption in this poll is that we either stop the traffic or go niche. Agreed but what do you mean by low quality? To some, even directories that are unique, cared for and loved are low quality and this is the first problem we have to overcome. Why has this industry got into such a mess? Most real people cant afford the luxury of starting up and running a directory just because it is the right thing to do.They need $$$ to feed themselves, to feed their families and to pay for their bandwidth and their time. I gave you one and I havent seen you breaking down the doors to get to it. And this is the point, you are in the minority. Most links are bought by people specialising in SEO and not in a particular niche. Does anyone believe that they will go to the trouble of building up different lists for the multitude of different niche topics there are, if a well run general directory will do the job just as well? Why is it not possible to run a general directory and get it to fund the development of a small office home office type business. One that serves a niche market and offers more than just listings as the long term business model. Relevance is a term thats kicked around by all those who know about these things but how practical is it really?
Could you not perhaps edit it a tad? I happen to agree with you but only in principal. I think its possible to change course before the axe falls By the way if you do see the potential and inherent value of directories with clean empty categories I have another site set up for all the freelance writers whose services we are going to have to market one day. And if you ever have $5 burning a hole in that pocket of yours you know where to come I did. You are just a bit slow on the up take. By the way there is peanut brittle on your chin and thats far worse than having flies in your eye.