What features should a good directory have?

I have just ventured into the world of directories and have bought what I think is a very nice one. http://www.crazylinks.org

My real question is what features do you think makes a good directory ie: thumbnail picture with full description, a forum, top site vote etc etc

Is it a good idea to insist on a return backlink if not a paid submission? Any ideas welcome.

thanks

 

I kinda like the design other than all the sponsored ads, but 7004 pending link submissions? Is that right?

It would probably be a good idea to add deep link option.

 

Thanks Swedal, it wasn't so much my directory that I wanted comments on, but thanks anyway. Yes the pending are correct, as I said I just bought it, so I think I will be busy for the next few months lol.

For example if you had a budget of 300 dollars what things would you add to any directory to make it a bit special or different.

 

Hi Guys, I have made a blog post on this topic.
http://www.directorytotal.com/quality-directory-selection-factors/
I think this will definitely help

 

Im working on my first directory too and from my research so far i hear its good to have content on category main pages for seo and also maybe related rss feeds for bonus content. Also a blog or article section on the site to drive more traffic to the site.

 

Good idea Junosama, a small article or summary about the page topic would help. thanks for the link Red Virus.

 

the site example was good, it had almost all the best features that a directory could get although i suggest that there's a top list or something that gives a site better viewing if it gives traffic to the directory...

 

yes this is a free phpld template "Brown Edge". May be he paid the designer to remove the link or This is what he got from the previous owner of the directory. In this case you should put the designer link again.

Good Luck.

 

thanks chaps, but i was looking for ideas to help people put a good directory together, it wasnt really about my site, as for templates links etc. i have only just bought it, so give me some time please.

thanks for your ideas anyway. good luck

 

You have 2 major problems to deal with before you should even begin thinking of expanding. With such a high pending queue - I wouldn't even bother submitting - no matter how great your site is. And it would make much more sense to change out a default template once you get the queue straightened out.

Then and only then would I begin to worry about making new features.

If it were my site, I would temporarily shut down submissions and get to work on that queue.

Sorry if that's not what you want to hear.

As to one of your specific questions...

Requiring a backlink is an exercise in frustration. Many put the link on hidden pages, put it up only long enough to get approved, and others don't bother. With a queue as big as your's already is, why add to your time requirements?

 

Honestly, the #1 "feature" that makes a good directory is editorial integrity. It's more about the directory itself than the bells and whistles IMO.

 

ymc i take your points, and if you read my posts i have already stated what i need to do ie: the obvious. But what i am asking is what features do people want when looking at a directory.

Totally agree with you Bernard

 

$300 you say? maybe a custom template to start off with?

 

Just build something with the end user in mind. If you were the end user what do you think would be cool? Also try and build it into a resource not just a directory.

Best of luck,