What is the best way to encourage sign-ups for new directory?

What is the best way to encourage sign-ups for a new directory? Mostly I am thinking about reciprocal exchanges. How can a new directory build PR if flks are not willing to offer reciprocal links?

Directory in question [new] is the one in my signature.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Well for starters...

1. Start off with a design that is 'original' and not like a million others out there.
2. Add incentive to the end user sumitting. e.g. what can you provide that the others don't?
3. Get your pagerank up(that is up to you on decide how to do it. buy? trade?)
4. Market market market. Via all means whether it be adwords type of marketing to paid/free/recip listings in other dirs.
5. ....

 

People are offering to do recips. But most of them cheat, so make sure you monitor the recips carefully.

 

There are plenty of ways to build PR without resorting to asking for reciprocal links. It's the same way you would build PR for any site - forum signatures, link requests, directory submission, link buying, articles, and so forth.

 

you should be getting most of your links from directories of directories. (or pay bloggers to review it on their blog )

 

Reciprocal exchanges is one of methods of getting back links, that works as long as people has retained your link on their sites. For a new directory to get PR, keep submitting your directory in other free and paid Directories, buying links on high PR sites (if you have enough budget) Promotions and marketing is endless process, more and more you buy ads spots, text links, adwords advertising more your directory will go up and result in getting better PR and traffic as well. Also you can do site wide text link exchanges with other directory owners, as it will help more.