Hi, I'm thinking about starting a directory, and would like a list of things which should be included to make it a great directory. thanks, j.
A directory with the best sites added by the directory owner - so that the rest of us want to be in there. Where the site owner manages the titles and descriptions and alters them to fit the category - after all if you're looking at the las vegas section it's a drag if every site is titled "las vegas real estate" - and don't doubt that the submissions will look like that. And one that doesn't require a link back (after all that's a link exchange and not a directory) And has limited sites per page And strict categorisation
[1] Quality of sites, no spammy sites should be included [2] More no. of category and less link/Category etc..
The one thing you want that makes a great directory is first your template. If viewers come to your site and are not comfortable with the feel of your layout, they will not stay, nor return. (This is very very important) Secondly, you want to have important categories that people have high interest for, take a look at many directories such as dmoz.org, they aimed for the deepest categories in which people look for to place or view links at. If you don't have the categories that people are looking for, then will leave, while others contact you if a form is provided (That's next) Make a contact page which people can reach you at, don't supply them with an e-mail as it' a time factor for most people who might be at work and don't have time to load their application up to send you their request for a category to be added. Make a form or find a script that that provides you with one. If you're interested, check out phplinkdirectory.com, which is VERY unique and always being test/upgraded. (Which is great for your business to keep it stable) Most of all, you want to provide them with a clean navigation, such as Pending Links, Featured Links, Supporters, Partners, pages along these lines will get viewers to stay and look, it's a quality that build trust in your viewers and to keep them in your site and letting them know you care about what you offer to them. Your traffic will follow after when you've completed these steps, but most importantly, you need to submit your site to EVERY directory you find that is free until you make money of your own to start spending on paid directories. If you would like, do a search for Link Directory Scripts and see what you come up with. Hope this helps
It also depends on purpose for what you are making that... otherwise there is no limit for directories here
1. Easy on the eye. 2. Well categorized. 3. Easy to submit to. 4. Stating any terms and conditions clearly.
All 4 you listed pipe are exactly correct. if you think about it, if you were to head over to a directory, and it has an ad on the top and bttom plus on the left side bar, only 258 categories, a layout that is almost un colorized to the eye "Say blue, black, yellow and orange" and there are only 89 links in the directory. (ok maybe I am pushing it) But if you were to see this kind of directory, would you honestly submit your site to it and then return back? Mine and MANY many other directory owners main focus is "Quality" in links, quality in your own site and what you offer.
I would recommend you target a niche market...which will allow you to offer something different from all other directories.
having limited sites per page is important, I believe it should have max of 50 website per-category, having high PR and high traffic is also important.
Easy navigability and usability is important. You don't want a directory that's too cluttered and hard to find your way around. Great sites make a great directory. But there's also a lot to be said for the quality of the descriptions and categorisation. You should know where you are going and what to expect when you click on a link. Another thing that makes a directory really useful is a decent site search, that works reliably and provides relevant results.