What's going to be new in directories in 2009 Post here details of new anticipated market developments in the Directory Sector Lets see collectively what new directions this sector is heading in 2009 Thanks
I am not sure if its new ? but we are working on a performance based listing fee that revolves around our average visitor numbers ( predicted visitors, which is lower than our actual ) Only very early days and on the 7th version of writing the app to do this. In short and as a guide only not gospel, say we get 500K visitors a month then the annual price for a full bells and whistles listing will be $50 The way this works is it would place the pressure on us to promote and maintain the site to increase our asking price, if we do not perform you do not get slugged an overpriced fee. The other good thing we hope to do with this is if you list early ( due to lower visitor rate now ) your full listing would only cost a few peanuts, then on renewal as a valued customer you would retain you original pricing for as long as you kept your listing active regardless of the current visitor rate. As mentioned not gospel, had 7 tries and building the code to make it all work but now making some progress on it.
Wow Pete (British Pete ) it's good to see you back. I expect in 2009 more people will start making niche directories. I hope people will see that they are an interesting resource and it can be enjoyable setting them up and watching them grow. I certainly will probably by adding more to my portfolio if all goes to plan.
Thanks Mike Yes its interesting that you mention niche directories, very interested to see new sites in the niche sector. What innovative new features do you forecast Mike ? What do others think about the niche sector?
Hopefully they'll just continue to add more features and content like the paid directories did. They are pretty clueless. Other than those that have been doing it pre-2008 most people can't see the business model or concept in niche directories as they are too worried they won't get as many paid submissions.
Yes have noticed some pretty nifty new features around the web that are a good fit to integrate into directories Can't comment on the 1st sentence ----------as I will get flamed But agree with you there is a lot lot more to directories than just paid submissions and some of the additional revenue streams that can be integrated into directories, can if worked and developed correctly, make more money than the paid submissions
For my part, I'm starting to develop more niche sites where the directory is an underlying element rather than the lead element. Niche>>>Forum>>>Classifieds (if applicable)>>>Directory>>>Ads That kind of structure.
I really wish to not see New directories in 2009. Directories online that live till 2009 with their original fathers/mothers who still are taking care of their babies is what I wish to see. I want to see a directory which is living in this field and rocking up with good traffic, promotion and content. Btw pete, where were you, I sent ya so many support emails, can I pm you now?
Not much. I think niche directories will be the future. As for the general directories we will see...but still.. I see more & more directories slapped by Google.
i think some more of the same..good directories will update sites regularly,and build revelent BL,while noobs will buy dropped DN and try and pass it off as legit directory site
I think the answer is more dependent on what tools and features your directory script can do for your directory. You can have many ideas to improve the directory sector, but the tools that we have play an important role in guiding us where want to be in 2009. So this is a key area that we should think about in order to make directories better.
Why? If you don't plan any changes you'll be left behind. Its up to people like you to make changes. If you still just promote your general directory as you did 2 years ago it won't be much good.
@M1, yes you are right... But there were no major innovations in 2008.. no gr8 plugins, no gr8 themes, no controversies...etc...
No major innovations? Wrong. No great plugins? Wrong again. No great themes? I beg to differ. 2008 was probably the best year for directory templates. No great controversies? That's probably a good thing. So I see no reason why 2009 should be any different.
Maybe you have been out of touch in 2008 from the directory industry. 2008 was the best year infact as mike mentioned above.
phpLD 3.3, phpLB new versions. Phplynx really came along aswell. phpLB added some decent add-ons and their site is really taking off. Rob had some awesome stuff done on his directory. The phpLB add-ons I mentioned and the free mod I made. There were some decent phpLD plugins made too, you may have failed to notice them. www.jungletravelguide.com www.dirbuzz.com I think those URLs speak for themselves. My fruitydirectory looks pretty smooth. Then there's the free templates I released on Zorg Dir which are pretty neat. Hows that MeetHere?