I'm a golf fanatic, so I'm putting together a golf directory. There are others out there, but honestly, they suck, so I'm doing my own. Any suggestions as to things that are must haves or don't do's? This is what it looks like so far...Golf Gear Directory
Looks great. You should start promoting it by submitting it to web directories, paid is recommended. Wishing you success with it.
Thanks...will it hurt to submit it to other directories even though I don't have most of the pages ready to go?
Some directories wont accept your submission unless your site is finished... or very close to it... Others on the other hand, others will edit: Do you accept Golf Gag Gift submissions by the way?
I think it will be better for you to finish it first and then start submitting to other directories. I don't think many will approve it in it's current condition. Good luck with your venture.
You at least need a working submit page before you submit it anywhere. As for stuff to include in your directory, you mention that all the other golf directories suck. What makes them suck? If you know that they are lacking, you must have some idea of what you'd want in a golf directory, and that's a great place to start. In addition to anything you've already thought of, deep links are quite popular now, so include an option for additional deep links. Details pages are also a good option too.
I'll give you a free review right now because I love Golf. I would not list it as is but PLEASE let me know when it's complete. I would love to have a GOOD golf resource listed in my directory. DAVE
Sounds good...let me ask this...do you guys "prime" your directories with some links at the beginning, just to make them look like they're not completely dead empty? Is there anything wrong with putting some affiliate links in the different categories to possibly generate some revenue? These are some of the tricks I'm looking for. Thanks so far to everyone...good stuff. Also, when you guys offer deep links, where are you putting those in the directory?
I would advise you to add at least a few high-quality sites on your own. This will also help you get accepted in other directories (alot people won't list and empty directory).
Yes, you must prime your directory (or offer links for free for a short time) so that others will take the time to submit. I have been stubbornly refusing to prime one directory I own, and it only has 15 links so far (2 of which are mine!). This PR 3 niche directory has been up for over 1 year, so that's less than 1 link a month. The URL is http://www.fargodj.com if you have a wedding related business. I put some affiliate links in my directories, but don't count on much revenue. Most links get sorted by PR, and the affiliate links tend to have 0 PR so they end up at the bottom of the list. "Competing" with affiliate links may offend some submitters, but most won't even notice. A better option to to seperate the affiliate links from the directory links. For example, use only image links for affiliate links and put them in a seperate spot (eg, in a side bar, between free and paid links, etc.) For example, check out http://www.after5webdesign.com/directory/submit.php. The digiXMAS banner is an affiliate link and clearly not a link in the directory. In some cases I offer the ability to submit a deep link just as you would submit a TLD. On some other directories I require the main URL to be their TLD while adding several fields for additional links that appear on a details page. The After 5 directory allows you to submit multiple links, so for example NewEgg.com could submit a link to their TLD in the shopping category, a link to their hardware section in the computers category, and a link to their software section in the software category. FargoDJ.com on the other hand requires the main link to be a top level domain and (if you select a featured link) there are fields for additional links which will only appear on the details page (see http://www.fargodj.com/detail-link-1.html for an example). If your directory is free, make sure to announce it here and at http://info.vilesilencer.com. Jim Westergren (sp?), a fellow DPer, also runs a list of directories so make sure to get on his list. There's a lso a few hundred sites like directorycritic.com to which you should submit your directory for more exposure. I also highly recommend digiXMAS for submitting your site to ~1000 free directories. Plain directories are faring poorly in SERPS, so adding a blog or forum is a good idea. Blogs are a nice additions since they can help you generate more back links, while forums are great because they make your site "sticky". Don't be afraid to reciprocate links with other golf sites either.
I appreciate everyone's input on this, it's helped me a ton. I've got most of my directory up and running, now I just need to get busy promoting it. If you see anythings that don't look good or have any constructive criticism, I'm completely open, you won't hurt my feelings. Thanks as always. http://www.GolfGearDirectory.com