10 Tips to a More Profitable Directory

SUP3RNOVA · 11-15-2006, 02:32 AM

From The Profit Geek Blog.

A lot of webmasters at one point or another have thought of starting up a directory to make some extra money. Some have even attempted a directory and failed, some have made a little, and some have succeeded. This article will give some tips on how to maximize the profit that your directory brings in.

Tip #1 - Submit to Other Directories

If you don't have a lot of money, or don't want to spend money to pay people to submit for you, this can be a hassle. Trust me, I know. But it really helps your directory, a lot. It helps with traffic a little, but will also help a ton with getting more backlinks. If you don't know a lot about backlinks, listen to our first podcast about them here.

Start by submitting to free directories like Infinity, and if you can afford it, submit to the higher PR paid directories like Alive, Aviva, etc.

Tip #2 - Custom Template

Most directories out there use a free template, and therefore a lot of them look very similar. If you want to make your directory stand out from the crowd, get a custom template. You can either pay to have one designed, or crack open the HTML book and make one for yourself. People like to see directories where the owner invests money into it. If you are hoping to have a high quality paid directory, it is highly recommended that you get a custom temp.

Tip #3 - Mods

Continuing with the custom template, people also like to see custom mods in directories. Things like suggest a category, a stats box, thumbnail previews, etc. These things show the potential customer that the directory they are submitting to is high quality, and people are going to want to use it.

Tip #4 - Keep a Clean Directory

This one is a no-brainer. Who would want to submit (or pay to submit) their site to a directory filled with SPAM? Nobody.

As annoying as it may be, go through all of your links and check for things like keyword spamming in the title/description, adult sites, sites made for adsense, etc. Go to Infinity Web Directory Submit and read the guidelines.

Things you can do to cut back on SPAM are things like making your directory paid, and turning on image verification. Free directories get a lot of SPAM, so go through them closely.

Tip #5 - Announce Your Directory to Forums

This brings in some great traffic to your directory. A lot of site owners check forums daily, and when new directories are announced, they submit to them. Most webmaster forums have a section for Directory Announcements, like the section here at Profit Geek. This allows you to get the word out to millions (for free), and allows for a chance at feedback, and what other people think about your directory.

Tip #6 - Spend Money to Make Money

Don't be afraid to spend money on your directory, it'll pay off in the end. Entrepreneurship, as well as internet entrepreneurship is all about taking risks. You have to risk some money if you want to make more in the end. So try experimenting with some advertising. Buy some top directory listings, buy some AdWords, try Text Link Ads, etc.

Tip #7 - AdSense and Affiliate Ads

These are both great ways to earn some extra money on your directory, if you use them properly. With AdSense, make sure your ads are nicely blended, but stand out a little so people can see them. Don't just load your site with AdSense though, it's an instant turnoff. And if the AdSense isn't blended well, it just looks bad, which makes your directory look bad.

Affiliate ads can be great too, programs like BOTW have, where you get commission off of every link that someone buys. Good placement with these links are critical too. If you just paste it in the middle of your index page, people will think "why the heck is that there?" Place it somewhere on the submit page, or have them re-directed to a page after they submit, and have the affiliate ad placed on that page.

Tip #8 - Never Stop Asking Questions

There's always experts out there on forums who know they're stuff when it comes to directories. Either talk with them personally, or just post in forums all the time. Never stop asking questions, and never be afraid to ask questions. How else are you supposed to learn? We all started out as meer peons in the world of webmastering, and even us experts ask questions all the time. No matter where you rank in the WoW (world of webmastering, not warcraft hehe), you should always ask questions when you have them.

Tip #9 - Spend Time

In the beginning, directories require a lot of time put into them. You're going to need to bust your rear if you want to start your directory the right way. So if you're not ready to spend a couple hours a day on your directory for the first few weeks/months, forget making good money with it. Most of the directories that people make fail after about 5 months, because people simply don't put enough effort into them, and they don't work, so the person gives up. I'll repeat again, if you're not willing to put a lot of time/effort into making a quality directory, forget about it.

Tip #10 - Don't Give Up

Sort of a continuation of the last tip, don't give up. If you're spending hours on your directory for the first two months and don't see any large profit yet, don't worry, that's normal. Your directory needs time to mature and grow. And once a PR update comes, all that hard work will pay off because just like *that* you'll be a PR4+.

Hopefully after reading those 10 tips, you have a better grasp on what you can do to improve the quality of your directory. Always remember, Become a Geek, Make more Money!

jumpenjuhosaphat · 11-15-2006, 04:06 AM

Thanks for the tips supernova, much appreciated. Rep added.

UnKnown · 11-15-2006, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUP3RNOVA

From The Profit Geek Blog.

A lot of webmasters at one point or another have thought of starting up a directory to make some extra money. Some have even attempted a directory and failed, some have made a little, and some have succeeded. This article will give some tips on how to maximize the profit that your directory brings in.

Tip #1 - Submit to Other Directories

If you don't have a lot of money, or don't want to spend money to pay people to submit for you, this can be a hassle. Trust me, I know. But it really helps your directory, a lot. It helps with traffic a little, but will also help a ton with getting more backlinks. If you don't know a lot about backlinks, listen to our first podcast about them here.

Start by submitting to free directories like Infinity, and if you can afford it, submit to the higher PR paid directories like Alive, Aviva, etc.

Tip #2 - Custom Template

Most directories out there use a free template, and therefore a lot of them look very similar. If you want to make your directory stand out from the crowd, get a custom template. You can either pay to have one designed, or crack open the HTML book and make one for yourself. People like to see directories where the owner invests money into it. If you are hoping to have a high quality paid directory, it is highly recommended that you get a custom temp.

Tip #3 - Mods

Continuing with the custom template, people also like to see custom mods in directories. Things like suggest a category, a stats box, thumbnail previews, etc. These things show the potential customer that the directory they are submitting to is high quality, and people are going to want to use it.

Tip #4 - Keep a Clean Directory

This one is a no-brainer. Who would want to submit (or pay to submit) their site to a directory filled with SPAM? Nobody.

As annoying as it may be, go through all of your links and check for things like keyword spamming in the title/description, adult sites, sites made for adsense, etc. Go to Infinity Web Directory Submit and read the guidelines.

Things you can do to cut back on SPAM are things like making your directory paid, and turning on image verification. Free directories get a lot of SPAM, so go through them closely.

Tip #5 - Announce Your Directory to Forums

This brings in some great traffic to your directory. A lot of site owners check forums daily, and when new directories are announced, they submit to them. Most webmaster forums have a section for Directory Announcements, like the section here at Profit Geek. This allows you to get the word out to millions (for free), and allows for a chance at feedback, and what other people think about your directory.

Tip #6 - Spend Money to Make Money

Don't be afraid to spend money on your directory, it'll pay off in the end. Entrepreneurship, as well as internet entrepreneurship is all about taking risks. You have to risk some money if you want to make more in the end. So try experimenting with some advertising. Buy some top directory listings, buy some AdWords, try Text Link Ads, etc.

Tip #7 - AdSense and Affiliate Ads

These are both great ways to earn some extra money on your directory, if you use them properly. With AdSense, make sure your ads are nicely blended, but stand out a little so people can see them. Don't just load your site with AdSense though, it's an instant turnoff. And if the AdSense isn't blended well, it just looks bad, which makes your directory look bad.

Affiliate ads can be great too, programs like BOTW have, where you get commission off of every link that someone buys. Good placement with these links are critical too. If you just paste it in the middle of your index page, people will think "why the heck is that there?" Place it somewhere on the submit page, or have them re-directed to a page after they submit, and have the affiliate ad placed on that page.

Tip #8 - Never Stop Asking Questions

There's always experts out there on forums who know they're stuff when it comes to directories. Either talk with them personally, or just post in forums all the time. Never stop asking questions, and never be afraid to ask questions. How else are you supposed to learn? We all started out as meer peons in the world of webmastering, and even us experts ask questions all the time. No matter where you rank in the WoW (world of webmastering, not warcraft hehe), you should always ask questions when you have them.

Tip #9 - Spend Time

In the beginning, directories require a lot of time put into them. You're going to need to bust your rear if you want to start your directory the right way. So if you're not ready to spend a couple hours a day on your directory for the first few weeks/months, forget making good money with it. Most of the directories that people make fail after about 5 months, because people simply don't put enough effort into them, and they don't work, so the person gives up. I'll repeat again, if you're not willing to put a lot of time/effort into making a quality directory, forget about it.

Tip #10 - Don't Give Up

Sort of a continuation of the last tip, don't give up. If you're spending hours on your directory for the first two months and don't see any large profit yet, don't worry, that's normal. Your directory needs time to mature and grow. And once a PR update comes, all that hard work will pay off because just like *that* you'll be a PR4+.

Hopefully after reading those 10 tips, you have a better grasp on what you can do to improve the quality of your directory. Always remember, Become a Geek, Make more Money!

Very nice read.

lordcage · 11-19-2006, 12:52 AM

How long does it take to grow a directory, and get some decent backlinks ?

jumpenjuhosaphat · 11-19-2006, 01:01 AM

A directory isn't any different than any other type of website. If you are adament and willing to put alot of hard work into the directory, it shouldn't take very long at all, especially if you offer something different than other directories.

lordcage · 11-19-2006, 01:06 AM

Where should I start advertising it ?

I have some PR4 domains, will it help if I start this with any of these domains ?

SUP3RNOVA · 11-19-2006, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordcage

Where should I start advertising it ?

I have some PR4 domains, will it help if I start this with any of these domains ?

Yep put a link on your PR4 pages that will help.

Submit to as many directories as you can.

PM me if you want more help.

lordcage · 11-20-2006, 09:05 PM

Why do some people own 5 or sometimes even more directories???

Katey · 11-20-2006, 10:03 PM

Hi there,

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordcage

Why do some people own 5 or sometimes even more directories???

If you have only successful directory...why not have 5

. If people are generating enough revenue through one, they are bound to want more.

Plus some people have directories dedicated to a particular subject. For instance a 'blog' directory.

You get what I mean?

Regards,
Kieran Taylor.

lordcage · 11-20-2006, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KieranTaylor0403

Hi there,

If you have only successful directory...why not have 5

. If people are generating enough revenue through one, they are bound to want more.

Plus some people have directories dedicated to a particular subject. For instance a 'blog' directory.

You get what I mean?

Regards,
Kieran Taylor.

Yes, sure.. That makes sense..

Just one more, let's say I have a diet company website that I wish to promote. Shall I try to make a directory niched on health, women and diet ?

Would I take any benefit from it?

weblaunch · 11-29-2006, 07:10 PM

Nice tips.

hhheng · 11-30-2006, 04:06 AM

Is this copied from phplinkdirectory.com?

11-29-2006, 07:10 PM	#11
weblaunch Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 81	Re: 10 Tips to a More Profitable Directory Nice tips. __________________ Free Webmasters Tools - Dozens of SEO and internet marketing tools at your fingertips. UnlimitedTraffic.net - Website submission & promotion services.

11-30-2006, 04:06 AM	#12
hhheng Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 120	Re: 10 Tips to a More Profitable Directory Is this copied from phplinkdirectory.com? __________________ Submit to 1000 Directories only at $6.95 SEO Tool and Tutorial, Free Directory List

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11-15-2006, 02:32 AM	#1
SUP3RNOVA Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 36	10 Tips to a More Profitable Directory From The Profit Geek Blog. A lot of webmasters at one point or another have thought of starting up a directory to make some extra money. Some have even attempted a directory and failed, some have made a little, and some have succeeded. This article will give some tips on how to maximize the profit that your directory brings in. Tip #1 - Submit to Other Directories If you don't have a lot of money, or don't want to spend money to pay people to submit for you, this can be a hassle. Trust me, I know. But it really helps your directory, a lot. It helps with traffic a little, but will also help a ton with getting more backlinks. If you don't know a lot about backlinks, listen to our first podcast about them here. Start by submitting to free directories like Infinity, and if you can afford it, submit to the higher PR paid directories like Alive, Aviva, etc. Tip #2 - Custom Template Most directories out there use a free template, and therefore a lot of them look very similar. If you want to make your directory stand out from the crowd, get a custom template. You can either pay to have one designed, or crack open the HTML book and make one for yourself. People like to see directories where the owner invests money into it. If you are hoping to have a high quality paid directory, it is highly recommended that you get a custom temp. Tip #3 - Mods Continuing with the custom template, people also like to see custom mods in directories. Things like suggest a category, a stats box, thumbnail previews, etc. These things show the potential customer that the directory they are submitting to is high quality, and people are going to want to use it. Tip #4 - Keep a Clean Directory This one is a no-brainer. Who would want to submit (or pay to submit) their site to a directory filled with SPAM? Nobody. As annoying as it may be, go through all of your links and check for things like keyword spamming in the title/description, adult sites, sites made for adsense, etc. Go to Infinity Web Directory Submit and read the guidelines. Things you can do to cut back on SPAM are things like making your directory paid, and turning on image verification. Free directories get a lot of SPAM, so go through them closely. Tip #5 - Announce Your Directory to Forums This brings in some great traffic to your directory. A lot of site owners check forums daily, and when new directories are announced, they submit to them. Most webmaster forums have a section for Directory Announcements, like the section here at Profit Geek. This allows you to get the word out to millions (for free), and allows for a chance at feedback, and what other people think about your directory. Tip #6 - Spend Money to Make Money Don't be afraid to spend money on your directory, it'll pay off in the end. Entrepreneurship, as well as internet entrepreneurship is all about taking risks. You have to risk some money if you want to make more in the end. So try experimenting with some advertising. Buy some top directory listings, buy some AdWords, try Text Link Ads, etc. Tip #7 - AdSense and Affiliate Ads These are both great ways to earn some extra money on your directory, if you use them properly. With AdSense, make sure your ads are nicely blended, but stand out a little so people can see them. Don't just load your site with AdSense though, it's an instant turnoff. And if the AdSense isn't blended well, it just looks bad, which makes your directory look bad. Affiliate ads can be great too, programs like BOTW have, where you get commission off of every link that someone buys. Good placement with these links are critical too. If you just paste it in the middle of your index page, people will think "why the heck is that there?" Place it somewhere on the submit page, or have them re-directed to a page after they submit, and have the affiliate ad placed on that page. Tip #8 - Never Stop Asking Questions There's always experts out there on forums who know they're stuff when it comes to directories. Either talk with them personally, or just post in forums all the time. Never stop asking questions, and never be afraid to ask questions. How else are you supposed to learn? We all started out as meer peons in the world of webmastering, and even us experts ask questions all the time. No matter where you rank in the WoW (world of webmastering, not warcraft hehe), you should always ask questions when you have them. Tip #9 - Spend Time In the beginning, directories require a lot of time put into them. You're going to need to bust your rear if you want to start your directory the right way. So if you're not ready to spend a couple hours a day on your directory for the first few weeks/months, forget making good money with it. Most of the directories that people make fail after about 5 months, because people simply don't put enough effort into them, and they don't work, so the person gives up. I'll repeat again, if you're not willing to put a lot of time/effort into making a quality directory, forget about it. Tip #10 - Don't Give Up Sort of a continuation of the last tip, don't give up. If you're spending hours on your directory for the first two months and don't see any large profit yet, don't worry, that's normal. Your directory needs time to mature and grow. And once a PR update comes, all that hard work will pay off because just like that you'll be a PR4+. Hopefully after reading those 10 tips, you have a better grasp on what you can do to improve the quality of your directory. Always remember, Become a Geek, Make more Money!

11-15-2006, 04:06 AM	#2
jumpenjuhosaphat Forum Admin Contributor Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 4,459	Re: 10 Tips to a More Profitable Directory Thanks for the tips supernova, much appreciated. Rep added. __________________ Storage Sheds Lost Forum

11-19-2006, 12:52 AM	#4
lordcage Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 59	Re: 10 Tips to a More Profitable Directory How long does it take to grow a directory, and get some decent backlinks ?

11-19-2006, 01:01 AM	#5
jumpenjuhosaphat Forum Admin Contributor Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 4,459	Re: 10 Tips to a More Profitable Directory A directory isn't any different than any other type of website. If you are adament and willing to put alot of hard work into the directory, it shouldn't take very long at all, especially if you offer something different than other directories. __________________ Storage Sheds Lost Forum

11-19-2006, 01:06 AM	#6
lordcage Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 59	Re: 10 Tips to a More Profitable Directory Where should I start advertising it ? I have some PR4 domains, will it help if I start this with any of these domains ?

11-20-2006, 09:05 PM	#8
lordcage Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 59	Re: 10 Tips to a More Profitable Directory Why do some people own 5 or sometimes even more directories??? __________________ Submit now to a PR5 Directory Jogos Online I'm willing to trade PR4, PR5+ links. PM me.

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