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The_Contractor - 2:48 pm on Dec 30, 2004 (gmt 0)
Don't launch prematurely. Don't use an off the shelf directory script. Don't generate a directory based on your entire taxonomy. Don't use deprecated markup in your development process. Don't run AdSense. Don't buy links. Don't brag about anything. Don't get involved with rings of any kind. Don't expect to get rich overnight. Last but not least, don't let "them" get you down. Claus makes some valid points also :) I would like to add the following: Stick to your principles Add Subject Related Content Well, that's my 2-cents ;) [edited by: The_Contractor at 2:49 pm (utc) on Dec. 30, 2004]
pageoneresults
Agree, nothing worse than an empty directory. Also, if you are going to seed it using dmoz etc.
1. do not use every listing in a category as seed - choose a small sample
2. change all titles and descriptions (actually review the site)
3. decide on a link, anchor, or title format and stick with it (don't give anchor text just because someone requests it if it doesn't fit your titling format)
Unless of course you've changed every footprint that the script may leave.
Agree to the point above. I favor one particular script, but I can find many who are using that same script by a few simple searches. I would recommend a good script, but you have to change paths, filenames, etc. If done correctly you can create a 20 page website or a 200,000 page directory that is easy to administrate. You can use it for directory listings or entire articles/content management and no-one will ever know you are using a script to generate the pages.
Agree completely. I do not understand Go2's remarks. It is quite simple to have an add URL link on the upper level category. For instance if you have a regional directory of the United States and you have each state but not every locality you simply state that localities will be created as necessary and simply allow them to submit to the State and then create localities as needed. I can't stand the empty categories that so many have.
I agree with you here although I don't believe you have to all positioning accomplished through CSS ;)
Once a directory becomes established, advertising of this nature may be an option, but not at launch or, anytime shortly thereafter.
For those of you running AdSense, don't put it above your directory results. Don't blend the AdSense in with your directory results. Don't trick the user into clicking your AdSense listings.
I agree completely with the above.
Agree to a point. I would word it more as "don't buy PR". I still think there are some good places to get "listings" and each niche will have those places along with the more general places. If you see a directory or any site for that matter jump from white/grey bar to PR8 in a few months 99% of the time it is bought and paid for (PR). Rather have a site that builds up slowly and/or more naturally. This goes for having a "listing" in a directory also - I would rather have a listing on a site that has built up over a long period of time instead of a site that came out of nowhere with high PR and whois info 4-months old ;)
I agree completely
I agree completely.
I agree completely.
I agree completely. Building a "useful/successful" directory that will be around for years and survive algo changes etc. takes knowledge of the subject, knowledge of taxonomy, and time…lot's and lot's of time.
Always charge for submissions even if it is a nominal fee. I know many don't agree with that, but quite simply if I'm going to spend my time adding listings that are useful to the visitors and better the site, I am going to add the sites that I believe are the best ones out there for the topic. If you don't charge you will be deluged with submissions - many which are useless crap sites trying to get "links".
Don't be afraid to reject submissions and refund money. Don't accept mirrors or any other trash you don't feel good about. Again, stick with a format for titles/descriptions whatever that may be - don't let the submitter spam out their title/description. I've turned down quite a few advertising opportunities that would bring in $100's monthly each because I refused to have keyword, keyword, keyword, keyword, keyword, keyword, keyword, keyword, repeated throughout the advertisement.
Yes, listings are in a way content, but write, have written, or accept submissions of articles. If you are accepting articles, don't let them (submitter) spam those out either. Create a format and stick with it. Don't accept 700 word advertisements is what I'm trying to say with anchor text to the submitters network of sites sprinkled throughout.