le_gber - 10:24 am on Jul 30, 2008 (gmt 0)

What would be a respectable means of monetizing a directory to compensate for the time spent?

I am thinking - again - of building a custom/self written script directories on 2-3 specific niches. The way I will monetize them is by offering these niches specific services 2 years from now. I hope that by the time I get there, I will have people listed used to get communications from us and it will be an easy sell.

The directory will be free, human reviewed within 48 hours (24 if possible), have automated reminder every 6 months / 1 year for companies listed to confirm their details, and offer monthly newsletter & rss feeds.

As with search engines the search part of the directory is the most important for your visitors to find your directory useful so track searches and offer different search criteria. I will 'try' to offer search on names, field of expertise and geographical info (place name, post code) but also - the most difficult - the useful "look for people providing this service within x miles of your chosen location".