pageoneresults - 6:38 pm on Feb 10, 2011 (gmt 0)

Then to monetize, add a directory with some fill data. Hopefully the directory then is on a strong enough site to rank on local terms, i.e. 'houston practitioners'.

Ah, we are thinking from two different ends of the spectrum. I look at a directory as a means to provide benefit to the members first, that is the priority. Monetizing can come at a later date and should not be the first thing you slap on the site, not from my perspective anyway. If you do, then it should be select third party providers that are outside your normal advertisers if you know what I mean?

And then from there, submissions come rollin' in baby!

No they won't. They'll come trickling in if you're lucky, ask others who have directories that are monetized through a submission process. I'm assuming you're in this for the long haul as this is something that requires time and effort before realizing a profit.

Particularly if I'm ranking - which I think I can do (due to my other content).

Ranking is one thing. Getting folks to come on board is a major task. You've got to set the benchmark for a directory in the niche you're targeting. If you don't, expect to be relegated to the directory graveyard with the millions of others. :(

Also consider that your directory will now be competing with any Social Media profiles they may have. I can tell you from daily experience that it takes a bit of power to rank above a Twitter profile or a Facebook profile. That doesn't come overnight and takes proper planning to set up an architecture that targets the specific phrases that are appealing to the directory members. You know, stuff like name searches. ;)