Who Says You Can't Make Money Building a Decent Directory?

I just pocketed a tidy sum. How? Start with a good domain, build something actually useful so traffic grows

[Webwork]

Maybe it was the domain. It certainly was descriptive.

Maybe it was the domain, developed, that increased its value and proved it's mettle.

Maybe it was the directory on the domain that was driving traffic that converted and my "interested party" was using or enjoying those conversions.

Maybe it was the PPC values showed that the lead value was even greater.

Maybe the traffic the site was pulling was pulling traffic someone else wanted.

Maybe someone wanted all that traffic and believed they could do a better job monetizing it.

Just closed the deal. I'm relatively happy. They're relatively happy. Guess that's what counts.

How much? Some of you, from abroad, would faint. Others would stop working and travel for a year or two. Others would buy themselves a very nice toy. Me? I don't mind work, am not that into toys, am beginning to think about retirement, . . so . . I'm inspired.

Time to build VALUE anew.

[scooterdude]

Well I am impressed, can one have a hint on the type of directory, I got a couple on the back burner cos I never could figure out how to get non webmaster traffic

Well i could , but all my answers where scary :)

[Webwork]

can one have a hint on the type of directory

Not a general, all-purpose directory. With rare exception, they're a dime a dozen.

Vertical directory, service industry.

Listings hand selected.

The web address was the clincher. I have always sought generic, descriptive domains - for directories or otherwise - where the domain/website name IS the generic descriptor for/of the industry.

Nice thing is, I have a few more where that one came from. ;)

[ken_b]

hand built custom script or free open source script or paid script script or?

[Webwork]

Bit of all the above, maybe? Framework + tweaking + add-on scripts?

Pared down, where/when right, to increase user value?

No one size fits all, but I think Google scored user points for simplicity or "elegance" of design and user experience. "Less is more", sometimes, but not always.

Sorry, but I'm not selling a formula. Every site, to my experience, IS "an experiment". Thoses who've been there, know that, and you (ken_b) I believe have been there and/or are there. ;)

[ken_b]

Sorry, but I'm not selling a formula.

Oh drat, here I was ready to PayPal ya a whole 24 cents!

and you (ken_b) I believe have been there and/or are there.

Who .... me? :)

[creeking]

congrats. sounds like it sold for a great price.


why did you hold out for that price, instead of selling sooner for a bit less?

[Webwork]

why did you hold out for that price, instead of selling sooner for a bit less?

I'd like to think that, when I reject an offer, it's because a) I know value; and, b) I don't need the money.

Sometimes, however, it strikes me that c) might be the real reason/answer. I can't give that one - c) - away, though, creeking, or I might put myself at a disadvantage in future negotiations. ;) :p :-/

[Webwork]

ken_b, I know you're waaaay too smart to spend even $.24 on anyone's "success formula" . . . but you might sometimes operate on the sell-side. :P (But I'm certain what you offer would be worth at least that much. :P)

[ken_b]

IF I were ever to sell such a thing, I'd hold out for a whole two-bits!

:)

[skibum]

I look for you out at Yellowstone in Sept. There Webwork?

[Webwork]

If only . . but been there, done that x5 . . and still ready to spend more time there Adam. As wonderful a place as is likely to be found anywhere on the planet.

Next up for me and Yellowstone: a visit in winter. Snow and cauldera, fire and ice.