Forum Moderators: phranque
This is my first post, but I've been reading archived material here for a few weeks. I'm especially interested in the topics on hub/directory sites...particularly the references made by paynt and how s/he uses a hub to draw in a lot of targeted traffic to another site s/he owns.
I'm seriously considering building a hub site, not only to possibly benefit my business site, but also because as far as I know there aren't any true hub sites for my specific areas of interest.
I am familiar with the basic concept and format of a directory, but I'm wondering if there is any backend software that powers the directory...or is it all just flat html files? The topic I would cover probably wouldn't be really huge as far as the number of sites listed, but I'm all for making it as easy as possible ;)
What about indexing the sites for searching...is it necessary or is the directory itself enough?
Also, what about working some type of profit making into the site? Is it considered acceptable or not? What I was thinking was using Amazon or Barnes & Nobles affiliate programs and selling books related to the topic. What would be involved in selling advertising space, other than quality traffic, of course. I'm not necessarily looking to make a lot of money, but it would be nice to at least cover server costs, etc.
I know some of you have your own hub/directories, so any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you :)
>software
3 that I know of (2 variations of Gossamer Threads 'Links' Perl & SQL. I've listed the Perl, which I use.), but there may be more listed at hotscripts, etc.
[tfc-central.co.uk...]
[gossamer-threads.com...]
[hyperseek.com...]
Thanks for getting the techie stuff out of the way RC.
Go for the hub and if you are lucky enough to have one in a niche that is not being met, all the better.
I should make a distinction though between hubs, directories, vortals and portals. In my humble opinion every online marketer can benefit from a hub.
In fact the hub is really the center of the universe and acts as a gathering place for all the pieces that would otherwise float around unconnected. It could be the hub where the spokes all meet or the sun surrounded by satellites. A hub does not have to be a portal or directory to be effective.
A directory or a portal/vortal adds the dimension of listing sites, probably from outside sources. It would also contain a search feature and is extensive enough with links to make it an authority if you work it right. If it’s within a niche then you’ll most likely have more luck getting folks to link back to it, either way.
My first hub/directory/portal was just that. The purpose was designed to pull in various clients from a multitude of industries, lending them strength through the linking. This was a very general-purpose hub without the strength of themes behind it. I evolved from that to a very specific themed hub/directory/portal whose initial purpose was to promote a sister site where I confess it did magnificently. The traffic was incredible as was the click over rate from the hub to the sister site. Promoting products and affiliate opportunities proved effective as well.
I’m presently working on the next two; one is launching now and one soon to follow. Both of these are niches whose only purpose to promote affiliates marketing with content of course. Behind each of these experiences is an incredible amount of research. Really make sure you have a great program or method to analyze your logs as this is the most important tool I’ve found when working with this type of marketing.
I’ve recently met someone with an incredible plan. Lots of themed directories, all in the same niche but specific to a niche of the niche. All it needs is one good hub to pull all those directories together and linked properly should push him to the top of his market where I can’t see him ever topple. In fact, given the right niche and the content to develop it I see this as one of the best marketing plans for this time.
What about indexing the sites for searching...is it necessary or is the directory itself enough?
If you’re asking about a good search feature for your site this is a must if you want folks to return. I can spend hours on how to set up the linking between sections but I think I’ve mentioned my ideas a time or two already. Run a search for canonicals and you’ll get most of it.
Good luck and let us know how it works out. The beauty of this type of plan is that two people could say they’re promoting the same theme/industry/market/product but simply how they develop their hub or directory will set them apart from even their closest competitor. Content, directory structure, linking will all help to set one apart from the other.
Another question...if a site fits into more than one topic category, do you list it in both? Is there a limit to the number of time a site should be listed?
Also, is it ok to list a certain section or page of a site? Say, if there is an online report or paper that fits in one of my categories, should I just list that page of the site?
>list a certain section or page of a site
>
Yes, I do that (deep-linking) as well. In fact, I'd say some of the better informational site links you find to add as content will almost mandate that you deep-link.
