Building A Directory: 3 Steps To Success

New directories are proliferating on the Internet. As many as 200 free directories come on-line every month.

Most fail. Not only that, but some SEO experts predict that Google and other search engines may penalize links from directories in much the same way that deprecated link farms awhile back.

Not to worry.

As a directory owner, there are three ways to make sure your new link directory is a success:

1. First, specialize. There are so many other general directories out there with high PageRank that it will be difficult for you to compete unless you target a niche. If you're interested in cars, build an automobile directory. If you're a work-at-home mom, build a WAHM directory.
2. Next, add benefit to your directory above and beyond giving your site visitor a link, whether the directory you're building is paid, reciprocal, or free. This benefit serves two purposes, whatever it is you decide it will be. First, this benefit will give you material to fill the top half or more of your directory web pages with content other than links. Secondly, this benefit will keep people coming back to your site long after they submit their links. More human visitors means more money, whether from PPC ads, affiliate sales, or paid links on your other directories.
3. Build your own directory of PR like you would any other site: Register your site with the search engines, submit the RSS feeds for syndication, build back links by submitting your directory to high-PR directories and other sites related to your niche. Bookmark your pages on social bookmarking sites and encourage your site visitors to do so as well. Write articles like this one for article directories, and consider a PPC campaign.

But most importantly, fill your directory with quality content. "Content is King," the saying goes. If you give site visitors a reason to come to your directory along getting a link back to their own site by offering some benefit and fresh, quality content, your directory will survive any changes made in the search engine algorithms.

Moreover, you'll build a web site that generates revenue for years to come.

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Sachin Iyer

I am a self‐learned digital executive, leader, strategist and trainer by profession and experience. I have rich experience as marketer, trainer, entrepreneurial evangelist and start up facilitator. I admire first generation of entrepreneurs and conducted more than 200 programs to establish startup ecosystem in Central India. I have worn many hats in my career, as a result, I have a unique ability to manage multi‐disciplinary projects and navigate complex challenges in the process. I have big ideas and I don't care who gets credit, I just like to facilitate. Drop me a line anytime, whether it's a collaboration, writing projects, skills training or just business - will love to hear from you - [email protected]

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