Thread: Sould I launch a Directory?

Today, I was stuck in car with my laptop for a hour. I coded a directory, it is a custom coded directory. Here is some basic info:

1. Good Domain
- Not registered a domain yet
2. Unique Script
Custom Coded Directory, that gathers information on site automatic, ranks sites automatic and a USP.
3. Reliable Hosting
Reliable Hosting for 6 months, afterword with my business I may rent a dedi server.
4. Unique Category Structure
The directory is corporate free, just free services so far. Each category has its own name, its featured in <h1> titles, and seo short url addresses. Categories are also unlimited sub-categories and follow a tree structure.
6. Custom Design
Its custom, but I have kept it simple. All that needs to be their is their. No nonsense.
7. Quality Websites
Websites must meet a certain specification, a lot of it is semi-automatic (USP). They are listed in a statistical hierarchy.
8. SEO
SEO so far soo good, short urls, dynamic titles, seo h1 headings and dynamic sitemaps.

What is Unique?
Websites are ranked by their statistics: pagerank, alexa rank, inbound link, linked pages.
The best site gets the top listing
Reporical
I have a persuasive method to retrieve backlinks, that I don't think other directories are monopolising on yet. So it should get some good inbound links, search engine position and its own PR.

The thing is, I don't have time to:
1. Massively Promote
2. Manually Approve Sites
3. Create categories & manually add useful websites

The way I see it I have three options
a. Find Partner who wishes to promote & manage directory with me.
b. Create directory and slowly approve websites every other day.
c. Leave it for couple of months, until I got time to promote.

Its annoying me now, as I have 2 large website development contracts in place and around 8 smaller contracts lining up. So im at computer 24/7 but not enough time to run this Successfully run Unique Directory.

Any Advice Appreciated!

If it is quick to get up and running, you can always launch it now. Then you have as much time as you need to improve it over time. Any great directory started small, and was built over time with attention to quality.

Thanks for the advice, Im with client all today. If I find time I will buy domain today.
dvdual, please dont watch site too closely. Dont want my "ideas" ending up in phpld, I did look at phpld as a solution.

There is stiff competition so far as directories are concerned at the moment and they are difficult to manage on your own.

I brought the indian web directory urlz.in a while back and that has over 6000 pending links with 20-50 new submissions everyday. I simply cannot find the time to approve 50 new links everyday let alone clear the backlog of thousands of pending links. Ideally I would need a fair few people to help me manage it, so consider asking a few people to help you with it (validating links etc.)


Have you considered offering your directory system for sale or distribution?

I would say go with option B and start it immediately. You may as well put something up there and let the site gain age which will help with PR and traffic. It may not be excellent at first, but when things slow down on the contract front, you'll be able to program up the rest of it and work on catching up on the verifying the sites.

If you are thinking about starting a directory, I would learn towards starting niche directories over a general web directory.
As far as starting you own script, that's your call. There are a few great scripts that have hundreds and hundreds of hours in them, spending one hour isn't going to produce a quality script that can stand up in time.

good luck

Originally Posted by loco

If you are thinking about starting a directory, I would learn towards starting niche directories over a general web directory.
As far as starting you own script, that's your call. There are a few great scripts that have hundreds and hundreds of hours in them, spending one hour isn't going to produce a quality script that can stand up in time.

good luck

You're correct - normally it makes more sense to buy or use a script that already has been battle-hardened. If I understand the OP's situation, though, he wants to add additional features to how the script works (e.g. how it orders the sites and how he gets reciprocal links). In that case, it makes more sense to use his own, if OP is a decent programmer and doesn't mind programming his own script. One hour would be enough to make the framework, he can add features as he goes along.

articweb, I could sell the script but theirs ones for free with more features. The one I coded has one purpose and does it well.
MashedTomato123, Thanks for the advice I will start directory asap. As you mentioned it is a working process.

loco, Their are many good scripts out their for a directory. But who wants to be "another clone" such as PHPLD I looked at that but its bloated with many features that you can not just turn off. (basicly the point of a CMS).
They are coded for a general website, not a specific area and use a lot of memory compared to a bespoke solution that is tailored to the sites need. Also using someone else's, is not good for my CV. "Hello Employer, I uploaded a script and added a domain. Hire me!"

loco is definitely right. Niche directory is really a good idea. If ever I'm launching a directory, I wouldn't think twice to put up a Niche Directory. Probably an Auto Directory or Photography. Something like that.