Thread: I need directory tips people

I'm going to be launching a travel directory in the very near future.

I'm using phpld.

Any tips for using this software?

Any tips on running a directory?

At first I am going to make it free, with reciprocal link.

Darren

Reach out to the travel industry.
Keep in mind, most reciprocating sites will bury your directory where it will never be found.
Why I always put a high cost on that feature.

Originally Posted by iowadawg

Reach out to the travel industry.
Keep in mind, most reciprocating sites will bury your directory where it will never be found.
Why I always put a high cost on that feature.

Can you explain what you mean by 'put a high cost on that feature'?

Thanks

Whatever price I had put on a regular link, I usually put the same price on the reciprocal link.
I always checked recips and found that those that used that feature would bury the link in a page that had no links on any other pages of the site.
You can keep it free, but check the links carefully.

Thanks.

I've put in that the page must be indexed in Google, and whilst it doesn't have any PR I'll be a little flexible, but as soon as it gets PR, I'll be strict and won't be letting people link to the site on a crappy page.

Good point you raised.

Configuration file is still writeable by the user the webserver runs under. This poses a major security risk, please drop writing permissions for include/config.php file immediately!

Umm what permissions should I be setting this file to? I've set it to just read only, but I am getting the message still!

Set it to 644.

Thanks for the info but that message is still appearing.

Weird. Should disappear.
Did you uninstall the install folder?

Yep, no install folder there.

I have checked and double checked and the permission is set to 644.

I'll drop by the phpld site later and have a look.

If you still need some help let me know.

Hi,

v nice. i am offering free rec links at the moment.
Looking to build new traffic.


Great,



Genious

I made this blog post a little while back, it should give you some tips and maybe some laughs? 13 Stages of Free Directory Ownership

^ that is the best, I loved it, thanks for sharing. I love Step #4 Darn MFAers!

Originally Posted by DarrenC

Yep, no install folder there.

I have checked and double checked and the permission is set to 644.

I'll drop by the phpld site later and have a look.

If your using a control panel for hosting that has a file manager, use that to change the permission and set it to 444 .

Originally Posted by DarrenC

Umm what permissions should I be setting this file to? I've set it to just read only, but I am getting the message still!

Darren, that message always stays, at least for me, don't worry about it, I reported it to David long ago and he also said not to worry, so long as the permissions are correct, don't worry about it.

Same here, once permissions are set, you are good to go.

Originally Posted by Colleen

Darren, that message always stays, at least for me, don't worry about it, I reported it to David long ago and he also said not to worry, so long as the permissions are correct, don't worry about it.

Good to know.

Originally Posted by jg123

I made this blog post a little while back, it should give you some tips and maybe some laughs? 13 Stages of Free Directory Ownership

ITS A SMALL WORLD - i was the first to post a comment back on your blog about it, was a good read!
(yup im matt)

Nice tips. your are quite right.
i am in mid way to that process. but my aim is to have some classy directory.

any ways,

good stuff

would any body tell me how to set the links in the footer. i can see links in the posts.

thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by Genious

Nice tips. your are quite right.
i am in mid way to that process. but my aim is to have some classy directory.

any ways,

good stuff

would any body tell me how to set the links in the footer. i can see links in the posts.

thanks in advance.

Genious, do not double post. Edit your post next time to add more to it if the post time is close enough to do so.

Genios is having a few newbie issues!

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll visit the article and thanks for letting us know about the message Colleen.

These crispy whole grain rice and corn cakes are pretty good, Darren, ever have them? Parmesan and roasted garlic flavor.

Originally Posted by Colleen

These crispy whole grain rice and corn cakes are pretty good, Darren, ever have them? Parmesan and roasted garlic flavor.

Did I miss something? lol

I love garlic, does my breath smell?

Colleen [or anyone] do you know where I can get a list of travel related categories into my directory without creating each one - it's a bit of a pain in the arse.

Originally Posted by DarrenC

Did I miss something? lol

I love garlic, does my breath smell?

Colleen [or anyone] do you know where I can get a list of travel related categories into my directory without creating each one - it's a bit of a pain in the arse.

I'm the Queen of OT!

Try here, it will cost you $10.
Travel Directory Category Structure for php Link Directory

Originally Posted by jg123

I made this blog post a little while back, it should give you some tips and maybe some laughs? 13 Stages of Free Directory Ownership

Fantastic post !! A real must read ! Very true and funny at the same time ...

Great. I've ordered it today.

It'll save me tons of time.

The standard emails - can you import them from somewhere?

The notification emails?
At one time, I had them on my computer, but deleted.
Try somewhere on DP, someone had the original.
Up in the directories forum.

If you can not find them, make a thread asking for what you need.

I believe in submitting to everything Free. Even if a Free Directory is not popular does not mean it won't be in a couple years. I have many listings that are pay type now. I got listed for Free. I like the word "Free".

Originally Posted by DarrenC

I'm going to be launching a travel directory in the very near future.

I'm using phpld.

Any tips for using this software?

Nothing special.. It is easy to install and works great.. I doubt you'll have any problems with it. My only advice is to insure that your site does not look like every other by customizing the templates to a unique look and feel..

Any tips on running a directory?

The best advice I can give is to tell you to stick with it. Keep it updated regularly.. If you don't people will not come back, and SE's will dump on you..

At first I am going to make it free, with reciprocal link.

Darren

Free is a good idea in the beginning until you establish yourself as a viable directory.. I would suggest not going the reciprocal route.. It really devalues the directory's worth, and you'll find you and the one receiving the links will end up getting penalized by SE's as a result.

Hope this helps...

Well submitting to major web directories like Alive, Aviva, Forplex, Eonte, etc. is a good start for a paid directory. For a free one, you can announce it in the major webmaster forums and everyone will be scrambling to submit to it. Free directories are not for me, however...tried that with mishre.com and it did not turn out so well. So i have turned it into a paid directory.

- MENJ

Originally Posted by jg123

I made this blog post a little while back, it should give you some tips and maybe some laughs? 13 Stages of Free Directory Ownership

I think with this post you hit the bull's-eye! Maybe to succeed after "Stage 9" you have to set the price higher?

Originally Posted by mmatchev

Maybe to succeed after "Stage 9" you have to set the price higher?

I agree, I always try and set a fair price from that start and also get a coupon mod installed so I can offer 'deals' while I do promotion and build backlinks. In step #9 I am actually speaking from experience because I have seen a lot of folks actually state that they want to run a free directory but are establishing a low cost to help weed out spam and possible pay some hosting costs. I have also heard of many directories that have had submissions increase with a higher price.

make sure you get one way text links with your keyword phrases on relevant industry sites with good pR and then you'll be good to go.