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Please Advise--Starting Online Business Directory

by jadesource
3 replies
Hi
I have a client that wants to start an online business directory, and even as recent as a year ago I didn't have the technical expertise. But now I do.

And I'm thinking, wow, niche directories, if done right, could be a thing to do.

Can anybody chime is about plugins, themes, which pricing model works I.e. free then sell them add ons, or if you can get a high monthly fee why not?

His site is well established as a plastic surgery website, and he wants to see if other doctors in other locations will buy listings. He's ranking well, so we wanted to take advantage of that as a selling point.

I'm considering using wpmu dev's directory plugins because they are the most responsive guys you there.
#advisestarting #business #directory #online
  • Profile picture of the author vishwa
    I am thinking of edirectory. they are one of the best business directory script provider and come up with dozens of features.
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  • Profile picture of the author Goalie35
    Themeforest has some nice directory sites. May be a good place to start:
    WordPress - Directory Portal WordPress Theme | ThemeForest

    I haven't run a directory personally, so I can only offer my opinion, but I would think requiring an upfront fee to be listed, is a guaranteed way to fail. What benefit is your directory site offering that all of the other free directories aren't? If you're not offering a convincing benefit, charging an up front fee won't work.

    So, here's a possible alternative:
    Offer free listings. In fact, I would purchase a national list of all plastic surgeons (or whichever doctors you're marketing to) ahead of time and spend the time to setup their listings before launching. Then, call or email doctors, offering a "premium" listing.

    I've also seen marketing companies setup directories like these with the sole purpose of adding value when selling their marketing services. Chiromatrix for example, does this. They'll sell you their marketing services, and if you sign up, they'll include a listing on their chiropractor directory. In actuality, it's a low ranking, pointless directory, but it helps to offer value to their services.

    Best of luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author kellter
      Osclass is free and robust and has been gaining steam. There is a Joomla extension SobiPro that works well also but has a steep learning curve.
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