online business directory...

[Alyona The Publicist]

Hi,

I am thinking about setting up an online business directory where I get local businesses to be listed on this online business directory (I live in a small country) and they pay a small fee every year to be listed,

has anyone done it before or can provide some support or ideas please? everything welcome... (even if you are offering a service which you think might help me)

[dvduval]

If you need any help, people use our software all the time to create directories, including well over 1000 local directories.
ex. Directory of Tampa or :: GateUK ::Your gateway for United Kingdom resources and information.

[Danny Turner]

They are common - you will need to do something to make yours stand out -
I've used phpmydirectory -is good - consider adding a free Classifieds, forum or article directory to add interest - also info pages re local points of interest
don't be afraid of free accounts - I think one of the least mentions benefits for directories is that the submitters then are potential clients for a whole range of services
allow free accounts and make $$ from affiliate ads in the side bar
cheers
Danny

[Kael41]

A) I highly recommend David's phpld script. I've been a fan and user of it since day one. David, remember when i used phplinkdirectory to build a recipe site? Lol, so much fun in modding that site out.

B) It's a very lucrative business format if you've got the skills to go out into the real world and talk to people and get them to upsell for you to their friends and other business members.

C) Once you get started with a couple of clients, it gets easier and easier as you start building the script in your head of what to say to entice people to join your directory.

[dvduval]

Absolutely, no matter what software you use, if you really want to do something with it, you will need to customize the site to fit the needs of your market. You figure Yahoo started out as a directory a long time ago, and over time added more and more features. There are several good choices of software you could use as your base. phpLD happens to be the mostly widely used, and that may be because of its versatility and ease of customization. You may also consider adding things like a forum and a gallery as your local site grows. But hopefully early on you will be able to start selling listings to local businesses, and start making money right away.

[dvduval]

Originally Posted by Kael41

A) I highly recommend David's phpld script. I've been a fan and user of it since day one. David, remember when i used phplinkdirectory to build a recipe site? Lol, so much fun in modding that site out.

B) It's a very lucrative business format if you've got the skills to go out into the real world and talk to people and get them to upsell for you to their friends and other business members.

C) Once you get started with a couple of clients, it gets easier and easier as you start building the script in your head of what to say to entice people to join your directory.

Thanks you very much. I do remember a modded phpLD with recipes (PM me the url if you want. I'd love to see it again)

And yes, the local directory market is a big area of growth right now, and lots of people are developing local directories.

[tonyscott]

The site in my sig might give you some ideas. It's a lot of work to build and convincing people to advertise is harder than you might think.

I've talked to people who've gone the franchise route here in the uk and whilst they were successful initially, their lack of website traffic meant that advertisers didn't renew.

A Warrior offers a city portal package that might well fit your needs, sorry can't remember his name - Kim Standerline has one and should be able to point you in the right direction.

cheers

Tony

[Runner26]

Tony and Danny (above) are both correct. You must do something special to stand out, even if it is just a general list of businesses. As a web designer, I've had several people ask about directory sites, even though there is already stiff competition in the market they wish to pursue. You have to have reason for BOTH businesses AND visitors to see value in visiting.

Instead of using templates, I create unique directory sites using MySQL database and add simple login functionality since information is not usually sensitive. A couple samples --- DelawareShoppersNetwork.com, VIPcouponsOnline.com, RunningMyRaces.com

[dvduval]

When it comes to building up visitors, there are a number of options, but let me give a few that know people have done:
1. Making post card sized flyers and distributing them in their local area (bulletin boards, door hanging, clubs)
2. Creating a discussion for and getting people from the area involved. I've this go very well on car enthusiast sites that also contained a directory.
3. Adding a blog with upcoming events
4. Sometimes used in combination with #1, get an advertiser to let you print a coupon on your flyer, and then pay you to distribute the coupon which also contains information about your website. These days you can often get 1000+ flyers for around $100

It is true that a common mistake is people try to only sell advertising, but they don't do a good job getting visitors, but a local directory is something that you can really take matters into your own hands and work it. You might want to run some google adsense as well, so that as you go around town getting visitors to your site, you are also making a little pocket change while you are at it.

And as you go around talking to people, you may find they need a website as well. There are so many great opportunities that can GO ALONG with marketing your local directory.

[Alyona The Publicist]

thank you for your input, I believe that the hardest part is actually getting people to advertise on the site. I already got a programmer who is helping me design the site etc. as I believe it should be completely original even tough it will cost some money.

what is worrying me is actually going out and getting businesses to advertise in the directory... I was thinking about outsourcing this to a local advertising agency even if this may mean that they get a chunk of the profits but I believe they might have contacts and experience.

Anyone can give me some tips of how should I start out in contacting these advertising agencies?

[jjpmarketing]

David always provides excellent advice on this topic.

Another thing to consider is a multi-tiered model. You could have a free membership that allows them to post short text only ads.

Then you could have a premium membership which allows them to add photos and links to their site... or even something like facebook where you have a small ad... or a full page business profile.

You could add services like featured business of the month or video ads... you could probably even find local independent film makers to outsource commercial creation to. You could broker a deal with them to allow you to get their services at a reduced rate and basically charge the same amount as they would and pocket the profits.

Here is the biggest one of all. You ever notice the huge sites that send out specials on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis? You could do the exact same thing. Setup an autoresponder and charge a fee for businesses to get their current special sent out in this newsletter.

On top of that... you really don't have to come up with ideas on your own. Start joining a number of directories and see what they are selling as upsells or what kind of advertising model they have setup. You can keep the ideas you like, and ditch the ones you don't.

Dennis

[dvduval]

Originally Posted by jjpmarketing

David always provides excellent advice on this topic

Thanks, Dennis

Originally Posted by alyonafrendo

thank you for your input, I believe that the hardest part is actually getting people to advertise on the site. I already got a programmer who is helping me design the site etc. as I believe it should be completely original even tough it will cost some money.

what is worrying me is actually going out and getting businesses to advertise in the directory... I was thinking about outsourcing this to a local advertising agency even if this may mean that they get a chunk of the profits but I believe they might have contacts and experience.

Anyone can give me some tips of how should I start out in contacting these advertising agencies?

I think you are going to find that these agencies work with print media as well as radio and television (and maybe a couple other strategies). They probably are going to have some pre-defined packages they offer. I would encourage you to at least talk with them, and even ask for references and talk to them too. Even if you don't buy their services, it should be a good educational experience for you.

[InfoAcademy]

What can you offer as a really juicy giveaway to get people to the site initially? Maybe there is a business that will sponsor an initial prize? Like a restaurant that will give away a $5 coupon for everyone who signs up? Then promote it like crazy... maybe at local summer fair?

Once you build the audience, then the advertising will be much, much easier.

I'm also getting our local library to give me a listing of local businesses that I can import for the free listings.

You could also have a "Best Of" contest so the businesses are sending people to vote for them to the site.

Good luck and please keep us updated with how it goes.

[dvduval]

Great ideas, InfoAcademy. I really like the idea of a "Best of" section. Most restaurants love to post "Best of" awards in their lobby, and I could imagine this working very nicely. Maybe the restaurant pays $10 to get a listing, and will qualify for a "Best of" award. Then if you can get the restaurant to offer a coupon, you can make it necessary to go to the website to get the coupon, and that way you can count visits, and use this information to promote to other businesses or restaurants.

[timmykins]

Originally Posted by alyonafrendo

Hi,

I am thinking about setting up an online business directory where I get local businesses to be listed on this online business directory (I live in a small country) and they pay a small fee every year to be listed,

has anyone done it before or can provide some support or ideas please? everything welcome... (even if you are offering a service which you think might help me)

Hi,

Another option you might consider is to use Joomla. It's a great platform, and although there is a bit of a learning curve, once you've mastered it you will find that it is extremely flexible as there are literally hundreds of extentions that you can add on to better the visitors experiences.

As for getting businesses to sign up to it, I agree with others that to start with it can be difficult. When I started my first directory, I just went through the local phone book and sent out a flier to about 500 businesses offering free listing for the first 50 to sign up, there aren't that many business owners who don't like free! Once you've got some businesses signed up, and your site is ranked well, other business owners will find your site and start hopping on board too, simply because they don't want their competition to get all the business.

As for getting the public to visit your site, you could post flyers around town offering them something that they may be interested in, something like a money saving guide that they can download - very relevant in the current economic climate!

This could also be used to build the largest customer list in your area, and although the people in the list will have a broad range of interests and needs, it could still become a great money spinner if you use it to promote local businesses products or services that are of interest to the majority.

Other ways to contact business owners include joining your local chamber of commerce, seminars to local business owners showing them how the web can help their business, attending local trade fairs, there's loads of ways to do it. Just get out there and talk to business owners!

If you haven't come across it yet, go over to http://www.localbizbuilders.com, you'll find a huge amount of ideas there and like minded entrepreneurs always willing to help.

I hope this helps you a little. Good luck with your new venture.

Tim

[Alyona The Publicist]

Hi Guys,

thank you for all your wonderful advice - I am now in the process of starting to contact the advertising agencies...

I was going to send them the following email....

====
Hi,

I am in the process of creating an online business directory. I need to find a partner to sell ‘advertising space’ on this online business directory.

I can provide a low cost solution for this because I do not have many overheads like other large companies so this would be a very competitive business venture and we could offer a viable advertising space. Just to give you an idea – I am informed that a competing online business diretory is asking around 150 euro per year per advert – I believe that I can cut the price up to 50% on that and still run at a considerable profit for both of us.

The website will be launched in a couple of days and in the meantime you can take some time to take a look at some other website I created such as =======.com and =======.com which provide solutions at a very low cost.

I am interested in discussing this further with you.

Please let me know if you are interested in working together on this project and let me know if it is convenient for me to call you.

Alyona
====

....but can anyone of you suggest better wording!?

[Alyona The Publicist]

any suggestion regarding this?

[mistyone]

Hi Aloyna

I saw your thread and it took my interest as I have a website that I am a shareholder in and we are promoting a similar thing to what you are wanting to do. It has been created as a virtual arcade and it is for businesses to be able to buy advertising space in it. I thought your idea about contacting some advertising agencies to offer them a JV was really good and I am going to suggest this to my partners. This is the URL to the arcade if you want to have a look:

Virtual Arcade

and this is the URL to the main site:
.: Popweb Planet :.

There have been a lot of very good suggestions in this thread by other members as well, that I will be passing on to my partners. I am also going to check out the site Tim has recommended, localbizbuilders. I'm always on the look out for places to learn from

Best of luck with it. Keep us updated on your progress

Cheers
Viv

[Alyona The Publicist]

Hi,

thank you everyone for the fantastic feedback, I believe that my endeavour will be a success, and I have decided to keep everyone posted about this...

So... at the moment I am waiting for my programmer to finish the site and I am thinking about contacting some advertising agencies to JV with them, however I believe I need a better email than the one I currently drafted:

Warriors : I need your help on this one - Your inpur on how to better this email would be appreciated:

====
Hi,

I am in the process of creating an online business directory. I need to find a partner to sell ‘advertising space’ on this online business directory.

I can provide a low cost solution for this because I do not have many overheads like other large companies so this would be a very competitive business venture and we could offer a viable advertising space. Just to give you an idea – I am informed that a competing online business diretory is asking around 150 euro per year per advert – I believe that I can cut the price up to 50% on that and still run at a considerable profit for both of us.

The website will be launched in a couple of days and in the meantime you can take some time to take a look at some other website I created such as =======.com and =======.com which provide solutions at a very low cost.

I am interested in discussing this further with you.

Please let me know if you are interested in working together on this project and let me know if it is convenient for me to call you.

Alyona
====

[MichaelHiles]

I'll be releasing a major product rollout in late summer that covers this very topic.. particularly why just selling links to business is dead, and how to integrate direct response marketing into the mix as a service provider.

I know that doesn't help you right this very second, but at least I wanted to give you the "head's up".

[dvduval]

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

I'll be releasing a major product rollout in late summer that covers this very topic.. particularly why just selling links to business is dead, and how to integrate direct response marketing into the mix as a service provider.

I know that doesn't help you right this very second, but at least I wanted to give you the "head's up".

That's great to see more focus on the directory market, and more ways to build a directory. Since we started offering up our programming team for customization services, I've been amazed at some of the "spins" people are making on the directory. I agree that selling links can't be exclusive unto itself. There has to be a more developed strategy to bring about value to both visitors to the site, and business, and definitely expect to see more off this moving forward. I also look forward to seeing your product.

[MichaelHiles]

Originally Posted by dvduval

That's great to see more focus on the directory market, and more ways to build a directory. Since we started offering up our programming team for customization services, I've been amazed at some of the "spins" people are making on the directory. I agree that selling links can't be exclusive unto itself. There has to be a more developed strategy to bring about value to both visitors to the site, and business, and definitely expect to see more off this moving forward. I also look forward to seeing your product.

Thanks.

I have significant experience launching local community sites, and even developed a community site for a small town of 8000 people in a rural county of less than 50,000 residents that grew over a couple of years to 3,000,000 unique page views annual.

In my process, the "business directory" is actually a suboordinate feature of a larger, community focused site strategy for small business owners to launch and control as their own marketing strategy.

I'm actually NOT targeting the IM community or entrepreneurs with this, rather I am launching it as a subset of a much wider, ongoing training curriculim targeted towards the actual end user - the business owner.

[Alyona The Publicist]

====
Hi,

I am in the process of creating an online business directory. I need to find a partner to sell ‘advertising space’ on this online business directory.

I can provide a low cost solution for this because I do not have many overheads like other large companies so this would be a very competitive business venture and we could offer a viable advertising space. Just to give you an idea – I am informed that a competing online business diretory is asking around 150 euro per year per advert – I believe that I can cut the price up to 50% on that and still run at a considerable profit for both of us.

The website will be launched in a couple of days and in the meantime you can take some time to take a look at some other website I created such as =======.com and =======.com which provide solutions at a very low cost.

I am interested in discussing this further with you.

Please let me know if you are interested in working together on this project and let me know if it is convenient for me to call you.

Alyona
====

any help with improving this email please before I send it?!

[Alyona The Publicist]

Yes you are right - in fact what I had in mind is more like a web2.0 social network site for businesses.

[Glenn Leader]

Hi Alyona,

I agree with chane about web 2.0 in some respects. BUT, good old HTML sites still do very well indeed. Here's what you could do...Have a WordPress front end that you use as your portal entry point, and HTML sites for each business.

There's lots you can do with WordPress, I think the best method here would be to add a page in the system, rather than a blog post, but leave the content empty. This then automatically points to a virtual folder. If by chance a folder already exists, and there's a website (or blog) stored there, that website will be displayed when the page link is clicked... See where I'm going here? You now ahve a very simple way to add businesses to a directory. The only thning you need do now is build a HTML website. And as luck would have it, I posted earlier in another thread about this very subject.

What follows is my other post...
----------------------
I've recorded a very crude video on how to build a website for small offline businesses, and the process only takes about 30 seconds to a minute. The idea is to show a business what a website could look like for them, which in theory will get your foot in the door. You mention that when they're on board with you, they get a free entry into your business directory. It makes sense therefore to tackle one niche at a time, as this makes my process a lot simpler, and buy a domain for the niche directory.

I've some mistakes when recording the video, and it goes on for too long at 25 minutes. At a later date, I will re-record it, and break it down into bite sized chunks, and do a much better job. I've only shown this video to two people, so don't have any feedback to use in the re-record. With that understood, I'd be happy to let you have a sneak preview if it helps you. All I ask is your honest feedback about the content.

PM me, and I'll send you a link to the crude video.
-------------------------------
HTH

Glenn

[Glenn Leader]

Originally Posted by chane

Directories are OUT. They are so Web 1.0. They provide very little value in most cases and Google hates them more and more by the minute.

Why not start up a Web 2.0 site for local businesses to have profiles and be able to interact, etc?

Google doesn't hate Web 1.0 sites at all, it's just more in love with Web 2.0, and Web 3.0 when it gets out of the starting blocks,

[Alyona The Publicist]

what's web3.0 about?!

[dvduval]

Originally Posted by alyonafrendo

what's web3.0 about?!

I think web 3.0 is a "catch phrase" just as much as web 2.0 was and it is used to describe what people think of as "cutting edge" technology. It would be my guess that web 3.0 will revolve around cloud computing, and using the full features of browsers that are far more capable than they were last year.

[Glenn Leader]

Originally Posted by dvduval

I think web 3.0 is a "catch phrase" just as much as web 2.0 was and it is used to describe what people think of as "cutting edge" technology. It would be my guess that web 3.0 will revolve around cloud computing, and using the full features of browsers that are far more capable than they were last year.

Agreed, and also interfacing several disparate databases to get detailed information.

[MichaelHiles]

Originally Posted by Grease

Did michael Hiles ever put together the online directory product?

I am in market testing phase right now of Kaizen Marketing Blueprint. But it's far more than a local marketing directory.

Kaizen Marketing Blueprint - Increase sales and profitability with proven methods of process development.

[Instructor]

I'm still looking for some robust directory software like edirectory, but without the hefty pricetag. Any suggestions other than phpld?

I don't mind investing in something good, but I think they're a little out there for an owned license.

[MichaelHiles]

Dotnetnuke with the Property Agent module from Ventrian.

[mkayius]

Originally Posted by alyonafrendo

what's web3.0 about?!

Interesting in learning this also. I just found out about web2.0 just.

[jamesptyler]

Php City Portal

[Caden]

Directories are a great idea to make money. They always sell, and doing something local is a good idea. What you want to do though, is take it further. Why don't you have a print version as well as an online version? Use Open Office to create a PDF, then upload it to a website like Fastpencil.com. People can then buy the directory in print. Then you search for people/ companies who would want to buy your local directory in bulk. Fast Pencil can do that for you. Then you'd get paid double. Hope that helps.

[DavidTheMavin]

I can't believe there isn't an open source solution that kicks butt with all the bells and whistles for like $50 out there? Directories are as old as the Internet, there's got to be something cheap and amazing out there already, it wouldn't be that hard to write and then sell to a wide audience...

[dvduval]

Originally Posted by DavidTheMavin

I can't believe there isn't an open source solution that kicks butt with all the bells and whistles for like $50 out there? Directories are as old as the Internet, there's got to be something cheap and amazing out there already, it wouldn't be that hard to write and then sell to a wide audience...

We've already come a long way in this area, and future releases of phpLD will be even better.

[dvduval]

Originally Posted by DavidTheMavin

I can't believe there isn't an open source solution that kicks butt with all the bells and whistles for like $50 out there? Directories are as old as the Internet, there's got to be something cheap and amazing out there already, it wouldn't be that hard to write and then sell to a wide audience...

We've already come a long way in this area, and future releases of phpLD will be even better. And worth noting that thousands of sites already use our software for this purpose. Some have been extensively customized and really look great. I think part of the problem for many is that a "cookie cutter" solution rarely works when it comes to making a "business directory". You need something special. You start with software, but that is only the start.

[digigo]

one of my friends running a web hosting service, and he offers directory to local businesses here in Dallas/Ft Worth area.. but he has trouble breaking into this business... simply because telcom has a monopoly in this business.. they can charge biz owner $300 / year ... even my friend is charging much less... no good.. no enough biz listed there.. typical "chicken and egg" problem.. if you live in s a ver small country and no telecom monopoly in your area... it can be very profitable... send them post cards.. call them directly.. once you get the words out.. it will take off...

[DavidTheMavin]

Originally Posted by dvduval

We've already come a long way in this area, and future releases of phpLD will be even better. And worth noting that thousands of sites already use our software for this purpose. Some have been extensively customized and really look great. I think part of the problem for many is that a "cookie cutter" solution rarely works when it comes to making a "business directory". You need something special. You start with software, but that is only the start.

Ahh yes, I've seen this dir software all over the place for years. It's php which is good too. I'm always a sucker for CMS' like Joomla and Drupal, but I don't think directories are their strong suite.

[mattalways]

It's a good idea. You will either need good pagerank, traffic, or a good salesman to get those paid listings though. If you need help, I'm about half way through development on a directory listing script. It has full backend management, SEO w/ pretty permalinks, & multiple area support. It might be something to look at. Let me know if you want to take a look.

[knowwow]

Originally Posted by DavidTheMavin

Ahh yes, I've seen this dir software all over the place for years. It's php which is good too. I'm always a sucker for CMS' like Joomla and Drupal, but I don't think directories are their strong suite.

I strongly disagree, Drupal is a perfect tool to start a directory.
For a directory's structure good 'taxonomy' is a first priority. Drupal is excellent at that (so many advanced options).
For monetizing, Drupal allows you to sell postings easily (several free and powerful and one specific paid option is available).
For maximizing your profits, Drupal allows defining contexts and makes it easy to target advertising on many conditions.

And of course there is more... David, I am a sucker for Drupal myself, and when I got back to it after 9 months spent for projects around WP, I found that it has gone places with old modules getting stable, new modules introduced.

Learn Drupal and never look for x script and y software in your life...

[ileneg]

There are several "off the shelf" products that people use for online business directories. Some of them are sold by "region" and put together for you for a monthly fee while others are more of a shell where you populate the info yourself. Guess it really depends on how much you want to do vs. already have done.

ileneg

[DavidTheMavin]

Originally Posted by knowwow

I strongly disagree, Drupal is a perfect tool to start a directory.
For a directory's structure good 'taxonomy' is a first priority. Drupal is excellent at that (so many advanced options).
For monetizing, Drupal allows you to sell postings easily (several free and powerful and one specific paid option is available).
For maximizing your profits, Drupal allows defining contexts and makes it easy to target advertising on many conditions.

And of course there is more... David, I am a sucker for Drupal myself, and when I got back to it after 9 months spent for projects around WP, I found that it has gone places with old modules getting stable, new modules introduced.

Learn Drupal and never look for x script and y software in your life...

Don't get me wrong, I love Drupal and it's my #1 choice for all different types of sites, but for setting up a directory quickly I don't know of any modules that allow for this type of out of box functionality? I'm sure they've got to be out there, but I haven't seen them and can't say?

[dvduval]

Originally Posted by DavidTheMavin

Ahh yes, I've seen this dir software all over the place for years. It's php which is good too. I'm always a sucker for CMS' like Joomla and Drupal, but I don't think directories are their strong suite.

Yes, definitely, and as a result phpLD has become more CMS like over time in that it has lots of places where there is a WYSIWYG editor, and "edit in place" (click on something to edit it), and use of widgets that can be moved all around the page.

[kaos]

I always felt that the Yellow Pages and Business Directories in the form of paper print never kept up or took advantage of the internet and electronic forms of publishing.

This has always had me thinking of a business directory that was more than a small ad with a phone number and a www.

What about a directory of businesses with their websites and links along with special articles on a business or a person or event. (For paying members)

For filler throw in the non-paying name, address and phone number. If they get some inquiries they may signup later.

Your cost is time. Rewards could be large

[I.M.Retired]

Mark Fail has a nice new 'Directory Press' plugin and theme for Wordpress:

WordPress › Directory Script for Wordpress WordPress Plugins

DirectoryPress - Directory Script for Wordpress - the theme.

Theme Demo: http://www.directorypress.net/directorypress-directory/

It's free!