My new Services Directory – will it fly?

[plugsnpixels]

For the past several years my site has been focused on affiliate marketing exclusively, which has been working decently. Now I want to step it up a bit and explore new revenue streams.

So yesterday I added a mockup of a Services Directory, where those associated with my niche (digital imaging) can list their products and services for a one-time-only payment of $10 for a permanent listing (I'm going for quantity sales here).

Is this a viable approach? I know other sites charge a couple hundred or more per month for a banner ad. I'm hoping my generous terms will attract a larger crowd. The thought that inspired this idea was that if you can make a few bucks from a LOT of people, it adds up.

I've reserved the right to increase the cost later, depending on response. And I can easily add categories as needed.

Thanks for your feedback.

[plugsnpixels]

Well, I would have thought this would take off due to the low price, but alas. I've had 153 visits to the page thus far with one person in the process of signing up.

I'm thinking some free listings to prime the pump and populate the pages might be in order. So the first 5 of you (who offer a service related to photography, digital imaging/post-processing or graphic design) to post your interest on this thread will get the free listings.

Caveat: Unlike the paid listings, the freebies can be bumped eventually in favor of paid listings once the number of ads starts growing.

[geolt7]

I think it is a good idea. have you done any market research on your possible competitors? It is good to check out people doing the same thing and model after them. Of course you gotta first find out whether they are doing and find out what they are doing right and do the and a bit better.

[plugsnpixels]

I looked into banner ad rates and saw they were way more than I am asking... ;-)

[ryanzona]

Can you show prospective advertisers that you are getting decent traffic?

It seems to me that woudl make a big difference. I will say the directory looks very sharp - compliments on that.

[plugsnpixels]

Thanks ryanzona!

In the PDF I have linked on the main page of the Directory I offer visitor stats for June.

[plugsnpixels]

Just posted an ad for my first paying customer, so off we go! Hopefully this is the start of a decent second income stream for the site (after affiliate marketing).