My mobile directory going live today

Dan Hower · 12th Oct 2012, 10:36 AM

Dear members,

as promised long time ago I would let you know when I go live with my mobile directory - which is today.

It took weeks since I not only set up the website but also wrote a database application that allows me to add new cities or new entries very quickly and have it published within seconds. Everything is automatic now - the programmer in me was challenged

Since I am bilingual and I am staying in Germany right now the first city to be covered is one in Germany, and even if you don't understand the text you will get the idea.

So far there are only two detailed entries, one under Shopping and one under Notdienste (which means emergency services).

If you check it don't forget do reduce your browser window to smartphone size.

Kassel on Smartphones

The goal is to add 3-5 new locations per day.

Cheers
Dan Hower

MagicAce · 12th Oct 2012, 11:16 AM

How are you making money of it?

MoBuzz · 12th Oct 2012, 12:29 PM

Congrats. A little different than mine but nice.

BIG DEALS · 12th Oct 2012, 12:37 PM

Mobuzz, I cannot view your mobile directory. I can build a mobile directory as well. I think I know what you are using to create them as well as I almost launched a mobile directory similar to yours (when I could view your directory that is)

Dan Hower · 12th Oct 2012, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by MagicAce

How are you making money of it?

I ask them to pay me a little for being included in the directory.

Ciao
Dan Hower

Dan Hower · 12th Oct 2012, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by MoBuzz

Congrats. A little different than mine but nice.

Hi Mobuzz, you are missing an 'a' in your signature...

MoBuzz · 12th Oct 2012, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by BIG DEALS

Mobuzz, I cannot view your mobile directory. I can build a mobile directory as well. I think I know what you are using to create them as well as I almost launched a mobile directory similar to yours (when I could view your directory that is)

I have no clue what you are talking about ; )

See what I get for messing around at 3 am

BIG DEALS · 12th Oct 2012, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by MoBuzz

I have no clue what you are talking about ; )

See what I get for messing around at 3 am

LOL. PM me- I want to verify something. Thanks!

MagicAce · 12th Oct 2012, 01:47 PM

Why Should they do that?

What benefit do they have? How are they found.

How are people gonna find the directory? And how would so many people find the directory that businesses would want to pay you to include them in the mobile directory?

Also how are you advertising this service to them?

I know this are a lot of questions but I would like to do something similar and it could help me.

Thank You.

Regards, Marian

Originally Posted by Dan Hower

I ask them to pay me a little for being included in the directory.

Ciao
Dan Hower

NBAY · 12th Oct 2012, 01:59 PM

Dan just my opinion but I think you need to work on a cleaner design to go with your programming talent. To me it looks a little amature (page style layout) but it's a great step in the right direction!! Good job so far. Now keep going. (smile)

brianng · 12th Oct 2012, 02:06 PM

I second to NBAY. Find yourself a designer, or try cleaner design with less pictures, more gradient. One example is dropbox.com . During the last 10 years we have eradicated both colorful pictures and flash on websites. phew
One more advice, don't sell your service until you have enough users - clientele base
All the best! danke.

Dan Hower · 13th Oct 2012, 06:18 AM

Thanks for your comments, nbay and brianng,

I admit design was not the first priority for me. My main priority is usability and speed on smartphones. I personally would do without pictures at all but those people I asked said ... oh come on, just one photo or our logo or so please

Dan Hower · 13th Oct 2012, 06:23 AM

Hi Marian,

that are of course the hardest questions to answer. I have several things in mind to monetize the directory but that is the next stage with which I am starting right now.

If you need help about that you might want to search the many threads here were people have set up mobile directories, maybe check with Mobuzz...

I can answer those questions only in a few weeks after I have seen some results.

Cheers
Dan Hower

Originally Posted by MagicAce

Why Should they do that?

What benefit do they have? How are they found.

How are people gonna find the directory? And how would so many people find the directory that businesses would want to pay you to include them in the mobile directory?

Also how are you advertising this service to them?

I know this are a lot of questions but I would like to do something similar and it could help me.

Thank You.

Regards, Marian

portalcross · 13th Oct 2012, 07:24 AM

Congrats on getting your site up and running... one great way to monetize these is to offer a free listing with a link to the company's mobile site... and then of course you will get to sell them a mobile site if they don't have one.

Local traffic will be key to providing real value - you'll have to get your site in the hands of your local consumers.

Good luck to you!

-John

Dan Hower · 15th Oct 2012, 05:03 AM

Originally Posted by portalcross

Congrats on getting your site up and running... one great way to monetize these is to offer a free listing with a link to the company's mobile site... and then of course you will get to sell them a mobile site if they don't have one.

Local traffic will be key to providing real value - you'll have to get your site in the hands of your local consumers.

Good luck to you!

-John

Thanks John,

my long term plans are a bit different and do not necessarily target local consumers directly.

I chose on-smartphones.com since that allows me to set up something like denver.on-smartphones.com as well as heidelberg.on-smartphones.com You get the idea

So if you are visiting Heidelberg in Germany you would know you can go to heidelberg.on-smartphones.com, and should I go to Denver I would type in denver.on-smartphones.com

Of course, all given ...on-smartphones.com becomes well known everywhere.

In my local town I get rarely stuck and I don't need to search for something on my smartphone. However, visiting another town chances are higher that I need information.

Well, those are the plans, but it is a long way. Also it will take some time to get a cash flow going, and I hope my bank account does not run dry before I reach that point

Cheers
Dan Hower

BIG DEALS · 15th Oct 2012, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by MagicAce

Why Should they do that?

What benefit do they have? How are they found.

How are people gonna find the directory? And how would so many people find the directory that businesses would want to pay you to include them in the mobile directory?

Also how are you advertising this service to them?

I know this are a lot of questions but I would like to do something similar and it could help me.

Thank You.

Regards, Marian

For starters, a new study just came out. Out of 7 billion people, 6 billion are active mobile phone users.

How do users find the mobile site? You find the visitors or drive traffic to the mobile directory using some paid campaigns and clever SEO.

Post flyers in busy areas throughout the town, coffee shops, universities, bars, hotels, churches, community bullitin boards, local forums etc

Until it becomes a little more well known, the sell to business owners is to sell the exclusivity and how even if they gain say 3 customers a month from your service it will pay for itself and some.

When the directory becomes popular, businesses will advertise because they do not want their competition to dominate.

Another good way to get businesses to sign up is to put a few basic listings (like subways and major restaurants) and then make some expanded listings for businesses (even if they are not paying) and show these listing to competitors.

Businesses owners will not want to feel like they are being beat out by a competitor. It takes actual hard work, but if you put in the time, you can see some nice returns!

Dan Hower · 15th Oct 2012, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by fxstay

list my mobile site: iMobileFace in your directory if you want

Hi, I do not quite understand what your site does. No FAQ?

Dan Hower · 15th Oct 2012, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by BIG DEALS

For starters, a new study just came out. Out of 7 billion people, 6 billion are active mobile phone users.

Are you sure? As far as I know less then 50% of all people don't even have electricity...

Originally Posted by BIG DEALS

Another good way to get businesses to sign up is to put a few basic listings (like subways and major restaurants) and then make some expanded listings for businesses (even if they are not paying) and show these listing to competitors.

Businesses owners will not want to feel like they are being beat out by a competitor. It takes actual hard work, but if you put in the time, you can see some nice returns!

Yes, hard work. I think about setting up a team. I can't do it all myself and I have too many other ideas as well.

BIG DEALS · 15th Oct 2012, 09:54 AM

[QUOTE=Dan Hower;7171454]Are you sure? As far as I know less then 50% of all people don't even have electricity...

According to NPR. Yes

foomenow · 15th Oct 2012, 10:26 AM

I would like to know more please!

Chaz Foxx · 15th Oct 2012, 10:30 AM

Dan although it's the first time I'm hearing of this idea of an "mobile directory" I think it's awesome that have done this.

Now I am curious of how you are monetizing this concept or any plans you have in mind of monetizing your mobile directory? (Of course what ever you care to share is fine.)

Not looking for the whole kitchen sink here but again whatever you care to share would be more than appreciated.

fxstay · 15th Oct 2012, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Dan Hower

Hi, I do not quite understand what your site does. No FAQ?

its a social networking like fb , but for mobile users you can make a profile and submit and share your mobile site with others, you can make a fanpage also

Dan Hower · 16th Oct 2012, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by Chaz Foxx

Dan although it's the first time I'm hearing of this idea of an "mobile directory" I think it's awesome that have done this.

Now I am curious of how you are monetizing this concept or any plans you have in mind of monetizing your mobile directory? (Of course what ever you care to share is fine.)

Not looking for the whole kitchen sink here but again whatever you care to share would be more than appreciated.

The idea is not new. Check this forum, you will find numerous people working on or running mobile directories, or selling such WSOs.

As far as I see there are three ways of monetization:
1 Businesses pay a montly fee for an entry in the directory
2 Businesses pay a one-time fee for having a mobile site set up which is linked from the directory
3 (Still thinking about a third way. I have something in mind but need more time to think.)

Cheers
Dan Hower

12th Oct 2012, 10:36 AM	#1
Dan Hower HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: Avalon NSW Posts: 191 Thanks: 77 Thanked 38 Times in 34 Posts	My mobile directory going live today Share on: Dear members, as promised long time ago I would let you know when I go live with my mobile directory - which is today. It took weeks since I not only set up the website but also wrote a database application that allows me to add new cities or new entries very quickly and have it published within seconds. Everything is automatic now - the programmer in me was challenged Since I am bilingual and I am staying in Germany right now the first city to be covered is one in Germany, and even if you don't understand the text you will get the idea. So far there are only two detailed entries, one under Shopping and one under Notdienste (which means emergency services). If you check it don't forget do reduce your browser window to smartphone size. Kassel on Smartphones The goal is to add 3-5 new locations per day. Cheers Dan Hower

12th Oct 2012, 11:16 AM	#2
MagicAce webstylecreator.com War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Torino, Italy Posts: 686 Thanks: 56 Thanked 68 Times in 46 Posts	Re: My mobile directory going live today Share on: How are you making money of it?
	5 STAR SERVICE - Sexy Mobile Websites Straight Out Of Italy! HIGH QUALITY DESIGN - Headers, Banners, Twitter Backgrounds, eCovers and more...

12th Oct 2012, 12:29 PM	#3
MoBuzz Local Marketing Solutions War Room Member Join Date: 2012 Location: Napa, California Posts: 220 Thanks: 93 Thanked 162 Times in 46 Posts	Re: My mobile directory going live today Share on: Congrats. A little different than mine but nice.
	[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] LIVE NOW

12th Oct 2012, 12:37 PM	#4
BIG DEALS HyperActive Warrior Join Date: 2012 Posts: 119 Thanks: 14 Thanked 19 Times in 11 Posts	Re: My mobile directory going live today Share on: Mobuzz, I cannot view your mobile directory. I can build a mobile directory as well. I think I know what you are using to create them as well as I almost launched a mobile directory similar to yours (when I could view your directory that is)
	www.504best.com New Orleans' Best: Restaurants, Bars, Shopping, Coupons & More! Custom Made Mobile Directories - Make Money while helping local businesses succeed! Visit www.504best.com on your phone for an example. PM for questions and pricing.

12th Oct 2012, 01:59 PM	#10
NBAY NBAY.COM War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: San Francisco,LA, New York,LV Posts: 47 Thanks: 28 Thanked 90 Times in 78 Posts Blog Entries: 1	Re: My mobile directory going live today Share on: Dan just my opinion but I think you need to work on a cleaner design to go with your programming talent. To me it looks a little amature (page style layout) but it's a great step in the right direction!! Good job so far. Now keep going. (smile)
	The Secret is out. Marketers are making $1000's of dollars with CPA Marketing. Join the fastest growing network today.www.NBAY.COM/cpanetwork

12th Oct 2012, 02:06 PM	#11
brianng Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: Fresno CA Posts: 40 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My mobile directory going live today Share on: I second to NBAY. Find yourself a designer, or try cleaner design with less pictures, more gradient. One example is dropbox.com . During the last 10 years we have eradicated both colorful pictures and flash on websites. phew One more advice, don't sell your service until you have enough users - clientele base All the best! danke.

13th Oct 2012, 06:18 AM	#12
Dan Hower HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: Avalon NSW Posts: 191 Thanks: 77 Thanked 38 Times in 34 Posts	Re: My mobile directory going live today Share on: Thanks for your comments, nbay and brianng, I admit design was not the first priority for me. My main priority is usability and speed on smartphones. I personally would do without pictures at all but those people I asked said ... oh come on, just one photo or our logo or so please

13th Oct 2012, 07:24 AM	#14
portalcross Business Builder Join Date: 2007 Location: Beautiful Colorado, USA Posts: 53 Thanks: 1 Thanked 15 Times in 15 Posts	Re: My mobile directory going live today Share on: Congrats on getting your site up and running... one great way to monetize these is to offer a free listing with a link to the company's mobile site... and then of course you will get to sell them a mobile site if they don't have one. Local traffic will be key to providing real value - you'll have to get your site in the hands of your local consumers. Good luck to you! -John

15th Oct 2012, 09:54 AM	#19
BIG DEALS HyperActive Warrior Join Date: 2012 Posts: 119 Thanks: 14 Thanked 19 Times in 11 Posts	Re: My mobile directory going live today Share on: [QUOTE=Dan Hower;7171454]Are you sure? As far as I know less then 50% of all people don't even have electricity... According to NPR. Yes
	www.504best.com New Orleans' Best: Restaurants, Bars, Shopping, Coupons & More! Custom Made Mobile Directories - Make Money while helping local businesses succeed! Visit www.504best.com on your phone for an example. PM for questions and pricing.

15th Oct 2012, 10:26 AM	#20
foomenow Active Warrior Join Date: 2011 Posts: 62 Thanks: 3 Thanked 22 Times in 21 Posts	Re: My mobile directory going live today Share on: I would like to know more please!

15th Oct 2012, 10:30 AM	#21
Chaz Foxx Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2009 Posts: 91 Thanks: 42 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Re: My mobile directory going live today Share on: Dan although it's the first time I'm hearing of this idea of an "mobile directory" I think it's awesome that have done this. Now I am curious of how you are monetizing this concept or any plans you have in mind of monetizing your mobile directory? (Of course what ever you care to share is fine.) Not looking for the whole kitchen sink here but again whatever you care to share would be more than appreciated.
	THRILLING Customer Reviews -TRAFFIC CONVERTING Mag Quality Articles and Content