Directory Site Profits 101- How To Make Money With Directory Sites In 2012!

584 replies
Hey JD Here,

Some of you know Im the originator of the report “The Bower Formula” and are familiar with the story of biz on the net about how we created 20,000 web site customers for our directory site within a span of 12 months back in 2000...

So I have people asking me constantly about directory sites.

Recently, a few friends here, Shay, RentItNow, Di..., and a few others have asked me to post a new thread on the subject so here it goes...

I think this will be enlightening for newbs and experienced people alike. Sure inspires the heck out of me...

Let me ask,

Can You Imagine having only one domain to manage and being able to put 1000 customers on it, using identical cloned pages instead of building from scratch?

Can you imagine charging them say $100 per month per listing on your site?

Well that’s what many directory sites do.

Lets start from the beginning...

What is a directory site?

Well for instance lets say you own “Chicago diners.com” or something a site where visitors can go and review local diners listings all in one place. It would be considered a Chicago diners “directory site”.

Diners pay you a monthly fee to have a listing on your site. It could be $49. Per month, or $79 , or $99 or even $1,000 per month. Depends on who you market to and what you want to charge.

Checking out findlaw.com, or dentistcom, or realestate.com, whatever...many directory sites charge each customer over $1,000 per month depending on the niche.

Yellow book 360 charges $79. Per month, and they have thousands of listings.

ATT has a directory site, and they also charge right around $79. per month. They create hundreds of new customers every single day!

Let me break that down for you, a thousand people paying you $79 per month is $79,000.00 per month. Is almost a million dollars per year in residual income just for managing one single site!

Fact is that if you have a ranking local site, in any industry’s niche, or can build one, everybody in that niche wants and needs to be on it, and they are willing to pay you!

BIG QUESTION HERE: How do you sell it?

ANSWER: How does everyone else sell it?

Yellow book 360 sell hundreds of listings per day, with their what?

Telemarketers!

So did I, and so does ATT. So do a few Warriors here.

But the beauty is that being such a high value and low cost to get started , you can sell listings with classified ads, flyers, easily door to door, all kinds of stuff, because being on a good directory site that is ranked is worth money, and is an interesting proposition.

Did you know you can even sell listings on a pre-launch, before you site is even on the first page, and the listings will help get it there?

I’ve sold pre-launches before, they are the same as selling an established site, you just call people, or advertise to them, till someone says yes, just like anything else.

So Next Question:

How do you rank them?

“Cherry Pick Your Markets”.

I could do a directory site in little rock and probably get 100 attorneys on it, because its easy to rank in little rock, yet big enough to facilitate 100 attorney customers for me...

National sites are hard to rank, but local ones are easy...and each customer you list helps you rank even higher!

But what if you don’t live in little rock?

That’s the beauty.

You could really market ANYWHERE, because this is the kind of sale you can easily close over the phone.

In closing,

Directory sites in my opinion are really the perfect offline business model.

Any newby can start one... with a vision, and some passion to make it happen.

Once you see the potential you would be hard pressed to hold yourself back from starting one.

This is bound to be an exciting subject. I cant wait to hear others input!

Shay, hope this is a good start! We will enjoy this thread Im sure!

All The best,

-John Durham
#directory #make #money #profits #site #sites
  • Profile picture of the author sjohn
    Hi John,
    Thanks for sharing a powerful business model that is very scalable.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952591].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by sjohn View Post

      Hi John,
      Thanks for sharing a powerful business model that is very scalable.
      I think thats the beauty, you are right. Its the most easily scalable offline business model out there.

      This model is the esence of the word "Duplication". Its built specifically for that!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952602].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    John, I think what I am going to do in the short run is offer it as a lower-cost option to company getting a full blown website. In other words, if they cant afford a $799 package they could SURELY afford a listing on a directory site with their own special subdomain. I own a cityof< xyz >.info that screams to do this. Do you suggest doing businessname.cityofatlantis.info or lawyers.cityofatlantis.info and putting a sub category for each lawyer?
    Signature
    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952630].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    @john

    We used to do something like www.biznezzonthenet. com/frankthomsponlawfirm


    Sorry, wasnt supposed to be a real link.

    Oh Wait John I see what you are saying...

    I would look up exact match local keyword phrases myself and try to match up a domain name with one of them personally.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952650].message }}
    • Yeah, I don't think you want to do subdomains...

      Keep it all on one domain, interlink the mofo out of it, and pretty soon you'll have yourself one bad butt internal page linked beauty!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952686].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    How do you suggest giving it that value that no other directory can give them? An offer they just cant refuse that puts mine WAY over the top?
    Signature
    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952659].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jerry McGough
      hi John,
      i'm about to do the same thing, except coupon oriented.
      somthing they can see measurablee results, that they're familiar with and already doing.
      It's also very sucky economy friendly.

      Reason being, I tried what you described a couple of years ago.
      I used a premium platform.....see edirectory.com
      It was for local merchants.

      It's a great concept, that's why I did it.
      It can certainly work....

      I think you need some decent capital to generate traffic.
      Show traffic and businesses will bite.

      No traffic, you can't give slots away.

      The problem I had at the beginning was businesses saw it as just another form of advertising at a time the economy was slapping them upside the the head.

      I didn't really get a chance to work past the initial hurdles. My biz got an order for !00k plus that was 98% profit, so I back-burnered the site, closed my storefront and moved my shop back home.

      Anyhow, I'd suggest starting with free minimal listings with upgrades that will get them on the front page.

      Treat that home page like beachfront property....
      Make visitors opt-in and offer newsletter and solo ads.

      Jerry

      P.S. it's a great way to get to business owners for other services. If a biz feels it's profitable, there are no gatekeepers. The biz owners will be your friends...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952798].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jspmedia
    yup it is great business model with great passive income...

    got to create benefits to link owners(traffics)...easy to sell..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952673].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rugman
    THIS is what keeps me up at night! I have an idea for a national site that is near and dear to my heart. Totally focused on mobile as it caters to travelers that are as crazy about this as I am! Domain purchased already - haven't pulled the trigger yet - why the he!! not rugman! Maybe this thread will kick me in gear!
    Signature

    Growing older but not up!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952680].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    @ John

    Well firstly, you are going to offer them Value period.

    It may not be value that no other directory can give them... and they dont need value that no other directory can give them... They only need value!

    If your directory ranks and has potential to pull them traffic then there is "Value".

    Many companies are part of several directories because each has value and sends traffic to their site.

    However I do know what you mean, how do you build perceived Value?

    There are many ways to do that, and as soon as I get back from church Im going to list some, excellent question!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952706].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    Cleanmountainliving, I'm thinking maybe some subdirectories with local street names too might build up some seo for it?

    <Guess I have no more thanks left for today. I'm just so darn thankful for connecting with likeminded ppl!>
    Signature
    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952711].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Originally Posted by rugman View Post

    THIS is what keeps me up at night! I have an idea for a national site that is near and dear to my heart. Totally focused on mobile as it caters to travelers that are as crazy about this as I am! Domain purchased already - haven't pulled the trigger yet - why the he!! not rugman! Maybe this thread will kick me in gear!
    I dont blame you, its kept me up many nights as well... I have a back burner idea for "surfarkansas.com"...not so much a niche directory but a general one... maybe with sub directories like lawyers, dining, lodging... but I may do a more targeted one first. Like little rock attorney.com or something.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952738].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    Just a note but I am seeing a lot of .mobi domains are still available which can add a real value to business owners. Just registered cityof________.mobi on a few in my area.

    <Now im gettin the vision!>
    Signature
    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952792].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    @ Jerry,

    Its all about building percieved value in the pitch, and yes; calloing alot of numbers.

    As I said, you can sell this as a prelaunch before it ranks at all.

    There are a million beautiful business plans around here, howbeit hardly any of them THIS beautiful honestly, but the problem with EVERY ONE of them...comes down to aquiring customers...whether its your directory site or any other...thats where people get held up.

    Its more a matter of salesman than business models.

    The thing is that the sales priciples apply the same way to this as anything else, only the rewards are alot more lucrative and customer management is more simple.

    You would be hard pressed not to make a single sale per day at $97 price point, with any resonable amount of effort, which equates to creating over a quarter million per year in residual over 12 months.

    As far as pre launch, no traffic , no slot...- I would sell based on how upwardly mobile we are and how we are gaining in the rankings and anticipate to be at __ within 90 days...Get it while the price is hot... You gotta "sell" with anything.

    You can sell if you try. 200 numbers per day is gonna get you what you need. A single $97. sale per day.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952845].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    Yeah I think the payoff is probably the highest for the least amount of work...if you step back a bit from it and look at it. I have to admit John, I thought you were kidding when you said it is where the money is going to be because it has just been done to death but I am starting to see the vision...I just want to see it more from the business owner's perspective. Something to ponder tonight. Out selling tomorrow so this is great timing.
    Signature
    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952860].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    From the biz owners perspective John, its a good deal, and something that he might lose out on if he misses, but the important thing to remember is that whether you sell this or anything else; Only 2 out of 100 business owners is going to see it our way anyway! Lol

    It's the numbers...

    You build those up to 100 or so over 6 months to a year, you really have something. I think one could reasonably do a minimum of 1-2 sales per day.

    @ Jerry,

    I went to your site. Very nice, but it seems to talk language that is more akin to tech's understanding than small business owners. Perhaps wording things in more lay terms that an ole greek restaurant owner could relate to.

    Just a thought, but the site is beautiful.

    Also what geography are you targeting? It would take alot to rank a national site.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952872].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rugman
    I started playing around with this - getting a site ranked for something else that might occur in an area (maybe tourist stuff) - things people might be looking for in an area. Then I then ad a biz directory page on it - gave a few free listings to mom and pop places. My hope (and I will be getting on the phone when the tourist season kicks in) is to sell some ad space on the front page to bigger hotels etc. My mistake (well only cost me a domain - made the site myself so not a big $ mistake) - they have a pretty big off season so I may have to sell the ad space cheap - but - who cares!
    Signature

    Growing older but not up!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952942].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jerry McGough
      Hi John,
      I don't know what site you're referring to....i didn't mention one.
      Pleas PM

      Thanks,
      Jerry
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953044].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ShayB
        I am so excited that you have started this thread!

        I am actually going to ramble a little bit. Part of that's because I have not figured out all the details, and part of that is because I'm still crunching some numbers to see what I can offer and what kind of a return I can give to the business owners.

        I already do a lot of services that have to do with print on demand services for business owners. Mostly I've dealt with books, but I've also done some fundraising stuff for nonprofits.

        So here is what I'm thinking.

        I live in a tourist town. we're getting ready to ramp up the tourist season here. I'm thinking that if someone gets a listing on my directory site, that also will give them a basic listing in some of the advertising materials that I have in mind - such as a printed directory, a tourist guide that could be left in hotel rooms, and a variety of other book-ish items. I have some ideas for items that I think would really be geographic-specific, so I'm not sure how helpful it would be to people for me to mention those, but I'd be happy to if anybody wants me to.

        So here's what I'm thinking, pricewise:

        I'm thinking $197 monthly will give people a spot on my directory site, plus an automatic inclusion in one printed advertising medium per quarter. (You really could couple this with what Bob Ross is doing and perhaps send a mail out every quarter for anyone on your directory.)

        But here's the catch - being on my directory site entitles the person to two things:

        1. A very basic listing in a directory or other advertising Promo (like the name of the business and the phone number - very basic). but they have the option to upgrade to a larger ad for an additional cost, and the additional cost would be less than if someone off the street wanted to advertise in the directory or whatever it is.

        Think of as a Costco membership for advertising - my own personal Costco for advertising.

        2. First shot at being included in whatever advertising I have. I plan on notifying the business owners when I have an upcoming advertising promotion to offer them first shot at the prime real estate in what ever advertising medium I'm using.

        I'm looking at a base target of 100 business owners paying a flat rate of $197 monthly. That gives me a starting base of $19,700 monthly, and that doesn't include any revenue from the upgrades that the business owners purchase.

        I want to reach my base target of 100 business owners in 90 days. I think that with the time of year and with tourist season kicking up, I should be able reach that easily.

        Also - any kind of promotional materials that go out will have my website and business name all over it, so I can start my branding.

        I have a business expo coming up in May, so I plan on kicking this off in April and then really hitting it heavy in May at this business expo. I'm giving myself 90 days to reach 100 business owners on my site, but I would really like it done in 60.

        Those are my initial thoughts. I would love to hear any feedback you might have.
        Signature
        "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953185].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Creativegirl
          Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

          I am so excited that you have started this thread!

          I am actually going to ramble a little bit. Part of that's because I have not figured out all the details, and part of that is because I'm still crunching some numbers to see what I can offer and what kind of a return I can give to the business owners.

          I already do a lot of services that have to do with print on demand services for business owners. Mostly I've dealt with books, but I've also done some fundraising stuff for nonprofits.

          So here is what I'm thinking.

          I live in a tourist town. we're getting ready to ramp up the tourist season here. I'm thinking that if someone gets a listing on my directory site, that also will give them a basic listing in some of the advertising materials that I have in mind - such as a printed directory, a tourist guide that could be left in hotel rooms, and a variety of other book-ish items. I have some ideas for items that I think would really be geographic-specific, so I'm not sure how helpful it would be to people for me to mention those, but I'd be happy to if anybody wants me to.

          So here's what I'm thinking, pricewise:

          I'm thinking $197 monthly will give people a spot on my directory site, plus an automatic inclusion in one printed advertising medium per quarter. (You really could couple this with what Bob Ross is doing and perhaps send a mail out every quarter for anyone on your directory.)

          But here's the catch - being on my directory site entitles the person to two things:

          1. A very basic listing in a directory or other advertising Promo (like the name of the business and the phone number - very basic). but they have the option to upgrade to a larger ad for an additional cost, and the additional cost would be less than if someone off the street wanted to advertise in the directory or whatever it is.

          Think of as a Costco membership for advertising - my own personal Costco for advertising.

          2. First shot at being included in whatever advertising I have. I plan on notifying the business owners when I have an upcoming advertising promotion to offer them first shot at the prime real estate in what ever advertising medium I'm using.

          I'm looking at a base target of 100 business owners paying a flat rate of $197 monthly. That gives me a starting base of $19,700 monthly, and that doesn't include any revenue from the upgrades that the business owners purchase.

          I want to reach my base target of 100 business owners in 90 days. I think that with the time of year and with tourist season kicking up, I should be able reach that easily.

          Also - any kind of promotional materials that go out will have my website and business name all over it, so I can start my branding.

          I have a business expo coming up in May, so I plan on kicking this off in April and then really hitting it heavy in May at this business expo. I'm giving myself 90 days to reach 100 business owners on my site, but I would really like it done in 60.

          Those are my initial thoughts. I would love to hear any feedback you might have.
          If I understand this right, my experience is to sell the print and offer the online directory inclusion as an added value. I also see publications develop a site for the publication and business directory. My only concern with going online directory first and added value print/direct mail of some sort is to make sure you know your hard costs. I like your ideas and there's always room for more -- what doesn't your local tourist town have or what can you do better than what they have?
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6016746].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author ShayB
            Originally Posted by Creativegirl View Post

            If I understand this right, my experience is to sell the print and offer the online directory inclusion as an added value. I also see publications develop a site for the publication and business directory. My only concern with going online directory first and added value print/direct mail of some sort is to make sure you know your hard costs. I like your ideas and there's always room for more -- what doesn't your local tourist town have or what can you do better than what they have?
            I already work with printed products, so I know my hard costs.

            It's actually a really nice addition to what I do already, so it's not like I'm adding a completely different service.

            I plan to market this in such a way that it does a few things.

            1. It's a stand-alone business model - and profitable.

            2. It helps to brand my main biz. (My main biz will be on the cover/site as a sponsor.)

            3. It lets me get advertising for my main biz for free (because my biz will obviously be on the site and in the directory).
            Signature
            "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6018030].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author mmgolebi
          Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

          I am so excited that you have started this thread!

          I am actually going to ramble a little bit. Part of that's because I have not figured out all the details, and part of that is because I'm still crunching some numbers to see what I can offer and what kind of a return I can give to the business owners.

          I already do a lot of services that have to do with print on demand services for business owners. Mostly I've dealt with books, but I've also done some fundraising stuff for nonprofits.

          So here is what I'm thinking.

          I live in a tourist town. we're getting ready to ramp up the tourist season here. I'm thinking that if someone gets a listing on my directory site, that also will give them a basic listing in some of the advertising materials that I have in mind - such as a printed directory, a tourist guide that could be left in hotel rooms, and a variety of other book-ish items. I have some ideas for items that I think would really be geographic-specific, so I'm not sure how helpful it would be to people for me to mention those, but I'd be happy to if anybody wants me to.

          So here's what I'm thinking, pricewise:

          I'm thinking $197 monthly will give people a spot on my directory site, plus an automatic inclusion in one printed advertising medium per quarter. (You really could couple this with what Bob Ross is doing and perhaps send a mail out every quarter for anyone on your directory.)

          But here's the catch - being on my directory site entitles the person to two things:

          1. A very basic listing in a directory or other advertising Promo (like the name of the business and the phone number - very basic). but they have the option to upgrade to a larger ad for an additional cost, and the additional cost would be less than if someone off the street wanted to advertise in the directory or whatever it is.

          Think of as a Costco membership for advertising - my own personal Costco for advertising.

          2. First shot at being included in whatever advertising I have. I plan on notifying the business owners when I have an upcoming advertising promotion to offer them first shot at the prime real estate in what ever advertising medium I'm using.

          I'm looking at a base target of 100 business owners paying a flat rate of $197 monthly. That gives me a starting base of $19,700 monthly, and that doesn't include any revenue from the upgrades that the business owners purchase.

          I want to reach my base target of 100 business owners in 90 days. I think that with the time of year and with tourist season kicking up, I should be able reach that easily.

          Also - any kind of promotional materials that go out will have my website and business name all over it, so I can start my branding.

          I have a business expo coming up in May, so I plan on kicking this off in April and then really hitting it heavy in May at this business expo. I'm giving myself 90 days to reach 100 business owners on my site, but I would really like it done in 60.

          Those are my initial thoughts. I would love to hear any feedback you might have.

          did you ever reach your goal?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7016361].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    This is great John, thanks for sharing everything.

    I have an article directory that does pretty well, good enough to where I can go on vacation and not have to worry about anything assuming all my clients and projects are caught up with. The articles that bring in more traffic I beef up with amazon, clickbank and others along with adsense already being there but that is more internet marketing than offline.

    What I've really been considering is building a national directory website, but not really with the goal to make money on it directly, just enough to cover costs and time. The MAIN reason why I would want to do it, is I would already have their email, their number, and have a relationship with them and can easily market to them through emails about other services. Basically making it a gateway to the real money making. Problem is I already have a lot on my plate, it's hard to set that aside while working on an entirely new project!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953142].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rugman
      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post


      What I've really been considering is building a national directory website, but not really with the goal to make money on it directly, just enough to cover costs and time. The MAIN reason why I would want to do it, is I would already have their email, their number, and have a relationship with them and can easily market to them through emails about other services. Basically making it a gateway to the real money making. Problem is I already have a lot on my plate, it's hard to set that aside while working on an entirely new project!
      I have been having the same thoughts - thinking of making mine more towards mobile - maybe offering listings cheap with a link to their site (oh - btw - your site sux on a mobile device). Lots more you could upsell. Would like to do well $ wise on the front end as well though.
      Signature

      Growing older but not up!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953188].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sweetcrabhoney18
    I've always wanted to start a site like this but I have a huge fear of telemarketing so I'm very cauious about the whole thing. I'm more of the postcard and email person but that doesn't always seem to work.

    Also don't forget it doesn't have to always be local directories. You can go highly niche focused and divide the site into local categories.. think specific niches that people buy both online and offline. I'm simply too shy to work local sadly.

    Best of luck
    Signature

    keep moving forward

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953234].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Some more numbers:

      If you are following Bob Ross' model, you are looking at $495 for one of the basic spots on one of his postcards (I think).

      If you offer something like that once every quarter, you are looking at a rough cost to the business owner of $165 a month.

      again, I'm just throwing some numbers out there to give you an idea of what you are looking at.

      If you use my directory idea and provide it to hotels locally, you could target businesses that would benefit from the tourist industry and traffic.

      Restaurants, bars, dry cleaners, maybe even mechanic shops or tow trucks.

      Honestly, I'm thinking that restaurants alone (in my area, anyway) could provide enough businesses to keep you in business and really hopping.

      If a business wanted to have exclusivity on my site - maybe they wanted to be the only pizza place, for example - I could always charge a premium for that. As it is, I may offer a certain degree of exclusivity. The area that I live in is spread out over a half dozen zip codes, so it is very possible to offer a price for basic inclusion, zip code exclusivity, and citywide exclusivity.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953350].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mraffiliate
      Great thread:

      Does anyone know of a really great directory script?
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953376].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ShayB
        Originally Posted by mraffiliate View Post

        Great thread:

        Does anyone know of a really great directory script?
        I'll bet we can put our heads together and come up with one on this thread.



        Edited to add:

        I was thinking phone script for selling the directory spots. My bad. Sorry.

        Just the telemarketer in me. LOL Duh.
        Signature
        "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953441].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author sjohn
        Originally Posted by mraffiliate View Post

        Great thread:

        Does anyone know of a really great directory script?
        Haven't tried this myself, there is a free version:
        businessdirectoryplugin dot com
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953467].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
          @ John -

          What would you offer on their page?

          Text only? Photos? A simple video?
          Signature
          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953526].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author John Durham
            Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

            @ John -

            What would you offer on their page?

            Text only? Photos? A simple video?

            If it were me?

            I would just create 3 basic one page templates, could even do it with homestead honestly... and when I got a new customer I would pull up the template, copy it, start a new page, paste it... and there. My customer has a one page listing.

            The listing would include:

            1 Exciting headline
            2: One custom or stock graphic
            3:One prargraph of information about their company based on the information they submit to us in the sales process.
            4: A BBB graphic to show they are trusted members of the better business bureau, their contact info./hours...

            and finally (USP)

            5: an "interactive contact form with a strong call to action designed to make people fill it out and contact you".
            6:Basic On page Optimization

            Ooops, one mre:

            7: Valuable baclinks to any of your other sites.

            Does that sound like its worth $97.00?

            Its all premade except for the graphic and the 2 paragraphs of text... Most will go with stock graphics.

            Also if you optimize their page, and give it keyword rich content, then it even helps rank your directory higher, so you arent just building the clients value, you are also building your own.

            Edit: Im sure if I think it out I could list ten more features ... its a matter of how you present it.

            Originally Posted by mraffiliate View Post

            A problem that I see with a new directory site, even if it's in a targeted niche, is that if it's mostly vacant it will be a hard sell to get someone to pay to be listed in a directory that has only a few other listed businesses.

            BINGO!!!!


            Theres the question I have been waiting for... BRB in 5 to answer this.

            Okay...

            The reason people dont do directory sites is because they feel they cannot get instant gratification.

            What do I mean?

            Anyone can find some worthwhile keywords in a niche in some medium sized town, and you dont have to live there. This is something you can do by phone.

            Regardless its going to take you 4-6 weeks to rank.

            Here is what you do in the mean time, and this is where my understanding can help you.

            Listen closely:

            When you are on the phone, you do NOT want to call large corporations, unless you are selling 10k ad spaces which is not likely.

            Because everyone is going to tell you "I cant answer that, it has to go through corporate...", which requires board meetings and a whole mess of stuff..., so you wont get far calling them if you want a sale per day.

            But, every town has a McDonalds, and a Burger King, and a Walmart, and a this and that , a target, JC penny...

            Since you want to "call" small business owners, not corporations, put up free listings for all of your local corporations while you are in the process of ranking...

            THEN...

            When you go to pitch your site you can say

            Yeah you might know some of the other people who have listings on our site, Mc Donalds, Walmart...Jc Penny..."

            And the business owner sees it as an opportunity to advertise next to big corporate giants on an equal playing field. It helps you sell.

            The reason most people dont do directory sites is because of that month or so it takes to get them totally presentable.

            The second biggest issue is that they are afraid they cant sell, but they can.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953573].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author mraffiliate
              Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

              If it were me?

              I would just create 3 basic one page templates, could even do it with homestead honestly... and when I got a new customer I would pull up the template, copy it, start a new page, paste it... and there. My customer has a one page listing.

              The listing would include:

              1 Exciting headline
              2: One custom or stock graphic
              3:One prargraph of information about their company based on the information they submit to us in the sales process.
              4: A BBB graphic to show they are trusted members of the better business bureau, their contact info./hours...

              and finally (USP)

              5: an "interactive contact form with a strong call to action designed to make people fill it out and contact you".
              6:Basic On page Optimization

              Ooops, one mre:

              7: Valuable baclinks to any of your other sites.

              Does that sound like its worth $97.00?

              Its all premade except for the graphic and the 2 paragraphs of text... Most will go with stock graphics.

              Also if you optimize their page, and give it keyword rich content, then it even helps rank your directory higher, so you arent just building the clients value, you are also building your own.

              Edit: Im sure if I think it out I could list ten more features ... its a matter of how you present it.




              BINGO!!!!


              Theres the question I have been waiting for... BRB in 5 to answer this.

              Okay...

              The reason people dont do directory sites is because they feel they cannot get instant gratification.

              What do I mean?

              Anyone can find some worthwhile keywords in a niche in some medium sized town, and you dont have to live there. This is something you can do by phone.

              Regardless its going to take you 4-6 weeks to rank.

              Here is what you do in the mean time, and this is where my understanding can help you.

              Listen closely:

              When you are on thee phone, you do NOT want to call large corporations, unless you are selling 10k ad spaces which is not likely.

              But, every town has a McDonalds, and a Burger King, and a Walmart, and a this and that , a target, JC penny...

              Since you want to "call" small business owners, not corporations, put up free listings for all of your local corporations while you are in the process of ranking...

              THEN...

              When you go to pitch your site you can say

              Yeah you might know some of the other people who have listings on our site, Mc Donalds, Walmart...Jc Penny..."

              And the business owner sees it as an opportunity to advertise next to big corporate giants on an equal playing field. It helps you sell.

              The reason most people dont do directory sites is because of that month or so it takes to get them totally presentable.

              The second biggest issue is that they are afraid they cant sell, but they can.
              This sounds good.

              I once accepted a telemarketing position for a non-profit organization. The call was 100% scripted. I sat at a computer with headphones on and once a call was ended you had another one waiting. I would do approx. 3-4 or more calls a minute because most people just hung up the phone or told you to kiss off then hang up. But day after day their were people who would give their money and so it was just a numbers game.
              Signature

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953828].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author John Durham
                Originally Posted by mraffiliate View Post

                This sounds good.

                I once accepted a telemarketing position for a non-profit organization. The call was 100% scripted. I sat at a computer with headphones on and once a call was ended you had another one waiting. I would do approx. 3-4 or more calls a minute because most people just hung up the phone or told you to kiss off then hang up. But day after day their were people who would give their money and so it was just a numbers game.

                Yeah, you can use an auto dialer... if you go to my forum thetelemarketingforum.com and click on the banner above the homepage, you can read all about them.

                I guess I assume its become common knowledge but new people are coming everyday into this, so some dont know about remotely hosted auto dialers. They are a reasonably priced and can be a great asset.

                Also I wanted to remind you that this is a one call close , most people will buy before they ever go to your website and even see it, just based off your pitch...you can also offer a 30 day money back guarantee, but hardly anyone will ever take it. There's an added USP. Its cheap enough to make that you can offer that safely.
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953857].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author mraffiliate
                  Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

                  Yeah, you can use an auto dialer... if you go to my forum thetelemarketingforum.com and click on the banner above the homepage, you can read all about them.

                  I guess I assume its become common knowledge but new people are coming everyday into this, so some dont know about remotely hosted auto dialers. They are a reasonably priced and can be a great asset.

                  Also I wanted to remind you that this is a one call close , most people will buy before they ever go to your website and even see it, just based off your pitch...you can also offer a 30 day money back guarantee, but hardly anyone will ever take it. There's an added USP. Its cheap enough to make that you can offer that safely.
                  Keep posting great information of this thread. I have considered creating a local directory but got discouraged thinking about putting all the work into it and not being able to monetize it.
                  Signature

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953886].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Charles Harper
                  Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

                  Yeah, you can use an auto dialer... if you go to my forum thetelemarketingforum.com and click on the banner above the homepage, you can read all about them.

                  I guess I assume its become common knowledge but new people are coming everyday into this, so some dont know about remotely hosted auto dialers. They are a reasonably priced and can be a great asset.

                  Also I wanted to remind you that this is a one call close , most people will buy before they ever go to your website and even see it, just based off your pitch...you can also offer a 30 day money back guarantee, but hardly anyone will ever take it. There's an added USP. Its cheap enough to make that you can offer that safely.
                  I get you on everything except the telemarketing.

                  I am guessing that you write the script.

                  But other than that....are you just hiring 100% commissioned sales people from various local papers, etc?

                  CT
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6132204].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author maricelu
                    Originally Posted by Charles Harper View Post

                    I get you on everything except the telemarketing.

                    I am guessing that you write the script.

                    But other than that....are you just hiring 100% commissioned sales people from various local papers, etc?

                    CT
                    John will not post here anymore.
                    Signature

                    I have no signature.

                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6132231].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author ShayB
              Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

              If it were me?

              I would just create 3 basic one page templates, could even do it with homestead honestly... and when I got a new customer I would pull up the template, copy it, start a new page, paste it... and there. My customer has a one page listing.

              The listing would include:

              1 Exciting headline
              2: One custom or stock graphic
              3:One prargraph of information about their company based on the information they submit to us in the sales process.
              4: A BBB graphic to show they are trusted members of the better business bureau, their contact info./hours...

              and finally (USP)

              5: an "interactive contact form with a strong call to action designed to make people fill it out and contact you".
              6:Basic On page Optimization

              Ooops, one mre:

              7: Valuable baclinks to any of your other sites.

              Does that sound like its worth $97.00?

              Its all premade except for the graphic and the 2 paragraphs of text... Most will go with stock graphics.

              Also if you optimize their page, and give it keyword rich content, then it even helps rank your directory higher, so you arent just building the clients value, you are also building your own.

              Edit: Im sure if I think it out I could list ten more features ... its a matter of how you present it.




              BINGO!!!!


              Theres the question I have been waiting for... BRB in 5 to answer this.

              Okay...

              The reason people dont do directory sites is because they feel they cannot get instant gratification.

              What do I mean?

              Anyone can find some worthwhile keywords in a niche in some medium sized town, and you dont have to live there. This is something you can do by phone.

              Regardless its going to take you 4-6 weeks to rank.

              Here is what you do in the mean time, and this is where my understanding can help you.

              Listen closely:

              When you are on the phone, you do NOT want to call large corporations, unless you are selling 10k ad spaces which is not likely.

              Because everyone is going to tell you "I cant answer that, it has to go through corporate...", which requires board meetings and a whole mess of stuff..., so you wont get far calling them if you want a sale per day.

              But, every town has a McDonalds, and a Burger King, and a Walmart, and a this and that , a target, JC penny...

              Since you want to "call" small business owners, not corporations, put up free listings for all of your local corporations while you are in the process of ranking...

              THEN...

              When you go to pitch your site you can say

              Yeah you might know some of the other people who have listings on our site, Mc Donalds, Walmart...Jc Penny..."

              And the business owner sees it as an opportunity to advertise next to big corporate giants on an equal playing field. It helps you sell.

              The reason most people dont do directory sites is because of that month or so it takes to get them totally presentable.

              The second biggest issue is that they are afraid they cant sell, but they can.
              An this kind of info right here is exactly why I wanted this thread. Lots of amazing info and questions answered.

              (PS - Is there a fangirl emoticon I can use...? )
              Signature
              "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953981].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author ShayB
                Okay, I am going to ask a question that indicates my non-techy-ness.

                Why do I need a directory script? What the heck does it do?
                Signature
                "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5954001].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Bubba6590
                  Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

                  Okay, I am going to ask a question that indicates my non-techy-ness.

                  Why do I need a directory script? What the heck does it do?
                  Shay,

                  I recently purchased a link directory off Flippa and it is a PHP based script directory.

                  Barry

                  www.flamesofc.org
                  Signature
                  Free Listings for Websites & Articles
                  Alexa Traffic Rank 64k World Wide!!!
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6105957].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author websub01
              Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

              If it were me?

              I would just create 3 basic one page templates, could even do it with homestead honestly... and when I got a new customer I would pull up the template, copy it, start a new page, paste it... and there. My customer has a one page listing.

              The listing would include:

              1 Exciting headline
              2: One custom or stock graphic
              3:One prargraph of information about their company based on the information they submit to us in the sales process.
              4: A BBB graphic to show they are trusted members of the better business bureau, their contact info./hours...

              and finally (USP)

              5: an "interactive contact form with a strong call to action designed to make people fill it out and contact you".
              6:Basic On page Optimization

              Ooops, one mre:

              7: Valuable baclinks to any of your other sites.

              Does that sound like its worth $97.00?

              Its all premade except for the graphic and the 2 paragraphs of text... Most will go with stock graphics.

              Also if you optimize their page, and give it keyword rich content, then it even helps rank your directory higher, so you arent just building the clients value, you are also building your own.

              Edit: Im sure if I think it out I could list ten more features ... its a matter of how you present it.




              BINGO!!!!


              Theres the question I have been waiting for... BRB in 5 to answer this.

              Okay...

              The reason people dont do directory sites is because they feel they cannot get instant gratification.

              What do I mean?

              Anyone can find some worthwhile keywords in a niche in some medium sized town, and you dont have to live there. This is something you can do by phone.

              Regardless its going to take you 4-6 weeks to rank.

              Here is what you do in the mean time, and this is where my understanding can help you.

              Listen closely:

              When you are on the phone, you do NOT want to call large corporations, unless you are selling 10k ad spaces which is not likely.

              Because everyone is going to tell you "I cant answer that, it has to go through corporate...", which requires board meetings and a whole mess of stuff..., so you wont get far calling them if you want a sale per day.

              But, every town has a McDonalds, and a Burger King, and a Walmart, and a this and that , a target, JC penny...

              Since you want to "call" small business owners, not corporations, put up free listings for all of your local corporations while you are in the process of ranking...

              THEN...

              When you go to pitch your site you can say

              Yeah you might know some of the other people who have listings on our site, Mc Donalds, Walmart...Jc Penny..."

              And the business owner sees it as an opportunity to advertise next to big corporate giants on an equal playing field. It helps you sell.

              The reason most people dont do directory sites is because of that month or so it takes to get them totally presentable.

              The second biggest issue is that they are afraid they cant sell, but they can.
              Thanks, I love the advice given, that was a question in my mind about how do I fill my directory to ad value. I'm starting a directory myself locally and I will telemarket the clients. Will keep you informed on how it goes.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7447240].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author n_touch
          Originally Posted by sjohn View Post

          Haven't tried this myself, there is a free version:
          businessdirectoryplugin dot com
          I use this on my wordpress directory. If you would like to check it out go to www.houstonlawyerlistings.com. It will give you an idea of how they look.

          Any feedback on the site is appreciated as well!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6039181].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author n_touch
            Originally Posted by Terry Gorry View Post

            Hi
            I took a look at your site-you seem to be offering free listings?

            How many (if any) paying clients have you at $150-197 per month?

            I wouldn't be running Adsense if I was you..doesn't look too professional and the links at the bottom of the page in an obvious attempt to provide back links to other directory sites just doesn't smack of a site where I would be anxious to pay on ongoing monthly payment to be listed.

            And I am an attorney (solicitor in Ireland and UK)

            Just my 2 cents.
            Terry

            Terry
            Thanks Terry,

            I do not have any on in that price range, and I can say that it is all my fault. I have build the site and got busy with other clients and it got moved to the back burner.

            I agree with everything that you said about the adsense, the only thing that I disagree with is the links to the other sites. I can see where they would look just as an obvious attempt at links to you, I, and others that are in this business or that know the value of the backlinks, to most people it is nothing more than letting you know there are other links there. The attorneys that I do have paying have never had a problem with it on there.

            I had backed off the site for a while, but after reading this, I know I need to take a more proactive approach and build this up. The 5 sites that I have can easily generate a nice monthly passive income, I just need to make it happen. Once again thanks Terry!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6045516].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author David Miller
              @n_touch - Some of the most established national law directories have adsense on their sites. The one that immediately comes to mind is infolaw.com

              This is a well respected national directories and charges upwards of 3000 per year for listings.

              I would lead the adsense for several reasons, but the most important reason is because the majority of people surfing around the web have no understanding of what adsense is. If you ask, you'll find that the vast majority believe that it's Google's stamp of approval for a site.
              Signature
              The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
              -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6047379].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author David Miller
                @Terry Gory - My mistake, I meant lawinfo.com as infolaw is a CT attorney's site.
                Signature
                The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
                -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6047530].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author David Miller
                Originally Posted by Terry Gorry View Post

                David
                You are mistaken about the site referenced here..
                Infolaw.com does not have Adsense and is the website of "The Law Offices of John J. LaCava LLC".

                To get back to the substantive point-no rational attorney is going to shell out $197 per month to be listed on a site where a visitor can simply be sucked away by clicking on a Google ad.

                You can say what you like about attorneys/lawyers but most of them act pretty rationally when shelling out the moolah.
                Terry
                Care to see the numbers on this site for a listing?

                Mt Sinai New York Bankruptcy Attorneys | Mt Sinai New York Bankruptcy Attorney - LawInfo

                Featured listing on the left with a video is 3500/yr , listing on the right is 1500 per year and you'll notice that there is adsense on this site.

                The legal market is extremely competitive and attorneys will and do pay this.

                I have the contracts in my desk for all of them.
                Signature
                The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
                -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6059034].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author janesomme
                  Hi David Miller

                  I really like the design and the way the directory functions (lawinfo.com) Can you tell me what script or software you are using for this directory?

                  Thanks
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6061644].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author David Miller
                    Originally Posted by janesomme View Post

                    Hi David Miller

                    I really like the design and the way the directory functions (lawinfo.com) Can you tell me what script or software you are using for this directory?

                    Thanks
                    Wish I could say that was my directory. If it was I'd probably be able to afford someone to type this posts for me. That directory from what I know of it is a custom and extremely complex operation.
                    Signature
                    The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
                    -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6062824].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author eezymoney
                      The model of making money from directories is a very compelling one and interests me.

                      I have a few thoughts on why it might not work for me - over here in the UK it would be difficult to get a potential business to part with their hard earned money on a monthly basis, without showing them some value or a listing that appeared on page 1 above the fold of page 1, x amount of leads from etc etc.

                      I can hear potential clients asking to see the directory, how many visitors it gets, can I prove it? I could argue that they're getting in on the ground floor and they're receiving a nice discount to boot, but time are tough and I can also hear them laughing at me when I can't show them anything of any value.

                      In order to get the listing appearing in position 1-4 would take quite a lot of seo work and the biggest stumbling block is that on a local basis you would be competing with google's very own directory - their local place page listings, which are currently free. I can't see them favouring my johnnycomelatelydirectory .co.uk before their own listings and the seo work that's gone into lawinfo .com must have run into six figures/annum at least!

                      Would it be a better plan to just try to offer potential clients an optimisation service on their places listing? I was thinking that I could work on their listing until it reached page 1 for free and then work on a pre-agreed retainer, while it was on page 1... but then I've now got to work on a method of how to get their places page listing to page 1. Does anyone know how to do that and even if you do google could change their algorithm overnight and you lose all your clients.

                      I know I'm being negative here, but another long term plan I'm sure google have got with their places listings is to make them work on the same basis as adwords. The highest local bidder would rise to the top of page 1, surely this would push their stock price up again and lets face it, they are only a one trick pony, in terms of their income model.

                      I am in a particularly bad mood (can't stand google mood) tonight, so shoot my negativity down.
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6063946].message }}
                      • Profile picture of the author jacquic
                        OK, the sun's over the yard arm in the UK now, so go and get yourself a beer or glass of wine, and sip, smile, sip, smile...and come back

                        We have many directories in this town, and I have no doubt I can knock the socks off them! Sure, it will take time, but I'm working away quietly at them.

                        In addition to listings, I'll be offering pages for those who want and additional page or don't have their own site, including an option to take away the branding. If only one takes me up on that, that'll pay for the directory's keep.

                        To make the free listings I've added more useful, people have to contact me to get their post code and web address added. (I can contact them too, of course.) This, to me, means I can start a dialogue about their business/website/marketing/Places page, etc.

                        You can do it, if that's what you want
                        Signature
                        See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
                        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6064017].message }}
                        • Profile picture of the author AussieT
                          Originally Posted by jacquic View Post

                          To make the free listings I've added more useful, people have to contact me to get their post code and web address added. (I can contact them too, of course.) This, to me, means I can start a dialogue about their business/website/marketing/Places page, etc.

                          You can do it, if that's what you want
                          Jacquic can you please clarify what you include then in your free listings? Do you include only the basics like Business name, address and phone number or do you include a description, image/s etc
                          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6065619].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author weezie
                  Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

                  Care to see the numbers on this site for a listing?

                  Mt Sinai New York Bankruptcy Attorneys | Mt Sinai New York Bankruptcy Attorney - LawInfo

                  Featured listing on the left with a video is 3500/yr , listing on the right is 1500 per year and you'll notice that there is adsense on this site.

                  The legal market is extremely competitive and attorneys will and do pay this.

                  I have the contracts in my desk for all of them.
                  Great site - would you mind telling us what software or script you are using??

                  thanks
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6065090].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Warren Tibbotts
                Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

                @n_touch - Some of the most established national law directories have adsense on their sites. The one that immediately comes to mind is infolaw.com

                This is a well respected national directories and charges upwards of 3000 per year for listings.

                I would lead the adsense for several reasons, but the most important reason is because the majority of people surfing around the web have no understanding of what adsense is. If you ask, you'll find that the vast majority believe that it's Google's stamp of approval for a site.
                I personally think you shouldn't have adsense on these sites. After all one of the key benefits to your advertisers is that your directory should be providing them with leads (in return for the monthly fee) whereas if you have adsense all over the site, you risk losing those visitors to another business that hasn't advertisied in your directory 9and you might receive chump change (60c to a $1) for the click

                Warren
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6060626].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author keaz
        Originally Posted by mraffiliate View Post

        Great thread:

        Does anyone know of a really great directory script?
        I use geotheme. They just released v3 it is feature packed and doesn't look to bad on mobile.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6230484].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author mraffiliate
          Originally Posted by keaz View Post

          I use geotheme. They just released v3 it is feature packed and doesn't look to bad on mobile.
          Thanks for the theme recommendation. I feel honored to be your 1st post since 2007.
          Signature

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6232106].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author rugman
          Originally Posted by keaz View Post

          I use geotheme. They just released v3 it is feature packed and doesn't look to bad on mobile.
          Gotta say thanks too I have been lookin for something like that for a while!
          Signature

          Growing older but not up!

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6232496].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by sweetcrabhoney18 View Post

      I've always wanted to start a site like this but I have a huge fear of telemarketing so I'm very cauious about the whole thing. I'm more of the postcard and email person but that doesn't always seem to work.

      Also don't forget it doesn't have to always be local directories. You can go highly niche focused and divide the site into local categories.. think specific niches that people buy both online and offline. I'm simply too shy to work local sadly.

      Best of luck
      Could you please explain your idea a bit more
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5960333].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author GabeF430
      I'm currently running an outbound call center in Cali and we specialize in appointment setting, lead gen, and telesales. Just figure the cost of the telemarketing campaign into your pricing and you won't have to make one phone call to get your directory filled.

      Originally Posted by sweetcrabhoney18 View Post

      I've always wanted to start a site like this but I have a huge fear of telemarketing so I'm very cauious about the whole thing. I'm more of the postcard and email person but that doesn't always seem to work.

      Also don't forget it doesn't have to always be local directories. You can go highly niche focused and divide the site into local categories.. think specific niches that people buy both online and offline. I'm simply too shy to work local sadly.

      Best of luck
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6130970].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Brenda Trott
      I've had a mobile directory going for about a year. I never had to do a hard sell because I gave away the basic listing. I just walked in and asked them how they wanted it to read, and was the address correct. I told them how to get it on their phone and showed them what they could get if they wanted it...coupons, etc. 2 out of 3 upgraded to a full listing that showed their phone number and linked to a website.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8288655].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author kolonel
        Originally Posted by Brenda Trott View Post

        I've had a mobile directory going for about a year. I never had to do a hard sell because I gave away the basic listing. I just walked in and asked them how they wanted it to read, and was the address correct. I told them how to get it on their phone and showed them what they could get if they wanted it...coupons, etc. 2 out of 3 upgraded to a full listing that showed their phone number and linked to a website.
        Nice work Brenda. Are you able to post link to the site?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8289554].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author imglaur
          I've read this forum for a few years now - but never joined or posted, so here goes!

          I've picked up a few tips in this thread, and they've helped me immensely.

          My entire salary comes from directories, so obviously I feel the effects of google updates, website proliferation, thin content penalisation, apathy towards digital advertising etc.

          I am running an experiment to target a specific niche, beginning next week. The idea is simply to charge a one-off fee (for the 'lifetime' of the site), cutting out rebilling and chasing invoices, and to create a hub site for a particular niche in a local area.

          It's a twist on my directories, which unfortunately have seen decreased traffic (possibly because of thin content).

          Oddly I'm not looking for a to do list - rather I'd prefer a don't do list.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8314150].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author ijohnson
            imglaur,

            Congratulations ... you've made your first post!!!!

            That sounds like a very interesting experiment you outlined. And I'm on the same wavelength with you with NOT having a "To Do List" but, instead, doing a lot less to make a lot more.

            Will you journal or share your experiment with us, on this thread? It would be a wonderful way for all of us interested in this business model to grow, get inspired, share ideas and challenge each other to take things to the next level.

            Iris
            Signature
            Make every day count!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8316567].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author kolonel
              That first step is always the hardest

              I am currently working on a directory using DirectoryPress and slowly getting it right based on a plan i put together from reading through the forums. It will be for local businesses and targetted accordingly as i still find there is still some loyalty for locals.

              Wasnt sure whether to just focus on it as just a directory or have a blog where i could post local activities and events as well. From what i have read people seem to say not to clog up the directory. Any thoughts ??

              Hope to see this thread continue and would be good to hear some feedback from those that are maintaining a successful directory.

              Rob
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8317984].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author imglaur
              Originally Posted by ijohnson View Post

              imglaur,

              Congratulations ... you've made your first post!!!!

              That sounds like a very interesting experiment you outlined. And I'm on the same wavelength with you with NOT having a "To Do List" but, instead, doing a lot less to make a lot more.

              Will you journal or share your experiment with us, on this thread? It would be a wonderful way for all of us interested in this business model to grow, get inspired, share ideas and challenge each other to take things to the next level.

              Iris
              Hi Iris,

              Obviously, I won't be giving everything away (all you warriors would slaughter my business), but I come from a web design background and have developed my own system. I wouldn't use DirectoryPress myself but understand the reasons others do. Here are 7 great tips for directories I've found invaluable:

              1. A Responsive Design - there are loads of devices with various screen sizes, so the site needs to cater for all of them. A business owner regards his listing as a mini-website for his business, so it needs to look professional on all screens.

              2. Use of Video - at least two videos, one to target the advertiser / business owner, and the other to target the consumer using the site. The consumer-facing video needs to be prominent on the homepage, partly because the business owner sees your customer-facing strategy and knows you are serious.

              3. Use the Micro-yes rule for everything. That basically means make it easy for advertisers to say yes at every point - easy signup with small number of fields, moneyback guarantee, testimonials etc.

              4. Content. Directories are notoriously thin on substance, so they need to be "fleshed out". We can't always do it, so include "achievements" and "rewards" for users to leave comments and reviews of businesses in your design, giving them good incentives to flesh out your site. Give businesses a free listing upgrade if they fill out a profile or add special offers / blog posts for you. Great for SEO and fresh content.

              5. Site speed. Believe it or not, I've seen great advances with faster page speeds. Higher ranking in google for subpages, more sign-ups and reduced bounce rates simply by adding ajax loading, minifying scripts, compressing css and managing image sizes.

              6. Be unique. I can't emphasis this enough. I personally believe that most people in general are highly visual by nature, so a striking site design / logo / color combination is a great tool to differentiate you from the plethora of directories out there.

              7. Capture the email addresses of users who send enquiries to business listings on your site (with opt-in of course!, and be sure businesses know you are doing this - they are usually ok as long as you are not in direct competition to them). They'll be useful for building up a database of people who are buying in that niche, making a Niche Product-Selling Site viable. For instance, take a directory for patio furniture suppliers. As people use this site and contact the businesses, you legally garner their opted-in email address, and then contact them in 3-4 months time with your own small Amazon-affiliate site selling Patio Furniture Covers. Simple!
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8326917].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
                Many people don't like change but change is essential for success. With that being said, starting today I converted our magazine section to a subscription based model.

                Our magazine is the most popular part of the site. A lot of work goes into creating video and photo content. Subscriptions will allow us to grow our membership site and help attract local businesses. Subscriptions only apply to NEW content in the "Magazine" section. However past articles, promotional, partner/client videos may still be viewed without it.

                We also added online ticket sales where users can create events and sell tickets online. We then add those emails to our newsletter adding to the numbers.
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8328843].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author kolonel
                Some great input imglaur.

                Originally Posted by imglaur View Post

                Hi Iris,

                Obviously, I won't be giving everything away (all you warriors would slaughter my business), but I come from a web design background and have developed my own system. I wouldn't use DirectoryPress myself but understand the reasons others do. Here are 7 great tips for directories I've found invaluable:

                1. A Responsive Design - there are loads of devices with various screen sizes, so the site needs to cater for all of them. A business owner regards his listing as a mini-website for his business, so it needs to look professional on all screens.

                2. Use of Video - at least two videos, one to target the advertiser / business owner, and the other to target the consumer using the site. The consumer-facing video needs to be prominent on the homepage, partly because the business owner sees your customer-facing strategy and knows you are serious.

                3. Use the Micro-yes rule for everything. That basically means make it easy for advertisers to say yes at every point - easy signup with small number of fields, moneyback guarantee, testimonials etc.

                4. Content. Directories are notoriously thin on substance, so they need to be "fleshed out". We can't always do it, so include "achievements" and "rewards" for users to leave comments and reviews of businesses in your design, giving them good incentives to flesh out your site. Give businesses a free listing upgrade if they fill out a profile or add special offers / blog posts for you. Great for SEO and fresh content.

                5. Site speed. Believe it or not, I've seen great advances with faster page speeds. Higher ranking in google for subpages, more sign-ups and reduced bounce rates simply by adding ajax loading, minifying scripts, compressing css and managing image sizes.

                6. Be unique. I can't emphasis this enough. I personally believe that most people in general are highly visual by nature, so a striking site design / logo / color combination is a great tool to differentiate you from the plethora of directories out there.

                7. Capture the email addresses of users who send enquiries to business listings on your site (with opt-in of course!, and be sure businesses know you are doing this - they are usually ok as long as you are not in direct competition to them). They'll be useful for building up a database of people who are buying in that niche, making a Niche Product-Selling Site viable. For instance, take a directory for patio furniture suppliers. As people use this site and contact the businesses, you legally garner their opted-in email address, and then contact them in 3-4 months time with your own small Amazon-affiliate site selling Patio Furniture Covers. Simple!
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8329796].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author vne5
            Originally Posted by imglaur View Post

            I've read this forum for a few years now - but never joined or posted, so here goes!

            I've picked up a few tips in this thread, and they've helped me immensely.

            My entire salary comes from directories, so obviously I feel the effects of google updates, website proliferation, thin content penalisation, apathy towards digital advertising etc.

            I am running an experiment to target a specific niche, beginning next week. The idea is simply to charge a one-off fee (for the 'lifetime' of the site), cutting out rebilling and chasing invoices, and to create a hub site for a particular niche in a local area.

            It's a twist on my directories, which unfortunately have seen decreased traffic (possibly because of thin content).

            Oddly I'm not looking for a to do list - rather I'd prefer a don't do list.
            Welcome to the posting community! I personally think you are shooting yourself in the foot by charging a "one-off" fee instead of charging a monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, etc. The reason I say this is, it's gonna cost you money to do business. You are going to have hosting fees, upgrades to hosting if your site becomes busy, taxes, employees, etc.

            Any business that has been in business for awhile, has already accepted the fact that they need to advertise. They are used to paying for advertising on at least a bi-monthly basis.

            You need to provide them with value. They need to see that your service is making them more money than they are spending. You also need to be able to maintain your service to the point that is profitable for everyone involved.

            I'm not sure where you live, but to make a living with directory sites while only charging a "one-off" fee, you would need to have literally thousands of businesses paying you a premium. Even if that happens, the market will become saturated, and the money will run out and stop you form being able to maintain your service.

            Making money with directories doesn't happen overnight. You need to have initial content to not only promote to new businesses, but also to keep the folks that are using your directory on your site.

            Try to find a cool niche to compliment your listings... a free subway map, coupons from businesses that are specific to your site only, etc. WHen I was a kid I used to love going to yard sales with my mom. I hated stopping at the yard sales that either had really boring things, or nothing at all. Good luck and hang in there!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8363451].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author kolonel
        Originally Posted by Brenda Trott View Post

        I've had a mobile directory going for about a year. I never had to do a hard sell because I gave away the basic listing. I just walked in and asked them how they wanted it to read, and was the address correct. I told them how to get it on their phone and showed them what they could get if they wanted it...coupons, etc. 2 out of 3 upgraded to a full listing that showed their phone number and linked to a website.
        I actually am contemplating the idea of free listing on the website and upgrade to mobile app version. With the amount of people using smart phones it should almost be a no brainer.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8318083].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AussieT
        Originally Posted by AmyKay View Post

        I just started following this thread again. Time to rev up the directory machine again! But with my own twist. Here we go!

        Thanks, all!
        Amy what did you have in mind as a twist? And how is it going?

        Originally Posted by Brenda Trott View Post

        I've had a mobile directory going for about a year. I never had to do a hard sell because I gave away the basic listing. I just walked in and asked them how they wanted it to read, and was the address correct. I told them how to get it on their phone and showed them what they could get if they wanted it...coupons, etc. 2 out of 3 upgraded to a full listing that showed their phone number and linked to a website.
        Hey Brenda how much were you charging for the upgrade to a full listing?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8321572].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    My bad Jerry I was rushing out the door, and just skimmed before posting.... That was the site of the "platform" - edirectory you were referring to . Many apologies.

    Originally Posted by rugman View Post

    I started playing around with this - getting a site ranked for something else that might occur in an area (maybe tourist stuff) - things people might be looking for in an area. Then I then ad a biz directory page on it - gave a few free listings to mom and pop places. My hope (and I will be getting on the phone when the tourist season kicks in) is to sell some ad space on the front page to bigger hotels etc. My mistake (well only cost me a domain - made the site myself so not a big $ mistake) - they have a pretty big off season so I may have to sell the ad space cheap - but - who cares!

    I recently sold an adspace on one of my sites for $3,000. In December for a one year spot.

    Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

    The MAIN reason why I would want to do it, is I would already have their email, their number, and have a relationship with them and can easily market to them through emails about other services. Basically making it a gateway to the real money making. Problem is I already have a lot on my plate, it's hard to set that aside while working on an entirely new project!
    I understand about the plate. Bummer.

    Yes you can do this all kinds of ways, but why not sell them a listing cheaply and bring them in as CUSTOMERS, and still get their email?

    Originally Posted by RentItNow View Post

    Yeah I think the payoff is probably the highest for the least amount of work...if you step back a bit from it and look at it. I have to admit John, I thought you were kidding when you said it is where the money is going to be because it has just been done to death but I am starting to see the vision...I just want to see it more from the business owner's perspective. Something to ponder tonight. Out selling tomorrow so this is great timing.
    I definitely think that offering a directory listing to your small business website package customers can be a great bonus, and also a great way to justify charging them $97 per month.


    Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

    I'm looking at a base target of 100 business owners paying a flat rate of $197 monthly. That gives me a starting base of $19,700 monthly, and that doesn't include any revenue from the upgrades that the business owners purchase.

    I want to reach my base target of 100 businesses in 90 days.
    I loved everything about your post and plan, as we spoke of earlier, I know the benefit of advertising with career builder is that your ad ALSO goes into the local print rags in the city where you advertise, that makes them doubly beneficial. And its why they are my employment ad choice.

    Beautiful Idea. Now just keep thinking of ways to build the perceived Value, try to think of even more benefits that dont neccessarily cost you more money or time... either that or look deeper into your offer and find benefits that you may not even be seeing and capitalize on those, giving you more features and benefits to demonstrate in your pitches and really blowing the perceived value through the roof.

    The quote above my post here is what I like best about your mindset. Thats what it comes down to, keeping your eyes on that. Thats where it all comes down.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953443].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    There are some amazing thoughts coming forth here, and we hope they keep coming... every now and then though Im going to pop and break it down to its simplest form though just to be a bird in your ear... $99 per month your have 2k per month residual income, even if you only have 20 customers per site...

    20 customers is literally a fulltime income for alot of people...How hard could it be at $99?

    This model is SOOOOO worth it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953540].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mraffiliate
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      There are some amazing thoughts coming forth here, and we hope they keep coming... every now and then though Im going to pop and break it down to its simplest form though just to be a bird in your ear... $99 per month your have 2k per month residual income, even if you only have 20 customers per site...

      20 customers is literally a fulltime income for alot of people...How hard could it be at $99?

      This model is SOOOOO worth it.
      A problem that I see with a new directory site, even if it's in a targeted niche, is that if it's mostly vacant it will be a hard sell to get someone to pay to be listed in a directory that has only a few other listed businesses.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953550].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by mraffiliate View Post

        A problem that I see with a new directory site, even if it's in a targeted niche, is that if it's mostly vacant it will be a hard sell to get someone to pay to be listed in a directory that has only a few other listed businesses.
        In my opinion, not sure if John would agree or not, is that you can sell it before you even have the directory. Maybe offering a launching special. People buy websites that don't exist yet, I don't see that being a very big issue for a listing.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953648].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author John Durham
          Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

          In my opinion, not sure if John would agree or not, is that you can sell it before you even have the directory. Maybe offering a launching special. People buy websites that don't exist yet, I don't see that being a very big issue for a listing.
          Yes , you can do that too or a mixture of both. You would be surprised how many people will buy a pre-launch directory listing if you word your offer correctly and hit the numbers. You just have to make it sound like the next big thing.

          Originally Posted by sweetcrabhoney18 View Post

          I've always wanted to start a site like this but I have a huge fear of telemarketing so I'm very cauious about the whole thing. I'm more of the postcard and email person but that doesn't always seem to work.

          Ps. @ Mr affiliate. This is a one call close, you wouldnt believe how many people will never even see your site before they buy...so usually they are a customer right from your pitch before even going to the site. You can also offer a 30 day guarantee, but hardly any will ever use it.

          Also don't forget it doesn't have to always be local directories. You can go highly niche focused and divide the site into local categories.. think specific niches that people buy both online and offline. I'm simply too shy to work local sadly.

          Best of luck
          I find that what helps me in high volume telemarketing is to tell myself or even write a message in front of myself "Just deliver the message".

          In other words , dont personalize it, just deliver the companies message thats in front of you, if they dont want it fine, you are just delivering the message that there's a special. Someone eventually will... I sometimes totally disassociate from it by drawing or something while Im talking, and just go through the motions saying rhe pitch, Thank you bye, Thank you bye, Thank you bye, thank you bye....Next, next ...Until my number comes up.

          It doesnt have to be something you cringe over. Trust me, after enough numbers, you dont take it personal.

          And you learn to depend on the system as it works for you day in and day out , so there becomes less anxiety about "I wonder if Im going to get a sale...?"

          In our example of $97 on sale per day equals almopst 300k per year passive income...in Shays it means twice that...so she could accomplish that with only a few sales per week.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953682].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author David Miller
            I think I should stick my 2 cents in here, quite sure Mr. Durham would expect nothing less. As the thread progresses, I'll have more to add but I'm pretty tired so I'll just add this.

            I agree 272.47% with everything John has to say about the income potential of directories. I have been working on several on a very part time basis since the beginning of the year. More on that at another time.

            I know it's important to look at the big picture and the details take care of themselves, but if you are going to build a directory, you need to do it on not only a reliable platform, but a platform that fits the area/niche/market that you are targeting. There are many directory platforms and I did a ton of research before I chose the one I did.

            I'm not going to recommend any platform here, I have no horse in this race as I am not an affiliate of any directory platform. I will tell you, however, that besides all that you will learn about the sales part of this business from John and others in the forum, you will learn almost as much from doing research of the directories out there.

            Here's a few obvious things to look for:

            Make sure whatever you purchase is well supported. The best support is going to come from a user forum ( I mean look what we have here at WF). You'll learn a lot about how to market from all the others also marketing directories.

            Make sure it's customizable! When you get to marketing this you're going to find dozens of tweaks and add-on's that you can sell. But if your stuck with a directory script that's a one trick pony you're going to have a problem.

            There are a lot of quality scripts that cost under 150 but don't spend much less than 100. You don't need to spend 400 or more on some of the hosted scripts that are out there.

            Most of the scripts take up a good amount of resource. You should upgrade your hosting to a VPS. You should do this for other reasons. If you're on a shared server and some joker on another domain get's the server shut down, you risk ticking off every account on your directory.

            Please don't ask me what script I use, I don't want to sound secretive about it, I just don't want to get a lot of what does it do and not do. In the end, you'll gain a lot more by doing the research. I promise!

            I originally looked into directory scripts for use in a project that had nothing to do with directories. While I was doing the research I found out what an ideal business model it is.

            Off to sleep...maybe.

            Signature
            The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
            -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953841].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author John Durham
              Originally Posted by David Miller View Post


              I know it's important to look at the big picture and the details take care of themselves, but if you are going to build a directory, you need to do it on not only a reliable platform, but a platform that fits the area/niche/market that you are targeting. There are many directory platforms and I did a ton of research before I chose the one I did.

              What kind of technical knowledge do you feel is required for this David as far as using a directory template...?

              Also; Great Input!

              Originally Posted by mraffiliate View Post

              I have recently seen local directories offering three options:

              1- a free limited listing
              2- A small fee listing
              3- A larger fee listing that would put your listing on the top of others

              It seems to work even though you always advertise a free listing.
              I believe thats similar to what Shay is thinking.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953901].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author David Miller
                @John and anyone else: I was about to go to sleep when I saw your question on my phone, so I'll do my best.

                It's hard to quantify, semi-geek maybe? Seriously, there are a few out there that are very simple, in fact, there are a couple of WP Plugins. You don't need much tech speak, in fact, almost none. I tested a couple of the better ones, but there's price you pay for simple. That price was flexibility and I wasn't willing to make that sacrifice.

                Just about any of them offer installation, and many have paid support. Worth it when they reach a good income. But in the beginning, most all of them offer forum support and you will need to know some of the basics of editing php, css, things like that. Most often you can figure out where in the script to copy and paste things. You are going to need to know how to FTP, change persmissions, fun stuff like that.

                You don't have to be a super geek, and it's easy to learn this stuff to the level you need it if you have a little patience. I was amazed at how much help forum members of product purchasers give to one another.

                Every script is going to say it's easy easy easy.....not true. Good news is that a lot of them have free versions you can practice on. Learn to install it yourself, you'll be glad you took the time. It means you'll fully understand what your BUSINESS is capable of handling.

                Hope that helps!
                Signature
                The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
                -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953950].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author mraffiliate
          Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

          In my opinion, not sure if John would agree or not, is that you can sell it before you even have the directory. Maybe offering a launching special. People buy websites that don't exist yet, I don't see that being a very big issue for a listing.
          I have recently seen local directories offering three options:

          1- a free limited listing
          2- A small fee listing
          3- A larger fee listing that would put your listing on the top of others

          It seems to work even though you always advertise a free listing.
          Signature

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953843].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sjohn
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      There are some amazing thoughts coming forth here, and we hope they keep coming... every now and then though Im going to pop and break it down to its simplest form though just to be a bird in your ear... $99 per month your have 2k per month residual income, even if you only have 20 customers per site...

      20 customers is literally a fulltime income for alot of people...How hard could it be at $99?

      This model is SOOOOO worth it.
      This is also a step in the door for other services you could offer them in the longterm.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5953561].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      There are some amazing thoughts coming forth here, and we hope they keep coming... every now and then though Im going to pop and break it down to its simplest form though just to be a bird in your ear... $99 per month your have 2k per month residual income, even if you only have 20 customers per site...

      20 customers is literally a fulltime income for alot of people...How hard could it be at $99?

      This model is SOOOOO worth it.
      Try it and see! I have had a travel niche directory for 10 years now and it is hard enough to get my clients to pay $99 per year for a premium listing.

      Not saying it can't be done but I personally don't feel it is as easy as we might think.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5960523].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ShayB
        Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

        Try it and see! I have had a travel niche directory for 10 years now and it is hard enough to get my clients to pay $99 per year for a premium listing.

        Not saying it can't be done but I personally don't feel it is as easy as we might think.
        Just curious - what are you offering for the $99 a year?
        Signature
        "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5960866].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AussieT
          Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

          Just curious - what are you offering for the $99 a year?
          A premium listing in their local tourist region in a national niche accommodation site that has top (1-5) rankings in Google for most of the popular related keywords.

          They get their own page with pictures and full decription and contact details. Plus an entry on the regional list view page which is prioritized to show premium listings first.

          EDIT: I admit I am not much of a salesman and I have done 99% of my marketng via email and snail mail.

          I will get on the phones in the next week or so when things settle down a bit.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5961525].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5954010].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Rachel Incoll
      Thanks for the great thread John...starting cold calling this week but I think I'll be changing what I was going to offer based on some of the words of wisdom you've shared here!

      Been following quite a few of your threads for a while now & picking up some great ideas...

      I've actually had a directory site (not really your typical local directory site though) up and running for 6 years now, so it has some awesome rankings in Google (in the top 3 spots for most of the main keywords for it's niche)...but I haven't been monetising it as well as I could have been.

      Used to charge for people to access it, but included the businesses for free. A year or so ago I made the entire site free to access, with an email submit though to make sure I kept building my list.

      So here's my plan...any thoughts or suggestions on this would be appreciated .
      • One page site (similar to what you mentioned John).
      • PLUS, the opportunity to promote their products to the very targeted email/member list (over 10,000) - probably done through special emails that I send, say weekly or fortnightly. I'll maintain full control of the list & it won't be 1 email for 1 business, rather there'll be 1 email sent with product info from those particular businesses that want to promote.
      Price $97/month.

      I'm hoping the product promotion to the targeted list (plus the fact that it's pretty much the highest ranking directory in the niche) should be enough to entice a fair few on board!

      Cheers

      Rachel
      Signature
      Sick Of Spending Hour After Hour Searching For Australian Wholesalers?
      Discover Over 1,000 Genuine Australian Wholesalers In Just A Few Minutes At www.AussieWholesaleSuppliers.net.au
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5954115].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ShayB
        okay, I have two ideas and I couldn't decide which one to do, so I'm going to be working on both simultaneously. I might give my VA to help me.

        I'm gonna lay out the plan, and I welcome any comments.

        Site One - "<City, State> Guide"

        This one is going to have the benefits that I put in a previous post. $197 a month for a listing. Not only does that give them virtual real estate, but it also will get them listings in quarterly advertising media.

        My two target markets for these guides will be tourists and also people that have just moved into the area - new homeowners, apartment dwellers, etc. I am going to be working with the local real estate agents and also the apartment managers to see if I can get the guides/directories/etc. in front of the clients/tenants.

        I will also be talking to hotel owners/managers, gift shop and tourist attraction owners/managers, etc. in order to reach the tourist market.

        Site Two - "The Rockhold Guide"

        Tagline: "O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer - Psalms 19:14"

        Yes, it's a play on my name, but I couldn't resist. I think it's a memorable name for a guide (because of the way it's used).

        It's a guide for local Christian businesses/business owners, and a guide to local places of worship.

        Marketing:

        Churches will get free listings. When I get the information for their listings, I'll also let the contact person know that their members with businesses can get listings, too, and if they mention the church they got the referral from, I'll give a discount.

        So it looks like this:

        I contact churches and get 50 listings for them. I'll be targeting local large churches (1000+ members), so I am hoping to get this directory site filled fairly quickly.

        Distribution for the printed guides will be through the various churches that have listings. Each church that has a listing will get x number of copies.

        That's a rough plan. I'm a little tired. LOL I'll write more when I get some coffee.
        Signature
        "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5954250].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Rachel , OMG that plan is MONSTROUS.

    Its a solid reasonable offer. Its easy to build value by saying "Our solo ads are usually worth up to $_____ per mailing, by themselves..."

    If you can follow through with that plan it will work. Making a goal of 100 customers initially like ShayRockhold mentioned.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5954177].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Rachel Incoll
      Thanks John your input is very much valued & appreciated...will try to keep you updated with how things go with it!

      I probably have a reasonable number of my target businesses on my email list as well, so part of the promotion will be an email blast to the list, but will definitely have to cold call as well.

      Now I haven't done any cold calling before , but have been reading a lot here on the forum & your Great Telemarketing Report & the Bower Formula...so would you suggest to start with (until I find my feet) maybe a modified version of the Bower Formula script?

      That's a great idea about mentioning the normal cost of the solo ads, will definitely do that and was thinking I could probably also suggest it's some kind of introductory price....which it may well end up being if it takes off!

      Cheers

      Rachel
      Signature
      Sick Of Spending Hour After Hour Searching For Australian Wholesalers?
      Discover Over 1,000 Genuine Australian Wholesalers In Just A Few Minutes At www.AussieWholesaleSuppliers.net.au
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5954266].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author rugman
        What directory to use? I know Mr Miller didn't want to say what he was using but maybe we could all toss around some ideas. I looked at directory press - pretty popular theme and reasonable. Seems more local but could be tweaked for a national type site.
        Also - is there a real need to use one of these sites instead of a WP theme or HTML site? I know D Press lets potential clients sign up on the site and enter payment info to be listed.
        I came across this on another thread - http://www.montgomeryrestaurants dot com/
        Really nice but pricey!
        Signature

        Growing older but not up!

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5956514].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author kat57
        What a great thread.
        Would you have any tips on dealing with the telemarketing aspect? Here in FL they open and close weekly...and I have no experieonce in the area..
        Thanks.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5989976].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rugman
    Here is something i posted on another thread as well regarding starting with an empty directory:
    I have been tossing around a similar idea for a restaurant niche. Big problem is - how do you start with an empty directory and sign other biz? Here is one idea I had instead of just giving listings away. I was going to do a contest type of promo - first I would put a few in for free (people that I know) - then contact other places offer this: 1st 12 places that send me something form their place (tee shirt or whatever) get 1 year free listing (maybe first 3 also get a mobile site?). Next 6 get 6 months free and everybody else gets 3 months free.
    Not sure if it would work but takes away that "too good to be true" thing. You could trade for gift certs also. I think most small biz understands that you would need to get the directory populated asap for it to be viable. Also - once they are on board they are more apt to buy mobile sites etc.
    Thought?
    Signature

    Growing older but not up!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5956538].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Originally Posted by rugman View Post

      Here is something i posted on another thread as well regarding starting with an empty directory:
      I have been tossing around a similar idea for a restaurant niche. Big problem is - how do you start with an empty directory and sign other biz? Here is one idea I had instead of just giving listings away. I was going to do a contest type of promo - first I would put a few in for free (people that I know) - then contact other places offer this: 1st 12 places that send me something form their place (tee shirt or whatever) get 1 year free listing (maybe first 3 also get a mobile site?). Next 6 get 6 months free and everybody else gets 3 months free.
      Not sure if it would work but takes away that "too good to be true" thing. You could trade for gift certs also. I think most small biz understands that you would need to get the directory populated asap for it to be viable. Also - once they are on board they are more apt to buy mobile sites etc.
      Thought?
      Check out Post #33 in this thread - John gives great ideas for this.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5957865].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author donza
      Can anyone post some links to some "financially successful" directories that were created in the last couple of years or so. From what I've read, and seen, they are best used as "loss leaders" by people upselling services such as web design etc. or for creating links to your own sites that you want to promote.

      BTW did John ever link to any directories he had actually created?



      Cheers Don
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8036627].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author xpress page
      Hi Everyone.
      I am new and I read this article/post as my first one.
      I love it.
      I have been working on my Directory for 3 years, it is not live on the web yet. But after this post, it will be in the next 3 months. And I will come back and than you all.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8423079].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ProSeomCo
        Originally Posted by xpress page View Post

        Hi Everyone.
        I am new and I read this article/post as my first one.
        I love it.
        I have been working on my Directory for 3 years, it is not live on the web yet. But after this post, it will be in the next 3 months. And I will come back and than you all.

        @xpresspage

        Welcome to the warrior forum - Looking forward to you sharing your directory with the rest of us in the community soon.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8424113].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
    I run a small wedding directory for my local area. I've been running it for about 10 years as a backend project, and have had some successes with it.

    In the beginning, I used a basic HTML layout, which evolved over time, but the annual charge was tiny. I had over 200 businesses listed, all around the wedding niche, and thought I was doing ok. I never cold called, and didn't really go looking for business, but just by being ranked well brought in advertisers. Overall I guess I made 4 figures each year.

    But having read this thread, it looks like I missed out on so much!!

    My mindset was small, so my income reflected that. I tried tinkering with the pricing structure, but found I coudn't get higher rates. Because of the small amount of income, I didn't give it a huge amount of time, but maybe I should have massively ramped up the cost and spent at the beginning to get it REALLY ranking!

    Oh well, you live and learn. I've sold that site now, but whilst running it, I found it needed lots of content to keep it fresh and ranked well. That's where my issue was because I didn't know anything about the wedding industry. Therefore I outsourced the content.

    John, and others with the experience, do you find you need to "wrap" your directories with lots of content (articles, tips etc) to keep it ranking well?

    I mean, the figures you're demonstrating are great, but it's obviously not easy for someone starting out, and will presumably require some reasonable outlay each month to maintain the rankings? Hope that makes sense??

    Also, how do you manage the monthly / annual billing?

    I have 3 domains that reflect dialing codes in my area, which I've recently redeveloped into directories using Directory Press for Wordpress. Although the script is good, it's not as flexible as maybe it could be, but at least it's being developed and updated regularly.

    Thanks in advance, and I'm reading this thread with intrepidation!

    Roger
    Signature

    "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
    Success will follow.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5956564].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Wendy Hearn
      Just sharing an idea:

      Also have a blog about the niche and as either an added benefit or upsell, the advertiser gets to post an article to the blog. This might be weekly, monthly of whenever there is a slot available. A list could also be built from this. Then the advertiser gets more exposure, you've got plenty of good content added to your site and content that can be regularly shared with your mailing list.

      I appreciate that this may depend on industry/niche .
      Signature

      Wendy Hearn - Business Coaching

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5956884].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
        I tried this on my wedding directory, Wendy.

        I even roped in a few wedding planners, who were already writing their own newsletter, and explained that getting their articles republished on the site with a link back to themselves would increase their exposure and add to their "authority level".

        Still didn't happen!

        Again, because of the rediculously low amount I was charging for a listing, I felt it wasn't worth spending more time and money to promote it more then general SEO stuff. Was a bit of a downward spiral.

        However, I will try again with new vigour!

        Roger

        Originally Posted by Wendy Hearn View Post

        Just sharing an idea:

        Also have a blog about the niche and as either an added benefit or upsell, the advertiser gets to post an article to the blog. This might be weekly, monthly of whenever there is a slot available. A list could also be built from this. Then the advertiser gets more exposure, you've got plenty of good content added to your site and content that can be regularly shared with your mailing list.

        I appreciate that this may depend on industry/niche .
        Signature

        "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
        Success will follow.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5956942].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by Wendy Hearn View Post

        Just sharing an idea:

        Also have a blog about the niche and as either an added benefit or upsell, the advertiser gets to post an article to the blog. This might be weekly, monthly of whenever there is a slot available. A list could also be built from this. Then the advertiser gets more exposure, you've got plenty of good content added to your site and content that can be regularly shared with your mailing list.

        I appreciate that this may depend on industry/niche .
        Well, Allen is a perfect example... He can charge whatever he wants for advertising on the warrior forum because there is traffic. International traffic.

        But 'we" dont have to have monstrous international traffic because thats not what our local customers want. They only want a share of their local markets which is much easier to accomplish.

        Even your blog is valuable if it reaches a target market and there is valuable advertising space.

        Most of where people get hung up is the "sales process". They build something valuable and then they dont know how to "sell" it. Or structure their offers, present...

        Its a shame because alot of people, like yourself who is taking advantage, have sites that could be valuable if they knew how to present what they have to offer.

        Originally Posted by RentItNow View Post

        Actually, here I will share now cause as I was typing the last message this idea may have just made me $1800.

        What if you made a directory of common problems in that city and rank that. So if the problem is for instance (sorry John no offence), how do I get a divorce, how do I find a cheap apartment....etc etc. Then make them super specific to the city. THAT is a lead generating machine! I just proved it because an investor just contacted me on one of my real estate sites that I will turn over to a real estate agent for 25% on his comm. So what if you do that for lawyers, bridal services...blah blah...so the path for the customer takes is:

        1. search for a problem <in their city>
        2. they find a site that is something like cityofatlantis dot info/how-do-i-get-a-divorce-in-atlantis.
        3. At the end of the article you put a lead form to a lawyer that buys it.

        Man I could charge a whole lot more for that spot! I have r/e agents already giving me 25%, why not lawyers, concrete companies,....

        In other words it is a directory of problems/solutions in my city site.
        Well, apartments for example will generally pay you up to $200-$500 per qualified applicant you send them, so yes. I have often thought of that business model, but that particular niche is pretty competitive. If you can rank in it, I would hook up with all the apartment buildings in your area and be making some commissions.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959011].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Jerry McGough
          John D,
          Justa thought......in all seriousness.....

          Since you've got the experience to put together a big time, big ticket directory.....why not start a brianstorming thread and take the lead on something with major potential.

          You've got a large eager army of affiliates ready to go to war with you.

          Something with a high recurring affiliate commission....on an international level.

          What say J ?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959216].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author John Durham
            Originally Posted by Jerry McGough View Post

            John D,
            Justa thought......in all seriousness.....

            Since you've got the experience to put together a big time, big ticket directory.....why not start a brianstorming thread and take the lead on something with major potential.

            You've got a large eager army of affiliates ready to go to war with you.

            Something with a high recurring affiliate commission....on an international level.

            What say J ?

            Man its so tempting... my plate is so full... Yer killing me. Let me ponder it a bit... I dont see how right now honestly.

            If I could somehow make it work with the next 90 days of my pro ninety challenge I could see it, but that would require changing my game plan.

            "A man only has time for one mistress, and thats got to be his farm..." ~ Uncle Carl

            Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

            Okay, I'm getting my VA to get the first site set up.

            I'm getting the <city state> guide.net site set up. Working on the first 5 pages.

            Some stats:

            I'm looking at about 10,000+ exact searches a month for this phrase (many times that for broad searches), and it's perfect for additional keywords, too.

            Plus.....something else.

            I did some research on Kindle. Come to find out, lots of people look to Kindle to buy guides when they are planning a vacation or they are moving. So it's a great way to get some more traffic/lead for businesses.

            I'm going to be offering a number of things to biz owners for advertising:

            1. Their listing on the site, with what all John suggested.
            2. A listing in the Kindle guide.
            3. Listing in the downloadable guide.
            4. Listing in the physical guide.

            For $197 a month, that's not bad.
            Totally building value! No doubt. Awesome.

            Some people dont realize how easily you can do that, for instance, in less than 2 minutes you can even offer them a free mobile version as a bonus or loss leader by getting it at dudamobile.com

            Its easy to build value and not increase the fulfillment aspect much.

            Paul Myers refers to adding these things as developing the "Thud Factor" with your package.


            Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

            Okay, an opinion, please?

            I bought <city state> guide.net for my area. The .com is taken, but it's a parked page and it doesn't even show up when you do a search.

            I'll be using the .net for the directory, but debating on whether or not to snatch up the .com? (It's under $1000.)

            Thoughts?
            I would spend the thousand dollars on two telemarketers and get 100 man hours out of it. Buy the com later when its working.


            Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

            2 things

            A) hope things went your way today.

            B) so why not put everyone on there that you can find for your local

            then just call them all to UPGRADE the listing ...

            sounds like it would be an easier sell, if you already have a bunch of the competition in the directory, and your just upgrading them, so that they stand out.
            Thanks Ken , actually i wont know till wednesday if they went my way or not.

            B: Yeah it could work like that too! IAMnameless suggested that earlier.

            Originally Posted by rugman View Post

            Here is something i posted on another thread as well regarding starting with an empty directory:
            I have been tossing around a similar idea for a restaurant niche. Big problem is - how do you start with an empty directory and sign other biz? Here is one idea I had instead of just giving listings away. I was going to do a contest type of promo - first I would put a few in for free (people that I know) - then contact other places offer this: 1st 12 places that send me something form their place (tee shirt or whatever) get 1 year free listing (maybe first 3 also get a mobile site?). Next 6 get 6 months free and everybody else gets 3 months free.
            Not sure if it would work but takes away that "too good to be true" thing. You could trade for gift certs also. I think most small biz understands that you would need to get the directory populated asap for it to be viable. Also - once they are on board they are more apt to buy mobile sites etc.
            Thought?
            As long as you rank you can sell yourself as "new, premier, projected to be number 1...", or if you rank number one you can be "premier and number one". Its all about how you present it.

            With that status you can just have a few listings in each category and people will still jump on.

            Certainly once they jump on you have a "buyers list" for other things.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959260].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Jeannie Crabtree
          John, good thread, thanks for everyone sharing your thoughts here. You have talked about directories before and I have a couple.

          I have some rental sites as well for a town 60 miles from here, that have not done much.

          One in property management and two in home rental. One got 375 searches coming to the site last month. It is frustrating, to have all these people come, some being genuine leads, and no one take them.

          I have not been able to close anyone, even sending them leads, making calls, sending letters. The last person I talked to (for the site to rent a home) said he has has plenty of renters. The economy is down here, so anyone having rentals is doing well here.

          So I am in the process of making that site into a directory for home rentals and apartment rentals. I will lose ranking for a while, but decided a directory may get some people to say yes to advertising, versus thinking they would be renting another site besides their own.

          As to sending qualified leads to apartments, don't think I can do it in this state. I would seem to need a real estate license, which I don't have. However, them advertising in a directory would be no problem.

          Jeannie Crabtree

          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post


          Most of where people get hung up is the "sales process". They build something valuable and then they dont know how to "sell" it. Or structure their offers, present...

          Its a shame because alot of people, like yourself who is taking advantage, have sites that could be valuable if they knew how to present what they have to offer.



          Well, apartments for example will generally pay you up to $200-$500 per qualified applicant you send them, so yes. I have often thought of that business model, but that particular niche is pretty competitive. If you can rank in it, I would hook up with all the apartment buildings in your area and be making some commissions.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5962129].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author mojo1
            Originally Posted by Jeannie Crabtree View Post

            As to sending qualified leads to apartments, don't think I can do it in this state. I would seem to need a real estate license, which I don't have. However, them advertising in a directory would be no problem.

            Jeannie Crabtree
            Try signing up for the apartments.com affiliate program until things work out. You do not have to be a real estate agent for this and this affiliate program pay based on a simple email form submission.

            Here are a list of rental/real estate/moving type affiliate programs

            property*::*Affiliate Program Directory*
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5966424].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by Roger Mayne View Post


      Oh well, you live and learn. I've sold that site now, but whilst running it, I found it needed lots of content to keep it fresh and ranked well. That's where my issue was because I didn't know anything about the wedding industry. Therefore I outsourced the content.

      John, and others with the experience, do you find you need to "wrap" your directories with lots of content (articles, tips etc) to keep it ranking well?

      I mean, the figures you're demonstrating are great, but it's obviously not easy for someone starting out, and will presumably require some reasonable outlay each month to maintain the rankings? Hope that makes sense??

      Also, how do you manage the monthly / annual billing?

      I have 3 domains that reflect dialing codes in my area, which I've recently redeveloped into directories using Directory Press for Wordpress. Although the script is good, it's not as flexible as maybe it could be, but at least it's being developed and updated regularly.

      Thanks in advance, and I'm reading this thread with intrepidation!

      Roger
      1: Start Over
      2: Build a 5 page authority site around a niche, in a town where you can compete.
      3: You can rank a 5 page site. People do it everyday.
      4: Now lets say your niche is "attorneys",
      • List ten different categories of attorney's.
      • Put up 2 or 3 free listings under each category.
      • Make those two or 3 listings the top competitors in the area
      • Get a merchant account , or design your close around a paypal system, or take a check by phone with something as simple as checkman.com. I did that for awhile when I was in between merchant accounts.
      • Make a call list.
      • Tell everyone on the list "This is a chance to be on a top ranking site and compete with prestigious clients like ___, __________. and________.
      • Make a goal of closing 100 people.
      • You have a profitable directory site.
      You can grow it and do all kinds of things from there.Thats the basics. You can offer options for monthly or annually billing. The idea here is to build a residual income but its always smart to get your money upfront whenever possible.


      People also subscribe to rss feeds and things to keep content updated, you can do that with most basic web design programs.


      The two basic issues are


      A: Ranking
      B: Acquiring customers.


      If you rank, you have what customers need, its a matter of acquiring them now.

      Thats all you 'Need", however, I myself am also interested in hearing about the different tools available for creating the sites, so Im enjoying these other answers.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958620].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        1: Start Over
        2: Build a 5 page authority site around a niche, in a town where you can compete.......
        John, I'm actually thinking what if you just buy a site that is already ranked for $200 or even $100? There are tons of sites already ranked #1 and someone probably made them years ago and forgot about them. Just a thought. Would get you up and running immediately.
        Signature
        I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958717].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jercarbra
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        1: Start Over
        2: Build a 5 page authority site around a niche, in a town where you can compete.
        3: You can rank a 5 page site. People do it everyday.
        4: Now lets say your niche is "attorneys",
        [*]List ten different categories of attorney's.[*]Put up 2 or 3 free listings under each category.[*]Make those two or 3 listings the top competitors in the area[*]Get a merchant account , or design your close around a paypal system, or take a check by phone with something as simple as checkman.com. I did that for awhile when I was in between merchant accounts.[*]Make a call list.[*]Tell everyone on the list "This is a chance to be on a top ranking site and compete with prestigious clients like ___, __________. and________.[*]Make a goal of closing 100 people.[*]You have a profitable directory site.

        Where do you find legal info for the 5 page authority site without copyright infringement?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5961230].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author mikeb1
        @John Durham
        On what numbers are you basing setting up a directory i.e. monthly searches?
        I live in a big city but city name + lawyer or attorney or solicitor only gets a cpl of hundred searches a month, what do you say

        Mike

        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        1: Start Over
        2: Build a 5 page authority site around a niche, in a town where you can compete.
        3: You can rank a 5 page site. People do it everyday.
        4: Now lets say your niche is "attorneys",
        • List ten different categories of attorney's.
        • Put up 2 or 3 free listings under each category.
        • Make those two or 3 listings the top competitors in the area
        • Get a merchant account , or design your close around a paypal system, or take a check by phone with something as simple as checkman.com. I did that for awhile when I was in between merchant accounts.
        • Make a call list.
        • Tell everyone on the list "This is a chance to be on a top ranking site and compete with prestigious clients like ___, __________. and________.
        • Make a goal of closing 100 people.
        • You have a profitable directory site.
        You can grow it and do all kinds of things from there.Thats the basics. You can offer options for monthly or annually billing. The idea here is to build a residual income but its always smart to get your money upfront whenever possible.


        People also subscribe to rss feeds and things to keep content updated, you can do that with most basic web design programs.


        The two basic issues are


        A: Ranking
        B: Acquiring customers.


        If you rank, you have what customers need, its a matter of acquiring them now.

        Thats all you 'Need", however, I myself am also interested in hearing about the different tools available for creating the sites, so Im enjoying these other answers.
        Signature
        Affiliate links are not allowed.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6930185].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author StevieJK
    Awesome - I was thinking of this idea a while back and might just do it this time

    What would you say on the phone to sell it to prospects?

    Cheers,
    Steve.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5956912].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    John, I'm sorry I dont know the economic factors of your area to compare a price. Can you tell me for example how much an average 3 bedroom house is or what is average wage rate for an average job there? I just want to understand a bit about where you are coming from with numbers.

    I have some other ideas with this but will post them in a bit...thanks.

    <Edit: Shay, can you tell me the same please?>
    Signature
    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5956984].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Originally Posted by RentItNow View Post

      John, I'm sorry I dont know the economic factors of your area to compare a price. Can you tell me for example how much an average 3 bedroom house is or what is average wage rate for an average job there? I just want to understand a bit about where you are coming from with numbers.

      I have some other ideas with this but will post them in a bit...thanks.

      <Edit: Shay, can you tell me the same please?>
      John, my area may be a bit unique, so I'll try to give as much detail as I can to help put things into perspective.

      I live in an area that has a "downtown" area in the city, but the suburbs extend a LONG way out.

      The economy varies greatly within those boundaries, as well.

      In this area, a 3-BR home can run anywhere from $20,000 to well into millions, depending on where it is located.

      The average, though, in most places is around $150,000-250,000 for a 3BR home in a fairly good area.

      Wages are the same way. Lots of people here making minimum wage, but others making much more. A good wage here is in the neighborhood of around $40,000-50,000.

      Hope this helps.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958022].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
        Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

        John, my area may be a bit unique, so I'll try to give as much detail as I can to help put things into perspective.

        I live in an area that has a "downtown" area in the city, but the suburbs extend a LONG way out.

        The economy varies greatly within those boundaries, as well.

        In this area, a 3-BR home can run anywhere from $20,000 to well into millions, depending on where it is located.

        The average, though, in most places is around $150,000-250,000 for a 3BR home in a fairly good area.

        Wages are the same way. Lots of people here making minimum wage, but others making much more. A good wage here is in the neighborhood of around $40,000-50,000.

        Hope this helps.
        Thanks Shay, yes it helps tremendously. I think I know a price point based off what you said because no way in the world would someone pay $197 here but in Toronto they would. Here I am thinking about $47/mn would be a pretty easy sell but not including the printing you are speaking of. I still need to absorb this for a day I think. I have sort of a 6th sense with pricing in this city but I still test it anyway.

        I know a place that does something similar to what you are describing with the printing/site except with real estate here and they are getting a yearly fee of $500 but I know personally they are not making money on it. But it is not because of the concept it is because of their labour outlay for the delivery guy and full-time receptionist. They were trying to offset the cost by taking in other advertisers that were placing cards in their mags. Did not go so well because of the lack of ROI.
        Signature
        I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958131].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
          Originally Posted by RentItNow View Post

          Thanks Shay, yes it helps tremendously. I think I know a price point based off what you said because no way in the world would someone pay $197 here but in Toronto they would. Here I am thinking about $47/mn would be a pretty easy sell but not including the printing you are speaking of. I still need to absorb this for a day I think. I have sort of a 6th sense with pricing in this city but I still test it anyway.

          I know a place that does something similar to what you are describing with the printing/site except with real estate here and they are getting a yearly fee of $500 but I know personally they are not making money on it. But it is not because of the concept it is because of their labour outlay for the delivery guy and full-time receptionist. They were trying to offset the cost by taking in other advertisers that were placing cards in their mags. Did not go so well because of the lack of ROI.
          You can always start with an introductory price that is low and then raise your rates as you have more prestige. There's nothing wrong with that, and that way you can reward your early adopters for taking a chance with you.
          Signature
          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958278].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
    You guys should look at what rely local is doing in terms of setting up a directory site. I dont think they charge enough but I know this is part of their long term plan.
    Signature
    Promise Big.
    Deliver Bigger.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5957098].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by Eddie Spangler View Post

      You guys should look at what rely local is doing in terms of setting up a directory site. I dont think they charge enough but I know this is part of their long term plan.
      rely local?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5961061].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aussie_Al
    Great plan man and thanks for sharing

    How do you handle billing? Not every business owner has a paypal account?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5957136].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 9999
    Any recommendations on a website temPlate to use for a local directory?

    Thanks
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958082].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Wow. Lots of great stuff here, will try to answer all of these questions shortly.

    @ John, I have been paying close to 2k per month for my four bedroom in rogers for the last couple of years... but its more of a corporate town (home of the walmart corporation) where salaries are high, however I have been spending alot of time going back and forth to Johnson county , where my family lives (personal reasons). Its more of a farming town, where wages are lower... been looking for a place nearby, and its looking like 3 bedrooms are around $750 -$800 which is quite a jump, and bonus! lol

    I know in some places 3 bedrooms may cost 10 times more than that.

    In either event, you can do this in any town or anywhere, I think what you charge would be more heavily dependent on the niche itself that you are targeting.

    @ Roger,

    Im trying to answer this thread incrementally so this post will get some additions and edits over the next ten minutes... but if you are choosing your niche and towns properly, it shouldn't take alot to rank. You can find local keywords to rank for that are low competition by trying different towns, in other words using the google keyword tool, or whatever you use , look up keywords or niches you want to target by putting the names of towns before keywords when you research... I have found towns that have virtually no competition, or a least "sucky" competition for words like "Attorney's"... and other lucrative words.

    So it doesnt take much to stay ranked.

    You can compete relatively without competition if you choose your battles, and it wont take much more than a paraqraph or two of text to rank. Period.

    What I loved about your post is that you used just a basic layout...with an HTML program or whatever. And the truth is that , its all you need to be honest.

    I use to think I needed a $3,000 guitar to write better songs, and all kinds of equipment...because I only had a cheap guitar. Then later I got a fulltime publishing deal and several guitars like that and Im sitting in the middle of some big studio thinking..."I dont write any better songs than I did with my little Yamaha acoustic in my 2 bedroom apartment".

    Will come back and answer more in a minute. Gotta take a call...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958137].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Here is something you need to keep in mind if you are using print on demand services for your directories - if you decide to go this route.

      You can literally order one copy of your directory so that you have a copy to show people.

      Or you can order 10 or 20 - literally, whatever quantity you want - just so that you have an example to show a prospective business owner.

      Go around town and collect business cards - or simply cold call or whatever - and ask if the business owner would like to have a free listing in your debut volume of your directory.

      This way you can have something to show your prospective customers, and it won't take you a whole lot to get the samples. it will also give you experience in setting up your directory and going through the process without the pressure of having paid customers at first. (Think of it as a dry run.)

      Make sure you have your site on the front cover to show your brand.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958262].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AussieT
        Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

        Here is something you need to keep in mind if you are using print on demand services for your directories - if you decide to go this route.

        You can literally order one copy of your directory so that you have a copy to show people.

        Or you can order 10 or 20 - literally, whatever quantity you want - just so that you have an example to show a prospective business owner.

        Go around town and collect business cards - or simply cold call or whatever - and ask if the business owner would like to have a free listing in your debut volume of your directory.

        This way you can have something to show your prospective customers, and it won't take you a whole lot to get the samples. it will also give you experience in setting up your directory and going through the process without the pressure of having paid customers at first. (Think of it as a dry run.)

        Make sure you have your site on the front cover to show your brand.
        Shay do you have a link to one of these print on demand services?

        How does it work?
        Do you need to have your directory in a specific format?
        What does it cost?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5961157].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
          Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

          Shay do you have a link to one of these print on demand services?

          How does it work?
          Do you need to have your directory in a specific format?
          What does it cost?
          The POD services I use are LuLu.com and CreateSpace (mostly, but there are others, depending on what you need to do).

          I haven't used them for directories yet, but I'll play around with it and see what works best.
          Signature
          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5961252].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MarkR
      I'm interested in this as well.

      I'd like any input on 1) directory scripts, and 2) how to drive traffic. I'm looking for a solid WP-based script. I'd also like one that can take a CSV/text file and automatically build pages/listings. I'd like to pre-populate the site with free listings to make it look fully functional/active. Ability to add coupons would be a huge plus. Also, is the traffic typically SEO/organic, or from other sources?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958300].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ShayB
        Hm.

        Now I'm wondering something else. I'm not sure if I'm going to do it, but it is something that I will think about and let you know.

        What if the directories that you offered - if you decide to go that route - weren't something that you give away? What if they were something that could be sold? Every advertiser would have some kind of special offer - like you see in the coupon books. Those will generally sell for $20 or more.

        You could sell them via local organizations as fundraisers.

        Hm.

        That would be an added benefit for your advertisers on your site, but she would have some revenue for supplying the books, plus you would also be doing community service as well. You could easily offer 50% commission to the organizations as fundraisers, and it would be a unique fundraiser for them as well.

        Taking a little bit further....

        You can even customize the directories/coupon books and have different versions available for different organizations.

        Hm.

        I am definitely going to be thinking about this more. It seems to be a way to make everything more profitable for everyone involved.
        Signature
        "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958345].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author David Miller
        Originally Posted by MarkR View Post

        I'm interested in this as well.

        I'd like any input on 1) directory scripts, and 2) how to drive traffic. I'm looking for a solid WP-based script. I'd also like one that can take a CSV/text file and automatically build pages/listings. I'd like to pre-populate the site with free listings to make it look fully functional/active. Ability to add coupons would be a huge plus. Also, is the traffic typically SEO/organic, or from other sources?
        Yes sir! We'll get right on that for you. Anything else?
        Can we get you a cup of coffee or tea, or perhaps a cold beverage while you're waiting?
        Signature
        The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
        -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958371].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AussieT
          Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

          Yes sir! We'll get right on that for you. Anything else?
          Can we get you a cup of coffee or tea, or perhaps a cold beverage while you're waiting?
          Now that you mentioned it a hot chocolate with 2 marhmallows would be nice!

          Or you might prefer to tell us if you decided on WP script or other? I have not seen to many good scripts under $150 other than WP scripts.

          If you don't want to tell us the script you chose can you perhaps tell us what your top 3/5/10 choices would be and let us decide.

          I love edirectory but find it too expensive and it is a one off license only.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5961245].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      What I loved about your post is that you used just a basic layout...with an HTML program or whatever. And the truth is that , its all you need to be honest.
      Thanks for the numbers John. Explains a lot to me. 2 bed here is $500-600 all in, 3 bed home is average $125K or so and average wage (if you are luck to have a job) is about 15/hr to 20/hr. Toronto is triple to quadruple those numbers. I actually thought about what you said also about just hitting the correct markets...there are some businesses that are so desperate for advertising but cant afford a $5000/yr yellow page add and $1000 website..blah blah..i think that is how I would position this but still thinking about it..

      On your quote, that is the ready, aim shoot approach. We used it in software design all the time. Get out whatever we could that meets the customer's needs then refine it later after it proves its worth.

      Btw, you can also use PHP and reuse a majority of the code...just make up a small html file for each business. Would be super simple.
      Signature
      I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958670].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tonyscott
    You can take this as a reality check or negativity - depends on your viewpoint, but running a directory site isn't easy money - I know, I run one.

    If you charge very low fees, you can probably get away with not delivering enquiries but if you are charging a decent amount for listings, the business will generally want to see a return on their money.

    In either scenario, you can get the leaky bucket syndrome where you continually add new listings just to stand still. The admin for that is time consuming.

    What works in my experience is a) Get the traffic first, then sell advertising b) build relationships with your advertisers and c) push up the price as you go.

    Those businesses who see you as an asset will pay higher prices, those who don't will leave. You end up with a smaller number of highly satisfied clients paying higher fees.

    Want to play churn and burn? Sure, whack up a $100 php script, scrape listings in, then throw telesales at it - good luck with that.

    Tony
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958419].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      @Tony - That's exactly what I've found. If you can't show a prospect that you are in the top spots in Google they have no reason to talk with you.

      You have to spend time up front getting a solid rank and keeping it there. In the beginning I used some typical get me there quick seo and it got there and left almost as fast.
      Signature
      The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
      -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958499].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Originally Posted by tonyscott View Post

      You can take this as a reality check or negativity - depends on your viewpoint, but running a directory site isn't easy money - I know, I run one.

      If you charge very low fees, you can probably get away with not delivering enquiries but if you are charging a decent amount for listings, the business will generally want to see a return on their money.

      In either scenario, you can get the leaky bucket syndrome where you continually add new listings just to stand still. The admin for that is time consuming.

      What works in my experience is a) Get the traffic first, then sell advertising b) build relationships with your advertisers and c) push up the price as you go.

      Those businesses who see you as an asset will pay higher prices, those who don't will leave. You end up with a smaller number of highly satisfied clients paying higher fees.

      Want to play churn and burn? Sure, whack up a $100 php script, scrape listings in, then throw telesales at it - good luck with that.

      Tony
      Not a problem - reality checks are always good.

      I, for one, don't see this as an easy money thing at all. And, honestly, the site isn't the main thing I'm offering. Plus I'm tying it in with stuff I'm already doing locally.

      You make some very good points.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958510].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by tonyscott View Post

      You can take this as a reality check or negativity - depends on your viewpoint, but running a directory site isn't easy money - I know, I run one.

      If you charge very low fees, you can probably get away with not delivering enquiries but if you are charging a decent amount for listings, the business will generally want to see a return on their money.

      In either scenario, you can get the leaky bucket syndrome where you continually add new listings just to stand still. The admin for that is time consuming.

      What works in my experience is a) Get the traffic first, then sell advertising b) build relationships with your advertisers and c) push up the price as you go.

      Those businesses who see you as an asset will pay higher prices, those who don't will leave. You end up with a smaller number of highly satisfied clients paying higher fees.

      Want to play churn and burn? Sure, whack up a $100 php script, scrape listings in, then throw telesales at it - good luck with that.

      Tony
      Which is exactly what Im saying, most dont do it because it takes a couple of months to rank and get traffic flowing.

      But I also disagree that ranking has to be a big head ache if you cherry pick your markets.

      If you have that, its not hard to aquire customers.

      I "Have" thrown telemarketing at such a plan, and created a 50 million dollar business that later sold to prodigy for over 800 million dollars.

      I know that sounds amazing and you probably cant believe it, but its true and has been checked out and verified by many warriors here.

      Tony while I appreciate your input in saying "I run a directory site, I should know", I know alot of people sitting in booths who say "I telemarket, I should know" and they are under performers while there are people performing all around them... So , alot of people run directory sites. Im telling you how to do it "successfully".
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958668].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tonyscott
    Hi Shay - my post wasn't aimed at you obviously. In fact it wasn't aimed at anyone, just passing on some of my experience in the directory market.

    Your coupon idea is a good one because it proves that your directory works for the advertiser. It has to be automated though or you'll be bogged down with countless updates and changes. However, if you automate it, they generally won't use it because it's too techy, they don't have time, they can't be bothered. They want YOU to handle it, so you have to charge appropriately and deliver value. It's a tricky circle to navigate.

    Tony
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958632].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Originally Posted by tonyscott View Post

      Hi Shay - my post wasn't aimed at you obviously. In fact it wasn't aimed at anyone, just passing on some of my experience in the directory market.

      Your coupon idea is a good one because it proves that your directory works for the advertiser. It has to be automated though or you'll be bogged down with countless updates and changes. However, if you automate it, they generally won't use it because it's too techy, they don't have time, they can't be bothered. They want YOU to handle it, so you have to charge appropriately and deliver value. It's a tricky circle to navigate.

      Tony
      Oh, I know it wasn't really aimed at anyone in particular, luv. I just wanted to chime in and give my perspective.

      You have a point about the time required, though. I'll have to keep that in mind.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958696].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    If this thread were about telemarketing, there would be people coming to it saying "I should know, I tried that and it didnt work....", obviously it does though.

    Again, there are alot of people running directory sites who will say "I should know", but what "I'm" talking about, is how to do it "successfully".

    Take it or leave it.

    Edit: I just sent David Miller A lead From an Old lawfirms website that I put up last year... a similar lead could be worth 5 or 10k to a lawfirm... If I generate 20 leads per year for them they could reasonably pay me $1,000 per month.

    What if I only charge $100?

    Big value to them.

    Its about the offer structure. If I only send them 1 or 2 leads per month, maybe 3. Its worth it ten times over.

    Ps. I do appreciate opposing views though, because they allow us to bring it back down to the basic truths, and break through the thoughts that oppose us.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958722].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author tonyscott
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      If this thread were about telemarketing, there would be people coming to it saying "I should know, I tried that and it didnt work....", obviously it does though.

      Again, there are alot of people running directory sites who will say "I should know", but what "I'm" talking about, is how to do it "successfully".

      Take it or leave it.
      I didn't say it didn't work John, I said it isn't easy money - big difference.

      What I do agree with is that it's crucial to take action and that's what holds most people back. However, the right sort of action is what's required. You can't just throw up a directory site and expect businesses to pay you $79 per month for ever because a good closer spoke to them on the telephone.

      Offer something of value and build relationships - it's the same as any other business.

      Tony
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958848].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by tonyscott View Post

        I didn't say it didn't work John, I said it isn't easy money - big difference.

        What I do agree with is that it's crucial to take action and that's what holds most people back. However, the right sort of action is what's required. You can't just throw up a directory site and expect businesses to pay you $79 per month for ever because a good closer spoke to them on the telephone.

        Offer something of value and build relationships - it's the same as any other business.

        Tony
        Totally agree. and the good thing is that they also become part of the value. So you arent just building someone elses web presence. You are building your own.


        Originally Posted by RentItNow View Post

        Actually that's it! I just thought of something on this. OK, I'm going to mock some stuff up later and it may be a direction for people to go that adds value all around. Cant believe I didnt think of it before.
        Okay, thats just from an 8 page lawfirm site. what if I redesigned it and started placing listings on it...?

        Then it would be a directory site.

        A directory site at its core is just a website where people come to view listings of whatever they are looking up. Doesnt matter if it only has ten listings on it...call them the city's top ten or something.

        Charge ten people 100 bucks per month, and you have a site that makes a thousand dollars per month.

        Ps.

        This will be good news to renta site marketers who cant sell their wares. If your site generates traffic, you can turn it into a directory site and restructure your offer to business owners. It will work.

        It's hard to explain the logic of renting a site to a business owner, but they "get" directory listings. Especially where their competitors are advertising.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958893].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
          Okay, an opinion, please?

          I bought <city state> guide.net for my area. The .com is taken, but it's a parked page and it doesn't even show up when you do a search.

          I'll be using the .net for the directory, but debating on whether or not to snatch up the .com? (It's under $1000.)

          Thoughts?
          Signature
          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958991].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author AussieT
            Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

            Okay, an opinion, please?

            I bought <city state> guide.net for my area. The .com is taken, but it's a parked page and it doesn't even show up when you do a search.

            I'll be using the .net for the directory, but debating on whether or not to snatch up the .com? (It's under $1000.)

            Thoughts?
            Test the idea first with the .net and then buy it later when you know if it is working. Not all directories and niches are winners.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5961371].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author rugman
            Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

            Okay, an opinion, please?

            I bought <city state> guide.net for my area. The .com is taken, but it's a parked page and it doesn't even show up when you do a search.

            I'll be using the .net for the directory, but debating on whether or not to snatch up the .com? (It's under $1000.)

            Thoughts?
            I have been going through this thread again and saw this. I had a similar issue - great dot coms just sitting! Some say put a v at the end - portlandcarpetcleanersv dot com. I just did this with a domain so we will see. How about this - BESTportlandcarpetcleaners dot com - or - portlandcarpetcleanersGUIDE?
            Signature

            Growing older but not up!

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982963].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author AussieT
              Originally Posted by rugman View Post

              I have been going through this thread again and saw this. I had a similar issue - great dot coms just sitting! Some say put a v at the end - portlandcarpetcleanersv dot com. I just did this with a domain so we will see. How about this - BESTportlandcarpetcleaners dot com - or - portlandcarpetcleanersGUIDE?
              I would go for Best.... in your example above because people actually search for "best portaland carpet cleaners" but very few would search for "portland carper cleaner guide"

              It would depend on the niche though. If you were doing a general city directory then giide would be better. e.g. PortlandCityGuide.com
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984756].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          Totally agree. and the good thing is that they also become part of the value. So you arent just building someone elses web presence. You are building your own.




          Okay, thats just from an 8 page lawfirm site. what if I redesigned it and started placing listings on it...?

          Then it would be a directory site.

          A directory site at its core is just a website where people come to view listings of whatever they are looking up. Doesnt matter if it only has ten listings on it...call them the city's top ten or something.

          Charge ten people 100 bucks per month, and you have a site that makes a thousand dollars per month.

          Ps.

          This will be good news to renta site marketers who cant sell their wares. If your site generates traffic, you can turn it into a directory site and restructure your offer to business owners. It will work.

          It's hard to explain the logic of renting a site to a business owner, but they "get" directory listings. Especially where their competitors are advertising.

          2 things

          A) hope things went your way today.

          B) so why not put everyone on there that you can find for your local

          then just call them all to UPGRADE the listing ...

          sounds like it would be an easier sell, if you already have a bunch of the competition in the directory, and your just upgrading them, so that they stand out.
          Signature

          Selling Ain't for Sissies!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959002].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          Okay, thats just from an 8 page lawfirm site. what if I redesigned it and started placing listings on it...?

          Then it would be a directory site.
          Actually, here I will share now cause as I was typing the last message this idea may have just made me $1800.

          What if you made a directory of common problems in that city and rank that. So if the problem is for instance (sorry John no offence), how do I get a divorce, how do I find a cheap apartment....etc etc. Then make them super specific to the city. THAT is a lead generating machine! I just proved it because an investor just contacted me on one of my real estate sites that I will turn over to a real estate agent for 25% on his comm. So what if you do that for lawyers, bridal services...blah blah...so the path for the customer takes is:

          1. search for a problem <in their city>
          2. they find a site that is something like cityofatlantis dot info/how-do-i-get-a-divorce-in-atlantis.
          3. At the end of the article you put a lead form to a lawyer that buys it.

          Man I could charge a whole lot more for that spot! I have r/e agents already giving me 25%, why not lawyers, concrete companies,....

          In other words it is a directory of problems/solutions in my city site.
          Signature
          I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959009].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Edit: I just sent David Miller A lead From an Old lawfirms website that I put up last year... a similar lead could be worth 5 or 10k to a lawfirm... If I generate 20 leads per year for them they could reasonably pay me $1,000 per month.
      Actually that's it! I just thought of something on this. OK, I'm going to mock some stuff up later and it may be a direction for people to go that adds value all around. Cant believe I didnt think of it before.
      Signature
      I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5958878].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
    Thank you to John and everyone so far for your comments. I'm getting motivated again!

    @John Durham

    1: Start Over
    2: Build a 5 page authority site around a niche, in a town where you can compete.
    3: You can rank a 5 page site. People do it everyday.
    I think that's where I went wrong. My site covered a whole county, with dozens of different categories. Maybe it was just spread too thin. We got visitors, and as I say, it WAS profitable, but for me at the time, not enough income for the effort.

    However, if I had broken that down into towns, and focused on the categories that gathered the most advertisers, then maybe that would work better?

    In terms of the billing, my HTML site worked well, but then I ran a small database with renewal dates and listing data. I then had to export this to my mailing software each month after retrieving the listings ready for renewal.

    My new directories are based on DirectoryPress via Wordpress, which handles the payment (via various merchant accounts including PayPal), plus will handle the client communication and the renewal after X days.

    I'll admit it's not as flexible in design as others I've seen, but that may be down to my own knowledge as opposed to the script itself. I thought I know a reasonable amount of PHP, but it seems not!!

    I will refine it until I'm happy though, and give it another shot!

    Thanks again everyone who is contributing to this thread.
    Signature

    "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
    Success will follow.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959083].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by Roger Mayne View Post

      Thank you to John and everyone so far for your comments. I'm getting motivated again!

      @John Durham



      I think that's where I went wrong. My site covered a whole county, with dozens of different categories. Maybe it was just spread too thin. We got visitors, and as I say, it WAS profitable, but for me at the time, not enough income for the effort.

      However, if I had broken that down into towns, and focused on the categories that gathered the most advertisers, then maybe that would work better?

      In terms of the billing, my HTML site worked well, but then I ran a small database with renewal dates and listing data. I then had to export this to my mailing software each month after retrieving the listings ready for renewal.

      My new directories are based on DirectoryPress via Wordpress, which handles the payment (via various merchant accounts including PayPal), plus will handle the client communication and the renewal after X days.

      I'll admit it's not as flexible in design as others I've seen, but that may be down to my own knowledge as opposed to the script itself. I thought I know a reasonable amount of PHP, but it seems not!!

      I will refine it until I'm happy though, and give it another shot!

      Thanks again everyone who is contributing to this thread.
      No prob Roger, I guarantee that at least 20 attorneys in your town are paying findlaw $1,000 per month for much less targeted exposure than you could provide. They will gladly pay you $100

      Edit: "Big Key Here".

      Find highly expensive directories where people are paying alot of money and model after them. Most of them are national sites and they dont really target locally very well, or cover many keyword combinations. They arent focused locally and tend to leave alot of great local keywords on the table.

      BIGGER KEY:

      You can generate part of your cold call list from these directories = proven buyers who are known to pay ten times as much.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959110].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Okay, I'm getting my VA to get the first site set up.

      I'm getting the <city state> guide.net site set up. Working on the first 5 pages.

      Some stats:

      I'm looking at about 10,000+ exact searches a month for this phrase (many times that for broad searches), and it's perfect for additional keywords, too.

      Plus.....something else.

      I did some research on Kindle. Come to find out, lots of people look to Kindle to buy guides when they are planning a vacation or they are moving. So it's a great way to get some more traffic/lead for businesses.

      I'm going to be offering a number of things to biz owners for advertising:

      1. Their listing on the site, with what all John suggested.
      2. A listing in the Kindle guide.
      3. Listing in the downloadable guide.
      4. Listing in the physical guide.

      For $197 a month, that's not bad.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959192].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Warren Tibbotts
        Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

        Okay, I'm getting my VA to get the first site set up.

        I'm getting the <city state> guide.net site set up. Working on the first 5 pages.

        Some stats:

        I'm looking at about 10,000+ exact searches a month for this phrase (many times that for broad searches), and it's perfect for additional keywords, too.

        Plus.....something else.

        I did some research on Kindle. Come to find out, lots of people look to Kindle to buy guides when they are planning a vacation or they are moving. So it's a great way to get some more traffic/lead for businesses.

        I'm going to be offering a number of things to biz owners for advertising:

        1. Their listing on the site, with what all John suggested.
        2. A listing in the Kindle guide.
        3. Listing in the downloadable guide.
        4. Listing in the physical guide.

        For $197 a month, that's not bad.
        You should also make a 'mobile optimized ' version as well, cos probly 25-40% of searches are likely to be from a mobile, especially if you're in a tourist location

        Warren
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6058727].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
          Originally Posted by Warren Tibbotts View Post

          You should also make a 'mobile optimized ' version as well, cos probly 25-40% of searches are likely to be from a mobile, especially if you're in a tourist location

          Warren
          Hm. That's a really good point. Thank you.
          Signature
          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6058847].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author weezie
        Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

        Okay, I'm getting my VA to get the first site set up.

        I'm getting the <city state> guide.net site set up. Working on the first 5 pages.

        Some stats:

        I'm looking at about 10,000+ exact searches a month for this phrase (many times that for broad searches), and it's perfect for additional keywords, too.

        Plus.....something else.

        I did some research on Kindle. Come to find out, lots of people look to Kindle to buy guides when they are planning a vacation or they are moving. So it's a great way to get some more traffic/lead for businesses.

        I'm going to be offering a number of things to biz owners for advertising:

        1. Their listing on the site, with what all John suggested.
        2. A listing in the Kindle guide.
        3. Listing in the downloadable guide.
        4. Listing in the physical guide.

        For $197 a month, that's not bad.
        Shay

        are you using a wp script??
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6058779].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
          Originally Posted by weezie View Post

          Shay

          are you using a wp script??
          Not sure I understand the question?

          Edited to add: I don't know squat about self-hosted WP sites. I hand it all over to my VA to install and such. You'll have to be a little more specific. LOL
          Signature
          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6058837].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
    @John Durham

    Sorry, but just hitting the "THANKS" button didn't seem enough.

    You are an inspiration sir!
    Signature

    "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
    Success will follow.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959174].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by Roger Mayne View Post

      @John Durham

      Sorry, but just hitting the "THANKS" button didn't seem enough.

      You are an inspiration sir!
      Thanks bro... Later when we grow old that will have been the most valuable part of our experience. However much we inspired others is what lives on and as Rudyard kipling says in his poem "If":

      "...if you can force your heart and nerve and sinew , to serve your turn long after they are gone, and so hold on when there is nothing in you, except that which is the will, which says to them 'hold on'...".

      By posting these things... if I died tomorrow , my will would still be on earth, serving my turn long after the nerve and sinew were gone... and my heart could reach out and touch someone and say "hold on".

      Isnt that cool?

      I practically live my life by that poem like a religion.


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959190].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author BlogDiva
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        Thanks bro... Later when we grow old that will have been the most valuable part of our experience. However much we inspired others is what lives on and as Rudyard kipling says in his poem "If":

        "...if you can force your heart and nerve and sinew , to serve your turn long after they are gone, and so hold on when there is nothing in you, except that which is the will, which says to them 'hold on'...".

        By posting these things... if I died tomorrow , my will would still be on earth, serving my turn long after the nerve and sinew were gone... and my heart could reach out and touch someone and say "hold on".

        Isnt that cool?

        I practically live my life by that poem like a religion.


        That's really Cool John! LOVE IT!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5992541].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Chris Medley
    Loving this thread

    I will add my own insights albeit from an end users perspective, but first a story.

    Some years ago I worked in a 24/7 heavy truck breakdown department for a huge Canadian leasing company. In our hay day we had upwards of 25,000 units running the roads of North America. It was my job to keep the wheels rolling as quickly and cost effectively as possible... This is before directory sites like truckdown.com came into existence, no small feat!

    We had a huge print library of repair directory books to search through and the process of finding a qualified repair facility was brutally time consuming and inefficient. This is how innovation is born... out of pain and necessity. We needed a better way to service our customers so we created our own database of repair facilities. The database software was poor, the data entry was endless but the concept was brilliant. Within 2 years we had created a database of over 70,000 repair facilities sorted by state, province, city and could even enter a search radius up to 100 miles. It listed every repair possibility sorted by truck, trailer, reefer, tire, towing etc...

    We had created the largest north american directory of repair facilities in existence. and then a funny thing happened... our own customers wanted to buy copies from us for their own road call departments... BINGO, a software package was born.

    We knew we had created a valuable resource but had no thoughts of monetizing it. Looking back now from a marketing perspective we could have made a small fortune with it. There were so many different ways of monetizing that asset it boggles the mind.

    Alas, as I mentioned before the database software was a poor choice and when the US did a massive area code change it rendered the database virtually useless. We did not have the ability or scripting to do mass area code changes.

    So here are my pearls of wisdom for anyone wondering how to make their directory site stand out in the crowd...

    Get face to Face with the end user and ask them where it hurts, they know and will be glad to tell you. If your directory doesn't help ease their pain in some way you are no different from the 10 others they are already paying for. There is no substitute for fresh market research.

    Survey them, tell them about your project and what you are hoping to achieve. Tell them your existing web site clients get a free page... Ask them what they need a directory to do for them... Ask them what directories they are listed in and why. Do they have a website, what is the URL. In short do some market research. Once you have come up with a way to solve their problems you have made a friend, not just a customer.

    And make sure whatever software you are using has mass edit options if you choose to run a massive directory.

    Cheers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959980].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      I have a meeting with my local biz group Thursday morning.

      I think I'm going to offer a discount rate for anyone who signs up this week from my local biz group. There are 50 members, so I may pre-sell quite a few spots this week. We'll see.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5960192].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5960541].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author j3rki
      Very inspiring!

      There are so many ways to do it!

      I will launch my second company within the next weeks cause I need a good company name to succeed the firm I own at the moment just got my personal name because I made money with cpas and had no customers contact.

      When this is done, I will continue. Coldcalling is not allowed in germany but everyone does it Ive never done anything like that but Im good in lay outing so I will make a very good sales letter. I will offer free web design by a pro containg a little movie with phone number in and stuff, a small description and a contact form.

      I will buy many domains cause I want to fit every niche! Lilke plumbersinCITY.com, lawyersinCITY.com but all in german and all are FREE

      What will I charge? Lets see what somebody will earn from me! Lawyers will pay like 400€ every month cause just one client will fit their expanses twice.
      Restaurants wont earn 1k/client so I will charge 97-197 euros per month. Lets see how big they are

      I will create a sales letter containing statistics of my directory (analytics and stuff) to convince! Free web design is always a big plus! Just charge for SEO (on page only lol), hosting, maintenance and stuff. Do you have any advices for that?

      I want to send them everything in one. like a contract with it to keep out of personal meetings (100 dollar are to less to drive to someone..)
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5977790].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AussieT
        Originally Posted by j3rki View Post

        Very inspiring!

        There are so many ways to do it!

        I will launch my second company within the next weeks cause I need a good company name to succeed the firm I own at the moment just got my personal name because I made money with cpas and had no customers contact.

        When this is done, I will continue. Coldcalling is not allowed in germany but everyone does it Ive never done anything like that but Im good in lay outing so I will make a very good sales letter. I will offer free web design by a pro containg a little movie with phone number in and stuff, a small description and a contact form.

        I will buy many domains cause I want to fit every niche! Lilke plumbersinCITY.com, lawyersinCITY.com but all in german and all are FREE

        What do you mean they are free? No domain name registrations fees?

        What will I charge? Lets see what somebody will earn from me! Lawyers will pay like 400€ every month cause just one client will fit their expanses twice.
        Restaurants wont earn 1k/client so I will charge 97-197 euros per month. Lets see how big they are

        I will create a sales letter containing statistics of my directory (analytics and stuff) to convince! Free web design is always a big plus! Just charge for SEO (on page only lol), hosting, maintenance and stuff. Do you have any advices for that?

        How do plan to get your directory of the ground to start with? Ho will you get listings to fill the directory?

        I want to send them everything in one. like a contract with it to keep out of personal meetings (100 dollar are to less to drive to someone..)
        All the best with it. We will be happy to hear about your progres.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5977843].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    You need to build value in your presentation, by adding freebies and making it thud. example: free mobile version.

    Ps. Take every benefit you can think of about your product and feature it in your presentation.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5960897].message }}
  • Im doing something very similar with lasik vision centers. I am creating a directory of local lasik vision providers. I will list all the local ones, and "feature" the ones that pay me. I am also signing up for the lasikvisioninstitute.com affiliate program to get income out of it. ($200 each sale) Third, once I am done with the site, I will export it all to a PDF that the users can download to "instantly compare all the lasik vision centers" in DFW. I use the Geoplaces WP theme and it works wonders for this kind of sites. My site is still being worked on but you can take a look at it at ilasikvision.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5961834].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by unlimitedmarketing View Post

      Im doing something very similar with lasik vision centers. I am creating a directory of local lasik vision providers. I will list all the local ones, and "feature" the ones that pay me. I am also signing up for the lasikvisioninstitute.com affiliate program to get income out of it. ($200 each sale) Third, once I am done with the site, I will export it all to a PDF that the users can download to "instantly compare all the lasik vision centers" in DFW. I use the Geoplaces WP theme and it works wonders for this kind of sites. My site is still being worked on but you can take a look at it at ilasikvision.com
      Adding affiliate links is a good idea. Especially in the initial stages while you are trying build up content and get the site established and ranked.

      Question: Whats DFW?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5961923].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mikeb1
      Originally Posted by unlimitedmarketing View Post

      Im doing something very similar with lasik vision centers. I am creating a directory of local lasik vision providers. I will list all the local ones, and "feature" the ones that pay me. I am also signing up for the lasikvisioninstitute.com affiliate program to get income out of it. ($200 each sale) Third, once I am done with the site, I will export it all to a PDF that the users can download to "instantly compare all the lasik vision centers" in DFW. I use the Geoplaces WP theme and it works wonders for this kind of sites. My site is still being worked on but you can take a look at it at ilasikvision.com
      Nice theme and idea, but is the video not condemning lasik ? looks like you have a site for a product then you are going to change it to a directory that is the total opposite of what you are promoting as an affiliate ? puzzled:confused:
      Signature
      Affiliate links are not allowed.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6937389].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5962534].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      I don't want to seem like I'm hiding anything so I won't. I will tell you that most of what I learned about directories, how they are set up, marketed, and some other extremely important aspects I learned from researching everything I could find.

      Notice I said "marketing" and not "sales". You'll never get better sales advice than what you'll find in this forum and in particular from JD.

      That said, the only two scripts I could recommend are either PHPLD or eSyndicate. Both are very reasonably priced. PHPLD is extremely robust and be prepared if you are not technically capable. If you need help, both have very good support via their forum. However, if you have an issue that you need addressed, you'll get an answer in the language of the planet "technoid" which is a pain in the butt.

      Typical of these types, they will often berate you for not having a Phd. in php and you'll have to put up with their ego, but you will get an answer that you can make work.

      OK?
      Signature
      The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
      -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5964189].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author rugman
        Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

        I don't want to seem like I'm hiding anything so I won't. I will tell you that most of what I learned about directories, how they are set up, marketed, and some other extremely important aspects I learned from researching everything I could find.

        Notice I said "marketing" and not "sales". You'll never get better sales advice than what you'll find in this forum and in particular from JD.

        That said, the only two scripts I could recommend are either PHPLD or eSyndicate. Both are very reasonably priced. PHPLD is extremely robust and be prepared if you are not technically capable. If you need help, both have very good support via their forum. However, if you have an issue that you need addressed, you'll get an answer in the language of the planet "technoid" which is a pain in the butt.

        Typical of these types, they will often berate you for not having a Phd. in php and you'll have to put up with their ego, but you will get an answer that you can make work.

        OK?
        Thanks! I looked at both quickly PHPLD not a bad price point at all. Not having a PHD in php (or in anything for that matter!) - would you think something like the directory press theme would do for a local directory? Seems like most of us are well versed in WP "stuff".
        Signature

        Growing older but not up!

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5964365].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
          Originally Posted by rugman View Post

          Thanks! I looked at both quickly PHPLD not a bad price point at all. Not having a PHD in php (or in anything for that matter!) - would you think something like the directory press theme would do for a local directory? Seems like most of us are well versed in WP "stuff".
          Hi rugman

          I can't speak for the other scripts, but I have been using DirectoryPress, and it is powerful, however, to make it your own will require a large amount of coding and customisation.

          Version 7 (just released) has some awesome features, which makes it easier, but there is still a good amount of work to be done.

          Definitely worth it though.
          Signature

          "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
          Success will follow.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5964463].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author David Miller
            Honestly, what I would do is start with a WP and when it's off and running upgrade to something robust.
            Signature
            The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
            -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5964538].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author rugman
            Originally Posted by Roger Mayne View Post

            Hi rugman

            I can't speak for the other scripts, but I have been using DirectoryPress, and it is powerful, however, to make it your own will require a large amount of coding and customisation.

            Version 7 (just released) has some awesome features, which makes it easier, but there is still a good amount of work to be done.

            Definitely worth it though.
            I was on a chat with them a while back. One of the things I am tossing around is a national directory for a niche. Dir press is more local but they said it could work (although they have never done one). I need mine to have all 50 states with 3 categories under each state. I wanted to do one of those maps where you click the state to be taken to the inner page but haven't had too much luck - must be a plugin somewhere that can do that!
            Signature

            Growing older but not up!

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5964976].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
              Originally Posted by rugman View Post

              I was on a chat with them a while back. One of the things I am tossing around is a national directory for a niche. Dir press is more local but they said it could work (although they have never done one). I need mine to have all 50 states with 3 categories under each state. I wanted to do one of those maps where you click the state to be taken to the inner page but haven't had too much luck - must be a plugin somewhere that can do that!
              From what I've experienced with DirectoryPress, if you start stepping out of their expected layout, you can run into problems unless you know your way around PHP and WP scripts.

              They suggest a permalink structure of /%postname%/, but I've changed mine to /%category%/%postname%/

              That way, you could have each state as a category and sub categories under that so domain/state/category/business

              It does seem to work, but the linking sometimes goes awry.

              I'm setting up a directory with just one layer, so domain/category/business. I feel it's a better way to bring in the keywords. Then you can backlink your category pages just as you normally would.

              No idea about the map idea. I can only think you could have a layered image on a static page that links out to each state page??
              Signature

              "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
              Success will follow.

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5965087].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rugman
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Jeannie, if you contact some apartment complexes they will pay you $200- $500 per qualified applicant.
      I did a little looking into that here in the NY/NJ area - seems like there are some laws in some states that you have to be careful of. I have a really good friend that is a realtor (does some IM stuff so he knows the game) and he told me the same thing - gotta be a realtor. I am sure there are ways around it though. It does seem to be a wide open market.
      Signature

      Growing older but not up!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5964389].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
    Inspiring thread. Thanks all.

    WordPress can get you started inexpensively and with a little less of a learning curve. The two directory themes I'm most impressed with are:

    Directory Script | New 2011 with upto 50% off today!

    Location Based Wordpress Theme, City Directory / Portal Wordpress Theme


    Both are set up to take payments for listings and Geo Places will let you set up tiers.

    Having never done this myself, I'd like to learn more about best practices for getting these things ranked, specifically, the best way to set up site structure and content for best results.

    My state is small enough that I'm interested in doing a whole state directory for a particular niche.

    We want the individual pages to rank for that particular business, so if someone types in 'joe's lasik hut tucson', we want our page to rank as high as possible, essentially competing with the main website.

    But with multiple city directories, we want one or more of our pages to rank for the various city search terms like 'tucson lasik'.

    How do you guys approach this?

    The way I think about it, if my directory was arizonalasik.com, I would want arizonalasik.com/tucson-lasik to be the top level page that lists out all the lasik providers in Tucson. I think I would want that page to also be the top searched keyword in this niche.

    WOuld it just be a matter of back links to get it to rank?

    Is this the right way to approach it?

    Thanks.
    Signature

    grrr...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5964864].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
      Anyone want to talk about bringing value to the customer?

      The client wants value for their $97... they want the phone to ring with new business, so we need to get their page and our site ranking in the search engines.

      Best practices for building out a site like this? How do you structure things for max effect?

      Will you try (and invest) to get their individual page to rank for their business name?

      Or just work to get the main site ranked?

      Are we all starting fresh regarding this aspect of the project or are their some veterans following this thread who can chime in?

      Thanks!

      Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

      Inspiring thread. Thanks all.

      WordPress can get you started inexpensively and with a little less of a learning curve. The two directory themes I'm most impressed with are:

      Directory Script | New 2011 with upto 50% off today!

      Location Based Wordpress Theme, City Directory / Portal Wordpress Theme


      Both are set up to take payments for listings and Geo Places will let you set up tiers.

      Having never done this myself, I'd like to learn more about best practices for getting these things ranked, specifically, the best way to set up site structure and content for best results.

      My state is small enough that I'm interested in doing a whole state directory for a particular niche.

      We want the individual pages to rank for that particular business, so if someone types in 'joe's lasik hut tucson', we want our page to rank as high as possible, essentially competing with the main website.

      But with multiple city directories, we want one or more of our pages to rank for the various city search terms like 'tucson lasik'.

      How do you guys approach this?

      The way I think about it, if my directory was arizonalasik.com, I would want arizonalasik.com/tucson-lasik to be the top level page that lists out all the lasik providers in Tucson. I think I would want that page to also be the top searched keyword in this niche.

      WOuld it just be a matter of back links to get it to rank?

      Is this the right way to approach it?

      Thanks.
      Signature

      grrr...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984323].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
        Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

        Will you try (and invest) to get their individual page to rank for their business name?
        That is a big part of what I am planning my pitch around. I want to make sure that the client knows that I am going to work on the site to differentiate it from the other free sites out there.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984649].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AussieT
        Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

        Anyone want to talk about bringing value to the customer?

        The client wants value for their $97... they want the phone to ring with new business, so we need to get their page and our site ranking in the search engines.

        I see a directory as being an additional advertising medium for the client not their only advertising. Many will already have their own site. What are are doing is bringing them extra clients. So I tend to SEO the site and main category pages only. In fact I have never checked the page ranking of my clients but perhaps i should at least out of curiosity.

        Best practices for building out a site like this? How do you structure things for max effect?

        Will you try (and invest) to get their individual page to rank for their business name?

        Or just work to get the main site ranked?

        See above comments. I do have one local directory that I started with the aim of offering free listings to local businesses as a foot in the door for other services. But i put it on the back burner. I have however noticed in the stats that it is being found for the names of seveeral of the free listings that I added when setting up. I guess what I am saying is that the indiviual listing pages often rank themselves especially if they don not have much of a web presence.

        Are we all starting fresh regarding this aspect of the project or are their some veterans following this thread who can chime in?

        Thanks!
        It sounds like most of us are not seasoned directory professionals.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984977].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
          True... but if we put our heads together...

          Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

          It sounds like most of us are not seasoned directory professionals.
          Signature

          grrr...

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5995066].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author pspro
            Many thanks for all the great ideas and input here. Even though I've started this more times than I care to admit, I can't resist the temptation of giving this another go round.... basically because of all your inspiration and because I actually LOVE coming across a quality directory when I'm shopping. A good directory can not be beat when you really don't know what to look for or who to call when shopping.

            My goal will be to build one from the sole perspective of offering the end user, the searcher, the best information when they ask themselves... "where can I find the best ____ in ____ ?" I think that if I accomplish that goal, it would stand to reason that I could monetize it with local listings or even affiliate offers but job one will be to create quality.

            My only catch is I will have to commit myself to only working on this in my spare time, when my actual "jobs" are done... I'm hoping this will keep me from not only losing focusing on the work that is paying me money now but will keep me "dropping the ball" on this directory business yet again. I may even start a progress blog to hold me accountable and motivated

            Heidi
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5995254].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author AussieT
              Originally Posted by pspro View Post

              Many thanks for all the great ideas and input here. Even though I've started this more times than I care to admit, I can't resist the temptation of giving this another go round.... basically because of all your inspiration and because I actually LOVE coming across a quality directory when I'm shopping. A good directory can not be beat when you really don't know what to look for or who to call when shopping.

              My goal will be to build one from the sole perspective of offering the end user, the searcher, the best information when they ask themselves... "where can I find the best ____ in ____ ?" I think that if I accomplish that goal, it would stand to reason that I could monetize it with local listings or even affiliate offers but job one will be to create quality.

              My only catch is I will have to commit myself to only working on this in my spare time, when my actual "jobs" are done... I'm hoping this will keep me from not only losing focusing on the work that is paying me money now but will keep me "dropping the ball" on this directory business yet again. I may even start a progress blog to hold me accountable and motivated

              Heidi
              A great inspirational goal. Even if you start a blog on your progress please keep us posted here in this thread also.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5997039].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
        Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

        Anyone want to talk about bringing value to the customer?

        The client wants value for their $97... they want the phone to ring with new business, so we need to get their page and our site ranking in the search engines.

        Best practices for building out a site like this? How do you structure things for max effect?

        Will you try (and invest) to get their individual page to rank for their business name?

        Or just work to get the main site ranked?

        Are we all starting fresh regarding this aspect of the project or are their some veterans following this thread who can chime in?

        Thanks!
        Good points and this is exactly what I offer with my listings since SEO is part of my profession.




        That Video Magazine New York
        • Keyword - New York Magazine
        • Phrase match traffic (monthly local) - 110,000
        • Competition - Low
        • Onpage SEO - Keyword in title, head, description and url
        • Keyword base - Boost local searches (eg. New york restaurants, new york real estate)
        • Optimized listings - Each business category and listing optimized in thier niche through keyword research.
        • SEO options - each listing can opt for additional ranking through press releases, linkbuilding, content, etc.
        Before building a site think about your keywords and linking structure. Keywork research should be the first thing you do. This will help drive traffic saving $$$ on online marketing. Hope this help someone with thier site structure
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6070468].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author bsnrjones
          Okay, I want to sum up my ideas and share my direction - about to kick this thing off.

          I have decided on my niche and will be building a national site - from my initial research there are at least 14,000+ businesses to call on a national basis - this is just from a list I got for free from my local libraries website using ResearchUSA database.

          These businesses spend big money on advertising and the profit margin for them is high.

          I am going to buy the leads per state, and load the data into my database to create the intial directory. So for example this week I will buy the leads for Texas and build the directory out for Texas. (I might be able to do the entire directory for all 50 states, just not sure yet). So basically everyone will get a free listing - but they pay to get the top spots and more options, etc.

          Then I am going to hire a couple of experienced telemarketers that have been carefully screened for accent in the Phillipines. I will pay them by the hour with a bonus if they hit sales goals.

          I am shooting for a one call close. Basically the TM will call and say that we are verifying the contact information for our listing in the state of Texas. They will confirm the information quickly and then offer a updated listing that normally goes for $97 a month for $67/month (not sure on pricing yet). The thud factor will be high - but not much actual work will need to be done if they upgrade.

          TM will run the credit card thru my virtual terminal and send me the details.

          Here is where it gets a bit tricky. I have $500 to burn on the TM's. If I pay them $6 per hour, they would need a sale a day for me to basically break even. If it was less than that, I could still function, but might have to slow down a bit until the renewals kick in the next month.

          I will be working on the exact script and share it here for criticism in the next few days.

          So does anyone with experience have an idea on how many of these might be able to be closed by one person per day? How many hours should I give a person to close a deal before I let them go? 8 hours, 16 hours??

          How does this plan sound???
          Signature

          *** Do you need leads for you insurance agency? We generated telemarketed leads all over the country. Shoot me a PM and we can from there! ****

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6070577].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author John Durham
            Originally Posted by bsnrjones View Post

            Okay, I want to sum up my ideas and share my direction - about to kick this thing off.

            I have decided on my niche and will be building a national site - from my initial research there are at least 14,000+ businesses to call on a national basis - this is just from a list I got for free from my local libraries website using ResearchUSA database.

            These businesses spend big money on advertising and the profit margin for them is high.

            I am going to buy the leads per state, and load the data into my database to create the intial directory. So for example this week I will buy the leads for Texas and build the directory out for Texas. (I might be able to do the entire directory for all 50 states, just not sure yet). So basically everyone will get a free listing - but they pay to get the top spots and more options, etc.

            Then I am going to hire a couple of experienced telemarketers that have been carefully screened for accent in the Phillipines. I will pay them by the hour with a bonus if they hit sales goals.

            I am shooting for a one call close. Basically the TM will call and say that we are verifying the contact information for our listing in the state of Texas. They will confirm the information quickly and then offer a updated listing that normally goes for $97 a month for $67/month (not sure on pricing yet). The thud factor will be high - but not much actual work will need to be done if they upgrade.

            TM will run the credit card thru my virtual terminal and send me the details.

            Here is where it gets a bit tricky. I have $500 to burn on the TM's. If I pay them $6 per hour, they would need a sale a day for me to basically break even. If it was less than that, I could still function, but might have to slow down a bit until the renewals kick in the next month.

            I will be working on the exact script and share it here for criticism in the next few days.

            So does anyone with experience have an idea on how many of these might be able to be closed by one person per day?

            How does this plan sound???
            Good plan, a bit ambitious, but if you are up for doing 50 states individually then rock n roll!

            About the Phillipine TMS... I would BARELY trust them with appointment setting, and I can pretty much tell you straight up that if you ask them to phone close you will get ZERO sales for your $500.

            Not so much because of the accents... Its because they dont prefer closing deals... and so they will take your money, let two sucky telemarketers who they dont need on their appointment floor to burn your hours just to fill the obligation....knowing that it will be a lucky day if they actually close one....

            Here's why:

            They arent interested in a long relationship with a phone closer deal... they prefer to give precedence to the appointment setting gigs, but they WILL take the $500 order knowing you wont be long term anyway.

            They make as much on an appointment or more than they do on a close, but its easier to set appointments and train their telemarketers on...

            They wont turn down money, even if they know ahead of time that it isnt going anywhere for you.

            I used to be a BPO for a Philiopine lead company (the lead tree). My room used to take the contracts they didnt want.

            I wouldnt do it if I were you. Hire people from here who might actually develop an interest in your project and become a part of your own team, whose loyalty is to YOU.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6070654].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author maricelu
            I'm interested in your script

            Originally Posted by bsnrjones View Post

            Okay, I want to sum up my ideas and share my direction - about to kick this thing off.

            I have decided on my niche and will be building a national site - from my initial research there are at least 14,000+ businesses to call on a national basis - this is just from a list I got for free from my local libraries website using ResearchUSA database.

            These businesses spend big money on advertising and the profit margin for them is high.

            I am going to buy the leads per state, and load the data into my database to create the intial directory. So for example this week I will buy the leads for Texas and build the directory out for Texas. (I might be able to do the entire directory for all 50 states, just not sure yet). So basically everyone will get a free listing - but they pay to get the top spots and more options, etc.

            Then I am going to hire a couple of experienced telemarketers that have been carefully screened for accent in the Phillipines. I will pay them by the hour with a bonus if they hit sales goals.

            I am shooting for a one call close. Basically the TM will call and say that we are verifying the contact information for our listing in the state of Texas. They will confirm the information quickly and then offer a updated listing that normally goes for $97 a month for $67/month (not sure on pricing yet). The thud factor will be high - but not much actual work will need to be done if they upgrade.

            TM will run the credit card thru my virtual terminal and send me the details.

            Here is where it gets a bit tricky. I have $500 to burn on the TM's. If I pay them $6 per hour, they would need a sale a day for me to basically break even. If it was less than that, I could still function, but might have to slow down a bit until the renewals kick in the next month.

            I will be working on the exact script and share it here for criticism in the next few days.

            So does anyone with experience have an idea on how many of these might be able to be closed by one person per day? How many hours should I give a person to close a deal before I let them go? 8 hours, 16 hours??

            How does this plan sound???
            Signature

            I have no signature.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6071478].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
          Thanks for sharing Rollmodl. But I'm still confused. What are you optimizing their listing for? Their industry keyword? So you're only taking one listing per industry on your site? Only one page can own the keyword.

          If your client doesn't want their listing anymore and you need to swap in someone else's listing, isn't that going to affect on-page SEO factors and hurt your ranking?

          The way I see it, you have listing pages and keyword pages. The best your listing page can do is rank for the business name, which may or may not get any searches at all.

          Prime keywords should have your own pages and will need all the on-page SEO that Google loves to rank. I think I want to own that page and the primary content on that page will be there for ranking purposes. A top paying listee could have a featured box on that page so they get the benefit of that traffic, but I'm not going to give it up completely to a listee that may not be with me forever, as changing out the content would hurt my rankings.

          Am I thinking about this wrong? I'll be the first to admit that SEO doesn't always click with me, so maybe I'm wrong.


          Originally Posted by Rollmodl View Post

          Good points and this is exactly what I offer with my listings since SEO is part of my profession.

          That Video Magazine New York
          • Keyword - New York Magazine
          • Phrase match traffic (monthly local) - 110,000
          • Competition - Low
          • Onpage SEO - Keyword in title, head, description and url
          • Keyword base - Boost local searches (eg. New york restaurants, new york real estate)
          • Optimized listings - Each business category and listing optimized in thier niche through keyword research.
          • SEO options - each listing can opt for additional ranking through press releases, linkbuilding, content, etc.
          Before building a site think about your keywords and linking structure. Keywork research should be the first thing you do. This will help drive traffic saving $$$ on online marketing. Hope this help someone with thier site structure
          Signature

          grrr...

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6079306].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
            Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

            Thanks for sharing Rollmodl. But I'm still confused. What are you optimizing their listing for? Their industry keyword? So you're only taking one listing per industry on your site? Only one page can own the keyword.

            If your client doesn't want their listing anymore and you need to swap in someone else's listing, isn't that going to affect on-page SEO factors and hurt your ranking?

            The way I see it, you have listing pages and keyword pages. The best your listing page can do is rank for the business name, which may or may not get any searches at all.

            Prime keywords should have your own pages and will need all the on-page SEO that Google loves to rank. I think I want to own that page and the primary content on that page will be there for ranking purposes. A top paying listee could have a featured box on that page so they get the benefit of that traffic, but I'm not going to give it up completely to a listee that may not be with me forever, as changing out the content would hurt my rankings.


            Am I thinking about this wrong? I'll be the first to admit that SEO doesn't always click with me, so maybe I'm wrong.
            • Featured listing are optional for an additional fee and yes they will be displayed at the top of thier category page.
            • Trying to explain explain keywords and SEO is a very in-depth topic. You should not rank a client based name. For example, when you search Google do you enter a company name or the product/service? The search results then provide you with the names of business. I use various SEO software to find the best keywords. The simplest which is available to everyone is Google's Keyword Tool.
            • Google will find the listing within the pages as long as the listing is optimized
            • Listings are not swapped. If a client ranks very high and he decides to cancel, that is his loss. You can also have two listings optimized exactly the same but one can rank much higher due to back-links. So though optimization is great, back-linking is more important.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6079431].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
              I get all that. The question is what are you optimizing for?

              There are only so many keywords available in a given industry and only one page can rank #1 for a given keyword. If you are optimizing all pages for, say, New York Plumber, you're not only competing with external competition, you're competing with yourself.


              Originally Posted by Rollmodl View Post

              • Featured listing are optional for an additional fee and yes they will be displayed at the top of thier category page.
              • Trying to explain explain keywords and SEO is a very in-depth topic. You should not rank a client based name. For example, when you search Google do you enter a company name or the product/service? The search results then provide you with the names of business. I use various SEO software to find the best keywords. The simplest which is available to everyone is Google's Keyword Tool.
              • Google will find the listing within the pages as long as the listing is optimized
              • Listings are not swapped. If a client ranks very high and he decides to cancel, that is his loss. You can also have two listings optimized exactly the same but one can rank much higher due to back-links. So though optimization is great, back-linking is more important.
              Signature

              grrr...

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6079506].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
                Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

                I get all that. The question is what are you optimizing for?

                There are only so many keywords available in a given industry and only one page can rank #1 for a given keyword. If you are optimizing all pages for, say, New York Plumber, you're not only competing with external competition, you're competing with yourself.
                • I won't know what I am optimizing for until I know the client, conduct keyword research and choose the optimum keywords. External competition is minimized through keyword research using my Market Samurai and Article Samurai software.
                • I'm not competing with myself but rather the clients are competing with each other within the site. True, only one can rank for #1 but there are still 9 other slots that are available. This is why I try to rank the main category #1. The user can then research the listings within the category.
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6079586].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
                  I use Market Samurai as well and have been doing extensive research on my chosen niche and the most populous cities in the country and it's lead to my conundrum on the proper site structure and SEO.

                  I want to sign up as many paying listees as I can and I want to help all of them as best I can, but there's only so much traffic.

                  I'm now thinking the keyword pages need to be optimized landing pages with primary (a featured listee) and secondary (links to category listees) calls to action.

                  In the early stages, I can get the page to rank for a given keyword and monetize it how I want, but later as I add subscribers, I can add featured clients module to the page and a category module to the page, all without affecting on page content and SEO.

                  This doesn't matter for every niche, but for the niche I'm considering there are really good ways to monetize the page(s) before I get even the first subscribers. In this way, I hope to reinvest the revenue to scale the site, and be able to have hard numbers on lead potential when talking to subscribers.

                  Gotta think about this more though.





                  Originally Posted by Rollmodl View Post

                  • I won't know what I am optimizing for until I know the client, conduct keyword research and choose the optimum keywords. External competition is minimized through keyword research using my Market Samurai and Article Samurai software.
                  • I'm not competing with myself but rather the clients are competing with each other within the site. True, only one can rank for #1 but there are still 9 other slots that are available. This is why I try to rank the main category #1. The user can then research the listings within the category.
                  Signature

                  grrr...

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6079826].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author professorrosado
                    Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

                    This doesn't matter for every niche, but for the niche I'm considering there are really good ways to monetize the page(s) before I get even the first subscribers. In this way, I hope to reinvest the revenue to scale the site, and be able to have hard numbers on lead potential when talking to subscribers.

                    Gotta think about this more though.
                    This is the best reasoning I've seen so far concerning the local directory concept. A farmer doesn't plant his crops first and then prepares the soil afterwards - he prepares the environment first before he makes the effort and investment in planting his crop.

                    Making money online is not just setting up a website and selling space. Anyone and everyone is doing that. You need to offer them something more than just another listing out of hundreds of directories out there.

                    Look at what the need is and address it - it sure isn't just a listing.
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6080287].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
                      Thanks. I certainly believe you can sell listings before you have any traffic, but I'm not sure that's how I want to go about it. I want to provide more value.

                      And since this is a curious side-project for me and not my main gig, I have the luxury of time. Time to plan, time to build and time to think long and hard about it beforehand.

                      Originally Posted by professorrosado View Post

                      This is the best reasoning I've seen so far concerning the local directory concept. A farmer doesn't plant his crops first and then prepares the soil afterwards - he prepares the environment first before he makes the effort and investment in planting his crop.

                      Making money online is not just setting up a website and selling space. Anyone and everyone is doing that. You need to offer them something more than just another listing out of hundreds of directories out there.

                      Look at what the need is and address it - it sure isn't just a listing.
                      Signature

                      grrr...

                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6080312].message }}
                      • Profile picture of the author professorrosado
                        Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

                        Thanks. I certainly believe you can sell listings before you have any traffic, but I'm not sure that's how I want to go about it. I want to provide more value.
                        Yes, you need more value for customers. Listings are fine until the competition arrives. I say this because multi-faceted worldwide networks are focused on the geo-based local model heavily.

                        When they do "arrive" in your hometown, your listing directories will start losing out to the new level of service provider.

                        The bottom line is that if you are not going to provide your customers with value, you don't really have a long-term plan with this. You are just giving them more reason to join a value-packed network solution when it opens in their area.

                        I'll say this, that the only ones that will survive in the long-run are Niche and micro-niche directories. This type of specialized directory would be hard for any network to break into if the niche directory is value-packed.

                        So you'll have to know the niche, provide content and value services and you should really make great money from such an operation. Don't just think putting up a listing directory is going to be a long lasting business model at this time. It was before and still may provide some with money, but that time is soon coming to an end. IMHO ; )
                        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6080455].message }}
                        • Profile picture of the author keldog
                          Terrific conversation!

                          @FormerWageSlave, or anyone else that would care to share...

                          If I may ask a question of you? Here you wrote:

                          (begin)
                          "If your client doesn't want their listing anymore and you need to swap in someone else's listing, isn't that going to affect on-page SEO factors and hurt your ranking?
                          and:
                          The way I see it, you have listing pages and keyword pages. The best your listing page can do is rank for the business name, which may or may not get any searches at all."
                          (end)

                          In the first instance do you see a way this page ("listings" page) could be built similar to a rent a site model? So essentially the entire page is for a single advertiser and is simply a lead generator for that one advertiser.

                          I'm suggesting the typical rent a site set up: 800# that you own, and more general content, but keyword rich/seo'd for ranking purposes. With swappable header (a sort of individual page header, not the directory header) and spot somewhere for their company logo, but not much else (except maybe the video, which again you own).

                          This way you can keep all the benefits of the work you've done for ranking and avoiding greater loss if you lose that advertiser.

                          (This of course is predicated on it being an advertisers "page" on your site and not a "listing". I know you were writing about something somewhat different, just asking for your thoughts as I find myself confronted by this, a similar situation)

                          So, if it were a "page", built like a rent a site...

                          Still ranking, right? You lose that advertiser for whatever reason. So? call the next guy and offer it to him. It could be very valuable to some. Forward the phone, replace the graphics, ..good to go, right?

                          Finally, what if you did also rank it for an advertisers name? In fact that may look really special to them and they may decide to stick around even longer. Should only take a short time to lay some seo on it for their name, if it is low competition, cool, should take little effort to rank for the business name.

                          Then if somebody does search for them (past business that you seo'd name for) by name and did come across that "page" they were on, you and your "new" advertiser get another visit, right? Good for you both and if that visitor becomes a customer of your new advertiser, well then the old client just loses out.

                          Would that work do you think, or is my naivete giving me away?

                          It's late, hope I'm making sense.

                          If anybody has thoughts on this sort of set up please share.

                          PS: I do apologize if this is thread high jacking, noob here. But this is a great conversation. (Thanks for starting it John D)
                          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6083727].message }}
                          • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
                            Hey keldog,

                            The business' individual listing page is a lead generation page yes, but those pages aren't going to get a whole lot of SEO value. I mean, I wouldn't want to do the work and incur the expense of SEOing a listings page for a business that may not be with me in a few months.

                            So what's the smart thing to do? I think, get a keyword page ranked as best you can. Like:

                            Code:
                            http://awesomelawyers.com/miami-lawyers
                            With "miami lawyers" being your keyword.

                            Originally, I thought to build that page with content to rank and have some modules on it to entice clicks through to a featured listing as primary call to action and another module inviting them to see the whole category listings.

                            And maybe that should be tested, but now I'm thinking those pages should contain some type of lead generation form to "get quotes in minutes!"

                            No brand owns the page, I collect leads and sell the leads to the business that wants to buy them.

                            So, I think we're on the same page here... as long as we agree on what a listings page is... and to me it's the individual business page.

                            As far as SEOing a listings page, not sure what that would do... and maybe someone with more knowledge than I will chime in, but if I am SEOing my keyword page for a high search keyword, I'm not going to do the same for an individual business. I think that is competing with yourself. And SEOing for their business name may not hold much value if it never gets searched.

                            This is all theory though. I've never done this and have only seriously considered this biz model since the advent of this thread.


                            Originally Posted by keldog View Post

                            Terrific conversation!

                            @FormerWageSlave, or anyone else that would care to share...

                            If I may ask a question of you? Here you wrote:

                            (begin)
                            "If your client doesn't want their listing anymore and you need to swap in someone else's listing, isn't that going to affect on-page SEO factors and hurt your ranking?
                            and:
                            The way I see it, you have listing pages and keyword pages. The best your listing page can do is rank for the business name, which may or may not get any searches at all."
                            (end)

                            In the first instance do you see a way this page ("listings" page) could be built similar to a rent a site model? So essentially the entire page is for a single advertiser and is simply a lead generator for that one advertiser.

                            I'm suggesting the typical rent a site set up: 800# that you own, and more general content, but keyword rich/seo'd for ranking purposes. With swappable header (a sort of individual page header, not the directory header) and spot somewhere for their company logo, but not much else (except maybe the video, which again you own).

                            This way you can keep all the benefits of the work you've done for ranking and avoiding greater loss if you lose that advertiser.

                            (This of course is predicated on it being an advertisers "page" on your site and not a "listing". I know you were writing about something somewhat different, just asking for your thoughts as I find myself confronted by this, a similar situation)

                            So, if it were a "page", built like a rent a site...

                            Still ranking, right? You lose that advertiser for whatever reason. So? call the next guy and offer it to him. It could be very valuable to some. Forward the phone, replace the graphics, ..good to go, right?

                            Finally, what if you did also rank it for an advertisers name? In fact that may look really special to them and they may decide to stick around even longer. Should only take a short time to lay some seo on it for their name, if it is low competition, cool, should take little effort to rank for the business name.

                            Then if somebody does search for them (past business that you seo'd name for) by name and did come across that "page" they were on, you and your "new" advertiser get another visit, right? Good for you both and if that visitor becomes a customer of your new advertiser, well then the old client just loses out.

                            Would that work do you think, or is my naivete giving me away?

                            It's late, hope I'm making sense.

                            If anybody has thoughts on this sort of set up please share.

                            PS: I do apologize if this is thread high jacking, noob here. But this is a great conversation. (Thanks for starting it John D)
                            Signature

                            grrr...

                            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6085873].message }}
                            • Profile picture of the author ePolymath
                              Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

                              As far as SEOing a listings page, not sure what that would do... and maybe someone with more knowledge than I will chime in, but if I am SEOing my keyword page for a high search keyword, I'm not going to do the same for an individual business. I think that is competing with yourself. And SEOing for their business name may not hold much value if it never gets searched.
                              Without much done in the way of individually optimizing these sub-pages. A lot of business detail pages from my directories often rank higher than the business's website.

                              In an ideal world, if a customer is searching for a business, their website, not mine, should show up at the top. Seeing how many of these sites are put together by inexperienced web designers/seo people, I believe I deserve the traffic I get .

                              Since the search volume for most business names is very minimal. I wouldn't suggest spending too much time on optimizing pages for business names.
                              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6088404].message }}
                              • Profile picture of the author Nomader
                                Thanks everyone for some great insight.

                                I am looking to start a small directory and was wondering what would be best for SEO:

                                A <city>.com domain with categories for each type of business or a micro niche of separate website for each type of business in that city.

                                Micro niche would be a ton more time and expense and not as much opportunity for interlinking but I can be very specific in the domain.

                                Also I see a lot of people asking about scripts. I have been looking into using the GeoTheme WP Theme. Reviews look good but who knows. Haven't pulled the trigger on it yet.
                                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6088966].message }}
                                • Profile picture of the author Local Jake
                                  Originally Posted by Nomader View Post


                                  Also I see a lot of people asking about scripts. I have been looking into using the GeoTheme WP Theme. Reviews look good but who knows. Haven't pulled the trigger on it yet.
                                  I'm not finished yet but I use the ProAffiliateTheme to create directory listings for local businesses. See here: Waco Web Design - WebWaco - JustWaco.com | JustWaco

                                  All of my listings are free because we're talking pennies compared to what I make offering them internet marketing services.

                                  This is a great way to get in the door and also offer them initial value to make you more of a "friend" rather than a "salesman".
                                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6094282].message }}
                                  • Profile picture of the author Local Jake
                                    The directory method is very easy...
                                    1. Create Your {City} Directory
                                    2. Contact local business owners and let them add FREE listing
                                    3. If businesses are interested, add their listing and send an email with a link to listing
                                    4. Now create a email Sales Funnel for these businesses regarding the best local marketing techniques
                                    5. In each email, include subtle hints of services that you provide and how you can help out
                                    6. This is fully automated so your work is minimal!
                                    7. $$$$$ PROFIT $$$$$$
                                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6094296].message }}
                                    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
                                      Originally Posted by Local Jake View Post

                                      The directory method is very easy...
                                      1. Create Your {City} Directory
                                      2. Contact local business owners and let them add FREE listing
                                      3. If businesses are interested, add their listing and send an email with a link to listing
                                      4. Now create a email Sales Funnel for these businesses regarding the best local marketing techniques
                                      5. In each email, include subtle hints of services that you provide and how you can help out
                                      6. This is fully automated so your work is minimal!
                                      7. $$$$$ PROFIT $$$$$$
                                      Theoretically maybe. But why not turn them into a customer from the beginning?

                                      Most people just are afraid to "sell".

                                      This works too...loss leader...yes we are familiar. However, this argument is the same as "Free reports and optins" vs. "only taking paid members on your lists".

                                      It's obvious which one is more potent. some truths are self evident and dont need point out, but I will anyway, because alot of people will tend to cling to bells and whistles , which is why not many succeed.

                                      Not saying the free route doesnt work as a shot in the dark, but one works alot better and gives you more control over your outcomes. You just spin your wheels less.

                                      Does anyone want to spin their wheels? Do we want to PLAN to give ourselves a long road? Do we want to strategize intentionally to give ourselves an uphill battle, just to avouid the word "sales".

                                      Alot of people do that and there's a name for them "Failures".

                                      Dont hate me, just because reality backs up what Im saying!

                                      Both work...and you can do BOTH, which you will see at the bottom of this post... but focusing on the free one only, is just taking the long way around and it may be months before you make money....

                                      Question: If you are contacting them first anyway, and if you have someone interested on the phone why not try to close them?

                                      This is an easy close.

                                      What you are saying doesnt make ergonomical sense.

                                      Im going to tell you the truth and if you dont believe me you cant test it yourself... I know this will open me up to be debated by the inexperienced who are spouting what "sounds like it makes sense"...

                                      "Most of the people who even BUY the webpage from you and pay7 $100 per month will not even open your emails half the time".

                                      Why should the free ones?

                                      Dont believe me, try it yourself...

                                      I REALLY REALLY dont mean to to brag, but listen it makes sense... I have written over 19,000 of these things (deals)... Im telling you if you try it , you are going to find out Im right.

                                      Take it or leave it.

                                      You can get some sales that way, but you are spinning your wheels alot until you have 3k people on your list...because small business owners will tend to not open your emails...

                                      Now: It "will" work. Its just the long way around and you wont be making money from your first day more than likely...and it will not be predictable.

                                      You can predict your sales call numbers...but doing it the way described , every day is going to be a grab bag special.

                                      UNLESS you really prepave what you are doping in your pitch when you called them the first time.

                                      You can set them up to be more qualified in your initial phone pitch for giving it away free...however, if you are goping to do that then why take all the extra steps...Just sell em!

                                      Here's what I suggest.... try to sell EVERYONE!

                                      And if they dont buy....then give them a free listing anyway, and set them up for upselling down the road as described.

                                      Which is better and shows more charater, to "position" yourself as a sales guy, or to BE a manipulator who isnt upfront about their intentions, and who is just waiting for the moment to pounce?

                                      Which one seems more integritable?

                                      I would suggest offering the free one as a last rebuttal and optin the "maybe laters" into a list.

                                      This is another way you can build your listings is to just give free ones to select people who you couldnt sell but feel you might down the road.

                                      Do I believe in loss leaders? Tes. I have a list myself that has a couple of thousand paying customers on it, but even MORE free ones...

                                      But experience tells me that there is a difference between a list developed online and one developed offline with small business owners, and one simply BARELY works.

                                      It can happen.... with ALOT of distinctions that make take you years to make, and you may make SOME money in the meanwhile, but not much at all, and you will spin your wheels alot more than you make money.

                                      Again, experience has to be believed, and you dont have to believe mine, but if you choose to get your own instead, the value of it diminishes with the time required to amass it.





                                      @ Former Wage Slave...

                                      You can use your miami lawyers page to do a brief listing for each customer, which links to their "company profile" page (Actually web page for that biz) as you are saying, and send the prospects to the SEO'd miami lawyers page as you suggest... The beauty of which is that , each of the listings you put on that page can be a few lines long and you can use them for seo in the descriptions.

                                      You can turn this into a USP, telling prospects that they have a chance to benefit from the traffic of major corporations and compete on the same level.

                                      In fact if you can do some research and look up some local business names that already get searched and add them to that page, even better!

                                      Alot of people can do SEO, but its useless to you if you dont know how to make it synergistic with the rest of your business model, and sales process.

                                      Jakes post IMO is the epitomy of an online marketer assuming that online stuff works the same way as offline, simply because the thoughts seem to connect...

                                      Thats called a "theory".


                                      @ Jake - I like your design colors nice logo's... but what is your site saying?

                                      Waco Web Design - WebWaco - JustWaco.com | JustWaco

                                      It isnt telling me about the cities or a niche, it looks like a web designers site reading the copy.

                                      You have to deliver a clear message. People click away fast, and they dont buy when they are scratching their heads trying to figure out what you are.

                                      Thats a rule of sales, which again is a different thing from SEO, but SEO is useless if you dont understand sales rules.

                                      I know a guy (right here on the Warrior Forum) who sold a group of investors here over 30 number one SEO'd sites...ALL NUMBER ONE in their niche, and the investors are all desperate now because they cant sell them and the systems and pages he designed arent sunergistic with any sales process.

                                      He shot the seo first and didnt consider the sales process with forethought.

                                      You need a slogan under your company name on that page page, that says more than jkust Waco Web design, IMO. Its kinda redundant and doesnt knock you out of your chair. Thats just me though maybe.

                                      Not "about us". There is a reason about us pages are optional to click on... because people come for WIIFM and they only want to know "about us" if they click on the about us link.

                                      Excellent action taking though!
                                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6094533].message }}
                                  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
                                    Originally Posted by Local Jake View Post

                                    I'm not finished yet but I use the ProAffiliateTheme to create directory listings for local businesses. See here: Waco Web Design - WebWaco - JustWaco.com | JustWaco

                                    All of my listings are free because we're talking pennies compared to what I make offering them internet marketing services.

                                    This is a great way to get in the door and also offer them initial value to make you more of a "friend" rather than a "salesman".
                                    You say all your listigns are free, but I can only see 2 listings and I assume one in yours. Are there others I missed
                                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6094677].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
    I built this for the 90 day challenge as a directory site. http://audiologynj.com/

    I purchased 2 local domains to attach onto this site. Currently I'm trying to rank this site in the Serps, before calling prospects.
    I have some one that will do a flyer first and send out a mailing before calling prospecrts. Any ideas how to improve this site ?
    Signature


    You can earn 10% average annual returns on your investments - https://app.groundfloor.us/r/m2aa7b
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5965131].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      [DELETED]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5967033].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        Are there hundreds of audiologists in your area? Do you have a big enough market? .
        I went to the Telemarketing forum in the lead generator and found 2pages worth of leads. Took the information and looked in Super Pages and found more in the area. I'm not sure if the Market is big enough, but most do not have web-sites or listings. However every day more people need hearing aides as the population ages. I would think this is a growing market, unless I should target end users instead ?
        Signature


        You can earn 10% average annual returns on your investments - https://app.groundfloor.us/r/m2aa7b
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5967417].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Nice site DWolfe
      Mind teeling us which script you used?
      Does the script add the scolling ful-page image of their site automatically?

      Only suggestion would be to add more clients before approaching others

      What I did with my first directory was add 10-20 free listings (without telling them) then approach new clients. When I had a 5-10 new clients I would remove 5-10 of the free listings and then contact them and offer them a listing at a reduced rate since I already had the listing done for them sitting waiting to be reactivated

      Tom

      Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

      I built this for the 90 day challenge as a directory site. http://audiologynj.com/

      I purchased 2 local domains to attach onto this site. Currently I'm trying to rank this site in the Serps, before calling prospects.
      I have some one that will do a flyer first and send out a mailing before calling prospecrts. Any ideas how to improve this site ?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5969317].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author pwk2000
        Pricing questions:

        1. Is it usually best to just offer a monthly price instead of an annual price? If you offer both, do most sign up for the monthly package?

        2. Does anyone suggest selling a lifetime listing? Seems like an easier sell.
        Maybe offer $600 a year, or a $1,200 lifetime listing. Any thoughts?

        3. Does anyone offer or get asked about a money back guarantee?

        I have been working on a small niche directory for 5 years, always re-doing the design. Re-thinking pricing, featured listings etc. Leaving it alone for a while then coming back to it months later and messing with it again! Something is stopping me from just calling or even emailing my offer... I am not sure why... any advice?

        At this point sometimes I think I would be better off building directories for other people! And just charge a hosting/support fee.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5969836].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
          Originally Posted by pwk2000 View Post


          ...At this point sometimes I think I would be better off building directories for other people! And just charge a hosting/support fee.
          You should get your feet wet and just go for it - you can iron out any pricing problems along the way.

          Once you get started it is surprising how easy it is to talk to people about themselves and their needs - everyone likes to talk about themselves.

          A lot of small businesses don't have a web presence so rather than building directories, build a free simple website for those business people that don't have one, then charge a monthly hosting/support fee as an upsell for your directory targets. At least, that's what I intend to do.

          Good luck

          Karen
          Signature

          Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5969936].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
            Hi Karen

            I think you can do all of those things.

            Sometimes I guess the listing on a directory site is an easier sell to start with, which you can then upsell to a full web site, or maybe even a rental site.

            By the way, I have a few projects coming up that will include the Surrey / Sussex area.

            Perhaps we could chat about this at some point and put our heads together. Do you do any local marketing at the minute?

            Roger

            Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

            You should get your feet wet and just go for it - you can iron out any pricing problems along the way.

            Once you get started it is surprising how easy it is to talk to people about themselves and their needs - everyone likes to talk about themselves.

            A lot of small businesses don't have a web presence so rather than building directories, build a free simple website for those business people that don't have one, then charge a monthly hosting/support fee as an upsell for your directory targets. At least, that's what I intend to do.

            Good luck

            Karen
            Signature

            "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
            Success will follow.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5970712].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
              Originally Posted by Roger Mayne View Post

              Hi Karen

              I think you can do all of those things.

              Sometimes I guess the listing on a directory site is an easier sell to start with, which you can then upsell to a full web site, or maybe even a rental site.

              By the way, I have a few projects coming up that will include the Surrey / Sussex area.

              Perhaps we could chat about this at some point and put our heads together. Do you do any local marketing at the minute?

              Roger
              Hi Roger,

              My exisiting clients are in Ireland. I lived in Ireland for 10 years but recently moved back to UK.

              Fortunately my clients were set up so they don't need any face-to-face meetings now - they just pay money to my bank each month for their hosting etc. . In fact, they don't know that I'm not still in Ireland - they still get their monthly email from me.

              I am just at the point where I can get back to 'offline' stuff and am going to make a start with a couple of directory sites.

              Feel free to get in touch if you want to chat.

              What I was asking in my post was, is it better to get my site ranked before beginning to sell listings? I don't want to lose potential prospects showing an empty, unranked directory.

              So, if I just used 'content' on the site and pushed it onto the first page would I lose the place if I then changed the site to a directory script?

              Not too sure if I have explained this properly .

              Karen
              Signature

              Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5977871].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Nail Yener
                Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

                s it better to get my site ranked before beginning to sell listings? I don't want to lose potential prospects showing an empty, unranked directory.

                So, if I just used 'content' on the site and pushed it onto the first page would I lose the place if I then changed the site to a directory script?

                Not too sure if I have explained this properly .

                Karen
                Hi Karen,

                I think it is better to get the site ranked first and then start selling it. If I was a local business owner, I would like to know what I can expect before I invest on advertising. If you show me some ranking and traffic stats then I would be more willing to advertise on your site.

                Why don't you start by listing businesses and adding content at the same time? All the listings will be free listings when you are just starting, then you can offer premium/featured/homepage/sidebar etc. listings as your site and traffic grows.

                You shouldn't make any dramatic changes once your site is ranking, because you may lose your position. So, it is better to plan it well at the beginning and build upon it.
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5978018].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
                Hi Karen

                Always good to network with local marketers.

                I'll PM you my contact details.

                Thanks

                Roger

                Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

                Hi Roger,

                My exisiting clients are in Ireland. I lived in Ireland for 10 years but recently moved back to UK.

                Fortunately my clients were set up so they don't need any face-to-face meetings now - they just pay money to my bank each month for their hosting etc. . In fact, they don't know that I'm not still in Ireland - they still get their monthly email from me.

                I am just at the point where I can get back to 'offline' stuff and am going to make a start with a couple of directory sites.

                Feel free to get in touch if you want to chat.

                What I was asking in my post was, is it better to get my site ranked before beginning to sell listings? I don't want to lose potential prospects showing an empty, unranked directory.

                So, if I just used 'content' on the site and pushed it onto the first page would I lose the place if I then changed the site to a directory script?

                Not too sure if I have explained this properly .

                Karen
                Signature

                "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
                Success will follow.

                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5979422].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author pspro
                  I've started and stalled so many directory projects over the past decade I could scream! I keep getting stuck on the details, the which directory platform, how will I monetize it, need I go on LOL I'm sure I'm not alone on this.

                  Fact IS directories offer extremely helpful content for searchers so it's an online business model that will never die... I should know, I've sat on the sidelines observing it's staying power
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5980798].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author j3rki
                    Karen, how do you want to sell?

                    I hate cold calls. I will write direct mails. But what arguments? Any contracts? What do you think how I should start with? Im very new to offline but very comfortable with online
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5981981].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
                      Originally Posted by j3rki View Post

                      Karen, how do you want to sell?

                      I hate cold calls. I will write direct mails. But what arguments? Any contracts? What do you think how I should start with? Im very new to offline but very comfortable with online
                      Hi,

                      I'm not sure that I'm the one to answer this - there are lots of people reading this thread with much more experience than me.

                      I haven't done this for a couple of years, so I'm actually starting over.

                      For what it is worth, my first few sales came from walking in the door of prospective clients. It took a few days (and a lot of frustration...) to make my first sale.

                      I'm planning to have a go on the phone this time, once I've finished setting up my directory :confused: and getting it ranked.

                      I will put in free listings, rotating them each month so the site isn't empty when I contact a business until I get a good looking site with lots of content.

                      Good luck

                      Karen
                      Signature

                      Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982492].message }}
                      • Profile picture of the author AussieT
                        Karen can I ask how and why you plan to rotate the free listings each month?

                        Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

                        Hi,

                        I'm not sure that I'm the one to answer this - there are lots of people reading this thread with much more experience than me.

                        I haven't done this for a couple of years, so I'm actually starting over.

                        For what it is worth, my first few sales came from walking in the door of prospective clients. It took a few days (and a lot of frustration...) to make my first sale.

                        I'm planning to have a go on the phone this time, once I've finished setting up my directory :confused: and getting it ranked.

                        I will put in free listings, rotating them each month so the site isn't empty when I contact a business until I get a good looking site with lots of content.

                        Good luck

                        Karen
                        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983897].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
                    Originally Posted by pspro View Post

                    I've started and stalled so many directory projects over the past decade I could scream! I keep getting stuck on the details, the which directory platform, how will I monetize it, need I go on LOL I'm sure I'm not alone on this.

                    Fact IS directories offer extremely helpful content for searchers so it's an online business model that will never die... I should know, I've sat on the sidelines observing it's staying power
                    I know how you feel. I had far too many projects in the burner at one time and had one set up last year. I was going to use the original Bower formula, which I am very sure would have worked just fine, I just did not do the work on it.

                    I just now re-bought the name that I was going to use because I let it expire after a year. I had directorypress installed, a few demo pages up. It was ready to go. I just let myself get distracted by too many other things.

                    I have a good business going right now, but I am kicking myself for not getting this going already.
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982398].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Warren Tibbotts
                Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

                Hi Roger,

                My exisiting clients are in Ireland. I lived in Ireland for 10 years but recently moved back to UK.

                Fortunately my clients were set up so they don't need any face-to-face meetings now - they just pay money to my bank each month for their hosting etc. . In fact, they don't know that I'm not still in Ireland - they still get their monthly email from me.

                I am just at the point where I can get back to 'offline' stuff and am going to make a start with a couple of directory sites.

                Feel free to get in touch if you want to chat.

                What I was asking in my post was, is it better to get my site ranked before beginning to sell listings? I don't want to lose potential prospects showing an empty, unranked directory.

                So, if I just used 'content' on the site and pushed it onto the first page would I lose the place if I then changed the site to a directory script?

                Not too sure if I have explained this properly .

                Karen

                Hi Karen

                Depending on what types of listings you are going to offer, (basic, premium, platinum, etc) why dont you just list all of the businesses for free, but upgrade couple of them to each type so you can demo what an upgrade will receive and benefit from?

                Warren
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6059077].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author krzysiek
                  Hi guys,

                  I'm hoping some of you with experience could help me out here - as I've had a recent thought about setting up a hyper-local directory where I live.

                  I don't know if it will work though, so here's the low down and let's see what you guys think.

                  In my town, we have around 20,000 people. Pretty much an 'average' town here in Australia. The town is part of a bigger city obviously, but in terms of locality, the town has 20K people.

                  According to some quick looking around, I believe there to be around 8K homes in the town.

                  Now, if I could make the number work.. I was thinking of initially sending out an offer to 8K homes (approx. 20K people exposure potentially) to sign them up for an "up and coming XXXXX local business directory". Obviously this entire process (including the design, mail out, sign up process) would need to be 100% down pat and seamless.

                  But, assuming we've got it all down pat with an attractive advert, I was thinking with hitting the 8K homes I could get a 'reasonable' amount of sign ups.

                  From there, when they get my postcard/advert, they will be directed to call a number (perhaps voice mail and leave details), fill a form on a website (where there might be a video etc) and I basically sign them all up by calling them back.

                  I was thinking charging something like $19.95/m and minimum buy-in is 12 months (to make it worthwhile for me - I need to recoup costs for the mailings). I think at $19.95 it is affordable. Could potentially go $29.95.

                  In either case, on the initial mailing going out to all house holds there would be NO link to the actual directory. I do not want people to see it empty and then not like it. So the directory would not be made public on the initial mailing.

                  The initial mailing would be just to get the info. out there. I would put something like, "Do you want to get your business in front of 20,0000 Local XXXX Residents?" for example, to try and get the businesses signed up.

                  Once signed and everything is good to go, a second round of mailing goes out..

                  This second round is now targeted all all people in the area. It hits the same homes as before, but now is targeting people and NOT business owners. It will direct them to the website and perhaps have a nice, stick out design with fridge magnet so that the URL doesn't escape them some time down the line.

                  I have NO idea how much traffic this would actually generate. I have NO idea if this would even work.

                  But, I am thinking of giving it a go. If I lose my initial investment because not enough businesses join, I will let it flop and call it a loss. But it is an idea I have had for now.

                  To also make some good extra coin, I could do a small twist. With the second set of mailings, I could include my directory URL in big font but also include a small "essentials" bit of space where there would be the details of the 'essential' businesses.

                  For example, on the fridge magnet promo. I could have 4-6 business types like plumbers, electricians, mechanics there so people wouldn't even need to log on the site if it was urgent and they just needed someone to call ASAP. This would attract a once-off fee and would help pay for the mailing.

                  However, that might detract from actual website visits. Also, how would I re-bill them after a year or so?

                  I am not sure how to make this work entirely just yet. But in my mind, it might have potential.

                  I also suppose that, when the business owners who sign up with me to join the directory -- when they actually SEE the advertisement (promoting the directory) go out to all of their friends and family in the town/suburb, they will see that we really are mailing everyone in the streets and that might actually satisfy them because they know the promised work has been done!

                  Also, the main reason this appeals to me: ZERO reliance on Google. Don't have to worry about Google getting their period and changing the algos and knocking the directory down and then having trouble from all the paying clients.

                  Thoughts?
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6059700].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
                    Mate if you can afford it give it a go. I think it has great potential. It serves two purposes. 1 it gets you business listings to fill your directory and 2 its get your directory known in the local community.

                    One observation why would you send your initial offer to the homes and not just to the businesse only? Aust Post offers this option.

                    The other thing I would do is offer a pre-launch special offer to these businesses for signing up before the site goes live.

                    One final observation this is probably more suitable for a general local city directory that needs to rely more on word-of-mouth promotion as opposed to a hyper niche directory where people will be typing keywords into a search engine.

                    Originally Posted by krzysiek View Post

                    Hi guys,

                    I'm hoping some of you with experience could help me out here - as I've had a recent thought about setting up a hyper-local directory where I live.

                    I don't know if it will work though, so here's the low down and let's see what you guys think.

                    In my town, we have around 20,000 people. Pretty much an 'average' town here in Australia. The town is part of a bigger city obviously, but in terms of locality, the town has 20K people.

                    According to some quick looking around, I believe there to be around 8K homes in the town.

                    Now, if I could make the number work.. I was thinking of initially sending out an offer to 8K homes (approx. 20K people exposure potentially) to sign them up for an "up and coming XXXXX local business directory". Obviously this entire process (including the design, mail out, sign up process) would need to be 100% down pat and seamless.

                    But, assuming we've got it all down pat with an attractive advert, I was thinking with hitting the 8K homes I could get a 'reasonable' amount of sign ups.

                    From there, when they get my postcard/advert, they will be directed to call a number (perhaps voice mail and leave details), fill a form on a website (where there might be a video etc) and I basically sign them all up by calling them back.

                    I was thinking charging something like $19.95/m and minimum buy-in is 12 months (to make it worthwhile for me - I need to recoup costs for the mailings). I think at $19.95 it is affordable. Could potentially go $29.95.

                    In either case, on the initial mailing going out to all house holds there would be NO link to the actual directory. I do not want people to see it empty and then not like it. So the directory would not be made public on the initial mailing.

                    The initial mailing would be just to get the info. out there. I would put something like, "Do you want to get your business in front of 20,0000 Local XXXX Residents?" for example, to try and get the businesses signed up.

                    Once signed and everything is good to go, a second round of mailing goes out..

                    This second round is now targeted all all people in the area. It hits the same homes as before, but now is targeting people and NOT business owners. It will direct them to the website and perhaps have a nice, stick out design with fridge magnet so that the URL doesn't escape them some time down the line.

                    I have NO idea how much traffic this would actually generate. I have NO idea if this would even work.

                    But, I am thinking of giving it a go. If I lose my initial investment because not enough businesses join, I will let it flop and call it a loss. But it is an idea I have had for now.

                    To also make some good extra coin, I could do a small twist. With the second set of mailings, I could include my directory URL in big font but also include a small "essentials" bit of space where there would be the details of the 'essential' businesses.

                    For example, on the fridge magnet promo. I could have 4-6 business types like plumbers, electricians, mechanics there so people wouldn't even need to log on the site if it was urgent and they just needed someone to call ASAP. This would attract a once-off fee and would help pay for the mailing.

                    However, that might detract from actual website visits. Also, how would I re-bill them after a year or so?

                    I am not sure how to make this work entirely just yet. But in my mind, it might have potential.

                    I also suppose that, when the business owners who sign up with me to join the directory -- when they actually SEE the advertisement (promoting the directory) go out to all of their friends and family in the town/suburb, they will see that we really are mailing everyone in the streets and that might actually satisfy them because they know the promised work has been done!

                    Also, the main reason this appeals to me: ZERO reliance on Google. Don't have to worry about Google getting their period and changing the algos and knocking the directory down and then having trouble from all the paying clients.

                    Thoughts?
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6060236].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author krzysiek
                      Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

                      Mate if you can afford it give it a go. I think it has great potential. It serves two purposes. 1 it gets you business listings to fill your directory and 2 its get your directory known in the local community.

                      One observation why would you send your initial offer to the homes and not just to the businesse only? Aust Post offers this option.

                      The other thing I would do is offer a pre-launch special offer to these businesses for signing up before the site goes live.

                      One final observation this is probably more suitable for a general local city directory that needs to rely more on word-of-mouth promotion as opposed to a hyper niche directory where people will be typing keywords into a search engine.
                      Thanks AussieT,

                      Well, I worked out it will cost me around $1200-$1500 or there abouts to get my letter to all 8K homes. Given that I would need to do 2 runs, that's looking to be around $3K for 2 mailings.

                      From those 8K homes, and potentially 20K people looking at my ads - I need 12.53 people to sign up at $19.95 per month for 12 months (minimum contract) to break even.

                      I may be over-optimistic, but I think I could close 12 people at that rate, don't you?

                      Also, the reason I am targeting the whole neighbourhood is because there are a lot of business owners that don't have a shop front. If I was hitting purely shop front owners then this wouldn't work nearly as well.

                      A lot of people are running plumbing, painting, cleaning, renovation etc companies or might be doing that type of work - where they visit the client - and thus have no shop front. Am I wrong to assume AusPost service is only for shop front?

                      If they somehow have data of all people who are business owners (even though with no shop fronts) then yes that would be a much, much better option for me.

                      As it stands, to me, it looks like the only way for me to actually mail businesses only would be to manually find them all online and address a letter to them all. Tedious and time consuming. So that is how I came to the idea of just mailing the whole suburb out in the beginning.

                      About your last point, perhaps I have worded it wrong? With the hyper-local aspect. I just meant really close to home, as the towns as you know, are much smaller here than compared to the US. But in the end, ideally, it would take the focus away from Google completely.

                      Thoughts?
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6060317].message }}
                      • Profile picture of the author AussieT
                        I think they deliver all registered businesses not just shop fronts

                        Go to this link for more info Australia Post - Unaddressed Mail

                        You can download a csv file for your state and it breaksdown the number of provate and businesses by post code as well as giving the total.

                        You may have to call the 1300 at the bottom of the link for pricing. They are very helpful

                        Tom

                        Originally Posted by krzysiek View Post

                        Thanks AussieT,

                        Well, I worked out it will cost me around $1200-$1500 or there abouts to get my letter to all 8K homes. Given that I would need to do 2 runs, that's looking to be around $3K for 2 mailings.

                        From those 8K homes, and potentially 20K people looking at my ads - I need 12.53 people to sign up at $19.95 per month for 12 months (minimum contract) to break even.

                        I may be over-optimistic, but I think I could close 12 people at that rate, don't you?

                        Also, the reason I am targeting the whole neighbourhood is because there are a lot of business owners that don't have a shop front. If I was hitting purely shop front owners then this wouldn't work nearly as well.

                        A lot of people are running plumbing, painting, cleaning, renovation etc companies or might be doing that type of work - where they visit the client - and thus have no shop front. Am I wrong to assume AusPost service is only for shop front?

                        If they somehow have data of all people who are business owners (even though with no shop fronts) then yes that would be a much, much better option for me.

                        As it stands, to me, it looks like the only way for me to actually mail businesses only would be to manually find them all online and address a letter to them all. Tedious and time consuming. So that is how I came to the idea of just mailing the whole suburb out in the beginning.

                        About your last point, perhaps I have worded it wrong? With the hyper-local aspect. I just meant really close to home, as the towns as you know, are much smaller here than compared to the US. But in the end, ideally, it would take the focus away from Google completely.

                        Thoughts?
                        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6060375].message }}
                      • Profile picture of the author Warren Tibbotts
                        Originally Posted by krzysiek View Post

                        Thanks AussieT,

                        Well, I worked out it will cost me around $1200-$1500 or there abouts to get my letter to all 8K homes. Given that I would need to do 2 runs, that's looking to be around $3K for 2 mailings.

                        From those 8K homes, and potentially 20K people looking at my ads - I need 12.53 people to sign up at $19.95 per month for 12 months (minimum contract) to break even.

                        I may be over-optimistic, but I think I could close 12 people at that rate, don't you?

                        Also, the reason I am targeting the whole neighbourhood is because there are a lot of business owners that don't have a shop front. If I was hitting purely shop front owners then this wouldn't work nearly as well.

                        A lot of people are running plumbing, painting, cleaning, renovation etc companies or might be doing that type of work - where they visit the client - and thus have no shop front. Am I wrong to assume AusPost service is only for shop front?

                        If they somehow have data of all people who are business owners (even though with no shop fronts) then yes that would be a much, much better option for me.

                        As it stands, to me, it looks like the only way for me to actually mail businesses only would be to manually find them all online and address a letter to them all. Tedious and time consuming. So that is how I came to the idea of just mailing the whole suburb out in the beginning.

                        About your last point, perhaps I have worded it wrong? With the hyper-local aspect. I just meant really close to home, as the towns as you know, are much smaller here than compared to the US. But in the end, ideally, it would take the focus away from Google completely.

                        Thoughts?

                        Don't waste your money on the mailing. Unless you're prepared to drop a few (say 100) and then go and door knock them the next day, you are wasting your money. The response rate will be around 0.001%. (so you might get 1 or 2 joining, but that will be it) If somehow you can personalise all the mailouts with a name and address, you might improve this to around 1% which would cover your break even. The only real way you could make this work (as you plan to do it) is to make it stand out BIG TIME, and with a massive BENEFIT headline (what's in it for me!!!!) statement. If you cant do that, you may as well wire me your investment now, and I'll sign up for your monthly site as your likely single prospect.

                        Just my 2cents worth

                        Warren
                        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6061582].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Nail Yener
          Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

          I've decided to offer discounts for the first 20 spots. Then bump it to a higher price fr the next 20, then go to the $197 monthly price.

          I'll be pre-selling spots at my local biz meeting Thursday.
          Shay, I will be checking this thread frequently to see how your progress goes, it is really interesting. Although I decided on a niche and found a couple nice domains available, I am still not sure how well this will work. Following real case studies from others like you just gives me more motivation.

          Originally Posted by pwk2000 View Post

          Pricing questions:

          1. Is it usually best to just offer a monthly price instead of an annual price? If you offer both, do most sign up for the monthly package?

          2. Does anyone suggest selling a lifetime listing? Seems like an easier sell.
          Maybe offer $600 a year, or a $1,200 lifetime listing. Any thoughts?

          3. Does anyone offer or get asked about a money back guarantee?

          I have been working on a small niche directory for 5 years, always re-doing the design. Re-thinking pricing, featured listings etc. Leaving it alone for a while then coming back to it months later and messing with it again! Something is stopping me from just calling or even emailing my offer... I am not sure why... any advice?
          The important point is to get traffic to your site and being at high spots on Google is one factor for that. If your site is on Google page 1 and gets some considerable traffic, I believe business owners will find you and ask you to be listed or advertise on your directory. Once you have the traffic, it will be an easier sell I guess.

          I wouldn't do a lifetime deal for any type of advertising or listing. Let's say, you normally sell listings $500/year and sold one lifetime listing for $1000. 2 years later, you will be starting to advertise that business for free for the life of your site. Can you get any lifetime deals on a local store for any product/service?

          Personally, I will not offer a money-back guarantee and I don't think any business owner would ask for a money-back guarantee for this type of listing or advertising, unless you make unrealistic promises like, "List your business on our directory and we will send you 10 new customers a month."

          Here is my simple strategy that I will follow:

          Build the site > Grow it > Increase traffic > Contact business owners and show them traffic stats > Make no promises > Offer no guarantees
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5970122].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author ShayB
            Originally Posted by Nail Yener View Post

            Shay, I will be checking this thread frequently to see how your progress goes, it is really interesting. Although I decided on a niche and found a couple nice domains available, I am still not sure how well this will work. Following real case studies from others like you just gives me more motivation.
            I hope it helps!

            The group that I meet with every week is a great group, and we do a lot of business with each other. I figure it's a great place to start - and it'll be a nice way to get things going.
            Signature
            "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5973921].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author catcat
              I'll also be watching Shay. This is one of the pet projects on my list and will start when some other obligations are out of the way. This is a great thread!
              Signature
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5973957].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AussieT
          Originally Posted by pwk2000 View Post

          Pricing questions:

          1. Is it usually best to just offer a monthly price instead of an annual price? If you offer both, do most sign up for the monthly package?
          You can offer an annual price for a discount. it has the advantage of getting more money upfront and if you offer monthly only and they cancel then you will have a tough time getting them back. Having them onboard for a year gives you more time to build up traffic and prove your worth to them.

          2. Does anyone suggest selling a lifetime listing? Seems like an easier sell.
          Maybe offer $600 a year, or a $1,200 lifetime listing. Any thoughts?
          One of my competitors originally offered a lifetime listing and did very well. He quickly filled his directory and Google rewared him. A few years later he began upselling them to a premium listing with added benefits and higher listing in the list view section.

          I am thinking of doing the same in another niche to try it.

          3. Does anyone offer or get asked about a money back guarantee?
          Never been asked in my niche although I have been asked for free trial listings.

          I have been working on a small niche directory for 5 years, always re-doing the design. Re-thinking pricing, featured listings etc. Leaving it alone for a while then coming back to it months later and messing with it again! Something is stopping me from just calling or even emailing my offer... I am not sure why... any advice?
          Stop playing with the design and get filled with listings and ranked instead.

          At this point sometimes I think I would be better off building directories for other people! And just charge a hosting/support fee.
          That is an option but the advantage of keeping it yourself is the recurring income.

          Tom
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5970564].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
        Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

        Nice site DWolfe
        Mind teeling us which script you used?
        Does the script add the scolling ful-page image of their site automatically?

        I had the site built by a memeber here on the forum, In the source code it says directory press. I can send you his contact information if you need it. Not sure what the scrolling is " I have no real experince in building a site"


        <title>Audiology NJ</title>
        <linkrel="stylesheet"href="http://audiologynj.com/wp-content/themes/directorypress/style.css"type="text/css"media="screen"/>
        <linkrel="pingback"href="http://audiologynj.com/xmlrpc.php"/>
        <linkrel="shortcut icon"href=""type="image/x-icon"/>
        <metahttp-equiv="Content-Type"content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"/>
        <linkrel='stylesheet'id='wpimageflow2css-css'href='http://audiologynj.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-imageflow2/css/screen.css?ver=3.0.3'type='text/css'media='all'/>

        I copied the source code and see something called imageflow2 . I guess that is what the image is on the top. Personally I thought that might be a distraction. I will take your advice and add more sites before advertising.

        Thanks
        Signature


        You can earn 10% average annual returns on your investments - https://app.groundfloor.us/r/m2aa7b
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5972284].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nail Yener
    I want to thank all of you and especially John Durham for this great thread. I read every single post from fellow warriors and took down notes. Although the directory idea was always in my mind and I even registered a local domain, started building it but never continued, now I will give this another try and see how it works in the following months.

    I am full of ideas and specifically, I have a national niche directory idea that I will start working on tomorrow that I believe has a chance to work nice. I prefer nation-wide, or if possible global, directories over local (city-based) directories because although the competition for the former option will be higher, the reward will also be higher, if it works.


    Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

    Okay, an opinion, please?

    I bought <city state> guide.net for my area. The .com is taken, but it's a parked page and it doesn't even show up when you do a search.

    I'll be using the .net for the directory, but debating on whether or not to snatch up the .com? (It's under $1000.)

    Thoughts?
    Shay, I personally stopped registering domain names other than .com's. Especially if it will be a local directory, I would try to find something available with .com. Once your site becomes popular, you may not be able to get the .com version.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5965558].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author maricelu
    I 've got a flash. Say I build a lawyers directory in a city. As we know, lawyers offer different services. I include all their services as a category for my posts. Then, I start calling lawyer offices, and, depending on what services they offer, I propose them to be featured on each services category. However, If there are multiple lawyers wich offer the same services, I would fill the services page with a lot of featured listings. I think people nowadays don't just look for "lawyer city" but also "accident lawyer city" so there is an opportunity.
    Signature

    I have no signature.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5966667].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
    Just a quick question:

    If I build a simple 5 page site on my domain XXXXdirectory.com and get that up in the rankings, could I change the site to a directory script without losing the ranking?

    Or would I be better biting the bullet and buying a script, add some free listings and get that ranked?

    The domain that I have bought has 9,000+ monthly searches and is a local, very specialized niche with lots of Google ads - so people are paying to advertise. There are lots of sub niches very closely related to go for. Hopefully, the possibilities are endless...

    I tried this halfheartedly a few years ago but didn't put much effort into it due to other priorities that still make me money today (thank you John...). The script that I used was not very good and I made the mistake of trying to rank for a very large area rather than a local one, so I suppose I just lost interest.

    But, again thanks to John (my hero...) and all the other contributors to this thread, this time I'm in it for the long haul.

    Karen
    Signature

    Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5969764].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      I've decided to offer discounts for the first 20 spots. Then bump it to a higher price fr the next 20, then go to the $197 monthly price.

      I'll be pre-selling spots at my local biz meeting Thursday.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5969786].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
    How's this for a simple business plan...

    I have 3 local domains that are based on dialling codes. I will develop basic directories on them, and offer free basic listings to fill it up.

    Then I will upsell some of those to premium listings at £50 per month, and promote those more proactively.

    I also intend to use the site rental model this year, so could use the directories to promote my own rental sites, and then offer those as an additional upsell. This would be on separate hosting so could justify interlinking them for more Google presence in the SERPS.

    So, if a business has their own site already, they could have a premium listing and a site rental site to totally dominate the results pages for various keywords / phrases.

    Does that sound like it could work?
    Signature

    "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
    Success will follow.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5970725].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by Roger Mayne View Post

      How's this for a simple business plan...
      I have 3 local domains that are based on dialling codes. I will develop basic directories on them, and offer free basic listings to fill it up.
      Roger what do you mean by domain based on dialing codes? Can you give us an example?

      Then I will upsell some of those to premium listings at £50 per month, and promote those more proactively.
      What do you mean by you will promote the premium listings more proactively? Do you mean backling them for example so they rank better or do you mean you will promote the actually selling of these premim listings to businesses more aggressively?

      I also intend to use the site rental model this year, so could use the directories to promote my own rental sites, and then offer those as an additional upsell. This would be on separate hosting so could justify interlinking them for more Google presence in the SERPS.
      Good idea

      So, if a business has their own site already, they could have a premium listing and a site rental site to totally dominate the results pages for various keywords / phrases.
      This should weor well for those who reconise the potental of having several listings on the first page of google

      Does that sound like it could work?
      I think it should work well for you if you have the selling skills. Keep us in
      iformed in this thread of your progress please.

      Tom
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5975655].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Sorry guys I was out of town today. Will return to this exciting thread tomorrow. I have the first real nice rest coming in a long time tonight, after experiencing a small victory today, one that I have awaited for a very long time.

        My personal mountain is beginning to move. Anyway, this deserves a night of rest! and thankfulness to God, also to Jeannie Crabtree and her brother David!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5976665].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
        Hi Tom

        Here's more information for you...

        Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

        Roger what do you mean by domain based on dialing codes? Can you give us an example?

        By dialling code, I meant local area code. In the UK an area code will cover a bunch of towns, so the catchment can be reasonably large. Plus, it means that my domain is only 5 numbers long (easy to remember).

        So if the STD code is 01999, my domain is 01999.co.uk and encompasses various towns within that area.

        Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

        What do you mean by you will promote the premium listings more proactively? Do you mean backling them for example so they rank better or do you mean you will promote the actually selling of these premim listings to businesses more aggressively?
        I meant I would more actively promote the premium listings, using varied keywords backlinks rather than just their company name.

        Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

        Good idea

        This should weor well for those who reconise the potental of having several listings on the first page of google.

        I think it should work well for you if you have the selling skills. Keep us in
        iformed in this thread of your progress please.

        Tom
        There's the rub. I guess I would have to educate them by setting up some examples and demonstrating the power of it. The local domains would become my lead generators as I would have to assume that anyone who signs up for a free listing is looking to promote their site.

        I'll be honest, I'm not the greatest salesman, but I can only improve with more practice.

        Luckily, I used to be a freelance IT consultant, so I'm not afraid of getting in front of people, but then I let my knowledge do the selling for me.

        As part of that business, I teamed up with an old school friend who is an excellent web designer. I hope to be able to work with some of his clients in terms of promotion, so our services will compliment each other quite well.

        I think this will be a harder sell, but I have a full time job at the moment, so won't have to rely on this income.

        Having said that, I want this to be a success, so am prepared to step out of my comfort zone to achieve that. I have set myself a low residual income goal by the end of this year, so I'm reasonably confident on reaching that.

        Thanks for your input.
        Signature

        "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
        Success will follow.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5979405].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AussieT
          Originally Posted by Roger Mayne View Post

          Hi Tom

          Here's more information for you...

          By dialling code, I meant local area code. In the UK an area code will cover a bunch of towns, so the catchment can be reasonably large. Plus, it means that my domain is only 5 numbers long (easy to remember).

          So if the STD code is 01999, my domain is 01999.co.uk and encompasses various towns within that area.

          In Australia we only have 2 digt area codes (Sydney is 02) But do people really search using these area codes? Or does Google perhaps give some weight to them? I am wondering how these domains will help you rank better in the SERP's? I know that some talk about using Postal Codes in domain names but I wonder if these are really helpful also?

          I meant I would more actively promote the premium listings, using varied keywords backlinks rather than just their company name.

          Got it. Thanks

          Thanks for your input.
          Your're welcome we are all here ask questions and learn from one another
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983833].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
            Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

            Your're welcome we are all here ask questions and learn from one another
            Hi Tom

            I don't necessarily think the std code domains will help with ranking, but I'm hoping will make them more brandable. every business in the area will recognise their own dialling code, plus it means the domain is only 5 characters long.
            Signature

            "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
            Success will follow.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5988806].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author j3rki
    No, I meant that no domains are registrated yet
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5977862].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
    Just a quick note:

    I went ahead and bought DirectoryPress (which seemed the better option of the ones I looked at).

    If you plan on buying it look for promo codes first. I paid $55.30 instead of $79.

    Right - off to make a start getting it up and running .

    Karen
    Signature

    Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5981403].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
      Why did you choose DirectoryPress? What did you like about it that the others didn't measure up? Which other scripts were you considering?

      Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

      Just a quick note:

      I went ahead and bought DirectoryPress (which seemed the better option of the ones I looked at).

      If you plan on buying it look for promo codes first. I paid $55.30 instead of $79.

      Right off to make a start getting it up and running .

      Karen
      Signature

      grrr...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5981660].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
    Good luck with it Karen.

    The new version (7.09) has some great features and is a lot easier to customise.
    Signature

    "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
    Success will follow.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5981645].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
      Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

      Why did you choose DirectoryPress? What did you like about it that the others didn't measure up? Which other scripts were you considering?
      I'm not comfortable with saying which didn't measure up because for some they may be brilliant.

      I bought a script a while ago and found that there was not the same easy customisation as DirectoryPress. It was not WP based and I kinda like WP.

      For a techical dunce like me, DirectoryPress looks like something that even I can get along with.



      Originally Posted by Roger Mayne View Post

      Good luck with it Karen.

      The new version (7.09) has some great features and is a lot easier to customise.
      Thanks Roger - I'm watching the tutorials now

      Karen
      Signature

      Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5981795].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
        I realize not every solution will work for every person, I was interested in your thoughts and opinions.

        Did you look at Geo Places from Templatic? Those are the two I am strongly considering and if you looked at both, It would be nice to know why you picked DirectoryPress over the others.

        Thanks.

        Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

        I'm not comfortable with saying which didn't measure up because for some they may be brilliant.

        I bought a script a while ago and found that there was not the same easy customisation as DirectoryPress. It was not WP based and I kinda like WP.

        For a techical dunce like me, DirectoryPress looks like something that even I can get along with.





        Thanks Roger - I'm watching the tutorials now

        Karen
        Signature

        grrr...

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982072].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
          The weekly meeting was awesome.

          I sold 5 spots for the directory at the discount rate. I expect I can sell all of the initial 20 (at the reduced rate) over the next couple of weeks just through the local group.
          Signature
          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982207].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
            Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

            The weekly meeting was awesome.

            I sold 5 spots for the directory at the discount rate. I expect I can sell all of the initial 20 (at the reduced rate) over the next couple of weeks just through the local group.
            That's brilliant!

            The first ones are the hardest - every one after that gets easier - so I'm told .

            Karen
            Signature

            Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982409].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author ShayB
              Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

              That's brilliant!

              The first ones are the hardest - every one after that gets easier - so I'm told .

              Karen


              This was a bit of a unique situation since they are all biz owners I've known for months. Makes it easier.
              Signature
              "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982565].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author SkyeFWP
                I've taken the plunge and registered my directory and purchased and installed DirectoryPress which is pretty cool though there is a learning curve.

                I too have tonnes of projects so I need to use my time wisely. One thing we spoke about in this thread was adding listings for corportates (McDonalds, WalMart, Wendy's etc) in the free listings as a kind of social proof.

                Now, using my scraper I can get all the data I need for a entire region super quickly, I just need to bulk import the data as doing them one-by-one is onerous.

                Does anyone whose used DP know how this is done? There's a few CSV files floating around the members forum but they're not clear what each field relates to.

                Help! This could be the difference between getting this off the ground or it remaining another "in-progress" that costs me money and generates none!

                Thanks Warriors

                S
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982824].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
                  Originally Posted by SkyeFWP View Post

                  I've taken the plunge and registered my directory and purchased and installed DirectoryPress which is pretty cool though there is a learning curve.

                  I too have tonnes of projects so I need to use my time wisely. One thing we spoke about in this thread was adding listings for corportates (McDonalds, WalMart, Wendy's etc) in the free listings as a kind of social proof.

                  Now, using my scraper I can get all the data I need for a entire region super quickly, I just need to bulk import the data as doing them one-by-one is onerous.

                  Does anyone whose used DP know how this is done? There's a few CSV files floating around the members forum but they're not clear what each field relates to.

                  Help! This could be the difference between getting this off the ground or it remaining another "in-progress" that costs me money and generates none!

                  Thanks Warriors

                  S
                  One thing that I noticed was that you are trying to do this "super quickly" which is one problem that I have seen happen here over and over. Super quickly is not always the answer. You want to make sure that you are going for quality so that in the long run you are building a business that will last.

                  If you were building a house, would you hire the contractors that told you they could build it as fast as possible, or would you want to hire those that you knew would do the best job possible, even if it took a month longer than the first guys.

                  Even though quality has become less important as a society, it should be one of the top priorities for any of the warriors here that want to make sure that they are around years to come.

                  You do not necessarily need to have every corporation on your site, I am only planning on building around ten pages. Sure it will take about a day to make sure that they are good, but it will be worth it in the long run. If you are just trying to scrape to quickly put up a few pages for corporations, prospects may look at the site and see some poorly designed pages. Make sure they would look like something that a corporation would buy to represent themselves.
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982904].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author SkyeFWP
                    Thanks for the reply Monte.

                    I guess where I was going was that I looked at other directories offering listings within the same county and I didn't think anyone would go for the $97.00 a month option.

                    I couldn't see what additional value I could offer over a regular paid listing?

                    As I'm using DirectoryPress here's what I can offer:


                    Follow Links (May affect ranking?)
                    Video Embed
                    Pictures (up to 10 uploads)
                    SlideShows
                    Maps
                    Multiple Categories (up to 10)
                    Featured Listing

                    I didn't think this plus any ranking I get (not likely to be hundreds of thousands per month) would justify such a fee.

                    For that reason I was thinking of going in at around $10-15 per month and offering free listings which are limited therefore hoping people would upgrade.

                    If you're going for the quality route, what are you adding to your 10 pages to justify the cost/show the value to the business owner?

                    Also are your 10 pages the categories or a total of 10 listings for the entire site?

                    My thinking with the tonne of free listings was to make it an "authority site" but I hear you that there's no authority in unoriginal content en masse.

                    Would love to get some feedback from you on this.


                    Originally Posted by MonteMichaels View Post

                    One thing that I noticed was that you are trying to do this "super quickly" which is one problem that I have seen happen here over and over. Super quickly is not always the answer. You want to make sure that you are going for quality so that in the long run you are building a business that will last.

                    If you were building a house, would you hire the contractors that told you they could build it as fast as possible, or would you want to hire those that you knew would do the best job possible, even if it took a month longer than the first guys.

                    Even though quality has become less important as a society, it should be one of the top priorities for any of the warriors here that want to make sure that they are around years to come.

                    You do not necessarily need to have every corporation on your site, I am only planning on building around ten pages. Sure it will take about a day to make sure that they are good, but it will be worth it in the long run. If you are just trying to scrape to quickly put up a few pages for corporations, prospects may look at the site and see some poorly designed pages. Make sure they would look like something that a corporation would buy to represent themselves.
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984091].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
                      Value is really not determined by you as much as it is by the client. If the prospect does not think that they have anything to gain by your listing, then it won't matter what you charge. You will run into plenty of these no matter what you are selling. When I was selling insurance, the majority of people that I talked to did not see the value in what I was selling. It was designed for the people that did see that value. Just like your directory page will not hook every one. You are not after those that don't care.

                      As far as value, with directory press I am planning to add a video, some pictures, and a few links to their listing every month to help in the ranking for them and me. No free loaders to take away from the people paying to be in there.


                      Originally Posted by SkyeFWP View Post

                      Thanks for the reply Monte.

                      I guess where I was going was that I looked at other directories offering listings within the same county and I didn't think anyone would go for the $97.00 a month option.

                      I couldn't see what additional value I could offer over a regular paid listing?

                      As I'm using DirectoryPress here's what I can offer:


                      Follow Links (May affect ranking?)
                      Video Embed
                      Pictures (up to 10 uploads)
                      SlideShows
                      Maps
                      Multiple Categories (up to 10)
                      Featured Listing

                      I didn't think this plus any ranking I get (not likely to be hundreds of thousands per month) would justify such a fee.

                      For that reason I was thinking of going in at around $10-15 per month and offering free listings which are limited therefore hoping people would upgrade.

                      If you're going for the quality route, what are you adding to your 10 pages to justify the cost/show the value to the business owner?

                      Also are your 10 pages the categories or a total of 10 listings for the entire site?

                      My thinking with the tonne of free listings was to make it an "authority site" but I hear you that there's no authority in unoriginal content en masse.

                      Would love to get some feedback from you on this.
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984638].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
                    Originally Posted by MonteMichaels View Post

                    One thing that I noticed was that you are trying to do this "super quickly" which is one problem that I have seen happen here over and over. Super quickly is not always the answer. You want to make sure that you are going for quality so that in the long run you are building a business that will last.

                    If you were building a house, would you hire the contractors that told you they could build it as fast as possible, or would you want to hire those that you knew would do the best job possible, even if it took a month longer than the first guys.

                    Even though quality has become less important as a society, it should be one of the top priorities for any of the warriors here that want to make sure that they are around years to come.

                    You do not necessarily need to have every corporation on your site, I am only planning on building around ten pages. Sure it will take about a day to make sure that they are good, but it will be worth it in the long run. If you are just trying to scrape to quickly put up a few pages for corporations, prospects may look at the site and see some poorly designed pages. Make sure they would look like something that a corporation would buy to represent themselves.
                    Are you writing unique content for each listing or copying and pasting content from their own site?
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984640].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
                      Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

                      Are you writing unique content for each listing or copying and pasting content from their own site?
                      I plan to make it unique, based on their site or information that they give me.
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984654].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
                  Originally Posted by SkyeFWP View Post

                  I've taken the plunge and registered my directory and purchased and installed DirectoryPress which is pretty cool though there is a learning curve.

                  S
                  You can say that again!!!


                  Technically Challenged Karen:confused:
                  Signature

                  Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982939].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author AussieT
                  Which scraper are you using Skye? Does it scrape pic as well?

                  DP has a CSV import feature


                  Originally Posted by SkyeFWP View Post

                  I've taken the plunge and registered my directory and purchased and installed DirectoryPress which is pretty cool though there is a learning curve.

                  I too have tonnes of projects so I need to use my time wisely. One thing we spoke about in this thread was adding listings for corportates (McDonalds, WalMart, Wendy's etc) in the free listings as a kind of social proof.

                  Now, using my scraper I can get all the data I need for a entire region super quickly, I just need to bulk import the data as doing them one-by-one is onerous.

                  Does anyone whose used DP know how this is done? There's a few CSV files floating around the members forum but they're not clear what each field relates to.

                  Help! This could be the difference between getting this off the ground or it remaining another "in-progress" that costs me money and generates none!

                  Thanks Warriors

                  S
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984618].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author SkyeFWP
                    Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

                    Which scraper are you using Skye? Does it scrape pic as well?

                    DP has a CSV import feature
                    Using PowerLeadSnatcher which gives me address/phone/website which is enough for basic listings
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5985099].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author geenie
                  Originally Posted by SkyeFWP View Post

                  I've taken the plunge and registered my directory and purchased and installed DirectoryPress which is pretty cool though there is a learning curve.

                  I too have tonnes of projects so I need to use my time wisely. One thing we spoke about in this thread was adding listings for corportates (McDonalds, WalMart, Wendy's etc) in the free listings as a kind of social proof.

                  Now, using my scraper I can get all the data I need for a entire region super quickly, I just need to bulk import the data as doing them one-by-one is onerous.

                  Does anyone whose used DP know how this is done? There's a few CSV files floating around the members forum but they're not clear what each field relates to.

                  Help! This could be the difference between getting this off the ground or it remaining another "in-progress" that costs me money and generates none!

                  Thanks Warriors

                  S
                  I wanted to ask you what scraper you are using?
                  I have trialed Mozenda and its very good and fairly easy but the price monthly is a little high.
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7415927].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
                Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post



                This was a bit of a unique situation since they are all biz owners I've known for months. Makes it easier.
                Shay
                Yes it is a uniquie situation but you went out and sold 5 listings and are already a success in a thread that is less than a week old. I send you my Congrads and good luck on the next 20.
                Signature


                You can earn 10% average annual returns on your investments - https://app.groundfloor.us/r/m2aa7b
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982860].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Afrolite
            Hello
            How Old is your Directory site?
            How do you go about making that site a place TO go, provided its new.
            I just bought a [country]guide.com and have yet TO fill it up.
            Any advice ?
            Thanks


            Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

            The weekly meeting was awesome.

            I sold 5 spots for the directory at the discount rate. I expect I can sell all of the initial 20 (at the reduced rate) over the next couple of weeks just through the local group.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8041069].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author kolonel
              Would love to see this thread continue with some sound advice from those that have had some experiences with directories, or going through it now.

              I am currently in the throws of putting together the structure on how i want the directory to perform, and what will make it a GO TO site. To help with this i am looking at a few extra plugins (coupons, calendar, events, news etc.) so as to appeal to the locals even more so.

              To start with, i would fill the site with free, basic listings to make it more appealing for anyone visiting for the first time, with maybe a 30 day free listing option for any new businesses. From there, i can start to value add with options (featured business, front page, extra images, more detail, maps etc.).

              Money wise, i think $20-30 per month is not out of reach, considering the local paper (circa 5-6000 people) costs almost $30 a week to place a small business card type ad. Surely as traffic increases on the directory, this would make it even more appealing to those paying 3-4 times as much.

              The other thought process i am considering is how to get the site known to the masses. Being a local, i have contacts in local groups, radio etc. and anticipate on approaching it that way, with maybe some localized flyers (costs). Will eventually break down a business model in which to implement all this, as i have often read (and also found many "broken" URLs from others) how others have given up so easily. This will start out as a project, with the hope of some financial reward in the long run.

              Any thoughts?
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8047268].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
          Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

          I realize not every solution will work for every person, I was interested in your thoughts and opinions.

          Did you look at Geo Places from Templatic? Those are the two I am strongly considering and if you looked at both, It would be nice to know why you picked DirectoryPress over the others.

          Thanks.
          I had tried Geo places, and I did not think that it was that good, or maybe it was because I was trying to do it myself instead of having a tech guy do it for me. On the other hand directory press worked great for me.

          Maybe Geo places is better now, I will still be going with directory press, unless they screwed up and made it worse.

          I was, and still am, so used to outsourcing anything that is slightly technical that I get pretty worried when I know that I am going to have to do most of the technical stuff.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982429].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Wow, this thread is really pumping, wish we could get more experts talking on here about the aspect of building the sites themselves. I tend to like to have other people do things for me personally, because they are good at it and Im good at my part.

    In my case, it should cost about $500 to get one into presentable condition. I will probably pay the designer a little for some extra time to show me how to do some basic things like upload new clients, write the content... I would build it a google places listing, create some back links, and if I picked my market well it would rank for its keywords...Then I would be ready to sell, but in the case of some who want to build it by themselves...

    What is the easiest template design program out there for beginners on directory sites. Im going to say WP to start. Heck I dont know, I might try to do it myself. Im thinking of how I can fit this into the next 90 days of my 90 day plan.

    It would almost be easier to create 10k residual with this. Maybe offer it as a package with my current offers? Who knows. They are exciting, the possibilities, none the less.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982865].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rugman
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Wow, this thread is really pumping, wish we could get more experts talking on here about the aspect of building the sites themselves. I tend to like to have other people do things for me personally, because they are good at it and Im good at my part.

      In my case, it should cost about $500 to get one into presentable condition. I will probably pay the designer a little for some extra time to show me how to do some basic things like upload new clients, write the content... I would build it a google places listing, create some back links, and if I picked my market well it would rank for its keywords...Then I would be ready to sell, but in the case of some who want to build it by themselves...

      What is the easiest template design program out there for beginners on directory sites. Im going to say WP to start. Heck I dont know, I might try to do it myself. Im thinking of how I can fit this into the next 90 days of my 90 day plan.

      It would almost be easier to create 10k residual with this. Maybe offer it as a package with my current offers? Who knows. They are exciting, the possibilities, none the less.
      My $.02 (cause thats all I have left!) - I would start with Directory press - seems like a good solid start. After the $ starts to flow maybe hire a tech dude to "tune it up". Or - build a new one later on and switch them out. I think that would give a decent start to any project.
      Signature

      Growing older but not up!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983475].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
        Originally Posted by rugman View Post

        My $.02 (cause thats all I have left!) - I would start with Directory press - seems like a good solid start. After the $ starts to flow maybe hire a tech dude to "tune it up". Or - build a new one later on and switch them out. I think that would give a decent start to any project.
        That's the reason that I chose that a year ago, and it looks like they have improved it even more since then. It should be a pretty decent starting platform at least.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983497].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mikeb1
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Wow, this thread is really pumping, wish we could get more experts talking on here about the aspect of building the sites themselves. I tend to like to have other people do things for me personally, because they are good at it and Im good at my part.

      In my case, it should cost about $500 to get one into presentable condition. I will probably pay the designer a little for some extra time to show me how to do some basic things like upload new clients, write the content... I would build it a google places listing, create some back links, and if I picked my market well it would rank for its keywords...Then I would be ready to sell, but in the case of some who want to build it by themselves...

      What is the easiest template design program out there for beginners on directory sites. Im going to say WP to start. Heck I dont know, I might try to do it myself. Im thinking of how I can fit this into the next 90 days of my 90 day plan.

      It would almost be easier to create 10k residual with this. Maybe offer it as a package with my current offers? Who knows. They are exciting, the possibilities, none the less.
      hey John
      interesting but how would you claim it as a Google places listing ? how's that done with the business address ?

      Best Mike
      Signature
      Affiliate links are not allowed.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6937737].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author massiveray
    Woothemes have a good looking theme called listings, costs $200 and looks like a good investment if the projections on this thread are anything to go by.

    Edit: I actually just bought it and I'm not even planning on doing a directory site, just wanted to play around with the theme, looking really cool so far.
    Signature

    Join my private strategy group on Facebook or find out how I made £2000 recurring in 2 weeks.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982928].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982952].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Im so tempted to go for this idea "surfarkanasas.com" because it fits my personal ideals, and style... but it isnt as wise as a tight little local niche directory with 100 customers.... Could be begging for ranking and relevence headaches... but more long term potential to make a broad appeal impact.

      Just sharing thoughts.
      There is no reason that you could not do both in the long run. Start with the small niche site and then go into the larger site. That way you have residuals from the first site while you work on building and ranking the second site, which of course can be built much larger.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5982979].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Im so tempted to go for this idea "surfarkanasas.com" because it fits my personal ideals, and style... but it isnt as wise as a tight little local niche directory with 100 customers.... Could be begging for ranking and relevence headaches... but more long term potential to make a broad appeal impact.

      Wow, that's scary - do you have a CCTV in my place?

      I'm setting up exactly that niche but here in UK - I know it's not exactly Hawaii here but we do have some great surfing beaches - apparently...

      I'm doing the setting up then handing it over to my son to pound the pavements.

      Not much chance of me getting sales face-to-face , I lack a certain 'look' but my son is the original surfer dude.

      I'll do the admin (boring) stuff.

      Karen
      Signature

      Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983450].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

        Wow, that's scary - do you have a CCTV in my place?

        I'm setting up exactly that niche but here in UK - I know it's not exactly Hawaii here but we do have some great surfing beaches - apparently...

        I'm doing the setting up then handing it over to my son to pound the pavements.

        Not much chance of me getting sales face-to-face , I lack a certain 'look' but my son is the original surfer dude.

        I'll do the admin (boring) stuff.

        Karen
        Well its not really for "surfers", just people in Arkansas who surf the 'net'. lol

        I would more than like handle the sales end and her the admin, keeping up the site... making it interesting. Customer service...
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983483].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          Well its not really for "surfers", just people in Arkansas who surf the 'net'. lol

          I would more than like handle the sales end and her the admin, keeping up the site... making it interesting. Customer service...
          Doh [slaps head] , lol - and I'm betting that Arkansa is landlocked - I'm not too good at geography...
          Signature

          Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983531].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
            Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

            Doh [slaps head] , lol - and I'm betting that Arkansa is landlocked - I'm not too good at geography...
            At least it wasn't surfnevada, that would have been funnier!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983548].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I just like the sounds of answering the phone "Thank you for calling surf arkansas.com". I think my daughter could really own this biz idea with me and get into it.

    It would be hard though not to get ambitious and not get into creating a monster site.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983027].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      I just like the sounds of answering the phone "Thank you for calling surf arkansas.com". I think my daughter could really own this biz idea with me and get into it.

      It would be hard though not to get ambitious and not get into creating a monster site.
      One of my goals with this is to be able to "will" this to my kids. I want them to have a business so that they will never have to be in the situation that I have been in.

      You could work on one site, while you show your daughter what to do to start the surfarkansas site. That way she would know how to build a business from the ground up. It would be by far better than any college class she could take.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983055].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by MonteMichaels View Post

        One of my goals with this is to be able to "will" this to my kids. I want them to have a business so that they will never have to be in the situation that I have been in.

        You could work on one site, while you show your daughter what to do to start the surfarkansas site. That way she would know how to build a business from the ground up. It would be by far better than any college class she could take.
        No doubt, I have already taught her some IM and she has made money, but it would be cool to have an idea like this that could have some posterity, and even give her some social standing if it blows up and becomes significant. "This is Nocole Durham Owner Of Surfarkansas.com". It could become a major local site... Yes, posterity is everything to me, always looking to build something I can pass on...other than that there is my warrior friends, our sharing of our exciting journey's, and guitars!

        Love those, but even collecting guitars is about posterity in many ways.

        I relate.

        Ps. You nitice I refer to answering phones, and introductions...like "Thank you for calling surfarkansas.com", its because , for me an idea has to "feel good" too, not just make money. Once something is sellable making money with it is too much of a no brainer. First it has to "feel" good.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983077].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
    No doubt that would even open some doors for her in the future anyway. That old saying about not what you know, but who you know thing could really come into play here. If she had 500 businesses that know who she is, she could really have some big places to go.

    I didn't even think of that effect of this project until now, but it makes sense. I just got a little more fired up for this.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983115].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Thread Reminder Of Basics.

    Repetition is mastery.


    Here is our basic profit formula:
    • 1 sale per day equals 20 sales per month.
    • Thats 20 x $97.00 per month
    • Each Month We add $1940 to our monthly residual income.
    • At the end of 12 months we have 240 customer and a monthly income of $23,280
    • x 12 months per year.
    • We have a yearly passive income of $279,360
    Basic formula when brokern down:

    "1 $97.00 sale per day/5 days per week."

    Lastly,

    Lets break it down further...Lets say you only do 2 sales per week.

    Even at 2 sales per week you build a 10k per month income over 12 months and do about $120,000 per year in passive residuals.

    Is there a better plan?

    I dont know of one.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983626].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Green Moon
      Boy, there are some great thoughts in this thread. I have a couple of content sites that have great names but I never really had the time to develop them and was toying with the idea of building directories. The original post and many of the comments have really given me some things to think about.

      Thanks.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983673].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Haste
        Originally Posted by Green Moon View Post

        Boy, there are some great thoughts in this thread. I have a couple of content sites that have great names but I never really had the time to develop them and was toying with the idea of building directories. The original post and many of the comments have really given me some things to think about.

        Thanks.

        Green Moon - what system are you using for your accountant listing site? I have been looking for a State/City/Listing directory script for awhile and love the simplicity! Any help is greatly appreciated!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6719755].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
      If you are only able to get 2 sales a week, then your skills should be improving every week. And even then every sale that gets in the directory will help to establish credibility and should even instill some confidence.

      I would think that even the worst cold caller in the forum should be able to do 2 a week just to start, as long as they are putting in 40 hours a week. Doesn't sound like a whole lot until you annualized those two sales at 2 x 97 x 12 = $2328. Each and every week that you added two sales to your directory you would be increasing your income by $2300. Not a bad week, even if you would have to work 40 hours to make those two sales, you made $58 an hour.

      Find a cold calling job where you can make that! The boiler room I worked for started their TSRs 30 cents over minimum wage. And most of those programs that we sold were much tougher than this, with much less benefit. Try getting a credit card from a doctor for a vacation that was a one call close. We still were required to get one sale every ten hours.

      Of course the more practice that you have, the better that you will get at selling, and the more income you will make each month.


      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Reminder.

      Repetition is mastery.

      Here is our basic profit formula:
      • 1 sale per day equals 20 sales per month.
      • Thats 20 x $97.00 per month
      • Each Month We add $1940 to our monthly residual income.
      • At the end of 12 months we have 240 customer and a monthly income of $23,280
      • x 12 months per year.
      • We have a yearly passive income of $279,360
      Basic formula when brokern down:

      "1 $97.00 sale per day/5 days per week."

      Lastly,

      Lets break it down further...Lets say you only do 2 sales per week.

      Even at 2 sales per week you build a 10k per month income over 12 months and do about $120,000 per year in passive residuals.

      Is there a better plan?

      I dont know of one.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5983808].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Bucker
    Hey white boy give me a call. I have two questions.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984671].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yorkiedale
    Great topic, and some great replies .... I've started and stopped a few times with directories ..... I too have directorypress, and have used their shopperpress to build sites - it is a good starting point.

    I have a question - a couple of times, people have mentioned referral fees - which I think means commission on contacts/sales that the site drives to people on the directory..... is this correct? Sounds like a great idea - how is this acheived / monitored / charged - this could be a way of offering free listings, in return for commissions - a bit like affiliate schemes ....

    or, have I got the meaning wrong ?

    Also, I'm not sure here in the UK that businesses would pay $100 ish per month for a listing .... maybe it's because I'm based in a rural backwater is that likely in the UK cities / down South - Karen and Roger ....?

    some great input - keep it coming


    Yorkie Dale
    Signature

    Earn and Learn - get recurring direct $1000 Commissions - http://www.exitusgroup.com

    Helping people Save Money and Make money, by spending less on Fuel !
    Global team partners wanted; use : http://www.lessfuel.co.uk

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984733].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
      Originally Posted by yorkiedale View Post

      Also, I'm not sure here in the UK that businesses would pay $100 ish per month for a listing .... maybe it's because I'm based in a rural backwater is that likely in the UK cities / down South - Karen and Roger ....?
      Why do you think they wouldn't pay for it? There is no reason to think that without trying first.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984751].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author yorkiedale
        Originally Posted by MonteMichaels View Post

        Why do you think they wouldn't pay for it? There is no reason to think that without trying first.

        Just had a quick browse, and this site charges just £19 a month for premium and is free for basic listing List Your Firm - Solicitors Online UK and is number 1 in google for " Leeds Lawyer "

        worse still, google " uk lawyers" and it is a company offering a premium listing for £10 a year Add / Submit a Lawyer or Solicitor Company & Website to our site

        Ok, that is just one niche - Lawyers, but as suggested they may be some high payers .... :confused:

        FreeIndex - The FREE UK business directory is free for many industries, and hits number 2 in google for " electrician directory"

        a listing in a hotel directory in the busiest National Park costs £105 per year Add your Lake District Accommodation | Hotels in the Lake District

        OK, so it's lower figures, but still a residual .....

        ok, not retiring yet
        Signature

        Earn and Learn - get recurring direct $1000 Commissions - http://www.exitusgroup.com

        Helping people Save Money and Make money, by spending less on Fuel !
        Global team partners wanted; use : http://www.lessfuel.co.uk

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984892].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
          Originally Posted by yorkiedale View Post

          Just had a quick browse, and this site charges just £19 a month for premium and is free for basic listing List Your Firm - Solicitors Online UK and is number 1 in google for " Leeds Lawyer "

          worse still, google " uk lawyers" and it is a company offering a premium listing for £10 a year Add / Submit a Lawyer or Solicitor Company & Website to our site
          Free sites are everywhere. The people that only list in those are not the buyers that we are looking for.

          Have you ever paid more for an item because it was better quality? There are name brand everything out there.

          I myself wouldn't pay $200 for a pair of jeans, but there is a market there. I am a cheapy when it comes to clothes. For the same price as one I could get ten pairs. I am not the market for high end jeans.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5984936].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Jeannie Crabtree
          Maybe this will help. I have a plain, small directory made by hand, and it is G. first page for a few keywords. It still has room to move up, I just need to work on that.

          Here is how I thought about pricing it.

          A lead is worth $10 to $15 in this market. I pasted two business listings in for march on the index page and let it run. At 371 total searches on the specific keywords, the first person got 170 click throughs and the second person 90 click throughs.

          There was another listing about something else, and a link to the second page with further listings. but I won't go into those.

          I decided to charge $129 for first listing and $99 for the second and third listing on the index page. If they had to pay $10 a lead, don't you think they would be happy to pay this price?

          Remember, you have something of value to offer the business to help it move forward in gaining new customers and make more money. It is a mindset thing. Don't under price it just because someone else charges $19.95 a month.

          Now I just have to match this up with people that can see the value. It is not a large area, so even if I only get one or two on each of the few pages, I still make $$$. The smaller directory helps fund what I need to do on some of my other directories that are not quite there yet.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5985097].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
      You know, when I first read this thread, I was skeptical too. As I've already mentioned, I ran a wedding directory for years trying different price points, and I struggled to get more than £15 A YEAR. But having read more replies I realise that more is possible.

      That directory income reflected the amount of effort I put in. Another similar directory has appeared in the last few years, where the owner is doing more direct sales, more interaction etc, and its going great guns.

      As has been said over, its about offering value. set whatever price you think you're comfortable with and your customers can sustain.


      Originally Posted by yorkiedale View Post

      Great topic, and some great replies .... I've started and stopped a few times with directories ..... I too have directorypress, and have used their shopperpress to build sites - it is a good starting point.

      I have a question - a couple of times, people have mentioned referral fees - which I think means commission on contacts/sales that the site drives to people on the directory..... is this correct? Sounds like a great idea - how is this acheived / monitored / charged - this could be a way of offering free listings, in return for commissions - a bit like affiliate schemes ....

      or, have I got the meaning wrong ?

      Also, I'm not sure here in the UK that businesses would pay $100 ish per month for a listing .... maybe it's because I'm based in a rural backwater is that likely in the UK cities / down South - Karen and Roger ....?

      some great input - keep it coming


      Yorkie Dale
      Signature

      "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
      Success will follow.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5993374].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    Been away for few days doing door to door website selling. I can tell you there is a huge market out there but you still have to answer the big question the owner is going to ask you...why should I pay you money for what I can get free with google places, craigslist, kijiji....blah blah.

    To do so, I am going to look at the end user and work backwards. When I am personally looking for something I rarely look at those directory sites because I know it is just typically an adsense site...waste of time.

    For my site I am going to think in terms of problems my clients customers are looking for and secret information they can give to a customer that will make them contact them. Not hard to do...here is an example:

    Windsor Ontario Student Housing Investment Secrets – Where Your Windsor Ontario Canada Real Estate Search STARTS!

    That link has produced thousands in referral fews. Why? Because no one is going after property investors in my city. It was actually so easy to rank for that keyword "student property investment <city province>" its not even funny. And people email me because they know I can send them to the right agent to help them. The same will be true for all big problems that happen in a city.

    I can tell you, you dont need a fancy wordpress directory site, all you need is some really powerful problem solving content and someone that needs to make money from that traffic. Place a contact form at the bottom of those big problem in their city pages and I think I can easily get $200/mn for those LEADS (not listing). Probably get a lot more on the insurance, lawyer, dentist...whatever. Its a problem solving in my city directory.

    Content? Have your clients write it or even pull it from ezine. I happened to write that content from my own ebook.

    I like Shays model because it is something I can easily present to a client and it bridges that gap with the print model aspect.

    More later...just catching up here. Very good week prospecting btw. Tons of clients looking for websites...I do not see that drying up.

    EDIT: Btw what I am really learning is you need to write to your perfect prospect. In my case above it was an investor that is buying up houses in my city. Not many of them and no one is going after them the way I am. I can totally control that in my city...even with insurance. This is where sitting with people helps...you get to learn who their customers are and how you can help them get their customers.
    Signature
    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5985074].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    Slightly off topic but does apply to the basic idea of helping business owners get leads and make more.

    I've been reading Zig Ziglar's Biography and in the start is says something like: "You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want."

    I didnt get this at first and then halfway through the book he explains it more. The guy that originally trained him in sales was listening to a really long tale Zig told him about his best selling day and Zig realized at the end of the conversation that his mentor had not spoken a word to him. Zig apologized profusely and said I'm sorry I dominated the conversation and him mentor had a tear in his eye...he said it was likely 10 times a better feeling listen to Zig get so excited about his accomplishments then if he had did it himself....because he was the guy that enabled Zig to succeed.

    This really hit me this week because here we are, people that know a secret (internet marketing) and are offering it in pieces to others that are going to use it to survive a bad economy. Man that feels good!

    My point is, just keep thinking helping these business owners make money and the money will come back to you in droves.

    Sure you are going to have some bad customers and negativity but you'll see, help others and you will get your dreams come true.
    Signature
    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5985208].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rugman
    OK - had a small flash tonite while having a wee pint at my favorite place. I was thinking of the whole - "I have an empty directory how do I sell it" thing - was thinking "if I came into the place i was having my pint and tried to sell them a listing that I would have no credibility as well as an empty directory." Yes I could put some listings on it prior - great idea - then i came up with this:
    Lets say you wanted to make a dir site for high end steak houses in your city - probably not a bad idea. First - put up a dir site for burger places in your city. Call or go to all the burger places and give them a free listing. Make the site look really nice. Give them the whole mac daddy deal - no upsells - just great listings. Rank it. Get testimonials. THEN go to all the high end steak houses and tell them you had such great success with your burger site that you are doing a steak house site. You have a great site to show them and happy customers. Steak houses is just your next project before maybe fish houses.
    I am thinking that as you give away all the burger joint listings that you will hear "what else do you do?" So you will probably end up making some $ off the the free listings doing websites - mobiles sites etc. You could even give the burger joints a 1 year free listing - no obligation then $xx after that if they are happy and get more biz.
    You go to the steak houses with a nice success story that they can see.
    Yes - no?
    Signature

    Growing older but not up!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5985579].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      I just wanted to make a few points about the way I'm going about this.

      1. The way I'm presenting things, the directory site listing is actually kind of secondary to everything else I'm offering, and the primary benefits of being on my directory site (listed in a previous post) ties in with my main offline biz. This is something that I'm known for in my local biz group, so it's not some fly-by-night scheme/plan/person coming to them off the street.

      2. I am not relying just on SEO to get people/the site noticed. I have a definite marketing plan that I can lay out for advertisers.

      3. As I mentioned, I'll have a printed directory, Kindle guide, and a downloadable guide from the site. I'm definitely giving my offer the Thud Factor.

      4. The pricing for this offer makes it a nice alternative for biz owners that have expressed interest in my main offline biz offering but can't afford the price tag. (The $197 a month [$2364 a year] comes out to a little less than what my mid-priced package is [$2999], so it's a very attractive option for the group members.)
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5985868].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by rugman View Post

      OK - had a small flash tonite while having a wee pint at my favorite place. I was thinking of the whole - "I have an empty directory how do I sell it" thing - was thinking "if I came into the place i was having my pint and tried to sell them a listing that I would have no credibility as well as an empty directory." Yes I could put some listings on it prior - great idea - then i came up with this:
      Lets say you wanted to make a dir site for high end steak houses in your city - probably not a bad idea. First - put up a dir site for burger places in your city. Call or go to all the burger places and give them a free listing. Make the site look really nice. Give them the whole mac daddy deal - no upsells - just great listings. Rank it. Get testimonials. THEN go to all the high end steak houses and tell them you had such great success with your burger site that you are doing a steak house site. You have a great site to show them and happy customers. Steak houses is just your next project before maybe fish houses.
      I am thinking that as you give away all the burger joint listings that you will hear "what else do you do?" So you will probably end up making some $ off the the free listings doing websites - mobiles sites etc. You could even give the burger joints a 1 year free listing - no obligation then after that if they are happy and get more biz.
      You go to the steak houses with a nice success story that they can see.
      Yes - no?
      That's not a bad idea rugman. Worth a try. It will provide proof that you can rank a similar directory and they do not need to know that they were all free listings. Gives you some credibility on the 'real" project. hmmm
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5985962].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author rugman
        Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

        That's not a bad idea rugman. Worth a try. It will provide proof that you can rank a similar directory and they do not need to know that they were all free listings. Gives you some credibility on the 'real" project. hmmm
        Was thinking a little more on this. May be better to do a different niche than your main one. Chances are the burger guys will know the steak guys and word might get out that you did them for free. maybe pick something yo have some passion for. Like me - I have been in the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry for years - I could start a dir for that to help out other cleaners - easy for me to do. Then I go to the Steak or Lawyer guy and show them that. They won't care that it is about carpet cleaners - they will just know that you are the guy that builds dir sites.
        If you love to fish - build one for that - put all the guides on it and get a few free trips from them.
        Signature

        Growing older but not up!

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5987713].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
          Originally Posted by rugman View Post

          Was thinking a little more on this. May be better to do a different niche than your main one. Chances are the burger guys will know the steak guys and word might get out that you did them for free. maybe pick something yo have some passion for. Like me - I have been in the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry for years - I could start a dir for that to help out other cleaners - easy for me to do. Then I go to the Steak or Lawyer guy and show them that. They won't care that it is about carpet cleaners - they will just know that you are the guy that builds dir sites.
          If you love to fish - build one for that - put all the guides on it and get a few free trips from them.
          Yeah I dont think you will have to give anything away for free if done right. Just build the site and put maybe a couple short listings on it and then take it around as a printout to places.

          As Shay says, perhaps it is presented as a bonus to a website customer. I will be testing this the rest of this week and next...just feeling out customers to see if the the ones that dont want websites would perhaps want directory listings/leads.
          Signature
          I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5987997].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author rugman
            Originally Posted by RentItNow View Post

            Yeah I dont think you will have to give anything away for free if done right. Just build the site and put maybe a couple short listings on it and then take it around as a printout to places.

            As Shay says, perhaps it is presented as a bonus to a website customer. I will be testing this the rest of this week and next...just feeling out customers to see if the the ones that dont want websites would perhaps want directory listings/leads.
            So your plan is to build it - put some listings on it- take a screenshot of it and show that to local biz people? Or are you building a print directory as well?
            Signature

            Growing older but not up!

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5988108].message }}
            • Just to make a right turn, here...

              Why does the directory need to be sold to local businesses???

              What about a product or item, think used cars/boats/rvs/garage sales etc that people have that they need to get the word out about?

              So, get usedrvspittsburgh dot com and built out a directory/listing site for people that live in pittsburgh and have a used rv for sale.

              3 month listing for $50 (or whatever), likely perpetual inventory (rotating people selling their used stuff, and ongoing cash flow.

              Also likely easy to rank and your marketing efforts would need to go towards individuals who have whatever they need AND WANT to sell, rather than businesses that are constantly bombarded with the latest and greatest way to get traffic.

              Just a thought...
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5988785].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author rugman
                Originally Posted by CleanMountainLiving View Post

                Just to make a right turn, here...

                Why does the directory need to be sold to local businesses???

                What about a product or item, think used cars/boats/rvs/garage sales etc that people have that they need to get the word out about?

                So, get usedrvspittsburgh dot com and built out a directory/listing site for people that live in pittsburgh and have a used rv for sale.

                3 month listing for $50 (or whatever), likely perpetual inventory (rotating people selling their used stuff, and ongoing cash flow.

                Also likely easy to rank and your marketing efforts would need to go towards individuals who have whatever they need AND WANT to sell, rather than businesses that are constantly bombarded with the latest and greatest way to get traffic.

                Just a thought...
                Not a bad idea at all!
                Signature

                Growing older but not up!

                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5988825].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author AussieT
                Originally Posted by CleanMountainLiving View Post

                Just to make a right turn, here...

                Why does the directory need to be sold to local businesses???

                What about a product or item, think used cars/boats/rvs/garage sales etc that people have that they need to get the word out about?

                So, get usedrvspittsburgh dot com and built out a directory/listing site for people that live in pittsburgh and have a used rv for sale.

                3 month listing for $50 (or whatever), likely perpetual inventory (rotating people selling their used stuff, and ongoing cash flow.

                Also likely easy to rank and your marketing efforts would need to go towards individuals who have whatever they need AND WANT to sell, rather than businesses that are constantly bombarded with the latest and greatest way to get traffic.

                Just a thought...
                The only problem i see with this idea is that it would be much harder to find the clients to list their RV or boat. How would find except looking for them in other online directories like craiglist or gumboot or printed trading post type papers.

                In time they may be able to find you once the site gets some traction but even then most sellers would not know or find out that your site exists. Buyers is not a problems they would do a search and find you.
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5992223].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
              Originally Posted by rugman View Post

              So your plan is to build it - put some listings on it- take a screenshot of it and show that to local biz people? Or are you building a print directory as well?
              Yeah for sure. You can build a 5 page blog in an hour and connect it to aweber to collect leads right away. The more niche the better and easier it is to rank. I can likely rank it in about 2 weeks. So if you spend one day building a wack of them you can be out selling the next day saying they will be ranked within two weeks...give them two weeks free listing if you must or just a 30 day guarantee would be better.

              I'm telling you, for a majority of small businesses their IM is not even on the radar and you are giving them a chance for $97/mn to be there. Kind of an easy sell.

              I am not sure about the print directory component but as I said before, it can be critical to some niches. I'm thinking more Guides that contain a few common problem/solution articles and some lead generating ads. I would not wait for this component to sell them tho.

              EDIT: I do remember on my honeymoon grabbing those tourist guides and my wife would read them to me as we drove. We also used some of their coupons for hotels because we were winging it.

              I actually have a question. If someone geo marked their site inside the meta tag, would a person searching without the city name be introduced to your page if they are in that city? I mean the same way you can geo target adwords to a specific area? So if they were searchings for "lawyers" within say Toronto, my page would rank highly on it?
              Signature
              I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5989290].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author ShayB
                Originally Posted by RentItNow View Post


                EDIT: I do remember on my honeymoon grabbing those tourist guides and my wife would read them to me as we drove. We also used some of their coupons for hotels because we were winging it.
                I'm actually going to be doing marketing of the guides/directories on travel site, in travel e-zines, etc.

                And a note - if you're having a small guide (maybe 5-10 pages), you could work with a local printer and get a better rate than using a POD service (Lulu.com, CreateSpace, etc.).
                Signature
                "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5990020].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author massiveray
                  Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

                  I'm actually going to be doing marketing of the guides/directories on travel site, in travel e-zines, etc.

                  And a note - if you're having a small guide (maybe 5-10 pages), you could work with a local printer and get a better rate than using a POD service (Lulu.com, CreateSpace, etc.).
                  Or just do it yourself, hire a dude from Fiverr to put it all together and send it off to Gotprint, sooooo cheap it's a little like cheating.
                  Signature

                  Join my private strategy group on Facebook or find out how I made £2000 recurring in 2 weeks.

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5991009].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author ShayB
                    Originally Posted by massiveray View Post

                    Or just do it yourself, hire a dude from Fiverr to put it all together and send it off to Gotprint, sooooo cheap it's a little like cheating.
                    Might have to look into that.
                    Signature
                    "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5991045].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nail Yener
    Back on this wonderful thread again. I have been away from WarriorForum for about a month with very little activity till I found this thread two days ago. Lots of great ideas here; I am so excited, I am so full of ideas and I will be taking real action soon, but before I go into more details about my plan, I would like to comment on some of the previous posts.

    Originally Posted by pspro View Post

    I've started and stalled so many directory projects over the past decade I could scream! I keep getting stuck on the details, the which directory platform, how will I monetize it, need I go on LOL I'm sure I'm not alone on this.

    Fact IS directories offer extremely helpful content for searchers so it's an online business model that will never die... I should know, I've sat on the sidelines observing it's staying power
    You are absolutely not alone on this. I too have planned, started and abandoned many directory projects in the last couple of years and I really don't know why I didn't stick to one of them and go to the end. Maybe I waited John to start this thread

    Directory sites will never fade away. Google is the biggest directory. Every now and then I see new and successful directories here or there. It is true most of them do not continue and disappear but the ones that deliver quality to their visitors and make their clients happy will always survive. Not only the giant ones such as YP.com but I know and have used many niche based or local directories as well.

    Originally Posted by Karen Connell View Post

    I went ahead and bought DirectoryPress.

    Right - off to make a start getting it up and running .
    Karen, thanks for taking action, I wish you good luck and I believe that if you stick to your plan you will get to the point that you want.

    Originally Posted by ShayRockhold View Post

    The weekly meeting was awesome.

    I sold 5 spots for the directory at the discount rate. I expect I can sell all of the initial 20 (at the reduced rate) over the next couple of weeks just through the local group.
    Shay, it is great to hear that. You are giving inspiration to me and to other warriors I am sure. Looking forward to hearing more from your progress.

    Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

    I think my daughter could really own this biz idea with me and get into it.
    John, I really like the way you think things. I have no kids yet but my main goal is to create nice residual income streams that I can leave to my kids or family when I'm gone.

    Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

    Anyone want to talk about bringing value to the customer?

    The client wants value for their $97... they want the phone to ring with new business, so we need to get their page and our site ranking in the search engines.
    I agree with you. Our first objective should be to deliver value to the visitor by providing quality listings/content/answers they are looking for. Then comes the client satisfaction and then comes the money.

    Originally Posted by yorkiedale View Post

    Just had a quick browse, and this site charges just £19 a month for premium and is free for basic listing...
    The fact that there are many directories in the same niche/area that are free or charging less shouldn't stop us. Most businesses use all type of advertising as much as possible. That's why you can see the same business on multiple paid directories, on the newspaper or on other mediums. If a website has traffic that a business owner would want to receive, you can sell advertising on it, that's what I know.

    Originally Posted by Jeannie Crabtree View Post

    A lead is worth $10 to $15 in this market. I pasted two business listings in for march on the index page and let it run. At 371 total searches on the specific keywords, the first person got 170 click throughs and the second person 90 click throughs.

    I decided to charge $129 for first listing and $99 for the second and third listing on the index page. If they had to pay $10 a lead, don't you think they would be happy to pay this price?
    Jeannie, this is a nice real case example. For a local directory site, the premium homepage listings could be limited to 3 or 5 so that these businesses get maximum exposure and good amount of clicks. This way, you can charge more.

    Now, on to my plan...

    I started with thinking a niche-city based local directory (lawyers in a city of my country). I found some possible domains and keywords. I decided on a nice domain and left the registration to the next day. I always do that, because when I think about a domain name later, it may not seem as good as it first seemed to me.

    The following day (yesterday), at the time that I was just going to register that domain, I asked myself "Why don't you go for a national directory for the same niche? This way you can target more people and businesses and get more traffic in the long term. And it will definitely be a more valuable asset."

    Then I started thinking about a niche-country based directory for the same niche. I found some domains and keywords. I decided on one domain and left the registration to the next day.

    The following day (today), as you can guess, I changed my mind again and asked myself "Why would you go for a national directory? It will be limited to a country and it will have limited potential. Why not go for a global directory?" I guess many fellow warriors experience more or less similar things while brainstorming projects.

    Now, I finally decided on a global niche directory (a subniche in tourism-travel) that has some highly successful examples and I want to be one of them. I found a good domain name that is short and brandable. I will not bother with keywords or backlinks, I will just focus on creating a nice directory with helpful features that I have no idea yet but I will make it a place that people in that niche will be checking when they do a search. I will register the domain and start building the site today (I will custom code it) and hopefully make it online today with its first free listings.

    I can imagine such a directory will take months to grow and get momentum but the following maths will be my driving force:

    If I get 1,000 premium listings for $50 per year, this will be a $50,000/year residual income site. Since this will be a global directory, if I can create a good site that gives value to the visitors, I believe that I can make it.

    Wish me luck,

    Nail
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5986578].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FelicAng
    Hi John,

    Thanks for the great information and insights..
    Do you have more similar directory sites to let us view??
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5986649].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David Neale
      My foray into local directories has not worked as I hoped. I basically created a directory with about 300 complete and accurate listings complete with screenshots of their websites.

      My hope was that this would generate decent organic traffic ans I would proceed from there. It never did. I get about 40 page views a month.

      I will take another run at this but, as I see traffic as being one big issue (among others).

      This time I will look at coupon scripts (so I can use email to continually drive traffic back to the site) and have some hope of retaining visitors while building an email list.

      ... or try building a community using something like ning.com.

      Personally I believe the "older" concept of the local directory as seen at most directory software sites is dead.
      Signature

      David Neale

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5986835].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
        Originally Posted by David Neale View Post

        Personally I believe the "older" concept of the local directory as seen at most directory software sites is dead.
        I'm pretty sure about this one as well but a more and more niche directory as John speaks of may not be dead.
        Signature
        I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5988013].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
          Originally Posted by RentItNow View Post

          I'm pretty sure about this one as well but a more and more niche directory as John speaks of may not be dead.
          I wouldn't say that. At&T is still going strong, as well as some of the other large directories. Its just a matter of having a sales process.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5994828].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
    Wow Neil a global travel directory that is one big undertaking with some stiff competition.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5986772].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Nail Yener
      Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

      Wow Neil a global travel directory that is one big undertaking with some stiff competition.
      You are right, it will take much effort and time to bring it to a level that I will be happy but I am dedicated and I already started working on it. Thanks to this thread, now I have the energy and motivation to make this work.

      I registered the domain yesterday and the basic design with initial free listings is almost complete. I want to make it online today. My first goal is to reach 100 visitors a day at the end of the first month. Now, back to work on the directory.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5994654].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author phaproduction
    Hi Guys,

    theres a ton of great info in here!

    I made a directory website a couple months ago, put some good content on there and some listings so it looks "alive"

    It is a citydirectory.com domain, and the reason I went for it is not because I am local, far from it actually, but because I did huge research into the target market before. My site is ranking, it looks good BUT I am having difficulties selling spots because I live over the pond and the timedifference makes it very difficult to get in touch with the business owners. Have had 0 luck with email...

    For the listings that are paid, I have agreed with the business owners to provide Bob Ross' postcard ads, with of course my directory website on it as well. This gives the owners more value, and I am encouraging them to put special offers AND discounts for other owners on the website as well. This should interpromote everyone and generate more sales just within the directory.

    Having said that, would anyone have any pointers on how to get the value accross, from a land far far away?

    Cheers

    Pha
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5989009].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author econnors
    Thank you all!

    I'm new here (posting), but I lurked for a while before I decided to sign up and have lurked even more before posting today. This thread is very informative and a good "stepping stone" into what I'd like to offer in the end. I plan to set up a directory site for wedding related businesses in the area, and I've already scoped out the offerings of several other sites, such as The Knot, and I'm really excited to get started. I initially wanted to start doing web design, but I just don't see myself having the time to commit to such large projects and doing it in a manner that I feel it needs to be done. This is a good "junior size" way to get into earning some passive income.

    I've been inspired before, but this time I'm hoping not to lose the juice. As long as I get some clients, I think I will be in business. We'll see what happens. Good luck to you all!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5990344].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jacquic
      Welcome, econnors, and good luck in your endeavours - be sure to feed back on your progress.
      Signature
      See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5990548].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author socialbookmark
    Its true that many websites make thousands of dollars yearly for running a directory website but i believe its still difficult to be such famous to attract a lot of business owners to submit their links to it. I think no one has a unique and guaranteed strategy for having a successful directory.
    Signature

    I love warriorforum. Computer Tutorials

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5995122].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
      Originally Posted by socialbookmark View Post

      Its true that many websites make thousands of dollars yearly for running a directory website but i believe its still difficult to be such famous to attract a lot of business owners to submit their links to it. I think no one has a unique and guaranteed strategy for having a successful directory.

      The strategy is simple "go out and sell it"
      Rely Local has sold a conservative 20k listings nationwide in roughly 2 years
      Signature
      Promise Big.
      Deliver Bigger.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5995213].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
        Took a look at their site, and they have some great information that could help me sell this and come up with a few things that would justify the business spending more on my directory. They are selling it as a marketing campaign, which of course is going to sound much better than a directory page.

        Selling is all about positioning.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5995284].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
          Originally Posted by MonteMichaels View Post

          Took a look at their site, and they have some great information that could help me sell this and come up with a few things that would justify the business spending more on my directory. They are selling it as a marketing campaign, which of course is going to sound much better than a directory page.

          Selling is all about positioning.

          The thing is that most of their local agents that started from the beginning are not leveraging anything except the directory and maybe some banner ads.

          My friend has been building up a nearby city and has 250 people bringing him around 70k a year. Now thats not much right now in the big scheme BUT just wait until he starts offering more services.

          He doesnt know about outsourcing or he would be making 150k+ right now as he always gets website requests but has been too busy building the directory base to handle them.

          He has enough contacts and trust after just 2 years that he is literally set for life in terms of client base and can make whatever he wants to make.
          Signature
          Promise Big.
          Deliver Bigger.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5995757].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AussieT
        Originally Posted by Eddie Spangler View Post

        The strategy is simple "go out and sell it"
        Rely Local has sold a conservative 20k listings nationwide in roughly 2 years
        Never heard of Rely Local but googling them now.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5997014].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rugman
    Rely local definitely seems to be on the right track! took at look at my area and they have some pretty well known places listed. I guess for $25 a month it is a no brainer for local biz owners to sign up - something we all should look at.
    Signature

    Growing older but not up!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5996657].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by rugman View Post

      Rely local definitely seems to be on the right track! took at look at my area and they have some pretty well known places listed. I guess for $25 a month it is a no brainer for local biz owners to sign up - something we all should look at.
      Do you have a link to their pricing or advertising page?

      EDIT: Ok found it on the "launch a campaign video"
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5997089].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
    Here you go:

    Code:
    http://www.relylocal.com/prescott-arizona/promote-your-business

    Also, check this out... looks like a recruitment page for their sales effort:

    Code:
    http://www.relylocal.com/page/career-opportunities
    Signature

    grrr...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5997132].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rugman
    AND - notice they have a nice mobile version with a m. domain
    Signature

    Growing older but not up!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5998120].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author pwk2000
      For those thinking about buying an "expensive" domain for their directory... why not just use an available name, get some sales, and once you have it working go ahead and buy the better domain with the profits. Or better yet, start offering a 2 for 1 deal after you get the more expensive name

      Second point, regarding people worrying about traffic to their directory site. I actually don't think it's a big deal if you are targeting the right niche. To use the ol lawyer example, at $97 a month, he would love it if you brought him 1 client a year. So if your site only gets 50 people a month, it does not mean its worthless.

      I think the key is to go after a niche where businesses put a high value on each and every client. I would like to see a list of what areas people have had success in.

      And another point with regards to low traffic... that traffic is most likely ULTRA targeted. To a lawyer, 10,000 views on your local generic topic newspaper website is most likely worth less then 50 views on a website targeting clients looking for his services (with regards to ROI).

      This is sort of the sales line the yellow page people use/used. When someone reaches for a directory, they are ready to buy. They are not there to look at today's weather! lol
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5998721].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author yorkiedale
        I like the www.relylocal.com website - It harnesses the business directory, the promoting local and the voucher side of things well, as well as an events module does anyone know what scripts this may run on?

        I just recall, that I DO actually run a directory site - although it isn't really promoted so much as that, but it is our local town website www.settle.org.uk our business directory listings come for free if you join up to the Chamber of Trade. My business listing example is here Dinosaur Design - Settle Chamber of Trade

        Another good Uk directory that serves a purpose for a niche is here Places students love*|*Student Map - Manchester I think this runs on a heavily customised wordpress geotheme

        mark
        Signature

        Earn and Learn - get recurring direct $1000 Commissions - http://www.exitusgroup.com

        Helping people Save Money and Make money, by spending less on Fuel !
        Global team partners wanted; use : http://www.lessfuel.co.uk

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6002029].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
          There are several people who have said in this thread that they don't think they can get $97 a month from businesses to be listed on their directory sites. This is because of the local economy, the fact that there is competition in the area, etc.

          I was going to post something along the lines of "Yes, you can" - but I realized that a post simply stating that really doesn't help anyone. I would like to do two different things.

          The first part of this post is going to deal with how you can get $97 a month from advertisers. The second part is going to be how you can monetize your directory site so that you can reach five figures a month from it, even if you do not get the magic number of $97 a month from each business.

          Keep in mind that some of the things I'm going to suggest are things that I've done before. Other things that I suggest are simply brainstorming. If you are absolutely dying to know which is which, feel free to ask.

          Please note - you don't have to offer everything on the list! Just helping you get some ideas.

          Let's roll.

          Part 1 - How to get $97 a month from each advertiser


          1. Lead generation/supply
          2. Additional marketing or promotion of his or her site.
          3. A free site and basic hosting.
          4. Listing in a directory/guide (physical, Kindle, Amazon.com, etc).
          5. Co-op advertising opportunities with other advertisers.
          6. Press releases highlighting individual advertisers.
          7. Monthly in-person events that include networking and perhaps free refreshments.
          8. Monthly online events.
          9. Monthly training events (SEO, Social Media, Google Places, etc.).
          10. Quarterly promotions - this could tie in with a number of methods, including Bob Ross' WSO or Martin Buckley's magnet ideas.

          Part 2 - How to additionally monetize the site


          For this section I am going to assume that you either provide a free listing or a very low-cost listing for the advertisers. I strongly suggest not offering free listings, but at least charging a few dollars a month - even if it's only five bucks. At least if you are charging something you know that they aren't only in it for the freebie, and even five dollars a month is $60 per year - and it's at least a start.

          I also going to assume that a basic listing is text-only, and not having just one listing per page. For example, you would have a page that listed accountants, a page that would list attorneys, a page that would list pizza places, etc.

          1. Charge more money for a listing where the advertiser is the only one per page.
          2. Charge more money to add a video to their listing - can't do video? Go to Fiverr.
          3. Offer to have a listing with pictures, more text, etc.
          4. Start a newsletter (for your mailing list). Charge for advertising in it.
          5. Offer co-op advertising for your business listing clients.
          6. Charge for spots in a weekly press release.
          7. Offer discounted training (online or in person) in social media, SEO, Google Places, etc.
          8. Offer to arrange deals/introductions between advertisers - for example, introduce a local Realtor with a local handyman or apartment complex manager.
          9. Offer listings in physical or Kindle version of the directory.
          10. Offer advertising space on your website.

          ---------------------------
          In case you didn't notice, many things on the list are the same. It just depends on how you want to work your business model. Do you want to offer a lot and get a higher monthly fee, or would you rather go with a lower monthly fee and then get more money on an irregular basis as your clientele grows?

          Even if you include the training in the monthly fees, it will lead to having more clients and have more people come to you, so it's not like you're not going to make any additional income by offering those services as part of their monthly fee.

          I hope this helps to spark some ideas.
          Signature
          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6002824].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
    I was thinking about how we can get credit from our directory clients for the leads we send them and I remembered a WSO that was for sale a few weeks back. This was a software product that tracked and forwarded calls using the Twilio API. That WSO is closed now, but the product is still available here:

    Analytic Call Tracking -

    At $197 it's a little pricey, but if you're serious about building something good and want to show value, this might be a good way to simplify the call forwarding and tracking aspect.
    Signature

    grrr...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6003133].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author maricelu
      Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

      I was thinking about how we can get credit from our directory clients for the leads we send them and I remembered a WSO that was for sale a few weeks back. This was a software product that tracked and forwarded calls using the Twilio API. That WSO is closed now, but the product is still available here:

      Analytic Call Tracking -

      At $197 it's a little pricey, but if you're serious about building something good and want to show value, this might be a good way to simplify the call forwarding and tracking aspect.
      I use Callfire. I think it's tracking almost everything you need and it's about $3 per month for local numbers
      Signature

      I have no signature.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6004214].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author dc53123
        Hi All,

        I loved your post regarding local directory listings. I'm excited to jump in and try out this business model (b/c it sounds very powerful and I've been thinking about this for some time). However, i'm hoping you can answer a few questions for me.

        Would you recommend buying domain names that are free specific to a local city (e.g. sacramentoplumbing.com) getting them ranked, and then redirecting them to a directory which would have listings for the local market?
        Do you think there is potential and is it worthwhile to buy domain names like this?

        I appreciate your feedback.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6008981].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author econnors
    I have a few different ideas for how to make my directory site "more valuable". I will think of my directory in terms of a "membership" where the folks who are subscribed will receive a newsletter on a regular basis (it will provide tips for marketing their business, etc.), have an opportunity to promote their business by writing a blog post on the site (guest posting), be able to participate in local events, etc.

    I'm considering offering a $129.00 monthly fee for my site - with a 20% discount if they purchase a year in advance.

    What are you all thinking for a call script? Do you think something like the following would work?

    Hi, <Business Owner>, my name is Elise, and I'm with <insert URL here>. I was wondering if you could spare a few moments to help me out with something?

    If they say no, end the call. If they say yes, proceed.

    Well, we're launching a new directory for wedding professionals in the St. Louis area and would like to feature your business. Our potential audience consists of brides and grooms who are planning to marry in this area. Could you stand to get more clients for your business?

    If no, end the call. If yes, continue.

    Great, well since the site hasn't officially launched, we're offering an amazing introductory rate of $129.00 per month. Doesn't that sound like something you could afford if it could bring you more clients?

    If no, figure out why and address the objection. If yes, proceed.

    Great, well, we accept personal and business checks to get started. I will get you a copy of our check authorization form so that we can draft your payment each month.


    *collect payment*

    Do you think this will work? Or am I over-complicating it all?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6003828].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      Seeking out the script that you want to use before you have a fully formed marketing plan is going to waste your time, cost you money, and question your sales and marketing model.

      If you're planning on building a robust directory business, you're going to need a robust directory script and none of the WP directory plugins are flexible enough.

      The best thing I can say about Directory Press is that they didn't give me any problems when I requested a refund.
      Signature
      The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
      -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6009793].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
        Can you elaborate more on the lack of flexibility in the WordPress options? What did you come up against? What were show-stoppers for you?

        Thanks.


        Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

        Seeking out the script that you want to use before you have a fully formed marketing plan is going to waste your time, cost you money, and question your sales and marketing model.

        If you're planning on building a robust directory business, you're going to need a robust directory script and none of the WP directory plugins are flexible enough.

        The best thing I can say about Directory Press is that they didn't give me any problems when I requested a refund.
        Signature

        grrr...

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6010408].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author David Miller
          @FormerWageSlave - I can't elaborate on the flexibility other than to say it doesn't have any. What I meant by the statement is simply that. If you use it, you'll have to build your directory around it's platform.
          Signature
          The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
          -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6012530].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
            What would you have liked to do with your WordPress directory that you couldn't do?

            What are the features of a successful directory that can't be done with WordPress?

            Thanks for your time.

            Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

            @FormerWageSlave - I can't elaborate on the flexibility other than to say it doesn't have any. What I meant by the statement is simply that. If you use it, you'll have to build your directory around it's platform.
            Signature

            grrr...

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6013746].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author weezie
              With the wp directory - when I would instal an updated theme - sometimes it would change the look of my directory and some features wouldn't work, or some images would no longer display. I didn't always have the technical knowledge to fix it....I would eventually get the issues fixed - but that's time I'd rather spend selling listings.

              If I didn't update the theme - when sending in support questions - they would always recommend that I update....so I felt like I was always fixing something.

              A few of their support people were excellent - then a few - very frustrating - many tickets before they would understand the question.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6014075].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
              @ David Miller

              Don't care to continue this conversation?

              What would you have liked to do with your WordPress directory that you couldn't do?

              What are the features of a successful directory that can't be done with WordPress?

              Thanks for your time.

              Quote:
              Originally Posted by David Miller
              @FormerWageSlave - I can't elaborate on the flexibility other than to say it doesn't have any. What I meant by the statement is simply that. If you use it, you'll have to build your directory around it's platform.
              Signature

              grrr...

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6033120].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author weezie
    Would anyone mind sharing what directory script they are using - I'm looking for one that offers set up and ongoing support - I don't mind paying for it. I've been working with a wp directory - and find it very frustrating as the theme is a little buggy - and the support not great, it would've been a lot more cost effective to spend the money up front to get a good script with good support.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6008353].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rugman
      Originally Posted by weezie View Post

      Would anyone mind sharing what directory script they are using - I'm looking for one that offers set up and ongoing support - I don't mind paying for it. I've been working with a wp directory - and find it very frustrating as the theme is a little buggy - and the support not great, it would've been a lot more cost effective to spend the money up front to get a good script with good support.
      What WP directory are you using? I am about to buy one - wanna make sure it is OK. I have been looking at Directory press - most seem to like it.
      Signature

      Growing older but not up!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6009215].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author weezie
        Hi Rugman

        I'm using Directory Press, everytime they upgrade their themes - it throws my directories out of wack, their instructional videos are not very thorough....the support is quick to get back to you and helpful - depending on whose working.

        I'm checking out wplocaldirectory it looks really good - but I don't see a contact number to ask some questions prior to purchasing....has anyone used wplocaldirectory??
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6009524].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author yorkiedale
          Originally Posted by weezie View Post

          Hi Rugman

          I'm using Directory Press, everytime they upgrade their themes - it throws my directories out of wack, their instructional videos are not very thorough....the support is quick to get back to you and helpful - depending on whose working.

          I'm checking out wplocaldirectory it looks really good - but I don't see a contact number to ask some questions prior to purchasing....has anyone used wplocaldirectory??

          http://wplocaldirectory.com/ doesn't look to be working from here

          but it seems it was sold not so long ago https://flippa.com/2715609-unique-wo...00-profit-made

          so, no idea ???
          Signature

          Earn and Learn - get recurring direct $1000 Commissions - http://www.exitusgroup.com

          Helping people Save Money and Make money, by spending less on Fuel !
          Global team partners wanted; use : http://www.lessfuel.co.uk

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6009845].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author weezie
            I had a hard time with the url - thought it was my computer - but I managed to get to the site thru a link somewhere, also - lots of videos on youtube - pretty current....
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6009891].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author pspro
              I now remember why I've abandoned my directory projects in the past, I never found a platform that worked for me. Either I could customize it the way I wanted or the pages broke when I added content.

              I made a commitment a few days ago to spent a minimum of an hour a night completing a local directory but having spent the past two hours looking for a platform, I think I'm going to put this on hold before I get started this time. I'm surprised that there isn't a "go-to" platform for directories but I guess it's hard with all of the variables. Anyway, good luck to you folks working on this, it's an awesome plan!

              Here are a bunch of directory products that I found, it might save someone some time

              php scripts:

              eSyndicat
              PHP link Directory
              Powerseek
              Edirectory
              phpdirectory

              wordpress:

              directorypress
              linkpress nova
              woothemes
              wpdirectory pro (plugin)
              wpmudev directory (plugin)
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6009930].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author rugman
            Originally Posted by yorkiedale View Post

            http://wplocaldirectory.com/ doesn't look to be working from here

            but it seems it was sold not so long ago https://flippa.com/2715609-unique-wo...00-profit-made

            so, no idea ???
            Found this: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...e-version.html
            Signature

            Growing older but not up!

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6009912].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author econnors
    What do you all think about SOBI -- the Joomla extension. Has anyone here used it?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6012753].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author weezie
      I was just on the edirectory site, quite impressive, ongoing webinars and training, past webinars are posted and can be viewed, seems good support and community....going to view some webinars prior to making a decision though.

      any one have any experience with edirectory?? the only negative is ongoing monthly fee - but would be worth it since there is also on-going support.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6012911].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
    Anyone have any problems with DirectoryPress support?

    Four days ago I opened a ticket on their support and got the standard acknowledgement email. I tried to ask the question in their forum (but am not allowed - apparently, even though I'm logged in...).

    I then added to the ticket and upgraded it to 'urgent' - well, it is for me!

    Still not a word. Am I being impatient?

    Never having used their support before, how long should I expect to wait for an answer.

    I know it's been holidays but I'm pulling my hair out here.

    I don't want to change to another directory script because, apart from two issues, I'm finding it pretty easy to navigate. As a technophobe, I appreciate anything that is easy to 'get my head around' but I'm treading water until these guys get back to me.

    Karen
    Signature

    Never Mistake Activity for Accomplishment

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6014145].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author maricelu
    Lool. You guys make it too complicated. Why not use a simple wordpress site, on the main page setup listings using the wordpress editor, use copy/paste to make it easy. For each listing setup a separate page that u setup also using the standart editor, then duplicate listings' pages using the plugin and edit each one
    Signature

    I have no signature.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6014181].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author pspro
      Originally Posted by maricelu View Post

      Lool. You guys make it too complicated. Why not use a simple wordpress site, on the main page setup listings using the wordpress editor, use copy/paste to make it easy. For each listing setup a separate page that u setup also using the standart editor, then copy pages using the plugin and edit each one
      haha guilty- thanks!

      Last night I actually thought the same thing, just set up WP and do everything by hand but what plugin are you speaking of?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6015093].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tapont71
    This is a great thread. I am glad I was referred to it. I have been thinking about this model for a long time. A year ago, I got a domain targeting restaurants in <city state> that the initial keyword gets 3k exact match searches. When I put this site together, I still wasn't sure how I was going to use it and build it. So I just started working on getting it ranked. It now is ranking on 1st page for 8 different restaurant related keywords and getting massive traffic.

    I had thought of doing an "exclusive" directory. So in other words in talking to an italian restaurant, offer them the exclusivity of having their business on my site and have it ranking for italian restaurant in <city>. Do this for all the different cuisines. Whats your thoughts on that versus offering maybe 3 of the same type of restaurants listings and then offer premium listings.

    The ideas and input in this thread has given me the direction and motivation of how I need to go about it now.

    Looking forward to more of the conversation.
    Signature

    We are the top painting company in Jacksonville Florida. Come check us out and see how we can help with your painting needs.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6018181].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by tapont71 View Post

      This is a great thread. I am glad I was referred to it. I have been thinking about this model for a long time. A year ago, I got a domain targeting restaurants in <city state> that the initial keyword gets 3k exact match searches. When I put this site together, I still wasn't sure how I was going to use it and build it. So I just started working on getting it ranked. It now is ranking on 1st page for 8 different restaurant related keywords and getting massive traffic.

      I had thought of doing an "exclusive" directory. So in other words in talking to an italian restaurant, offer them the exclusivity of having their business on my site and have it ranking for italian restaurant in <city>. Do this for all the different cuisines. Whats your thoughts on that versus offering maybe 3 of the same type of restaurants listings and then offer premium listings.

      The ideas and input in this thread has given me the direction and motivation of how I need to go about it now.

      Looking forward to more of the conversation.
      So it sound like you have already built the site got in ranked but you have not monetized it yet.

      May I ask how you added listings to the directory? Free listings? Unique or copied content?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6018878].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author tapont71
        Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

        So it sound like you have already built the site got in ranked but you have not monetized it yet.

        May I ask how you added listings to the directory? Free listings? Unique or copied content?
        @AussieT...thats where I am. I haven't got the directory set up yet. It doesn't have any listings yet. What I did was setup a blog and start putting content on it targeting some of the major terms for the area to start generating traffic and getting ranked.

        Now with all this information, I'm trying to put a plan of action together as to the proper way. I got the FB Restaurant wso since it goes well with my site since its in same niche. I am thinking that adding the Facebook directory would be a great compliment, maybe adding it as a premium upgrade or have my directory as the premium upgrade option since it already has the traffic, the value factor is higher.

        Make 3 packages where I have free, pro, premium packages. Each obviously offering more options.

        As far as scripts, I'm not gonna use any right off the bat. I want to get businesses on board first then I'll worry about upgrading the platform. I use Elegant Themes mostly and they have a really nice directory theme that will work great which I will use.

        Thats pretty much where I'm at.
        Signature

        We are the top painting company in Jacksonville Florida. Come check us out and see how we can help with your painting needs.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6029696].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
    Does anyone know of a site or has anyone prepared their own feature comparision chart of various Directory scripts? If so care to share?

    I started one about six months ago and now I can't find it and I don't really want to start the process over again.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6019568].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ferma231
    Thanks for your post

    Got some ideas already
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6029743].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ijohnson
    I just checked out the Mobile Community Control (MCC) WSO and bought it because I think it would be a great addition to my overall business plan.

    I'm trying to stay focused on a project I'm trying to get up and running but mobile has been on my mind for a couple of years so I keep drifting back to it whenever I see a WSO on it. I was one of the first people to talk about it and inquire about mobile marketing in various threads here on the WF.

    I find it hard not to keep pushing forward with it when there is so many ways to help businesses and generate a really good income doing it. However, I'm currently not physically able to beat the pavement and knock on doors seeking out clients. I'm looking for ways to reach clients via email or by phone -- anything setting out a plan to reach them in that way will definitely pique my interest.

    I look forward to sharing ideas with you guys on how we can tie everything together and position ourselves using mobile as an introductory service to gain clients for our directory sites.

    ~ Iris
    Signature
    Make every day count!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6033102].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PPC-Coach
    Directory sites are nothing new, they do work BUT few make much money because filling them is the hardest part. Sure if you do 100 to 200 calls per day, I'm sure you can sell 1 spot per day.

    My questions are:

    How many can do that many calls per day?

    How do you get through to the decision maker? (IE getting past the gatekeepers)?

    If your niche is "lawyersyourtown.com" are there even 200 lawyers that you could call to offer it to?

    If anyone has a good idea for a niche or site but is technically impaired, let me know. If you can fill it, I'll build it and we'll split it all 50/50. (I made this offer to John too, but he hasn't responded so I'll make it here too). I can have a site up and running very quickly, (I've got 10 running right now). Unfortunately, mine are all sitting empty because I can't pick up the phone to fill them, (I'm shell shocked from being a financial advisor and doing cold calls for 5 years).



    The method is solid, but very few succeed because they can't do the hardest part, which is selling the listings.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6033477].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author pwk2000
    ppc-coach, great point. If you expect to get 1 sale out of 100 calls, how can you expect to fill up your localcityniche.com directory with paying customers? Does it make sense to have a directory website for a small niche (less then 100 biz)? For some reason that just clicked with me... something to think about.

    I am working on a niche city directory. My city has about 200 businesses in that niche. My goal was to get 8-12 listings. Maybe that was too lofty of a goal! ;-)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6033662].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by pwk2000 View Post

      ppc-coach, great point. If you expect to get 1 sale out of 100 calls, how can you expect to fill up your localcityniche.com directory with paying customers? Does it make sense to have a directory website for a small niche (less then 100 biz)? For some reason that just clicked with me... something to think about.

      I am working on a niche city directory. My city has about 200 businesses in that niche. My goal was to get 8-12 listings. Maybe that was too lofty of a goal! ;-)
      Why not try building it with 9-10 free listings (to build content and rankings) but do not contact these ones (yet).

      Contact 10-20 others that are not yet listed and when you get a few paid listings, you can deactivate some of the free listings and then contact these offering them a paid listing. Then repeat the process untill all the free listings have been replaced with paid listings.

      You can even offer the initial free listing businesses a discount listing since you have already done most of the work for them and all you need to do is reactivate their listing once they pay.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6033755].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author pwk2000
    If your niche has less then 100 local businesses, does it make sense to start a directory that only caters to those businesses? What percentage of those businesses do you think you could expect to list? If the expected close ration is about 1%-5%, does it makes financial sense to do this? Is it realistic to expect 20%, 30% of targeted businesses to give you money?

    What about 150 businesses or 200 businesses in your local niche... do the numbers matter?

    Or does it just make more sense to do national directories? Once you go national your pool of potential customers just exploded 200 fold or more. And you can start dialing for dollars.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6033819].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author maricelu
    I don't think to target 1 city if there are only a few service providers there. Instead, I would go for building a specific service directory site like immigrationlawyers.com or legalmalpracticeattorneys.com and on each directory to have different listings from different cities. I would contact only those lawyers which do offer those specific services. Of course, a lot of backlinking is necessary here but the outcome could be big.
    Signature

    I have no signature.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6034810].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jacquic
      I have three niche URLs I bought a little while ago which I'd planned on ranking and then selling - other stuff got in the way, so I didn't. I thought about directories, but wasn't sure until I read this excellent thread. This is what I've been doing over the last few days as a result.

      I thought I'd make them into directory sites...started with the first and got immediately annoyed with the script I was trying to use and took it off.

      Using WP Table Relaoded (plugin) on the home page and categories in posts for business pages, I've made a simple but nice directory.

      The idea is to upsell the listing/pages to local businesses in that niche, giving them a choice of free (they still have to contact me to give me their postal code and email address to show on the free page I've made for them), or three levels of paid which, in brief, are:

      Level one (has a better name than that ): Their logo, content (supplied by them), FAQs, link to their site, their name URL, basic SEO - that sort of thing. The sidebar with competitor names still shows as do our footer widgets and footer details. They'll get a link from their page one name too.

      Level two - as one, but can add 3 pics, better SEO, embedded video, AND a personalised header in their colours (supplied by them, or by me if they want to pay the design fee) - that sort of thing. No sidebar, but our main menu still shows. SEO'd.

      Level three - looks as if it's their own one-page website: their header, 6 pics, new bespoke article or video each month which feed into their page and also show in the blog area, no sidebar or menu or footer or footer widgets. SEO'd. Include tabs (good if a lot of content; looks like pages within a page) and spoilers (open/close for FAQs).

      Level four - getting into whole marketing package here.

      There will also be three banners above the front page listings for hire.

      This was all done using a free theme and free plugins.

      I've set up demo pages (all have mobile-suitable versions too)...and now all I need to do is get the sites ranked better than they are (this won't take long), and get out there selling the pages and/or marketing/consultancy.

      On the selling side, I'm going to target those who have little or no online presence (or are after page 3), or rubbish sites - that sort of thing. When they're on, then I'll go for the bigger/better advertised/showing firms.

      When this experiment works, I'll draw in the the listings from the three sites to populate a new town one...by then I may have bought a script that's very good, but either way, it's a plan.
      Signature
      See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6034930].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jacquic
        If anyone has a good idea for a niche or site but is technically impaired, let me know. If you can fill it, I'll build it and we'll split it all 50/50.
        @PPC_Coach, wish I'd seen this a week ago :rolleyes:

        But if this works, your skills may be what I need to take it to the town one, if you haven't been inundated with work by then.
        Signature
        See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6034959].message }}
  • Thanks for your advice John, I have a directory site started, I used the GeoPlaces WP theme, it makes it really easy to start your own city directory. What I do is I sell websites to offline clients, but if they can't afford it, and they don't have a website, I still list them on the directory for a small fee. This makes it easy to get every small business in town, and build credibility. What I really like about the GeoPlaces theme, is that it allows locals to login with facebook, or twitter, and leave reviews. This is something I just started, but so far it's very promising. Thank you for your advice and for being as helpful as always.

    Also I was looking at your site on my phone, and I really like your mobile site. What software or program do you use to create your mobile sites?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6037423].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
      I am seriously considering the GeoPlaces v.4 theme myself. Is there anything you don't like about it? Any challenges working with it or regrets?

      Thanks.


      Originally Posted by unlimitedmarketing View Post

      Thanks for your advice John, I have a directory site started, I used the GeoPlaces WP theme, it makes it really easy to start your own city directory. What I do is I sell websites to offline clients, but if they can't afford it, and they don't have a website, I still list them on the directory for a small fee. This makes it easy to get every small business in town, and build credibility. What I really like about the GeoPlaces theme, is that it allows locals to login with facebook, or twitter, and leave reviews. This is something I just started, but so far it's very promising. Thank you for your advice and for being as helpful as always.

      Also I was looking at your site on my phone, and I really like your mobile site. What software or program do you use to create your mobile sites?
      Signature

      grrr...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6039098].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kvnkane
    hey guys, could someone give me a rough estimate on pricing. i have a florist website in my area that gets around 3000 searches a month, what would you guys charge for advertising on the directory?

    thanks in advance.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6038512].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Craig McPherson
    I saw an interesting directory the other day where they charge $10 per post code per month. Your choice on how many you want to get listed for.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6038882].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ivanela33
      Originally Posted by Craig McPherson View Post

      I saw an interesting directory the other day where they charge $10 per post code per month. Your choice on how many you want to get listed for.
      I remember Marcos a.k.a MRomeo made reference in another forum about this directory site owner that made a killing with this medical directory that is as ugly as they come.
      New Site
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6040666].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BlogDiva
    I'm gong to use Classipress to start my directory. They have a theme that is for classified ads but it will do the trick for now, they have one coming out that will be specifically for directories but the Classipress theme will be fine for now.

    You can check it out here: AppThemes Demos
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6040243].message }}
  • Hi FormerWageSlave,

    I actually started with the Geoplaces Version 3, and it seemed to be a little more stable. The best way to get it set up is to allow it to populate the dummy data, as it gets everything set up for you. If you don't do that, it's more time consuming to set all the widgets in the right place. I like Geoplaces version 3 a little better, maybe cause I'm used to working with it. I don't think they have this one available anymore at the templatic site.

    I think Geoplaces 4 still has some bugs in IE, but they did add a lot of features. Now you can have multiple cities, and the user chooses which city they want to browse on the home page. This is good, if you want to have a directory, and then expand it to big cities in a certain state. Like for me I would have a lasikvision directory for Dallas, then late on maybe add Houston, Austin, etc. Also on Geoplaces 4 I like it that users can login using facebook or twitter, so they don't have to create an account.

    Geoplaces is a great investment, there is no better theme to get a really good directory going. I did a lot of research, and this seemed to be the best one out there. It's cool cause you can try it before you buy it, go to the templatic site and there should be a "Test this theme before you buy" green button. It gives you like 10 days or something like that. It sets up a dummy WordPress site, and you create a username and password, and you can check all the back end out before you commit. Hope that helps.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6040404].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
      Thanks @ unlimitedmarketing,

      I did try the demo a couple of weeks ago, but it was running so slow I gave up. I was hoping it was poor server performance and not really the software for that theme.

      So far GeoPlaces looks like the best option so far for a decent looking site with the ease of WordPress and I appreciate you sharing your actual experience.



      Originally Posted by unlimitedmarketing View Post

      Hi FormerWageSlave,

      I actually started with the Geoplaces Version 3, and it seemed to be a little more stable. The best way to get it set up is to allow it to populate the dummy data, as it gets everything set up for you. If you don't do that, it's more time consuming to set all the widgets in the right place. I like Geoplaces version 3 a little better, maybe cause I'm used to working with it. I don't think they have this one available anymore at the templatic site.

      I think Geoplaces 4 still has some bugs in IE, but they did add a lot of features. Now you can have multiple cities, and the user chooses which city they want to browse on the home page. This is good, if you want to have a directory, and then expand it to big cities in a certain state. Like for me I would have a lasikvision directory for Dallas, then late on maybe add Houston, Austin, etc. Also on Geoplaces 4 I like it that users can login using facebook or twitter, so they don't have to create an account.

      Geoplaces is a great investment, there is no better theme to get a really good directory going. I did a lot of research, and this seemed to be the best one out there. It's cool cause you can try it before you buy it, go to the templatic site and there should be a "Test this theme before you buy" green button. It gives you like 10 days or something like that. It sets up a dummy WordPress site, and you create a username and password, and you can check all the back end out before you commit. Hope that helps.
      Signature

      grrr...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6043419].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael William
    Directory sites are great for just giving away listings along with a free bonus like a basic mobile site. Of course I just send them files and very basic instructions, if they need help (many do) then I charge for that and of course I show them the premium sites that would reflect better on their business.

    I added an upsell for premium front page listings but had no takers (none of my directory sites are ranked yet) so far but as a foot in the door I love directories. If and when I get them ranked that will be icing on the cake but they are still useful right out the gate.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6048057].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tonyscott
    Originally Posted by jodib View Post

    Thereafter they would pay a monthly fee: I thought between $57-$77 was reasonable, but judging from this thread, I could get a lot more :-)
    Hi Jodi, first up - would be very interested in your theme and plugin, particularly as it's primarily uk based/developed.

    Re. monthly fees - I'm not sure where people get their numbers from. In my experience, savvy business owners want to see an roi on their advertising of at least 300% or they'll just stop paying. Those that make business decisions to pay for advertising that doesn't work are not likely to be long term clients for obvious reasons.

    Tony
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6048834].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tonyscott
    Hi Terry, that is a nice combination ...

    Not saying that you can't achieve those numbers with a directory, just that you have to be able to deliver value in order to justify them.

    Tony
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049572].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author safe as houses
      quote"I was considering selling both plugin and theme, but will not be able to confirm anything until we test in depth. I probably could do with a few testers anyhow. I will report back as soon as I have more detail."

      Jodi, I would be willing to test this for you, are you looking at mobile sites, Mick.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049704].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by tonyscott View Post

      Hi Terry, that is a nice combination ...

      Not saying that you can't achieve those numbers with a directory, just that you have to be able to deliver value in order to justify them.

      Tony
      For some "value" can be as simple as the satisfaction of being able to affordably have an advertisement right next to their biggest competitors. Let the customer be the judge of what they cancel or continue and just do what you do.

      There are alot of reasons people buy. Create your offer, put it out there, and let your prospects decide if it has value to them or not...

      Of course your ultmate goal is a ton of traffic and selling new customers will help you achieve that... Please dont take me out of context.

      On another note, if you sell million dollar homes, then the mere PROSPECT of getting 3-4 good leads per year might seem attractive to you.

      If you have a commercial construction company one job could make you five to ten million dollars or more... getting listings anywhere and everywhere you can isnt a bad idea, especially with the margins... you dont even notice the expense, and can even afford to lose money on some ads for months on end before the ads profit.

      I promise that the yellow pages dont generate 50 calls per year for most offline businesses, but most dont even know it, because they dont know how to quantify... still they pay thousands per year anyway just at the prospect of an immeasurable result, and they see it as vital to their business, and eventually it IS...because over time that one customer here and there, who becomes a regular, adds up, and even a handful of leads per years turns into hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime customer value.

      Another truth from experience of writing thousands of customers up for a directory site...:

      50% of your customers will never even go to their site and view it... even though they pay for it every month. 85% will buy the listing from you sight unseen on the first call.

      It seems like people would need to see it first right? Again: Reality vs Theory.

      Some will need to, but most wont.

      Or, even bigger shocker, they will view their site once after you've built it, forget about it as quickly as you do, and never go back to it again until they have to page their secretary and ask if she remembers the web address of their listing so they can relay it to someone.

      Personally I have ads I pay for monthly and I dont even know what they are... I just see them on my bill and think "Well I better not cancel, it may be something I use, or my system uses somehow..."

      Alot of fears will dissipate when people actually get some momentum and see how this works. Thats not to speak for those who have sputtered a bit and toyed with it, but not enough to get any momentum, and who are saying "I tried and it didnt work".

      You have to get your momentum going.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6053930].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Rachel Incoll
        I've noticed a few people here who don't seem to think it's possible to get businesses willing to pay even $97 a month to be listed in a directory.

        Well have another think...

        ...One of my clients has a network of directory sites - there's 1 main site, then just recently they've launched 60 plus other smaller sites that 'feed' off the main database. The 60+ smaller sites have just been built to pick up more traffic.

        For privacy reasons, I'm not going to reveal too much detail about the exact niche etc., but I can tell you it definitely isn't lawyers !

        Here's a few figures you might be interested in. Keep in mind they had plenty of businesses paying them this amount of money when the business consisted of just 1 main directory site...without any of the 'feeder' sites they've just added.
        Basic Listing - $83/month
        Plus Listing - $209/month
        Unlimited Listing - $358/month
        Now none of these membership options provide a one-page website or anything like that.

        This is what they receive:
        • Their business is listed on the site (& any appropriate sites in the network).
        • They have access to tracking statistics.
        • Can place banner ads across the network of sites.
        • Can list their 'products/services' on the site - that's the main difference between the membership levels. They can simply list more 'products/services' for the more expensive memberships.
        And that's it!

        So go out there, find yourself a good niche & start making some money!

        Cheers

        Rachel
        Signature
        Sick Of Spending Hour After Hour Searching For Australian Wholesalers?
        Discover Over 1,000 Genuine Australian Wholesalers In Just A Few Minutes At www.AussieWholesaleSuppliers.net.au
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6057577].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author John Durham
          Okay, Im serious. THIS is reality! Thank you for this post!

          Originally Posted by Rachel Incoll View Post

          I've noticed a few people here who don't seem to think it's possible to get businesses willing to pay even $97 a month to be listed in a directory.

          Well have another think...

          ...One of my clients has a network of directory sites - there's 1 main site, then just recently they've launched 60 plus other smaller sites that 'feed' off the main database. The 60+ smaller sites have just been built to pick up more traffic.

          For privacy reasons, I'm not going to reveal too much detail about the exact niche etc., but I can tell you it definitely isn't lawyers !

          Here's a few figures you might be interested in. Keep in mind they had plenty of businesses paying them this amount of money when the business consisted of just 1 main directory site...without any of the 'feeder' sites they've just added.
          Basic Listing - $83/month
          Plus Listing - $209/month
          Unlimited Listing - $358/month
          Now none of these membership options provide a one-page website or anything like that.

          This is what they receive:
          • Their business is listed on the site (& any appropriate sites in the network).
          • They have access to tracking statistics.
          • Can place banner ads across the network of sites.
          • Can list their 'products/services' on the site - that's the main difference between the membership levels. They can simply list more 'products/services' for the more expensive memberships.
          And that's it!

          So go out there, find yourself a good niche & start making some money!

          Cheers

          Rachel
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6057613].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AussieT
          Originally Posted by Rachel Incoll View Post

          I've noticed a few people here who don't seem to think it's possible to get businesses willing to pay even $97 a month to be listed in a directory.

          Well have another think...

          ...One of my clients has a network of directory sites - there's 1 main site, then just recently they've launched 60 plus other smaller sites that 'feed' off the main database. The 60+ smaller sites have just been built to pick up more traffic.

          For privacy reasons, I'm not going to reveal too much detail about the exact niche etc., but I can tell you it definitely isn't lawyers !

          Here's a few figures you might be interested in. Keep in mind they had plenty of businesses paying them this amount of money when the business consisted of just 1 main directory site...without any of the 'feeder' sites they've just added.
          Basic Listing - $83/month
          Plus Listing - $209/month
          Unlimited Listing - $358/month
          Now none of these membership options provide a one-page website or anything like that.

          This is what they receive:
          • Their business is listed on the site (& any appropriate sites in the network).
          • They have access to tracking statistics.
          • Can place banner ads across the network of sites.
          • Can list their 'products/services' on the site - that's the main difference between the membership levels. They can simply list more 'products/services' for the more expensive memberships.
          And that's it!

          So go out there, find yourself a good niche & start making some money!

          Cheers

          Rachel
          Hi Rachel thank you for your inspiring post. Can you please explain what you mean by the above comment (in red).

          Don't they have their own details page?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6057857].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Rachel Incoll
            Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

            Hi Rachel thank you for your inspiring post. Can you please explain what you mean by the above comment (in red).

            Don't they have their own details page?
            They have a page with their business name, address, logo, a hyperlinked list of the 'products/services' they have listed with the website & a button for people to click to email them.

            This page is 'within' the main page design so it's not like a custom page with their own header etc. All the menus, ads from the main site still display on the page - just with the details for the particular business in the main area. It doesn't have a particularly 'pretty' URL either...not like www.businessdirectory.com/business.

            So I definitely don't regard it as their own custom page...a page they'd be happy to share with a potential customer & say 'hey, we have a presence on the web, you might like to check it out' .

            Hope this helps.

            Cheers

            Rachel
            Signature
            Sick Of Spending Hour After Hour Searching For Australian Wholesalers?
            Discover Over 1,000 Genuine Australian Wholesalers In Just A Few Minutes At www.AussieWholesaleSuppliers.net.au
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6057921].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author pwk2000
    Jodi, I would like to test out your theme and plugin, and if you wanted you could use my website as a sample.

    I am pretty familiar with Wordpress and could get something up and going very quickly

    BTW, I have tried various wordpress directory themes and have not been happy with any of them.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6049907].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rachel Incoll
    Not a problem John . Thank you for starting this thread in the first place!

    Been meaning to post this info on here for a while, just been so busy with other projects...now I just need to get onto my own directory site!


    Cheers

    Rachel
    Signature
    Sick Of Spending Hour After Hour Searching For Australian Wholesalers?
    Discover Over 1,000 Genuine Australian Wholesalers In Just A Few Minutes At www.AussieWholesaleSuppliers.net.au
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6057667].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
    Ok got it thanks Rachel
    Pretty standard directory type listing then
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6058485].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author krzysiek
    Tom, THANK YOU! Largely, my idea was going on speculation of 'how many' businesses are in my town. I was trying to guesstimate but really I would never know until I ran the campaign.

    I was estimating out of 8000 homes mailed, maybe 1% would have a business of some sort. So I was thinking 80 potential customers max, then I would need to consider a conversion percentage to consider how many would actually turn into paying customers.

    I have downloaded that CSV previously, but I only looked at the 'total' tab for residential addresses. I did not notice the 'business' tab which for my town, where I initially thought there might be around 80 businesses (I was being conservative it seems), it turns out there are around 350 or so.

    Now that is looking better! Plus it will cost me a bunch less to mail out these business as opposed to the whole suburb! I Will call AusPost in around a week to confirm, I have two mid-sem exams coming up but this has definitely made my job easier. So I thank you for that!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6060445].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Your welcome mate

      Let us know how you get on with the project after your exams

      Tom

      Originally Posted by krzysiek View Post

      Tom, THANK YOU! Largely, my idea was going on speculation of 'how many' businesses are in my town. I was trying to guesstimate but really I would never know until I ran the campaign.

      I was estimating out of 8000 homes mailed, maybe 1% would have a business of some sort. So I was thinking 80 potential customers max, then I would need to consider a conversion percentage to consider how many would actually turn into paying customers.

      I have downloaded that CSV previously, but I only looked at the 'total' tab for residential addresses. I did not notice the 'business' tab which for my town, where I initially thought there might be around 80 businesses (I was being conservative it seems), it turns out there are around 350 or so.

      Now that is looking better! Plus it will cost me a bunch less to mail out these business as opposed to the whole suburb! I Will call AusPost in around a week to confirm, I have two mid-sem exams coming up but this has definitely made my job easier. So I thank you for that!!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6060826].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mav91890
    I was thinking of merging this with my local social network.
    Signature

    “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it.” ― Jordan Belfort

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6060734].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author veheme
    Interesting input John. This will definitely help me in the future.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6061014].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    krzysiek

    If your per capita is lower then just expand your geographical boundires accordingly.

    The numbers dont change no matter how you spread them geographically. Well, that is unless you have some major city in one corner of your specified region thats like substantially larger than the average ones.

    The fact that you have less people per capita means you have less competition for keywords and can potentially expand your directory out to a larger region without necessarily increasing the competition for keywords (proportionately) if you choose your region wisely.

    In other words you may be able to realistically compete in larger regions than we are able to realistically do in the US...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6061676].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author badnews_3
      I am involved in every niche under the sun with all kinds of websites. So, naturally I run quite a few local directory sites as well.

      No speculation here folks, I KNOW first hand that they can be very profitable. But, and it's a huge but... you MUST work.

      Personally, I believe in automating as much work as possible. Here is the current setup we have going on:
      - An custom harvesting setup on a few dedicated machines that scrapes relevant data.
      - A few human "cleaners" that fix what machines may miss.
      - Team of people calling businesses all week - the most important part .
      - Two developers (outsourced) building directories all day.

      Why start with a "meaty" directory instead of an empty one...
      When we start calling, we start with a full directory of properly formatted listings. Any businesses that choose upgraded listings are highlighted as such and the rest are left as is.

      Your mileage may vary but in my experience it leaves the door open for future business. Since a business owner that passed you up on your offer earlier may decide to buy a spot later on if all they gotta do is click a button or two.

      and...

      Since your site will have a lot more content, you will also get a lot more long tail targeted traffic (tested and true).

      Call Them - Do it...
      I already see hesitation here. All i can say is, trust me and...

      Just do it. Yes, the first few days will be hell but then it will all be natural. And don't forget the money!

      What script to use...
      There are many good ones. To customize most, a little web savvy is needed but don't let it hold you. Start now worry about the useless details later.

      Caution!
      I don't see this mentioned already so a word of advice (and caution). Local, is where the money is. The big Google, lords of the interwebs sees it and wants it all for themselves. Leaving nothing for us little people.

      As much as you'd like to, remember they are slowly (but surely) positioning themselves to be the leader here (google places).

      In order for your site to have any *long term* life, do not use adsense as your primary method of monetization. Yes, it maybe tempting but if you plan on being in this long term you will see what I mean.

      Plus, make your sites high quality so they do not look, feel or smell like a MFA site.

      If anyone has any specific questions I'll try to help as best as possible.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6062202].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author maricelu
        Great post here

        and since you "want" some questions, here they are :

        1. what is the domain names' format like? niche+city; niche+area; niche service + city, etc. ?

        2. how much you charge them?

        Best to you, Marcel
        Originally Posted by badnews_3 View Post

        I am involved in every niche under the sun with all kinds of websites. So, naturally I run quite a few local directory sites as well.

        No speculation here folks, I KNOW first hand that they can be very profitable. But, and it's a huge but... you MUST work.

        Personally, I believe in automating as much work as possible. Here is the current setup we have going on:
        - An custom harvesting setup on a few dedicated machines that scrapes relevant data.
        - A few human "cleaners" that fix what machines may miss.
        - Team of people calling businesses all week - the most important part .
        - Two developers (outsourced) building directories all day.

        Why start with a "meaty" directory instead of an empty one...
        When we start calling, we start with a full directory of properly formatted listings. Any businesses that choose upgraded listings are highlighted as such and the rest are left as is.

        Your mileage may vary but in my experience it leaves the door open for future business. Since a business owner that passed you up on your offer earlier may decide to buy a spot later on if all they gotta do is click a button or two.

        and...

        Since your site will have a lot more content, you will also get a lot more long tail targeted traffic (tested and true).

        Call Them - Do it...
        I already see hesitation here. All i can say is, trust me and...

        Just do it. Yes, the first few days will be hell but then it will all be natural. And don't forget the money!

        What script to use...
        There are many good ones. To customize most, a little web savvy is needed but don't let it hold you. Start now worry about the useless details later.

        Caution!
        I don't see this mentioned already so a word of advice (and caution). Local, is where the money is. The big Google, lords of the interwebs sees it and wants it all for themselves. Leaving nothing for us little people.

        As much as you'd like to, remember they are slowly (but surely) positioning themselves to be the leader here (google places).

        In order for your site to have any *long term* life, do not use adsense as your primary method of monetization. Yes, it maybe tempting but if you plan on being in this long term you will see what I mean.

        Plus, make your sites high quality so they do not look, feel or smell like a MFA site.

        If anyone has any specific questions I'll try to help as best as possible.
        Signature

        I have no signature.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6065069].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author badnews_3
          Originally Posted by maricelu View Post

          Great post here

          and since you "want" some questions, here they are :

          1. what is the domain names' format like? niche+city; niche+area; niche service + city, etc. ?

          2. how much you charge them?

          Best to you, Marcel
          1. what is the domain names' format like? niche+city; niche+area; niche service + city, etc. ?
          With the exception of few premium exact match .com's that we purchased, most of our domains are semi brandable niche+city+word combinations. Since almost all of our customers are approached and acquired through telemarketing, all the names I have must pass the telephone test.

          So there are NO niche+city+x,y,z,s or #'s. I can see how they might work but haven't/won't try them as to me personally they sound unprofessional.

          2. how much you charge them?
          Really depends on the city & niche being targeted. So far we have tried and have clients paying $47 to $970 per month. Since we have a few "sweet point" reference's from already running sites. We follow similar pricing structure for new sites we launch in the same niches.

          Please don't get googly eyed over the $970 clients. That is no easy money. These are our premium plus plus plus plusssss listings if you will . We guarantee and deliver leads to these businesses or they wouldn't stick around long enough.

          We give them an enhanced listing, optimize their website for conversions, generate some text and video content and even build a lead capture site (if they don't have a website). Most importantly, we setup conversion tracking (phone & web) on ALL of these sites. So they (and more importantly WE) know if they are getting their money's worth.

          Please don't try starting so high-end that people just ignore what you have to offer. I'd say $50-$90 price range is fair for most businesses. Start there and show them the value. If you can prove to them that you are not just another yellow pages wanna be (quite a few businesses spend thousands on their yellow listings without much to show for it) they'll spend more money with you. If you can make them more money, why would they not spend more with you?

          Don't think you can make them more money? Look at the average CPC some of these keywords have. If nothing else you are providing these businesses more exposure. Even if these visitors don't convert they are not paying per click to get this exposure and that is worth something.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6067423].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AussieT
        Badnews_3 Thank you for your informative post. No badnews all goodnews. Perhaps you should change your username

        Originally Posted by badnews_3 View Post

        When we start calling, we start with a full directory of properly formatted listings
        Can you explain what you you include in your "meaty directories" to begin with and what you mean by properly formatted?

        Originally Posted by badnews_3 View Post

        What script to use...
        There are many good ones. To customize most, a little web savvy is needed but don't let it hold you. Start now worry about the useless details later.
        Care to give us a few examples of scripts you like? And what platform you prefer? (WP, php. joomla etc)

        Originally Posted by badnews_3 View Post

        In order for your site to have any *long term* life, do not use adsense as your primary method of monetization. Yes, it maybe tempting but if you plan on being in this long term you will see what I mean.
        So are you saying it is OK to use adsense but not overdo it? What do you mean by not good for long term?

        Originally Posted by badnews_3 View Post

        Plus, make your sites high quality so they do not look, feel or smell like a MFA site.
        Again could you give us any examples of some high quality directories (not necessarily your own unless you wanted to PM me )

        Looking forward to further input from you in this thread. I love to hear more from those who are actually doing it and are successful at it.

        AussieT
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6065514].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author badnews_3
          Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

          Badnews_3 Thank you for your informative post. No badnews all goodnews. Perhaps you should change your username



          Can you explain what you you include in your "meaty directories" to begin with and what you mean by properly formatted?



          Care to give us a few examples of scripts you like? And what platform you prefer? (WP, php. joomla etc)



          So are you saying it is OK to use adsense but not overdo it? What do you mean by not good for long term?



          Again could you give us any examples of some high quality directories (not necessarily your own unless you wanted to PM me )

          Looking forward to further input from you in this thread. I love to hear more from those who are actually doing it and are successful at it.

          AussieT
          Can you explain what you you include in your "meaty directories" to begin with and what you mean by properly formatted?
          All directories are setup with the information of all businesses that should be there (that we will call). So its not a cheap looking 1 page hopeful website, most of these sites have 100+ pages. They all have a unique privacy policy, contact us, about us and a local contact #.

          We build them and get some small amount of traffic going (1 month). All listings have a visible counter (X # of views type of thing) so we are not calling and begging them to list rather offering them more prominence throughout the site. We call to offer them an opportunity to get more customers (which we have).

          Since the sites are already getting local visitors (which they can verify by looking at the visitor counts if they wish) I feel we are in a better position to discuss how we can benefit their business. I honestly don't know if anyone ever checks these counters. But by focusing on what benefit they get out of it all rather than the few dollars they spend with us we are in a better position to get them to at least try us - which is a great start .

          If they say no, we still have a huge list of extremely targeted businesses to contact. So no hard feelings.

          Care to give us a few examples of scripts you like? And what platform you prefer? (WP, php. joomla etc)
          I initially started with phpmydirectory which was a great script. After seeing great results from the first few sites I setup I knew I wanted a multi-site friendly script. But none of the scripts (wordpress or 3rd party) I tested were.

          Since setting up a unique instance of a script for each site would've been hell to manage. I hired a programmer to create a custom site. Now all my sites run through a custom drupal setup.

          If I was starting out again, I'd probably still go with phpmydirectory.

          So are you saying it is OK to use adsense but not overdo it?
          With each passing day, I see Google trying to take a bigger piece of my (and all other web-preneur's) lunch by aggressively trying to expand into so many verticals. I hate their guts and the oodles of cash they have sitting around to be able to do that.

          So I don't use adsense at all. I see a few big names using it but I feel it dilutes the value of your listings. Thinking of it from a business owners perspective, why should they pay me for a premium listing when there are other (probably) cheaper alternatives to advertise on the site.

          If you are really hurting for money, you can try using it. But why trade dollars for cents?

          What do you mean by not good for long term?
          Google wants to own local everything.

          If you are going to enter the local business advertising market, sooner or later, Google (when they are ready) will look to take you over by prioritizing Google Places --- as they have in the past done with many other Google products.

          I don't want my business to be dependent on any third party, specially not one I see posturing to directly compete with me. So no handouts for Google from my sites. I like it that way.

          Again could you give us any examples of some high quality directories (not necessarily your own unless you wanted to PM me )
          My own sites? Sorry, can't do. We have gone to extreme lengths to have them all unique and independent. They will need to stay with me forever .

          I like findlaw.com . When i say high quality, all I am saying is clean and professional looking is all.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6067707].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author AussieT
            Originally Posted by badnews_3 View Post

            Can you explain what you you include in your "meaty directories" to begin with and what you mean by properly formatted?
            All directories are setup with the information of all businesses that should be there (that we will call). So its not a cheap looking 1 page hopeful website, most of these sites have 100+ pages. They all have a unique privacy policy, contact us, about us and a local contact #.
            So if I understand correctly you offer them fully detailed free listings and then offer them prioritized/featured listings at the top to increase their exposure on the site. As opposed to offering different level of membership with increased level of details/info. Correct?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6067772].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author badnews_3
              Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

              So if I understand correctly you offer them fully detailed free listings and then offer them prioritized/featured listings at the top to increase their exposure on the site. As opposed to offering different level of membership with increased level of details/info. Correct?
              Yes that is correct.

              For me it is not all about the money. I want to build a resource for the visitors that happen to be on my sites. The more information a business wants to provide, the better chance I have of outranking 10's of other sites that have but the basic information. Why would I not want businesses to give me more data?
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6067782].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author AussieT
                Originally Posted by badnews_3 View Post

                Yes that is correct.

                For me it is not all about the money. I want to build a resource for the visitors that happen to be on my sites. The more information a business wants to provide, the better chance I have of outranking 10's of other sites that have but the basic information. Why would I not want businesses to give me more data?
                Agreed but you said from memory that you used dedicated servers to scrape the info. So I would have thought it would be pretty difficult to get much more than basic info that way.

                When you ring them to upsell them do you them ask for more info even if they do not go for more exposure option?
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6068651].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author badnews_3
                  Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

                  Agreed but you said from memory that you used dedicated servers to scrape the info. So I would have thought it would be pretty difficult to get much more than basic info that way.

                  When you ring them to upsell them do you them ask for more info even if they do not go for more exposure option?
                  Yes, the initial scrape gets all the information that is on yp. We have a post scrape routine which feeds on the scaped csv files and attempts to automatically gets a tiny bit more information than what is available on yp. Everyone we call is encouraged to provide more information whether or not they upgrade to a paid listing.

                  The search engines want unique content so the more we have of it, the better. If all you are doing is regurgitating information already available on several yp type sites, not much value is being offered through your site. So if all that is available from your site is just duplicate info there is no incentive for the engines to rank you.
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6073081].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jacquic
    Helpful post, thank you, badnews_3

    MFA = ...?
    Signature
    See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6062222].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author badnews_3
      Made for Adsense. Sorry.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6062225].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jacquic
        Lol, should have guessed! Got a tad confused because in the UK we used to have MFI furniture, which was self-assembly...and I wasn't sure if you meant a site that looked self assembled (like the old FrontPage ones).
        Signature
        See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6062285].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Moneymaker14
    I have a few directory sites set up.. They were made with the review theme that just closed.. I'm trying to think if we charged a smaller amount for the site and then charged an extra $10 to have their page mobily optimized and also $10 more to be on the Facebook Page... Then we could add in some SMS options with a number for your city like text 1111 to Carpet Cleaners in Texas or something like that and then have them be the text that gets sent back..

    It's hard to decide whether to go in my little city with different niches, a broad one for the whole state with specific niches or just go for something like VisitCity.com then have different categories, etc... Or just go for the whole state or city with a STATEORCITYDIRECTORY.com then have different categories.. This is tough for me, I see how easy can be to get a very high monthly income once you get set up though....

    HELP??
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6064259].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Warren Tibbotts
      For anyone considering the option of a normal domain name for these businesses, one option I thought of was to charge them $20 (or whatever) for their 'businessname.com' domain, and have that permanently forwarded to the listing page you set up for them on your directory site for the monthly fee.

      This way you can effectively control (and possibly even own if that's permitted) their domain name. More likely they will stay with you long term, and you are almst guaranteed the website business when they decide to get a real website
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6064511].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author briansacks
    I am trying to figure out how to sell mobile directories in specific niches. Have found the information here very informative but would love any thoughts.
    Read John Durhams post and report but have not been able to contact him for some reason.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6064980].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author imwarrior84
    Great business model John thank you for sharing.
    Signature

    Please do not use affiliate links in signatures

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6065498].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Warren Tibbotts
    John, not sure if you're still monitoring this thread or not, but I have a question re using subdomains. (Would love to hear from anyone else, who can shed some light on this also) I'm using DirectoryPress myself, and unless I'm mistaken, it makes it very difficult for you to run a 'national directory' with a separate part for each town/city and then all the separate categories and businesses under that.

    So instead of having a url like

    mynationaldirectory.com/bigcity/plumbers/joeblogsplumbing,

    I was thinking it may be far easier (and probably better for seo purposes) to do a subdirectory for each of the bigcity areas so the url would look like this

    bigcity.mynationaldirectory.com/plumbers/joeblogsplumbing


    Would love to hear feedback on which option people believe to be the better one overall, especially considering the use of DirectoryPress as the directory script
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6068920].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by Warren Tibbotts View Post

      John, not sure if you're still monitoring this thread or not, but I have a question re using subdomains. (Would love to hear from anyone else, who can shed some light on this also) I'm using DirectoryPress myself, and unless I'm mistaken, it makes it very difficult for you to run a 'national directory' with a separate part for each town/city and then all the separate categories and businesses under that.

      So instead of having a url like mynationaldirectory.com/bigcity/plumbers/joeblogsplumbing, I was thinking it may be far easier (and probably better for seo purposes) to do a subdirectory for each of the bigcity areas so the url would look like this
      bigcity.mynationaldirectory.com/plumbers/joeblogsplumbing

      Would love to hear feedback on which option people believe to be the better one overall, especially considering the use of DirectoryPress as the directory script

      Just to let you know that you are on the right track with this last idea...city search is one of the oldest and first directory sites on the internet... back in 2000-2005 they were my heaviest local competition in Nashville... At that time they would sell you listings for 10 dollars per page per month, getting in the door on the $10 per page, then showing you the benefit of going with a 10 page plan in their pitch...lol

      Anyway, this is how they do it: (check out the web address).

      Sprint Store - LITTLE ROCK, AR, 72211 - Citysearch

      So, yeah you are right on.

      As far as monitoring this thread... Yeah I still check it here and there... There are so many answers to catch up with that its gonna take a 2-3 hour stretch just dedicated to this thread in order to catch them up... BUT "This is only the calm before the storm", just so you know!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6068966].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Warren Tibbotts
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        .. At that time they would sell you listings for 10 dollars per page per month, getting in the door on the $10 per page, then showing you the benefit of going with a 10 page plan in their pitch...lol

        Anyway, this is how they do it: (check out the web address).

        Sprint Store - LITTLE ROCK, AR, 72211 - Citysearch

        So, yeah you are right on.
        Thanks for the feedback John

        I think that site looks really good.
        Would you have any idea what script they used to build the site?
        (Is it wordpress, Joomla, etc?)

        Thanks
        Warren
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6072074].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author badnews_3
          Originally Posted by Warren Tibbotts View Post

          Thanks for the feedback John

          I think that site looks really good.
          Would you have any idea what script they used to build the site?
          (Is it wordpress, Joomla, etc?)

          Thanks
          Warren
          Warren, that is most definitely a custom script you are looking at.

          If you wanted to build something similar, you could do it with wp, drupal or joomla. Just depends on how comfortable you are with programming.

          Did you look at phpmydirectory? I remember it had most of the features that I see on the site you liked. It is not as pretty right out of the box but that's obviously something you can fix/get fixed easily.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6073174].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author AussieT
            Originally Posted by badnews_3 View Post

            Warren, that is most definitely a custom script you are looking at.

            If you wanted to build something similar, you could do it with wp, drupal or joomla. Just depends on how comfortable you are with programming.

            Did you look at phpmydirectory? I remember it had most of the features that I see on the site you liked. It is not as pretty right out of the box but that's obviously something you can fix/get fixed easily.
            I;m not Warren but I took a look at phpmydirectory and liked it. However I am looking for a script that will allow several images on a detail listing page (but not a link to more pics). Also the featured listing feature on the home pages appear to be only text links (no pics). Do you know if these points can be easily overcome in phpmydirectory?

            Tom
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6073626].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AussieT
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        As far as monitoring this thread... Yeah I still check it here and there... There are so many answers to catch up with that its gonna take a 2-3 hour stretch just dedicated to this thread in order to catch them up... BUT "This is only the calm before the storm", just so you know!
        I'm intrigued by the bold statement above John. What do you mean are you planning a WSO or planning to be even more active in this thread or....?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6073358].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author kellter
          Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

          I'm intrigued by the bold statement above John. What do you mean are you planning a WSO or planning to be even more active in this thread or....?
          He's been banned????
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6073665].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jacquic
      I've been wondering that myself. Two benefits other than what you outlined would be that they can link to each other (as well as internal links), and that you could have the same brand but a different 'look' for each subdomain, even if it's different shades of the same colour, or the same look but slightly different header.

      (I know we can have bespoke headers per page/post within a site, but it could be time consuming doing that for loads of pages).

      Sorry that's not the definitive answer you're looking for!


      Originally Posted by Warren Tibbotts View Post


      Would love to hear feedback on which option people believe to be the better one overall, especially considering the use of DirectoryPress as the directory script
      Signature
      See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6069498].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by jacquic View Post

        I've been wondering that myself. Two benefits other than what you outlined would be that they can link to each other (as well as internal links), and that you could have the same brand but a different 'look' for each subdomain, even if it's different shades of the same colour, or the same look but slightly different header.

        (I know we can have bespoke headers per page/post within a site, but it could be time consuming doing that for loads of pages).

        Sorry that's not the definitive answer you're looking for!
        No one is really hearing me on this but what you just described works, on an even simpler level.

        Just make a website with five pages that explains the website, mission...The standard home, "about us", contact...kind of stuff)

        Now you have a site with potential to rank right? And that site explains its mission and what its about?

        What are you missing now?

        One thing (unless you feel the need to get fancy) : "listings".

        Here's how you make listings.

        Create 3 more pages on that site, each identical only with a different colored header for variety... Now you have three templates to use for customers... when you get a new customer, pull one up, clone it, give it a file name and fill in the blanks.

        John Biower did it JUST like that.

        We did not have webdesigners... We took poor performing telemarketers off the sales floor, cut their pay by two dollars an hour, and instead of firing them for low production we taught them how to pull up template pages and fill in the blanks to fulfill orders coming off the sales floor.

        So if we liked someone but they sucked on the phone, we gave them an easier job and put them in the fulfillment department which was basically a group of 5-8 "data entry" people, because thats all they really did was enter data submitted by the telemarketer, and click the upload button.

        Now, to your last point...

        Unless you have a hundred telemarketers you arent going to be overwhelmed daily uploading customers. It seriously takes 5 minutes to do one, and if you are doing more than three of those per day then you are a millionaire and no problem is too big to handle on this.

        Getting a website up that you can put listings on should be the easy part if you are willing to accept that it CAN be... by not overcomplicating.

        Now if you plan on coming out of the gate with 20 customers a day, you might want a more automated solution, but honestly even if you just do three per day you can hire a staff to do it. Even at ONE per day honestly, at ten dollars per hour you would have to round up 50 minutes to even be paying out 10 bucks per day in that case.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6069584].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
          I am a videographer and a webmaster. To generate income and a demand for my video services, I created a comprehensive video magazine, business video directory and online community called Thatvideomagazine New York.

          Thatvideomagazine is a digital magazine that utilizes high quality videos (and photos) to showcase New York City, its creative professionals and local businesses. Our main goal is to offer an alternative path to economic prosperity with business listings and community networking highlighting NYC professionals and the services they provide.


          Although online video is the most effective form of advertising, local businesses do not have a local platform to utilize this type of marketing thus relying on YouTube which is less than ideal. These generic platforms are not targeted to a geographically specific audience, thus resulting in minimal traffic for local businesses.
          • Video magazine - Provides interesting local content to keep visitors coming back and linking them to related business listings
          • Online community - A database of site members. Members can create a professional portfolio, upload photos, add events, network and also search other members by hobbies and career.
          Feel free to check it out at Home - That Video Magazine New York: A Video Guide!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6069708].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author bsnrjones
            Rollmodl - very nice site - what script are you using for that site?
            Signature

            *** Do you need leads for you insurance agency? We generated telemarketed leads all over the country. Shoot me a PM and we can from there! ****

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6069734].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author John Durham
            Originally Posted by Rollmodl View Post

            I am a videographer and a webmaster. To generate income and a demand for my video services, I created a comprehensive video magazine, business video directory and online community called Thatvideomagazine New York.

            Thatvideomagazine is a digital magazine that utilizes high quality videos (and photos) to showcase New York City, its creative professionals and local businesses. Our main goal is to offer an alternative path to economic prosperity with business listings and community networking highlighting NYC professionals and the services they provide.


            Although online video is the most effective form of advertising, local businesses do not have a local platform to utilize this type of marketing thus relying on YouTube which is less than ideal. These generic platforms are not targeted to a geographically specific audience, thus resulting in minimal traffic for local businesses.
            • Video magazine - Provides interesting local content to keep visitors coming back and linking them to related business listings
            • Online community - A database of site members. Members can create a professional portfolio, upload photos, add events, network and also search other members by hobbies and career.
            Feel free to check it out at Home - That Video Magazine New York: A Video Guide!
            Nice stuff! Thanks for contributing, how much do you charge for say this listing: Car Window Tinting by Dex! - That Video Magazine New York: A Video Guide!

            ?

            Is this done with WP?

            I like it and honestly, even though your concept is very well thought out, the actual layout is real simple...

            Also I agree, forums, and giving customers the ability to build profiles... is a great way to build a strong base... I would warn against it until you are more established usually though because in the beginning if you only have ten customers, and they arent all getting exactly what they want...then it could cause issues in your forum... BUT after you have established it and you have you some critical mass principles going on a forum is less risky because there will be enough totally happy customers that it will balance out everything and your forum wont look like its just full of concerns and anxiety. Scaring your customers.

            If a customer's site doesnt explode in three weeks they may be patient and wait... but if they are a part of a forum where they are participating and two people start complaining (rebel rousing) ... and there are only ten customers... and the happy ones arent frequenting... It looks bad.

            Again, Allen has lets say 500 people here that bash the forum every chance they get...that doesnt matter because he has reached critical mass and he has 300,000 who thinks its the greatest thing since sliced bread, and so those 500 co0mplainers blend in to where they are insignificant and their bashing doesnt even cause a tremor in this huge foundation...

            However...if he only had 2k members and 500 were complaining...it would look bad.

            Sometimes it takes weeks or months for your customers to start generating the volume of leads they are looking for and thats okay...but you dont want them all in a forum talking about their impatience.

            Alot of success is about the principles of critical mass and momentum. Kinda silent stuff ... for instance momentum is tricky... you may think that spending two hours on the phone one day and spending one hour on the phone for two days are the same thing...but they arent. You b arely get to warm up in one hour...the two hour day is more effective because you get into momentum.

            Theoretically an hour is an hour, but again, reality is that momentum or lack of it really changes the result you get from an hour. Sometimes you dont get into momentum till the second hour... Critical mass is the same way...you dont see the difference it makes till you look at the nuances, then you see there are certain things that will work for your site on one level that wouldnt have worked without the critical mass being reached.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6069934].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
              Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

              Nice stuff! Thanks for contributing, how much do you charge for say this listing: Car Window Tinting by Dex! - That Video Magazine New York: A Video Guide!

              ?

              Is this done with WP?

              I like it and honestly, even though your concept is very well thought out, the actual layout is real simple...
              It's Joomla CMS. That listing is actually belongs to me. The listing is used as a sample as I'm also a window tinter with over 15 years of experience. I will produce the video and photos for the listing when I return to NY in May.

              Sorry I forgot, the listings are $849 for the year and includes:
              • 1-3 minute High Definition video
              • Photo slideshow
              • Search engine optimized
              • Social media bookmarks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
              • Share the full listing on just the video!
              • Twitter feed displaying your latest Tweets & deals!
              • Company logo
              • Front page release (New Local businesses)!
              • Facebook comment form
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6069983].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Warren Tibbotts
                Hi Rollmodl

                Love your site.
                Which version of Joomla did you use, and did you have much of a learning curve to make the site look the way it does?

                I must admit, i'm very frustrated with Wordpress, and the limited range of themes and plugins that are available for directory sites.
                I'd love to hear more from you about how log, how complex, etc you found Joomla for your site creation, and which Joomla template, and extensions you used to create it.

                BTW, with your pricing, which seems very fair, I do think you may get more uptake if you charged a monthly option with a big discount for the annual option, ie make it $97 a month, or $849 pa if paid in advance- it just makes the annual look like a no brainer


                Originally Posted by Rollmodl View Post

                It's Joomla CMS. That listing is actually belongs to me. The listing is used as a sample as I'm also a window tinter with over 15 years of experience. I will produce the video and photos for the listing when I return to NY in May.

                Sorry I forgot, the listings are $849 for the year and includes:
                • 1-3 minute High Definition video
                • Photo slideshow
                • Search engine optimized
                • Social media bookmarks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
                • Share the full listing on just the video!
                • Twitter feed displaying your latest Tweets & deals!
                • Company logo
                • Front page release (New Local businesses)!
                • Facebook comment form
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6073025].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AussieT
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          Here's how you make listings.

          Create 3 more pages on that site, each identical only with a different colored header for variety... Now you have three templates to use for customers... when you get a new customer, pull one up, clone it, give it a file name and fill in the blanks.

          John Biower did it JUST like that.
          That is how I did my forst directory 10 years ago and it is still going well although its a small niche and I will never retire on it.

          It runs on FrontPage and I only have one template page that only has headings and not data and when I get a new client I load the template fill-in the blanks and save it with a URL friendly page name.

          Its simple but it works. However to minimize maintenance I will only use CMS platforms where listing owner can log in themselves and make changes.

          I have tried several platforms but I am still searching for the ideal script that serves by purposes and is affordable. Many of the better scripts only allow you to build one site and yo have to pay extra for each new site. So I am still looking
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6073439].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jacquic
    when you get a new customer, pull one up, clone it, give it a file name and fill in the blanks.
    Well, for goodness sake! I've cloned stuff before, so why didn't I think of it here!

    Thanks
    Signature
    See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6069647].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    @jacqui

    We actually had the telemarketers tell the business owner right on the phone what their web address was going to be before it was even submitted to data entry. Real simple system. The TMS didnt even know what they were saying they just told the customer that their address was going to be http:nashvile.whatever.com/bobstoenailpolishfactory.html

    All they had to fill in was the last part (bobs toe nail polish factory....).

    So on the paper the telemarketer filled out(to turn in as a sale) it said http:nashvile.whatever.com/_____________

    Again the TM just filled the blank.

    No guess work.

    Then they would go turn their paper in (because we didnt have autodialers at first), OR they would raise their hand, I would come get it off their desk and go hand it to a data entry person...five minutes later the customers site was up. The last part of the data entry persons job was to send the customers confirmation email with a link.

    The rest is history.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6069743].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bhuff85
    I haven't had a chance to read through this entire thread, but I am creating my own directory website and coding it from scratch. To make things easier, however, I have targeted the restaurant and bar establishments in my city + the metro area.

    Here's the overall scope of what I'm doing:

    - Coding a full blown directory with a unique and SUPER easy search method to find a restaurant or bar. I'm also making a fully optimized mobile version as well, complete with a mobile redirect on every page.

    - Once complete, I am going to promote this to local residents through a few different outlets. The plan is to get them to sign up to the e-mail list and start using this site. Your directory is nothing without a user base.

    - To monetize this, I plan to offer several things for business owners, such as:

    * The opportunity to list coupons on both the website AND the mobile site (which would also go out to my e-mail list). Charge a monthly fee for this.

    * The opportunity to advertise on the homepage and individual establishments in the same category. Again, monthly fee.

    * Chances to send a new special offer to my e-mail list. I plan to geo-target that list for an even LARGER response rate. This would be a per e-mail charge with a cap on how many e-mails are sent per week. I would also "bundle" these offers as well and charge more for a solo ad.

    * Opportunity to add more to their individual list page. Case by case basis charge.

    * Opportunity to sell other services I offer (i.e. mobile web design, web design, SEO, etc).

    - After a month or two of it "getting out there", I plan to start visiting these establishments and build a relationship with them and let them know more about this directory.

    What is even better is getting sales and building relationships will be fairly simple. Here's what I plan to do when I head into each establishment:

    I want to eventually load up current photos of each restaurant/bar that I list (both inside and out). All I have to do is walk into a business, tell them who we are and what we are doing and ask them if I can take a couple photos to place on our site.

    Most restaurant/bar owners would be more than happy to have photos taken for a free listing on a directory website. Plus, this would peak their interest in what I have going on. To me, this is an incredibly simple ice-breaker.

    Overall, this has taken me a LOT of time and effort, but I've got the passion and drive to make it happen. It's all about networking and getting this out there. Plus, the simple search idea I developed is something I've never seen (at least not locally, anyway) and it makes finding a restaurant or bar almost too easy.

    Can't wait to see what the future brings in for this. I put it off for the longest time, but have finally hit it hard this last month and a half and know that it will pay off with time
    Signature
    Want to speed up your writing and save time?
    This book will show you how:
    --> Write Fast: 21 Powerful Ways to Cut Your Writing Time in Half! <--
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6070759].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author maricelu
    I am about to get started, but after I'll decide which option to choose from the two I have.
    1. build a national directory and have a ton on business to call BUT bigger competition OR
    2. OR build a city directory which will be easier to rank BUT less prospects to call.

    What you would choose?

    I have another option left as a back-up one which basically means to build a national directory around a specific service, for example Social security lawyers ssi ssdi social security benefit attorneys ; Divorce Lawyers. Attorneys for Alimony, Child Support, Custody and Property Division | DivorceLawFirms.com ; etc.

    This thread is great, just browse thru it if you want some questions answered
    Signature

    I have no signature.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6072461].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
      My vote would go towards building a national directory, but in the beginning, focus on one city.

      Yelp did this... I think they were San Fran only for 5 years or so before they started listings for other cities. They honed and perfected their model in one city then scaled it up.

      Originally Posted by maricelu View Post

      I am about to get started, but after I'll decide which option to choose from the two I have.
      1. build a national directory and have a ton on business to call BUT bigger competition OR
      2. OR build a city directory which will be easier to rank BUT less prospects to call.

      What you would choose?

      I have another option left as a back-up one which basically means to build a national directory around a specific service, for example Social security lawyers ssi ssdi social security benefit attorneys ; Divorce Lawyers. Attorneys for Alimony, Child Support, Custody and Property Division | DivorceLawFirms.com ; etc.

      This thread is great, just browse thru it if you want some questions answered
      Signature

      grrr...

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6072586].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author maricelu
    John Durham
    Banned


    WHHOOOOT???
    Signature

    I have no signature.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6072612].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
    Anyone know why John Durham has been banned and for how long?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6073659].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Here's a shocker:

    If I was selling site to a client in a town like "dover arkansas" which is out in the middle of nowhere and has all of 2000 residents...

    Dont you think the business owners there still want to be number one?

    Dont you think, even though there's no traffic, they still want to participate in the web?

    Even though being number one means virtually NOTHING, and they dont even get searched, if they WERE SEO'd?

    Dont you think they want to beat each other in the serps, even though they are all rebels without a cause?

    Dont you think they want a web address on their busines cards?

    What are you gonna sell them on?

    All the traffic?

    Im going to be hated for this, because I have sold websites ALL OVER AMERICA... and if you have never left the forum world you wopnt understand it...

    But

    You have to get past the idea that traffic and seo are the only reasons people buy listings.

    Period.

    This may be my most important post in this thread.

    Edit: Sorry Aussie, I edited on you and added to this post. I try to conserve because the OP has a 50 post limit before a thread is locked.

    This may require a thread called "102".
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6094798].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Here's a shocker:

      If I was selling site to a client in a town like "dover arkansas" which is out in the middle of nowhere and has all of 2000 residents...

      Dont you think the business owners still want to be number one there?

      Even though being number one means virtually NOTHING as far as traffic and they dont even get searched.

      Im going to be hated for this, because I have sold websites ALL OVER AMERICA... and if you have never left the forum world you wopnt understand it...

      But

      You have to get past the idea that traffic and seo are the only reasons people buy listings.

      Period.

      This may be my most important post in this thread.
      That is especially true when we are talking about small local businesses because they have no clue about what traffic and SEO is anyway.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6094812].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Local Jake
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      But

      You have to get past the idea that traffic and seo are the only reasons people buy listings.

      Period.

      This may be my most important post in this thread.

      Edit: Sorry Aussie, I edited on you and added to this post. I try to conserve because the OP has a 50 post limit before a thread is locked.

      This may require a thread called "102".
      Good stuff John. I sell leads and more profits. That is my ONLY pitch and that should be the pitch of every offline & local marketing that is offering any type of marketing services.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6094959].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by Local Jake View Post

        Good stuff John. I sell leads and more profits. That is my ONLY pitch and that should be the pitch of every offline & local marketing that is offering any type of marketing services.

        If you say so... go on with your bad self!

        Half these people at WF are from small countries where business establishments are few and far between...and their clients are never going to explode with local traffic... so I hope you arent in a town like that with your philosophy...This is not a put down, its just for lack of a better world "that perspective is shallow and completely not true".

        Again, take it or leave it.

        Whether you believe something or not is no indication of whether or not its true.

        On another note:

        You know whats cool?

        When you go through 50 of your posts trying to figure out which ones you can cut so you can squeeze another in...and you cant find any that arent valuable and relevent! lol

        This is a great thread!

        Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

        But let's be clear... you haven't done any of this right? I mean, you said in an earlier post that your site isn't finished yet. So are these just ideas you're throwing out there? Untested and unproven?
        Thats usually the case when you see someone argues with something thats self evident all around them.

        Its like teaching a school of fish out in the middle of the ocean that there is no water.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6095007].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Local Jake
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          If you say so... go on with your bad self!

          Half these people at WF are from small countries where business establishments are few and far between...and their clients are never going to explode with local traffic... so I hope you arent in a town like that with your philosophy...This is not a put down, its just for lack of a better world "that perspective is shallow and completely not true".
          Cool, great for them.

          My town has roughly 100,000K+ residents and anyone can set-up AT LEAST a simple PPC campaign

          In my "medium-size" town there is 740+ searches for "{city} roofing". If you can't generate a lead from this traffic then the local sector might not be for you.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6095087].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Local Jake
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post


          Again, take it or leave it.
          I think we just have different verticals, John. I make money from internet marketing services and you make money from directory listings.

          The only thing common in our Sales Funnel is the directory, but we certainly use it in different ways. I do respect your hustle however
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6095095].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author John Durham
            Originally Posted by Local Jake View Post


            The only thing common in our Sales Funnel is the directory, but we certainly use it in different ways. I do respect your hustle however
            I make money all kinds of ways...not to be pigeon holed... as a "hustler".

            You are a digital cock roach and thats why Im baiting you!

            But sublety is getting tiresome, thats why Im calling you out.

            http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ckroaches.html
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6095106].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Local Jake
              Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

              I make money all kinds of ways...not to be pigeon holed... However, I agree _ you live in a 100k

              You are a digital cock roach and thats why Im baiting you!

              But sublety is getting tiresome, thats why Im calling you out.
              Uh huh, if you say so John. You're the expert that's been here since 2007 with over 3,000 posts...so think about whose really getting baited.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6095119].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author John Durham
                [DELETED]
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6095148].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Local Jake
              Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

              EDIT:

              Yes, I know you are baiting me, and would love nothing more than to destroy this thread...good thing the mods will recognize too! They have rules, but they also have good judgement.
              Cheers to you lad, we're of the same blood..
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6095144].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
    Yeah, I can see what you're saying. And I'll be the first to admit that I'm not great salesperson, which is probably why I feel the need to front load with value. But even as I thought it over after my last few posts, I began to see no reason why one should not begin selling listings right away.

    Hopefully Bower 2.0 will shed more light on the sales process so I can gain some confidence in that area.

    That said, the keyword pages are still valuable real estate that can rank well on their own, so not sure having that page be a business listing page is the best use for that. I guess it depends on how it's laid out, what leads can sell for, etc.
    Signature

    grrr...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6094919].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FormerWageSlave
    But let's be clear... you haven't done any of this right? I mean, you said in an earlier post that your site isn't finished yet. So are these just ideas you're throwing out there? Untested and unproven?

    Originally Posted by Local Jake View Post

    Another good method is to add say (10) listings in a certain niche, but only include basic info such as business name, phone number, address and website.

    Now send the business owners an email with a link to their listing, and include a screenshot of side-by-side images that show the basic listing and what their listing COULD look like.
    Signature

    grrr...

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6094960].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Local Jake
      Originally Posted by FormerWageSlave View Post

      But let's be clear... you haven't done any of this right? I mean, you said in an earlier post that your site isn't finished yet. So are these just ideas you're throwing out there? Untested and unproven?
      Yep, just ideas for businesses who may lack leads/lead origin ideas
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6095074].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6095430].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      It's the weekend and all the hot dog vendors are out here with their carts and umbrellas hoping to pick up some scraps.

      If you are basically a selfish and self serving individual, you'll never understand those who are not.
      Signature
      The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
      -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6096962].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        [DELETED]
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6099626].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
          The only problem with creating a open source directory is knowing how to create a directory! If you're like me, who don't know a root directory from a hole in your head, forgeddabout it! I don't care how *simple and easy* they say it is...it just ain't gonna happen! I've downloaded like 3 of 'em thinking it would be easy to install (as they say it is..) and then start adding local businesses but then, I find out after-the-damned-fact--that it ain't so easy as they say! eSyndiCat, SimpleScripts, anyone? :rolleyes:

          I've watched Youtube video installs and still sat there like a confused, mute dummy-slash-idiot, not knowing anymore then than I do now... It's like the difference between making buttermilk pancakes from scratch or going to The Waffle House and let 'em heat and serve you...mmm! (I'll take The Waffle House for $10, Alex!)

          Okay...so I'm just damned frustrated and MAD! :p Pray for me!
          Signature

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6099844].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jrenzi
    John,a few questions:

    Where do you suggest to hire a sales person?
    Which is the lowest rate you can hire a decent telemarketer?
    How many hours do you think it can take to make a sell, roughly?

    I need to hire someone since English is not my primary language. Hiring an English speaker telemarketer is kind of expensive to me, so I would like to know where could outsource the selling at an affordable price without compromising the quality of the sales pitch.

    What do you think John?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6101936].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author maricelu
      good post.

      John, what are your suggestions? I've had a few Philipino tm's but they've gotten no results so far
      Originally Posted by jrenzi View Post

      John,a few questions:

      Where do you suggest to hire a sales person?
      Which is the lowest rate you can hire a decent telemarketer?
      How many hours do you think it can take to make a sell, roughly?

      I need to hire someone since English is not my primary language. Hiring an English speaker telemarketer is kind of expensive to me, so I would like to know where could outsource the selling at an affordable price without compromising the quality of the sales pitch.

      What do you think John?
      Signature

      I have no signature.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6103891].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by maricelu View Post

        good post.

        John, what are your suggestions? I've had a few Philipino tm's but they've gotten no results so far
        @ Maricelu

        Very few people do have luck with them honestly. Unless you are a big budget guy who does a long term deal where they can fuel half their crew with it, you are gonna get back burner energy from those rooms.

        They are going to stick their trainees on your script just to blow out the $500 order or whatever... they wont turn down money, but they are looking for bigger clients for the most part....the small guys get little priority and truthfully it takes a week or so to train the TMS on your script... they cant do that on most offliners budgets...Their focus is on landing major contracts and our little offline deals are just filler in betweeen...they just dont give it the energy it deserves.

        I suggest hiring your own through craigslist or career builder...

        Actually monster.com has a deal right now where you can take out a 14 day ad for only $99 dollars.. thats a KILLER deal in my book.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6106028].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
    I haven't read through the entire thread, so perhaps this has been covered. How do you promote the directory to the general buying public?

    If you are doing a print directory you of course get your advertisers, have the booklets printed and then deliver them to X number of homes in the community.

    John, take us through how you recommend promoting the online directory to consumers. What methods do you currently use? How much does the promotion cost?

    Because, you know, you can't sell directory placements in a directory that consumers aren't looking at. I mean, you could; but that would be pretty scammy.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6109754].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

      I haven't read through the entire thread, so perhaps this has been covered. How do you promote the directory to the general buying public?

      If you are doing a print directory you of course get your advertisers, have the booklets printed and then deliver them to X number of homes in the community.

      John, take us through how you recommend promoting the online directory to consumers. What methods do you currently use? How much does the promotion cost?

      Because, you know, you can't sell directory placements to a directory that consumers aren't looking at. I mean, you could; but that would be pretty scammy.

      It would be less effort and re-dun -dun-dun-dance if you just read the thread.

      Note to Ken Michaels
      : This ^ is a person I "dont like", just so you know, but hopefully we can grow to change that as time goes on ...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6109771].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
      Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

      I haven't read through the entire thread, so perhaps this has been covered. How do you promote the directory to the general buying public?

      If you are doing a print directory you of course get your advertisers, have the booklets printed and then deliver them to X number of homes in the community.

      John, take us through how you recommend promoting the online directory to consumers. What methods do you currently use? How much does the promotion cost?

      Because, you know, you can't sell directory placements in a directory that consumers aren't looking at. I mean, you could; but that would be pretty scammy.
      I can give a little insight on this using my strategies as an example. My business directory model is composed of three parts:
      • The directory
      • Video magazine
      • Online community
      The video magazine and online community was created for the general public to keep them engaged and coming back through great content and user participation. My directory is mostly social driven, not search engine driven.

      You can promote a directory to the general public with:
      • Affiliate programs (Online blogs, Clickbank, user/member referrals)
      • Local radio
      • Social media (Fiver, viral content, etc.)
      • Press releases & content
      • Local Chamber of Commerce
      • Forum/vendor sponsorships
      • Local online media (newsletters, online ads, Facebook & Twitter blasts, promoted articles)
      • Event sponsorships
      • Contests & giveaways
      • Endorsements (local celebrities, influencial people)
      Those are just a few. First, I plan to use radio to advertise to the general public then follow up with another ad for businesses. As a general rule of thumb, print advertising converts 1% of traffic. Not sure for radio. Video up to 75%.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6111185].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    And when G. slaps all directories out of their S.E...then what? Back to the drawing board.
    Signature

    15 Minute Forex Bar Trading System Free at
    http://www.fxscalpingmethod.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6109881].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by sloanjim View Post

      And when G. slaps all directories out of their S.E...then what? Back to the drawing board.
      Yeah, google is gonna wipe out all the directory sites tomorrow. Good one.

      Reminds me, I better go check my Mayan calender.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6109904].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ePolymath
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        Yeah, google is gonna wipe out all the directory sites tomorrow. Good one.

        Reminds me, I better go check my Mayan calender.
        Not tomorrow, no. But they will eventually want to. I mean look at the size of this pie. Why would Google not take all that it can?

        They have a track record of doing exactly this (in different industries) numerous times. Why would local directories be any different?

        In fact, they have already started to implement the changes with G Places. You don't have to be a nut to see what is clearly in front of your eyes.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6109946].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    LOL....you honestly think when 50,000+ spring up over night they aren't gonig to slap them down? Why not? Peoppe said the same about article doirectories....immune to G. slaps. OUCH! Nothing is!

    Personally when I go searching on G for a service and all I see are directories it drives me nuts. Maybe it's just me?

    But tell us why G. won't start slapping directories down? I am not trying to "bait" you here it's what I genuinenly believe. But i have an open mind...enlighten me.
    Signature

    15 Minute Forex Bar Trading System Free at
    http://www.fxscalpingmethod.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6109939].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ePolymath
      Originally Posted by sloanjim View Post

      LOL....you honestly think when 50,000+ spring up over night they aren't gonig to slap them down? Why not?

      Personally when I go searching on G for a service and all I see are directories it drives me nuts. Maybe it's just me?

      But tell us why G. won't start slapping directories down? I am not trying to "bait" you here it's what I genuinenly believe. But i have an open mind...enlighten me.
      They won't be slapping them down. Their intention is to replace ours with their own. So if they have their way, most directories other than their own would just become supplemental listings.

      If you are annoyed with directories then perhaps you are not really looking for local help much? They are extremely helpful. What do you use the paper copy?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6109961].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      @ sloanjim

      If 50,000 people get this report, then I will BUY google! lol

      Not much chance.

      Sincerely though thanks. I understand your concern but its unwarranted, we cant live life by fear of "what ifs" , we only have what is now.

      Thats all ANYONE can do.

      What if google slaps ANYONE?

      Why have offline clients at all?

      Would "thanks" but Im out for the day. Thanks.

      Originally Posted by sloanjim View Post

      I am not trying to "bait" you here it's what I genuinenly believe. But i have an open mind...enlighten me.
      Thats fair enough, I appreciate the sincerity.

      What I am promoting here is that you can actually help google and vice Versa by creating even more, better optimized places listings, upgrading customers providing back links... helping customers optimize their places listings to work with their directory pages... helping google even achieve better relevance.

      Now here's what someone told me once when I had a 20k commission coming from a major corporation for sending them a customer, I asked "do you think they will pay up?"... My friend David Weinberg said this. Hope this helps:

      "When you step in a cage with a 1500 lb gorilla, and hand him a banana... he cant either be your friend, in which case you have made a 1500lb friend (quite an asset) , or he cant rip your head off your shoulders..."

      The other choice is to just be happy with monkey friends.

      You have to judge whjat is worth risk to you, theres risk in everything and the bigger the risk the bigger the reward.

      Hope this helps. I dont know what google is gonna do, but I know that a few warriors making directory sites aint gonna kill em.

      Thats the best anyone can say.


      Ps. they did pay up!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6110007].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ePolymath
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        What I am promoting here is that you can actually help google and vice Versa by creating even more, better optimized places listings, upgrading customers providing back links... helping customers optimize their places listings to work with their directory pages...
        John, why would you help Google? They are in the business of helping themselves. Just because temporarily they prefer your solution over their own does not mean they are helping you.

        To recommend helping them is shooting yourself in the foot. There are thousands of us doing it on a daily basis though so what I know is right (not helping them, but treating them as serious competition that they will soon be) will not slow any of this down.

        Google likes relevant results. But by FAR they love relevancy from which they can extract maximum profitability.

        Google is building a highly relevant local directory. When G Places is finally unleashed, they can bump their listings up to the coveted #1 to ?? spots. No, not because it is a Google product. But because theirs is the most relevant solution to a searchers query.

        No one who has looked at how google works will dispute their sneaky ways.

        Am I jumping ship? Hardly. But if you know such serious threat exists you take steps to prevent as much damage as possible instead of ignoring it.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6110117].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
          Originally Posted by ePolymath View Post

          John, why would you help Google? They are in the business of helping themselves. Just because temporarily they prefer your solution over their own does not mean they are helping you.
          I think he means by optimizing your customers business listing it's easier for Google to find and rank their listing. In that perspective you are helping Google do their job. Basic SEO
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6111271].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    Ok but that's what I meant? How is that going to help you after building up your own directories? That's as good as a slap.

    My point being is when you play G's game you better be ready for changes. "Resistance is Futile"

    They won't be slapping them down. Their intention is to replace ours with their own. So if they have their way, most directories other than their own would just become supplemental listings.
    Signature

    15 Minute Forex Bar Trading System Free at
    http://www.fxscalpingmethod.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6109992].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    I agree 100% on this....whilst, John, I agree we can't live in fear, you have to realize what probably will happen in the future (hor far??). So you spend 2 + years building this up...then G. wipes them all out and Wam. You are worse off then a bum on the street. Good luck with it but I am not building any biz on the "whims of G." ever again. Like building a hotel on a sinking Island.

    Not tomorrow, no. But they will eventually want to. I mean look at the size of this pie. Why would Google not take all that it can?

    They have a track record of doing exactly this (in different industries) numerous times. Why would local directories be any different?

    In fact, they have already started to implement the changes with G Places. You don't have to be a nut to see what is clearly in front of your eyes.
    Signature

    15 Minute Forex Bar Trading System Free at
    http://www.fxscalpingmethod.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6110015].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AfteraDream
      Originally Posted by sloanjim View Post

      I agree 100% on this....whilst, John, I agree we can't live in fear, you have to realize what probably will happen in the future (hor far??). So you spend 2 + years building this up...then G. wipes them all out and Wam. You are worse off then a bum on the street. Good luck with it but I am not building any biz on the "whims of G." ever again. Like building a hotel on a sinking Island.

      I'm not a big fan of G's recent actions but if you build a good site and you have it for 2 years then you can make a nice amount of money form it and reinvest somewhere else. Or flip it for lump sum...

      There must be ways to monetize ''sinking island'' too!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6110044].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Dan DaSilva
        Originally Posted by sloanjim

        I agree 100% on this....whilst, John, I agree we can't live in fear, you have to realize what probably will happen in the future (hor far??). So you spend 2 + years building this up...then G. wipes them all out and Wam. You are worse off then a bum on the street. Good luck with it but I am not building any biz on the "whims of G." ever again. Like building a hotel on a sinking Island.

        Originally Posted by AfteraDream View Post

        I'm not a big fan of G's recent actions but if you build a good site and you have it for 2 years then you can make a nice amount of money form it and reinvest somewhere else. Or flip it for lump sum...

        There must be ways to monetize ''sinking island'' too!
        Good reply! If you can't cure your 'Googlephobia' and start thinking like an entrepreneur, IM is most probably not where you wanna focus your business energy on. Your mindset should be driven by opportunity not fear. And if G. is really gonna remove your directories by 2014, think about it: You've made yourself a nice chunk of money to afford prime seats for the football World Cup final in Brazil!

        Two things BTW: Whilst it seems to become a fashion that everbody and their dog complain about big G, people tend to forget or ignore that they have built a business on the back of them! I mean, Google is neither a charity nor any other sort of non-profit organization, they're in business to make money just like you and me. Minimal efforts to build a business on the back of their engine that can become quite profitable - and people still take it for granted! Go and build a brick and moortar business with the same attidute - good luck to you!

        The second thing is the fact that it is Google's credo to '...organize Internet conent...' The least they are going to collectively deindex or 'slap' are authority sites and relevant directory sites as long as they help them categorize and organize contents. The eldest SEO principles still apply - because they will remain part of Google's credo!

        Just one more thing... There won't be such a thing like 50,000 sites with the same concept suddenly appear. And unless 50,000 sites all point to your very IP address, you don't need to worry to be put out of business in no time... ;-)

        Best,
        Dan
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6238811].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author joomlaways01
          Havent read the entire thread so I dont know if anyone mentioned Joomla. I have a few directory sites that I had done in Joomla. Its easy to install (I have hostgator, which makes it easy - don't know about other hosting co's) easy to set up ads, and they have some good directory plugins. Joomgalaxy is the one I use - great so far but they dont have multi directory yet, I emailed them and apparently they are working on it though. I did have help from a designer - always helps!

          sorry cant post links yet:

          joomla.org
          joomgalaxy.com
          hostgator.com
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6271356].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by AfteraDream View Post


      There must be ways to monetize ''sinking island'' too!
      ROTFLMAO! Im stealing that one!

      Originally Posted by sloanjim View Post

      I agree 100% on this....whilst, John, I agree we can't live in fear, you have to realize what probably will happen in the future (hor far??). So you spend 2 + years building this up...then G. wipes them all out and Wam. You are worse off then a bum on the street. Good luck with it but I am not building any biz on the "whims of G." ever again. Like building a hotel on a sinking Island.

      This has to be my last post guys. Number 49. I have chopped this thread up as much as I can. I hope someone else with good experience will come in here and run with it.

      It was great posting in here, but like the ZERO HTML thread, I have to stop now.

      Suffice it to say Jim, that hopefully in that two years you made a million dollars...

      Your clients would know that it wasnt your fault, and even if they were down in the serps, you have hundreds more clients than you had before and if you have ingratiated them, you will still have a business to work with.

      I dont think its a big worry personally, but I do understand the concern. Im not selling this idea... just catering to a bunch of people who wanted to know my experience. I hope it helped some people.

      I believe that directory sites are the most perfect offline business model that ever existed.

      There is always risk. You decide which ones are right for you!

      In any event; thank you for participating and making this a great thread.

      Mucho success to all who dare to dream their dreams!

      I will be dreaming them with you and watching this thread, hoping for your highest good!

      To your success:


      -JD
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6110084].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    Yeah good story but this Gorilla will take your banana, pretend to be your friend,,then rip your head off when you think everything is fine. G is like an Evil King Kong I.M.H.O. if marketers are making money off them they will swing it around and make money from it dropping you like a hot potato!

    Thats fair enough, I appreciate the sincerity.

    What I am promoting here is that you can actually help google and vice Versa by creating even more, better optimized places listings, upgrading customers providing back links... helping customers optimize their places listings to work with their directory pages...

    Now here's what someone told me once when I had a 20k commission coming from a major corporation for sending them a customer... My friend David Weinberg. Hope this helps:

    "When you step in a cage with a 1500 ln gorilla, and tried to befriend him by handing him a banna... he cant either be your friend, in which case you have made a 1500lb friend (quite an asset) , or he cant rip your head off your shoulders..."

    The other choice is to just be happy with monkey friends. You have to judge whjat is worth risk to you, theres risk in everything and the bigger the risk the bigger the reward.

    Hope this helps. I dont know what google is gonna do, but I know that a few warriors making directory sites aint gonna kill em.
    Signature

    15 Minute Forex Bar Trading System Free at
    http://www.fxscalpingmethod.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6110028].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    oh well take my views with a pinch of salt.....I am sick and burnt out with G. Maybe I am wrong? But expereince tells me to be weary of it. If it is profitable G. want it!
    Signature

    15 Minute Forex Bar Trading System Free at
    http://www.fxscalpingmethod.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6110038].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
    Hey John
    I for one will miss your input in this thread.
    I think the 50 post is a silly rule
    If a thread is on fire why shouldn't the OP be allowed to continue to participate

    Tom
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6110356].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author yorkiedale
      Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

      Hey John
      I for one will miss your input in this thread.
      I think the 50 post is a silly rule
      If a thread is on fire why shouldn't the OP be allowed to continue to participate

      Tom
      Yes I agree .... seems a shame ... or, unless it is against the rules - why not create a 2nd profile - that is used after doing these first 50 posts? If it is transparent as you why not ? - eg John Durham2
      Signature

      Earn and Learn - get recurring direct $1000 Commissions - http://www.exitusgroup.com

      Helping people Save Money and Make money, by spending less on Fuel !
      Global team partners wanted; use : http://www.lessfuel.co.uk

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6110374].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author professorrosado
        Originally Posted by yorkiedale View Post

        Yes I agree .... seems a shame ... or, unless it is against the rules - why not create a 2nd profile - that is used after doing these first 50 posts? If it is transparent as you why not ? - eg John Durham2
        Creating a second profile is against the rules of this forum and will get you banned!

        The 50 post rule is gracious and important. No OP should dominate the forum or a thread. These threads would become self promos for any OP otherwise. There are other alternatives for OPs to use when topics are important and vital - some can be very profitable. Additionally, the thread is really approaching its life as it is now - however, there are a few opportunities for new threads to be spurred on from this one really (related areas to be explored, etc.)

        Also, if none exists and if the area warrants, a suggestion can be made to the mods for a forum specific to this area.

        Congrats to the OP for providing a valuable resource to the forum!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6110888].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Legit SEO
    Thanks for all the info John. This is one of the best threads on the forum IMO. And to the guys worrying about google, build up a social following and focus on "branding" your directory so that you don't have to rely on google so much.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6131714].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AprilLemarr
    Hello All,

    I don't post much on WF, but this thread was just too good not to. Love it and really appreciate that John started it. Like most of you I have thought about doing a directory, but never got around to it. The first time was a few years ago and at that time I bought the DirectoryPress theme.

    Now I have a different niche / focus of my directory. Since I had DirectoryPress I decided to stick with that script. It is very time consuming and some of the theme is a little confusing, but they have videos on most pages so that you know how to set up that part of theme. That is very helpful. They also have a forum if you need help. Right now I am just starting to configure the theme and I have also added several plugins that I will need to configure as well.

    I honestly do not know if it will do everything that I want it to do, but I figure even if it does half that will be okay. I have in mind a community resource with events, business listings, stories about local stuff (blog entries), articles , plus somewhere people can post reviews, etc. So far I have found quite a few plugins that will help with what I want...hopefully they all work well with the theme.

    I live in the community that I am building a directory for and want it to be a resource that not only businesses advertise on, but that people use regularly. I plan to optimize the directory for keywords, but mostly I am going to advertise via traditional methods such as press releases to local media outlets, write a series of stories for newspapers and see if any of them will pick them up, advertise in local magazines for my niche, maybe sponsor a sports team (in a few months), and any other kind of guerrilla marketing in my area that I can think of.

    I have decided to offer different price points for my advertisers, the higher levels will include print advertising to the local area. I am having a hard time coming up with price points though. I have seen what types of rates people have put on here and will ask for higher prices, but not my main focal point. I am not sure the niche I am in will warrant those higher prices. It is not lawyers or construction where one customer will compensate for the business to list in the directory for the whole year.

    A little information about my area and what prices / services I plan to offer:

    My area has a population of approximately 165,000 -- but always gets mixed into the city closest to us...which is over the bridge and a much bigger city. (I will develop a directory for them when I am done with the one in my city).

    Here are some of the services that I was thinking about (haven't decided to use all of them, some of them were just part of the brainstorm portion):



    I want people to refer my site to to others and leave reviews, so for anyone that wants the $37 a month also has to donate a Gift Card for $25 or $30 or give a product / service of the same value. That way the people who refer or leave a review will have a chance to win one of them based on how many people they refer or reviews they write. I believe that this will make the site grow quicker based on word of mouth. :0)

    Any ideas or comments are great.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6139865].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Charles Harper
      Originally Posted by April2012 View Post

      Hello All,

      I don't post much on WF, but this thread was just too good not to. Love it and really appreciate that John started it. Like most of you I have thought about doing a directory, but never got around to it. The first time was a few years ago and at that time I bought the DirectoryPress theme.

      Now I have a different niche / focus of my directory. Since I had DirectoryPress I decided to stick with that script. It is very time consuming and some of the theme is a little confusing, but they have videos on most pages so that you know how to set up that part of theme. That is very helpful. They also have a forum if you need help. Right now I am just starting to configure the theme and I have also added several plugins that I will need to configure as well.

      I honestly do not know if it will do everything that I want it to do, but I figure even if it does half that will be okay. I have in mind a community resource with events, business listings, stories about local stuff (blog entries), articles , plus somewhere people can post reviews, etc. So far I have found quite a few plugins that will help with what I want...hopefully they all work well with the theme.

      I live in the community that I am building a directory for and want it to be a resource that not only businesses advertise on, but that people use regularly. I plan to optimize the directory for keywords, but mostly I am going to advertise via traditional methods such as press releases to local media outlets, write a series of stories for newspapers and see if any of them will pick them up, advertise in local magazines for my niche, maybe sponsor a sports team (in a few months), and any other kind of guerrilla marketing in my area that I can think of.

      I have decided to offer different price points for my advertisers, the higher levels will include print advertising to the local area. I am having a hard time coming up with price points though. I have seen what types of rates people have put on here and will ask for higher prices, but not my main focal point. I am not sure the niche I am in will warrant those higher prices. It is not lawyers or construction where one customer will compensate for the business to list in the directory for the whole year.

      A little information about my area and what prices / services I plan to offer:

      My area has a population of approximately 165,000 -- but always gets mixed into the city closest to us...which is over the bridge and a much bigger city. (I will develop a directory for them when I am done with the one in my city).

      Here are some of the services that I was thinking about (haven't decided to use all of them, some of them were just part of the brainstorm portion):



      I want people to refer my site to to others and leave reviews, so for anyone that wants the $37 a month also has to donate a Gift Card for $25 or $30 or give a product / service of the same value. That way the people who refer or leave a review will have a chance to win one of them based on how many people they refer or reviews they write. I believe that this will make the site grow quicker based on word of mouth. :0)

      Any ideas or comments are great.
      I have the same program, but have not invested the time to get to know it. I think, now that you have mentioned it, I will do just that. If you are interested in masterminding on this concept with this theme, I too would open to that. Regardless, thanks for your willingness to share.

      CT
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6141418].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
    April I also have the theme and would be interested in masterminding withothers using it.

    One comment on you packages. I would reduce the number of plans. In my niche I find people are easily confused by too many packages to choose from and end up with analysis paralysis. You can always upsell them on some of the features later in private emails to them.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6141709].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jacquic
    Interesting to see your thoughts, April 2012; thanks for sharing. I agree with AussieT about the number of options as you know all about theses things without further explanation, but they don't. However, if you want to stick with those, you could do dummy/demo pages for each level showing many of the features, and then an additional short list on the page showing the rest (eg, Faceook listings). Or you could just ignore what I said

    I have in mind a community resource with events, business listings, stories about local stuff (blog entries), articles , plus somewhere people can post reviews, etc. So far I have found quite a few plugins that will help with what I want...hopefully they all work well with the theme.
    What plugins are you using/looking at?
    Signature
    See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6143905].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AprilLemarr
      What plugins are you using/looking at?
      All In One Calendar Event
      All In One SEO Pack
      Breadcrumb NavXT (Had to go into the editor under footer and put a code into this plugin)
      DRP Coupon (for onsite coupons)
      Floating Social Media Icon (I believe you can sign into the site with your social media information like Facebook - only checked this one out for a few minutes, so I haven't totally made my mind up about this one)
      GD Star Rating
      Lightbox 2 (modified to have a print button, for printable coupons - I found it on fluidity studio website)
      PowerInviter (Tell a Friend Plugin)
      PremiumPress Registration TOS Box (reader has to read the terms & conditions - a box will pop up and they have to click the I Agree button before they can move on)
      PremiumPress User Photo (registered users can add a photo to their profile)
      TinyMCE Advanced
      Widget Context
      WordPress Database Backup
      WP Smush.It (Loads pictures quicker)
      Yelp It

      I have another that I will put on once I start getting money for the project, but it'll create coupons and then send to your Twitter and Facebook accounts automatically. It is called CouponTank. It has a monthly fee, but I think it'd be worth the amount to be able to do what the program offers. I could also disable two of the other plugins with this one.

      Like I said, I don't know if all of these will work. Most of the plugins above you can type into the search bar of the plugin page on WordPress. I haven't even added the essentials ones yet, like privacy. I was also thinking about adding SEOPressor, but thought that might confuse users when they start adding listings.

      @AussieT & jacquic - I might take off the FREE portion, but I want to give them options. I read a really great blog post about giving people options and I agreed with most of what they said. I can't post URL's yet but if you search for 3 great pricing tricks guaranteed to make you more money from clients from the site income diary you should be able to find it. Jacquic your idea about a demo page is great. I really like that. I will see about reducing to three options though. That is more manageable.

      @CT & AussieT - I think getting a mastermind group together would be great. It might help us to brainstorm our ideas and see which ones work and which ones don't.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6145162].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jacquic
        I should stick with the number of options you want - you won't know until you play (sorry, I mean 'test') Just find a way of putting it acrosss in a way people will understand quickly. I'll PM you some example pages I've done.

        There are few plugins I haven't tried there, so thank you for taking the time to put them here.

        The theme I'm using has a breadcrumb function on it and I was using the backup plugin, and then realised it was just as easy doing it through cPanel on my hosting.

        On plugin I'm using for comparisons is WP-Table Reloaded which saves having to code a table or paste in a spread sheet. Also plugins that enable columns and tags are really helpful - but your directory theme might do that anyhow (I'm not familiar with it).

        ~ Jacqui

        PS, I'm definitely keeping the free option...but they need to contact me (or me them) to add their URL, email and post code (zip code). Once we are in communication that way, I see that as a slightly warmer lead and the ones with little/bad web presence, I'll follow up with.
        Signature
        See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6145466].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AprilLemarr
          @Jaqui - I got your PM, but am unable to PM yet...I haven't posted 50 times yet. If you want to PM me your e/m then I can respond.

          I love the page demos. They look really great and it showcases what they get instead of just a list. Visual is much better!

          I will check out the types of plugins that you mention above and see if they are included in DirectoryPress and if not I will add them. What theme are you using. It looks very clean and professional.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6145779].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author jacquic
            Originally Posted by April2012 View Post

            @Jaqui - I got your PM, but am unable to PM yet...I haven't posted 50 times yet. If you want to PM me your e/m then I can respond.

            Lol, sorry! Yes, I will.

            I love the page demos.

            Thank you

            What theme are you using. It looks very clean and professional.

            Weaver II - it's free and comes with many customisation options.
            Signature
            See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6145884].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
    I have DirectoryPress too, and although I think it would be great for a small niche directory, I find it a little hard to work with for larger areas.

    I'm up for chatting to other users too so we can brainstorm the best methods. At the minute I'm using business names for the listing page name, with custom taxonomies for keyword targeting. Then I will SEO those custom pages and backlink them.
    Signature

    "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
    Success will follow.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6144603].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Charles Harper
    Directory Press, etc. is a perfect segue into the epic thread of John Spangler's. Or maybe John Spangler is a good segue into it. But for those interested in masterminding with me in a "no-pitch" environment, let's do it. Google+ or Skype. Here is Spangler's thread:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...st-3years.html

    and here is one of his devotees

    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ml#post6141605

    Worth your time to read I think, if you are using the directory to get more clients.

    However, if you are looking to build a membership site, I think that is perfectly fine also. I guess if there a group of people who are actively working with this theme and doing something, I am willing to commit to contributing.

    CT
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6144670].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 242Studios.com
    Hey Everybody,

    Not sure if somebody's pointed this out yet but Appthemes just released their much anticipated (and much awaited) theme Vantage a day or two ago. It looks to be a fantastic Wordpress theme for setting up directory websites. I'm not affiliated with them in any way but I've been waiting for this thing to be released for a while:

    Business Directory Software | AppThemes

    -=Chris
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6147300].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Originally Posted by 242Studios.com View Post

      Hey Everybody,

      Not sure if somebody's pointed this out yet but Appthemes just released their much anticipated (and much awaited) theme Vantage a day or two ago. It looks to be a fantastic Wordpress theme for setting up directory websites. I'm not affiliated with them in any way but I've been waiting for this thing to be released for a while:

      Business Directory Software | AppThemes

      -=Chris
      Well I studied this this morning for a few hours and it seems their members are very dissapoined with the relase. They say it doe not live up to the promise. I might wait for a few new releases/updates before I buy it. I do like the custom form feature though.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6148259].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WalterW
    I really wanna get in to the directory pages business, I think its a great business to expand your network.

    The problem im having is that there is not to big of a searches for most niches. Like photograph services is being searched 40 times in my country, but there are lots of photographs here.

    So the question is - can I sell a list on directory site with being 1st when they search ''photograph services'', but not with too much traffic?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6160911].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WalterW
    Also some SEO questions..

    Will having Photograph-services.XX (in my country language of course) be enough to rank 1st for "photograph services"?

    Should I get .com (etc.) or my country's initials domains?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6160937].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
      Originally Posted by WalterW View Post

      Also some SEO questions..

      Will having Photograph-services.XX (in my country language of course) be enough to rank 1st for "photograph services"?

      Should I get .com (etc.) or my country's initials domains?
      Just wanted to make a comment as I see many questions on SEO for directories. It's becoming more and more challenging to rank high in search engines and to keep with Google's ever-changing algorithm. There are many other ways to successfully promote a directories and listing without relying on search engines. Out of the box thinking will keep you ahead of the competition and less dependent on search engines.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6199951].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author WalterW
        Originally Posted by Rollmodl View Post

        Just wanted to make a comment as I see many questions on SEO for directories. It's becoming more and more challenging to rank high in search engines and to keep with Google's ever-changing algorithm. There are many other ways to successfully promote a directories and listing without relying on search engines. Out of the box thinking will keep you ahead of the competition and less dependent on search engines.
        Thanks for the reply.

        Any outside the box thoughts/ideas you could share?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6203442].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author keyuria
    Thank you all for your joint efforts and inspiring people like me to create a directory site.

    Today, I have searched and registered a domain name in the real estate niche here in Nairobi.

    Today evening, I am going to install a Realtorpress wp theme. In case if anybody has better theme in real estate for wp, please suggest.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6165439].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mrtall74
    Thanks to all of you for the great info on building a Directory site. I have over 20 directory sites that I have been again with basic contact info on them. Its time to build them out. Please let me know if you have a mastermind going as I would like to particiapte
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6169906].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author weezie
      mrtall74

      would you mind telling us more about your directories - the software you are using and how you plan to promote??
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6190962].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Peter S
    A note of thanks to everyone that posted comments on Directory sites.
    Got a lot of great ideas that I will put in place for a new attorney directory.
    Would welcome any comments or suggestions from others in this niche.
    Thanks,
    Pete
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6217692].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tapont71
    Ok so I got my directory up....pretty much done. I have a few small items I want to do but nothing major. I would love some feedback. Restaurants In Jacksonville | The Best Restaurants In Jacksonville

    Also, I was wondering if anyone has thought about using the Wordpress plugin WPDealpon. I created a dummy coupon to see if would be worth my using and something worth offering to businesses.

    Here is the page: Test Coupon - Restaurants In Jacksonville | Restaurants In Jacksonville

    How would you use this type of coupon for a restaurant?

    On a side note: I am creating this directory as an exclusivity level...invitation only. They will not be able to add a listing. I have setup a page where they can request to get on which I have setup via Aweber.

    So I am going to be offering a limited # of restaurants per category so it doesn't get saturated and is more attractive to the businesses. Also, I will be asking them to create coupons and deals that would only be offered to those on the list, this way it encourages more people to get on.

    Also as far as costs and payment schedule. I will be offering packages in "contract" style. So in other words, they will have the opportunity to sign up for 3 months or 6 months.

    They will have the option to pay for full at one time upfront which they will get a discount if so, or they can pay half upfront and pay balance on a monthly basis for remainder of months. After their contract is up, they will have first dibs on renewing contract which will be higher (they will get in at prelaunch price) but if they deny it, then it comes open to the list of restaurants that have signed up and waiting to get on.

    As you can see people will be able to sign up with their phone numbers so that will setup for upsell of individual text messaging campaign. I will have a weekly newsletter that goes out announcing any deals the restaurants have out for that week. The newsletter will have spots for coupons to be on there. Now if they want to have their own list and have those coupons only going out to that specific list, obviously that will be an upsell.


    Your thougths?

    Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.
    Signature

    We are the top painting company in Jacksonville Florida. Come check us out and see how we can help with your painting needs.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6220679].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author keyuria
    I have today launched the directory site. Thanks to John for inspiration.

    Here is the link incase if anybody wants to have a look at it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6276547].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
      Originally Posted by keyuria View Post

      I have today launched the directory site. Thanks to John for inspiration.

      Here is the link incase if anybody wants to have a look at it.
      That map feature is very cool for a housing based directory.

      One thing that may add value and help get people to give email info is to let them say what they are looking in terms of br and price requirements and then notify them when a new listing has come up.
      Signature
      Promise Big.
      Deliver Bigger.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6276770].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Craig McPherson
      Originally Posted by keyuria View Post

      I have today launched the directory site. Thanks to John for inspiration.

      Here is the link incase if anybody wants to have a look at it.
      Outstanding looking site. Has all the features of what this type of site should be. I wish you all the best with and please keep us posted on your progress.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6276837].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mojo1
      Originally Posted by keyuria View Post

      I have today launched the directory site. Thanks to John for inspiration.

      Here is the link incase if anybody wants to have a look at it.
      Your directory theme looks very nice and clean. I'm sure you will do very well in your market.

      All the best to you.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6276853].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mikeb1
      Originally Posted by keyuria View Post

      I have today launched the directory site. Thanks to John for inspiration.

      Here is the link incase if anybody wants to have a look at it.
      well done indeed lovely looking fresh clean site
      Signature
      Affiliate links are not allowed.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6947524].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mikeb1
      Originally Posted by keyuria View Post

      I have today launched the directory site. Thanks to John for inspiration.

      Here is the link incase if anybody wants to have a look at it.
      keyauri

      what theme is this ?
      Signature
      Affiliate links are not allowed.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6947533].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author yorkiedale
        Originally Posted by mikeb1 View Post

        keyauri

        what theme is this ?
        It's this Real Estate Theme for Wordpress | Save 50% today!

        they do a whole load of themes, that are pretty good, and Ok to set up
        Signature

        Earn and Learn - get recurring direct $1000 Commissions - http://www.exitusgroup.com

        Helping people Save Money and Make money, by spending less on Fuel !
        Global team partners wanted; use : http://www.lessfuel.co.uk

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6947648].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author mike_lucas
          humm interesting thread I see a ton of sites warriors post about and all but 1 or 2 seems to have followed thru on the model


          Has anyone here got a site making more then $500 a month?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6950352].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author ShayB
            Originally Posted by mike_lucas View Post

            humm interesting thread I see a ton of sites warriors post about and all but 1 or 2 seems to have followed thru on the model


            Has anyone here got a site making more then $500 a month?
            I'm working a heavily modified version of the model, so I'm not sure if I qualify.

            But I think that the beauty of this model is that you CAN adjust it to appeal to your strengths and local market - which is what I've done.
            Signature
            "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6952847].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author keyuria
    @Eddie Sprangler
    The feature you are suggesting is already present in the site. They are able to subscribe to the email alert when somebody put a listing for their subscribed area.

    @Craig McPherson and @mojo1
    I will keep posting about how it goes. yesterday I started the Facebook campaign to spread the word and got around 235 people to visit through Facebook Ads @ $15, so budget wise it is still fine to me and will continue to spread the word alike.

    Initially to pick the market, the pricing of the listing I have kept are very low as there as many competitors in the market.

    Let's see how it goes.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6278077].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Amazingpenny
    Interesting concept. Personally I have never, not would I ever pay for a directory listing. But never-the-less it sounds pretty clever...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6280434].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      I haven't forgotten about my promise to update, but I'm still working on testing a few things first.

      Hopefully can update here soon with the results.
      Signature
      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6286160].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author keyuria
    I got one guy today who made 4 listings, all FREE but it is OK for a start. I am happy at-least it kicked off.

    I even send 77 emails to the real estate management consultant companies introducing my site and inviting them to list houses on rent on my site.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6286192].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Shmigola
    Hello,
    In beginning I want to place free listings from others directories (like YP). Because nobody wants to place his listing into empty directory. I have a follow question. How much legally is to use a businesses details (logo, pictures, etc.) without its owners permission?
    Thanks,
    Andrey Shmigol
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6504870].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
    Would anyone mind giving me a critique for my wedding directory site please?

    The site up until now has been straight HTML based, and has been getting regular signups, but only at a low annual fee. I've tried changing the price points, but this current price seems to work.

    I've recently changed it to Wordpress to make it easier to manage the listings, and I've used DirectoryPress. Since then I haven't had a signup. The plan would be to massively increase the traffic using Wordpress plugins, bookmarking etc, and then gradually increase the listing prices.

    If anyone could give me some criticism, that would be great...

    surrey weddings - Surrey wedding directory

    Thanks in advance. Be truthful, I can take it
    Signature

    "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
    Success will follow.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6505389].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AussieT
      Roger, try clearing your cache and rechecking the images. I am seeing quite few images with the dreaded RED X mark.

      Do you have any paid listing yet or are they all free listings?

      I feel it could use better category navigation on the home page
      Tom

      Originally Posted by Roger Mayne View Post

      Would anyone mind giving me a critique for my wedding directory site please?

      The site up until now has been straight HTML based, and has been getting regular signups, but only at a low annual fee. I've tried changing the price points, but this current price seems to work.

      I've recently changed it to Wordpress to make it easier to manage the listings, and I've used DirectoryPress. Since then I haven't had a signup. The plan would be to massively increase the traffic using Wordpress plugins, bookmarking etc, and then gradually increase the listing prices.

      If anyone could give me some criticism, that would be great...

      surrey weddings - Surrey wedding directory

      Thanks in advance. Be truthful, I can take it
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6505638].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
        @AussieT Thanks Tom. I would say 95% are paid listings, although I have not been as proactive in the past at chasing advertisers to renew. This was one of the major factors in changing to DirectoryPress, so this gets handled automatically. It's possible that some of the advertisers have gone out of business since changing the site over, which is why the screenshot thumbnail is showing the red cross. I will check though, thanks.

        @April2012 Thanks April, I will give those things a try. Sounds like a good plan. Thanks for your input.

        @mraffiliate 2 of the domains should 301 redirect to the main site and this should reflect in the address bar. There are 2 other domains that use the same header, but they are different blogs, which I use to drive traffic to the main directory. Unless I've missed something. Which domains were you meaning? Thanks for looking.
        Signature

        "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
        Success will follow.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6505864].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AprilLemarr
          @RogerMayne - Did you write code for the DirectoryPress theme at all? I am still working on my theme and haven't gotten as far as the descriptions for each business. I really like the tabs that are on each page when you are looking at a listing. For example the description, comments and contact owner. Did you do that or is it part of the DirectoryPress theme?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6505900].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author mraffiliate
            Roger,

            Your 301 redirects are working. I meant to say that surreyweddings.co.uk and surreyweddings.com appear to be exactly the same.
            Signature

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6505989].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
              Originally Posted by mraffiliate View Post

              Roger,

              Your 301 redirects are working. I meant to say that surreyweddings.co.uk and surreyweddings.com appear to be exactly the same.
              Ok, thanks. I'll work on that. I think if you click on any link from surreyweddings.co.uk, the name should change to the .com. The problem I had is that both domains used to be entirely separate sites, but it was a mammoth task to update them both, so I merged them. Therefore, both have backlinks that are still live. I though that this way I could still keep them live by porting both domains to the same space.

              Is there another way I should do this?

              Thanks

              Roger
              Signature

              "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
              Success will follow.

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6506031].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Roger Mayne
            Originally Posted by April2012 View Post

            @RogerMayne - Did you write code for the DirectoryPress theme at all? I am still working on my theme and haven't gotten as far as the descriptions for each business. I really like the tabs that are on each page when you are looking at a listing. For example the description, comments and contact owner. Did you do that or is it part of the DirectoryPress theme?
            Hi April

            Those are all part of the theme so far. I've hacked the layout a little, but not too much yet. I still think it could be prettier, but I find DirectoryPress a little confusing as to where to change things sometimes.

            Things I like though are the automatic screenshot and the automatic emailing of a renewal notice. Not to mention the builtin payment processing options.

            One thing I noticed though was that the submission page looked a little outdated, which is why I've changed to the current advertise page and collect the money first. That way, even if they don't follow through to the submission for any reason, I have their contact details to follow up with them and guide them through the signup process.

            Roger
            Signature

            "If you don't quit, you can't fail"
            Success will follow.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6505994].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AprilLemarr
      Originally Posted by Roger Mayne View Post

      Would anyone mind giving me a critique for my wedding directory site please?

      The site up until now has been straight HTML based, and has been getting regular signups, but only at a low annual fee. I've tried changing the price points, but this current price seems to work.

      I've recently changed it to Wordpress to make it easier to manage the listings, and I've used DirectoryPress. Since then I haven't had a signup. The plan would be to massively increase the traffic using Wordpress plugins, bookmarking etc, and then gradually increase the listing prices.

      If anyone could give me some criticism, that would be great...

      surrey weddings - Surrey wedding directory

      Thanks in advance. Be truthful, I can take it
      Hi Roger,

      This site looks great. The colors are nice with the directory niche you have chosen.

      If I were you I would add a category listing before the fold and maybe the slider below or put the categories on the side. If you switch the slider and the category list you have now that would look nice and they would get the listing at the top. I am not sure if you are able to, but the categories should be one of the first things that people see when they visit your site.

      I have also been using DirectoryPress. They have a lot of great layout options to choose from. It can be a little time consuming to get used of at first, but I really like the theme.

      The header looks very nice too! Overall great job!

      April
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6505641].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author mraffiliate
        Roger,

        3 of the domains that you have purchased have the same exact content as the domain you refer to here. I would be careful on duplicate content and would consider 301 redirects.
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6505799].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Matthew Sabath
    John! Thanks for being a repository of such great information! Your posts are always gold.I've been working on a few directory sites for the past few weeks and the content in this thread is immensely helpful!

    You mention that you are in Rogers, AR. I just moved to Lowell to take a job at one of the big corporations here. I'd like to take you out for a beer or something in appreciation for all the help and inspiration you have given me.

    If you are willing, PM me!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6509397].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TheBoogieMan
      I'd like anyone and everyone here is is making more than $400/m on a consistent basis with a directory website to chime in and provide tips and examples of what you are doing/did that is working well.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6717885].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John W.G.
    Does anyone know any of the URL's of the directories that John mentioned.

    It would be nice to see some of these sites in action and see what they are offering.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6829593].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author longblog
      Hey everyone! I know I'm showing up late to the party, but I really want to get involved in the conversation. I'm usually just a lurker here on warrior forums (more active on digital point).. I have read every post up to page seven and then started picking out what I really felt was relevant.

      A couple days ago I started my first ever restaurant directory. I chose restaurants because they're always interested in more customers, and because lots of restaurant owners are so wrapped up in running their time-consuming business that they know next to nothing about designing a website. Additionally, I already have a couple of popular food blogs to give some link juice to my directory. You can see my directory at http://www.restaurantsfresno.co

      There have been some concerns from some people in this thread that a directory idea is a dead idea, or that you can't rank a directory. Some people feel that there's no value in the listings, and others see the value.

      The truth of the matter is that NO WEBSITE which ranks well on Google for the chosen search term can ever possibly be dead. It doesn't matter if it's a 500,000 page National authority site, or a one page ugly site designed in MS Word. If you rank first, and people are looking for the term you rank for, there's money to be made.

      I remember when I started my recipe blogs, people telling me I could never make money with them, or I could never compete with the GLOBAL companies which already had articles similar to the subject matter I write about. Well... one of those blogs makes $1,000 per month now and is ranked number ONE on google, even above the global TV stations and similar power houses.

      If you build quality unique content, write well, and connect with your audience, your site will prosper. It may take a couple years, but it will prosper. I think the biggest mistake most Internet marketers make (I'm guilty of this one time and time again) is starting projects with no plan, and never following through on completing them. Before you decide to start your business directory (or any website for that matter), you have to already have made the decision it's going to be a success, because you're going to do what is necessary to make it successful.

      Heck, you can still make decent money on your directory site even if you never sell a single listing. How do I do that you ask? Rank it and get traffic. Out of all the factors that have been discussed, traffic is the single largest contributing factor the success of your website. If you have the traffic and the ranking, you can always throw some adsense and affiliate links on the site and it will make money on auto-pilot. I especially like the idea of selling listings though, because the potential for substantial residual income is greater for paid listings than it is for adsense earnings.

      John, you said you had success selling listings with telemarketers in the past, can you tell us more about that? I'm looking into hiring some call centers in the local area. Do you have any great scripts?

      In conclusion, here's my plan:

      Research Search Term and determine if I can rank - Done

      Buy keyword rich domain - Done

      Find best CMS platform to meet the needs of a directory site - Done and purchased. I went with DirectoryPress. It did cost me some money, but I can crank out directory sites now that I own the rights to it. I'm thinking I can even make a few and sell them on flippa at a profit.

      Get site set-up - Done

      Populate site with free listings so it looks like somewhere people want to be (also helps with ranking the site) - In progress

      Populate the site with keyword rich articles for seo and ranking (also to add value to the site for the end-user - scheduled

      Backlink Building - In progress

      Social Bookmarking - In progress

      Build awareness via facebook - in progress

      That's all I have for now. Hopefully I've managed to contribute something of value to those who can use it. I know I've gleaned tons of value from this entire thread, and would like to think that I've managed to give something back.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6880569].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Virtualghost
    I live in Tourist area also but directories run a dime a dozen.Rather help local stores and shops off the tourist trap.My problem a catchy domain is only thing holding me back.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6888615].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ehmadlee
    Thank for sharing John
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6897918].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author zoro
    I have my own directory setup but I'll be stuffed if I can get any takers for paid listings. Oh yes, they'll all take a free listing, but parting with their money is a whole different story.

    Here's the problem as I see it from a local business perspective.

    If I was approched over the phone to buy a paid listing in a new directory that I've never heard of, I would first want to know a few things like:

    1) How long have you been running this directory?
    2) How much traffic does the site get?
    3) How will your directory get me more business?
    4) I want to see the site, does it look professional?
    5) Can I see testimonial from another business who is getting results with it?

    So, these are the type of questions I and my telemarketing person keep getting.

    Essentially we are selling advertising. There is only one thing harder to sell than advertising and that's insurance.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6937564].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author professorrosado
      Originally Posted by zoro View Post

      Essentially we are selling advertising. There is only one thing harder to sell than advertising and that's insurance.
      Therein lies your problem...you're selling the wrong thing.
      No body wants advertising...they do want customers and more money.

      When building your directories, you need to add value. You need to add
      what business people will see and understand will translate into market share,
      increased foot traffic, public awareness and sales - this is the bottom line!

      I ran a community newspaper for many years and I competed with the big boys because I had one thing going for me: my paper pulled in the same results as the big papers did for them. My paper had a flair and style not similar to your run of the mill community rag. I brought value and exclusivity to my pages and to my readers with my own perspectives.

      If you are just going to throw up a directory and expect to make money with it - you are dreaming. Especially, if you are competing with others in the same demographic.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6938351].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author zoro
        Originally Posted by professorrosado View Post

        Therein lies your problem...you're selling the wrong thing.
        No body wants advertising...they do want customers and more money.

        When building your directories, you need to add value. You need to add
        what business people will see and understand will translate into market share,
        increased foot traffic, public awareness and sales - this is the bottom line!

        I ran a community newspaper for many years and I competed with the big boys because I had one thing going for me: my paper pulled in the same results as the big papers did for them. My paper had a flair and style not similar to your run of the mill community rag. I brought value and exclusivity to my pages and to my readers with my own perspectives.

        If you are just going to throw up a directory and expect to make money with it - you are dreaming. Especially, if you are competing with others in the same demographic.
        Yep, you're 100% correct. One needs to set expectations through offering your USP (unique selling proposition).
        But at the end of the day the business will see it as buying advertising.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6938400].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author moneylab
    This has been a great thread, great info! I did try setting up a Wordpress account with a hosting company; I was going to start with the free Businessdirectory plugin, then buy Directorypress after I got some initial sales in.

    BUT - although I consider myself pretty 'tech-savvy', I found out quickly that I was "in over my head" trying to get it up and running on their Linux server. I've never dealt with SQL or or any of that. So unless I find an easy-to-use directory script that does NOT involve Wordpress, I may not be able to go with the directory business model :-(

    (apologies in advance if there was such an alternative listed in all these posts and I missed it)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6970830].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      You can build a directory site with out all the Bells & Whistles. I sent you a P.M. with an example. Try to create one with WP with a basic theme.
      Signature


      You can earn 10% average annual returns on your investments - https://app.groundfloor.us/r/m2aa7b
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6971135].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author moneylab
        Thanks, sorry I can't reply to PM's yet. Yes I'm going to just do something basic for a 'demo' site, then purchase a directory package after I get some $$ in. I doubt it will be Wordpress though (at least at this point).
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6971154].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Virtualghost
      Looking to do a local directory for services to post their business example,roofing,fencing,plumbing etc.
      Anyone find a reasonably priced script to use or a host that offers one if you host with them.Have domain already.Will be fee based going to try $5 per month or $48 yearly.
      Any thoughts.
      Thanks
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7764002].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 300SMG
    This is a great way to gain capital for other projects. If you push the right categories in a specific area the pure numbers of potential clients will force sales. It's a true win-win for the directory owner and the companies getting listed. Don't get greedy and see the sales roll in.
    Signature

    Don't focus on the money - focus on the plan!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6975260].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rash193
    All your information is worth. Ranking is the toughest part.. how do we initially rank with few listings on it ??
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6993203].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WinmanRoss
    Banned
    Man, you are awesome. Thanks for this great informative post.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6994610].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TheBoogieMan
    i don't think anyone is currently making more than $50/week with this method. I see lots of good theory presented in this thread but the proof is in the pudding. and maybe I missed it, but I don't think anyone has posted that they are making any decent monthly income with this method. if someone is making more than $50/week with this method please chime in and share. thanks
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6997923].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Christian Chan
    So the question again, does anyone make livable income from this? It sounds good on paper but real life experience tells it's not the case.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7066191].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author professorrosado
      Well, in my case, I cannot claim to make money from "this" because the "this" espoused here is not what I do entirely. I offer a lot more "added value" as I suggested in my previous posts here in this thread sometime ago.

      In essence, I have more than just directory service to offer my offline clients. The combination of my traffic and community awareness marketing packages is what makes the difference and the money.

      I used to publish local newspapers and understand, acutely, the psychology of the local merchant. I have developed a win/win local domination package that completely leaves all directories in the dust. In the latest online promotion, my project created $2,500 a month in just 3 days time from just a local craigslist posting!

      This was not for directory listing, but as part of the whole marketing initiative I have put together which includes the directory as a service (just not the only service I provide).

      Others are growing their directories within specific niche markets which are probably under-served surprisingly (and they are large in number). But this is also possible only in large metropolitan areas - my method works anywhere and creates the highest possible income from local initiatives of any sort.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7067185].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thefsboking
    Hmm..Edirectory seems to be the more robust choice but a bit pricey to start off. Anyone have any suggestions besides Directory Press?
    Signature

    Mike Williams

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7071104].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author weezie
      I have been using geoplaces, the support is exceptional - couldn't be better, I had also used directory press - but found it very frustrating in terms of support, little to no training - either in written or video form so many hours spent figuring it out by myself.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7072194].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tonyscott
    Thanks for the great info Stacey - do you have a local listings site?

    Tony
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7123167].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Originally Posted by infinisolutions View Post

    Hello JD,

    I have gone through with your post. It's really a worth full article. I want to discuss on some topics with you. I think u will accept me. JD, The Topics are Mass SMS and Bulk SMS.
    what do you think about the necessity of Mass SMS and Bulk SMS.
    please reply.
    Honestly , I cannot say. I only talk about what I know from experience, and you can always trust that, but I dont know alot about SMS...

    What I DO know about it makes me think its probably about as worthwhile as a QR code... ,meaning that I think its probably more of an attractive concept to marketers than to business owners...

    Again, Im no authority on the subject so I dont know. It sounds good in theory, but the devil is in the details from what I have picked up so far.

    Dont take my word for it though, I dont totally understand SMS, just the details I have gotten from people who have asked me to write pitches for it. I can sell anything in a pitch, whether I believe in it or not.

    Im sorry if I cant give you a good answer here.

    On another note, this thread may be my proudest creation because of the fact that people are on here helping each other...and its not all me doing the talking, its so encouraging to see all the love and commradery on this thread among people pursuing a common dream, and not just a single teacher teaching. It makes me very proud to have started it, and of the people on it.

    Edit:

    Well, this one wasnt too bad either actually (Almost 53,000 views): http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...knowledge.html
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7146668].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jackc2107
    Firstly I'd like to say thanks to John for YET ANOTHER great thread and also thanks to all the other people who have contributed great ideas and have really given out useful information.

    I was looking into doing directory sites myself but with a twist in that they wouldn't be paying a flat monthly fee but instead I would be selling them on the amount of customers that they get from my durectory. This would mainly be achieved through call tracking as I'm not so sure how many people would sign up their contact info and wait for a phone call for a service that they need there and then (it is all very well for servicemagic as the trade industries that they generate leads for are more suited to the latter).

    I am looking for any advice from anyone who has or is looking to do anything similar to this or any input at all would be greatly appreciated.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7267549].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author workers24hdotcom
    Thanks for the thread BUT how will you make money if Google + Local (Free) is killing every directory?
    Even if you try a niche, Yelp is taking over and ranking thousands keywords!!!
    And with the new Google log update related to the EMD??

    Thanks
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7325274].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dwtrapasso
      Originally Posted by workers24hdotcom View Post

      Thanks for the thread BUT how will you make money if Google + Local (Free) is killing every directory?
      Even if you try a niche, Yelp is taking over and ranking thousands keywords!!!
      And with the new Google log update related to the EMD??

      Thanks
      I think this might come down to: what is the value add that you're specific niche market directory site is providing to your customer base? Perhaps something slightly more high-touch, that companies the size of google, and yelp cannot compete with.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7342703].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author workers24hdotcom
        Originally Posted by dwtrapasso View Post

        I think this might come down to: what is the value add that you're specific niche market directory site is providing to your customer base? Perhaps something slightly more high-touch, that companies the size of google, and yelp cannot compete with.
        Good point. If you add a value to your directory it might work.
        Google can compete with ANYONE. Example: Yellow Pages was kicked by Google.
        I guess you want to build Local Directory for Services, from that angle you might rank easier.

        I think the easiest way to get the businesses to upgrade their listing on your website is SHOWING them proofs ( data..etc) but still tough to convince them Why? they are tired of telemarketing but all depends of your skills
        I have a niche website with PR3 that I'm going to transform to a Canadian Directory.
        We can share some tips if you don't mind
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7349467].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author singerdg1
    Thanks John That sounds great! I must build one! But I need a little more direction as to how.
    Signature

    These Vital Marketing Tools and System Could Make You $1000's per Month For Only $7!
    [/URL]Businesshttp://leadsplus.org

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7340489].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dwtrapasso
    This thread is incredible, thank you to all! I'm a newbie here, but I thought the best way to get started would be just to post where I'm at and my idea.

    I'm looking to create a directory website for a specific niche market.

    This is my vision:

    - I add listings to the website for free (basic listing)
    - If a potential customer searches locally, say (accountant, toronto), our website would be ranked high with our accountants listings there. Or if they simply searched accountant, but their geographic area is located in Toronto, the search results bring up our site with listings of accountants
    - I would show the stats to the accountants of how many people have been searching and clicking on their link. At this point I would try to sell them a listing upgrade.

    My question is: would this business model work? Is it too basic? How could it be improved in terms of adding more revenue streams, and value add?

    How would my directory page rank high and search results?

    Thanks so much!!!!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7342658].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author osensnolf
    Maybe I do not have the credentials yet, but I wanted to hit Thanks but do not see a button.

    Either way, thanks for the input. I was able to find a nugget in this that will be of help.

    Thanks.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7366982].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tiny1
    just wondering if anyone want to start a mastermind group on this??? there seems to be a good deal of discussion going on!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7427517].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author pmarketing
    Bump...
    Did ANYONE actually did something, i.e. made some money out of this?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7559364].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ewilner
    Wow this is an amazing thread. I am using Josh's plugin but need help as it has bugs
    My plan is to put up all listings and then contact people in my area and offer a free listing in exchange for a 150 gift certificate which then I will hold an online sweepstake giving a 2000 shopping spree and promote it on two large sites.
    I will then build a list and then go back to the advertisers and offer them the ability to upgrade their listings.
    I also love the idea that Stacy mentioned and that is the question and answer site at Q2A Market | Question2Answer Market Place
    I might just add it to my site and offer the vendors the ability to post questions that come up by their customers all the time. This way they can send their customers to this site as this site will become The Solution on How to Make a Great Party, Wedding etc etc
    So for you guys out there who love dealing with lawyers this would be amazing.
    You can charge them to have most common problems they encounter and post the solutions giving them exposure but the power here is that the site becomes an ANSWER to a problem
    so it can be
    1. The solution to Losing weight - make a directory with nutritionists
    have them post questions in the question section with an answer
    2. The Solution to Anxiety make a directory of therapists and once again post questions and answers
    3. Where TO have the best time in NY


    My hats off to STACY on this one

    If anyone out there can work with josh plugin that I am using PM me as I could use some help.
    I also have a great niche market which can bring a new audience for those who wish to target
    families in brooklyn with average of 5 children and more and in a very tight community.
    I know how to reach them for 300 a month and if they like something they share it with others.
    This is the market I target as its small, close knit and easy to get to.
    PM me or you can reach me at ewilner@gmail.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7760759].message }}
  • Hey, saw some activity here, and just wanted to drop in and let you all know that THIS is what I'm spending my time doing online right now.

    I'm at roughly $1k a week, more or less.

    Have a directory targeted at contractors and building related services (interior design, architects, cleaning companies...) in a SMALL resort town. Less than 20k people.

    It's beyond easy to rank in a small town. And, I only charge $250 per year.

    Now, I'm still growning, but in this market, it likely won't make me more than $10-12k per year.

    But, that's billable every November 15. Christmas money.

    I've got the same type of thing, except in a bigger market, that targets all businesses. It's another resort market. Again, just charging $250 per year. No more, no less.

    Every business gets their own, exclusive page on the site. Contact info, links, logo/photos, and a couple of paragraphs to 'sell' their business. I typically write it, because most of the actual business owners aren't capable.

    So, I've got those 2. And, 4 more domains already bought for different markets.

    Those 4 new ones will all be centered around the contractors/services outlined above.

    Except in bigger markets. 500,000 to 1.5 mil in population.

    Harder to rank? Sure. Many, many, many more fish in the pond? You bet.

    And, I do not use a 'directory theme' or script. I've taken a WP theme that I like, created categories that are identical to corresponding pages (roofing page ---> roofing category.).

    Businesses get their page listed under at least one categoy (and yes, I build them pages, not posts).

    Then, a blog post with different but the same content gets published, under the say roofing category, with links to their page on my site, and I even give them a link on that post to their existing site, if they have one.

    Builds my site, my rankings, and helps their business.

    That's what your shooting for.

    In 2-3 years I will have a dozen web assets that I can sell for 7 figure profit.

    Sweet.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7762726].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by CleanMountainLiving View Post

      Hey, saw some activity here, and just wanted to drop in and let you all know that THIS is what I'm spending my time doing online right now.

      I'm at roughly $1k a week, more or less.

      Have a directory targeted at contractors and building related services (interior design, architects, cleaning companies...) in a SMALL resort town. Less than 20k people.

      It's beyond easy to rank in a small town. And, I only charge $250 per year.

      Now, I'm still growning, but in this market, it likely won't make me more than $10-12k per year.

      But, that's billable every November 15. Christmas money.

      I've got the same type of thing, except in a bigger market, that targets all businesses. It's another resort market. Again, just charging $250 per year. No more, no less.

      Every business gets their own, exclusive page on the site. Contact info, links, logo/photos, and a couple of paragraphs to 'sell' their business. I typically write it, because most of the actual business owners aren't capable.

      So, I've got those 2. And, 4 more domains already bought for different markets.

      Those 4 new ones will all be centered around the contractors/services outlined above.

      Except in bigger markets. 500,000 to 1.5 mil in population.

      Harder to rank? Sure. Many, many, many more fish in the pond? You bet.

      And, I do not use a 'directory theme' or script. I've taken a WP theme that I like, created categories that are identical to corresponding pages (roofing page ---> roofing category.).

      Businesses get their page listed under at least one categoy (and yes, I build them pages, not posts).

      Then, a blog post with different but the same content gets published, under the say roofing category, with links to their page on my site, and I even give them a link on that post to their existing site, if they have one.

      Builds my site, my rankings, and helps their business.

      That's what your shooting for.

      In 2-3 years I will have a dozen web assets that I can sell for 7 figure profit.

      Sweet.

      Awesome!

      A grand a week in exchange for a few hours work isnt bad at all.

      How much time are you putting in weekly on sales?

      On another note:

      What I pick up is that you are charging $250 up front for the year, which is really low, and raking in an average of 4 customers per week...

      Thats a couple of hundred customers per year (low balling). It will be a nice effortless 50k next year when you go to re-bill, on top of the new customers you will be creating.

      Are you charging the whole amount up front or billing in small monthly installments?

      In either event;

      Not bad. Congrats on your success so far.

      Im in the process of getting ready to launch my own finally... This really is the best offline model out there IMO. It's really the perfect model.

      I particularly like the idea in this example, that you didnt have to go all out and use a directory script, you are sticking to the "basic", no frills plan, using a basic word press template, not getting too complicated, and selling listings every week.

      The rest of it is just peoples perception, believing they need more than that, or maybe they just WANT more, which is understandable...

      However, if you can clone a template web page and manually populate it with a customers content in twenty minutes...then you already have what all takes to provide someone with a directory page/listing, and your post here is proof of that. In fact our old data entry people use to be able to put up a new customers page in less than ten minutes.

      It's not different than adding a page to any other website. This really can be very simple.

      Im going to be taking my own a little bit further as far as features, but only because Im going to be charging alot more ($97 per month), with an objective of creating a simple 10 sales per week, nothing to humongous. One telemarketer can handle this, and half the sales will be call ins from tiny classified ads, which will cut cold calling in half.

      There are alot of ways to approach design and sales... if one takes consistent action on this, they can hardly go wrong.

      In closing,

      Glad to see you are running with the idea! It's a good one!

      Oh, and thanks for the inspiring read!

      Congrats again!

      -John

      Originally Posted by Grimbo View Post

      This is an awesome post. I started a directory for Contractors in MD recently. I'm charging for listing and I also have a web design option. If someone chooses the web design option I make them a 5 page site that is a subdomain on my normal site (which also adds to my SEO), and they get a monthly charge of $250.

      I still need to make my site look pretty
      How are sales coming along?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7763243].message }}
      • Hey John - Thanks for checking in. Your comments and posts going back a few years are really what got me going in the direction of directory sites. I'm a big fan of local directories for many reasons that we need not go into here.

        Yes, I bill for the whole year upfront. And, the $250 price point per year is for the early adapters. Next year, when the site and brand is a bit more established, anybody that comes on new will pay more than that. Don't know exactly the price point, but probably in the neighborhood of $350-$400 per year.

        Yes...REBILLINGS! Every year, invoice $100k-$200k around the 15th of November. Estimate 80% of that collected by Jan 31. Yearly income for the majority of folks in the world already handled.

        To answer a couple of other things...

        Sales is the hardest part for me. I struggle picking up the phone. Once I've made a couple of calls, it's easy. But, getting started, everyday, has been a struggle. I'd say an honest 15-20 hours a week on sale.

        Yeah...I struggled for a while on the whole directory script thing. Finally I said screw it. My model isn't a typical directory. It's not a list of businesses. There are category pages that have links to the pages for the businesses in that category, but then each business page is an actual page with useful information. NOT the typical directory stuff.

        Yep, about 20 minutes per page. After I WORK to double my sales, I will start outsourcing that, either locally at the small college in town or via the web. Should be able to get somebody reliable and good to put the pages together for 5 bucks a pop.

        Anyway, thanks again, John. Your posts over the years have been really thought provoking and motivational for me...I appreciate it.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7763357].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Grimbo
    This is an awesome post. I started a directory for Contractors in MD recently. I'm charging for listing and I also have a web design option. If someone chooses the web design option I make them a 5 page site that is a subdomain on my normal site (which also adds to my SEO), and they get a monthly charge of $250.

    I still need to make my site look pretty
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7762830].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
    A slight twist on the directory site method I've seen work
    is doing an interview with business owners about them and
    their business and putting that free on the directory.

    Then there's a charge for a more sophisticated listing and
    also the offer of their own website and other internet marketing
    services.

    Some people never charge for a listing on their directory...they
    just use it as a way to get paying clients which is also a legitimate
    strategy.


    The advantage of interviewing a business owner for an interview
    you put on the site is most will say yes and you get face to face
    (or on the phone) collecting details about the business and its
    owner.

    It's not too hard to sell something after an interview like that...
    immediately or later.

    Kindest regards,
    Andrew Cavanagh
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7766796].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author weezie
      Hi there John at Clean Mountain Living

      Thank you for the informative post. Would you mind sharing your url?? if that's allowed??

      I too am working on some local directories - haven't monetized yet - would appreciate being able to look at your sites.

      thanks

      Louise
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7768388].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tim205
    Congrats on the success stories here, and thanks for the ideas, insights and inspiration!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7768862].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel LaRusso
    Awesome thread, and I want to do this. I would like to do this through cold calling, and cold walks. What are some of the best practices for talking points or scripts on how to cold call on this?
    Signature

    It is unwise to trust all you read on the internet.
    - Benjamin Franklin

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7798753].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
    Glad to see this thread has been resurrected. Congratulations to those who have taken action and starting to see results.

    John Durham please let us know how you go with your project.

    Tom
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7799444].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author asimmanj
      hi, i also want to build a directory website but still confused about the future of web directory and how to build a web directory in WordPress? Which theme is the best option or where can i find the best directory theme?

      Please guide me.

      Thanks
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7924554].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author World Marketing
    Very interesting...thanks for this!
    Signature

    I make $5,000+ a month online [CLICK HERE] to see how you can do the same starting today!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8036334].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author npk
      Very informative thread. Working on my own directory site now.
      Signature
      Freelance appointment setter/copywriter.
      I can help with getting you leads and/or sales scripts.
      I also broker lists, both business and consumer.
      PM for details.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8036492].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tahir100
    directory site is a great business model. Does anyone know a WordPress theme for directory sites..thanks
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8040406].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kolonel
      Originally Posted by tahir100 View Post

      directory site is a great business model. Does anyone know a WordPress theme for directory sites..thanks
      This would really depend on your experience with WP, and how much you want to be able to do with it. In no particular order, i would suggest :

      Warrior Forums offers (of course !)
      ThemeForest ( a search will return a few options)
      WooCommerce
      DirectoryPress

      Hope this helps.

      Regards
      Rob
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8047279].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author tinyreal
        Themeforest has some gorgeous ones, highly recommended there
        Signature
        Click here now for 10 Strategies to give you all the traffic you deserve absolutely free.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8051068].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author tahir100
          Great thread, great info. Have read every word of it and am really inspired and motivated..
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8170233].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author TheBoogieMan
            In my opinion and in my own experience... this method is a BIG waste of time, FULL of THEORY and HYPE and is very difficult to make any real money with this method and if one does make money its not sustainable and residual and reliable. I previously challenged anyone who is earning more than $50/month with this method to chime and not one person did so. Is it possible that some people can and do make a little money with this method??? Yes! But I think this is more the exception and not the general rule. For most people I think very very few will ever ear more than $2.00 a month with this method.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8172440].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author RockNRolla
              Originally Posted by TheBoogieMan View Post

              In my opinion and in my own experience... this method is a BIG waste of time, FULL of THEORY and HYPE and is very difficult to make any real money with this method and if one does make money its not sustainable and residual and reliable. I previously challenged anyone who is earning more than $50/month with this method to chime and not one person did so. Is it possible that some people can and do make a little money with this method??? Yes! But I think this is more the exception and not the general rule. For most people I think very very few will ever ear more than $2.00 a month with this method.
              You say from your own experience, have you made an effort to make this method work? I think that if you were to cold call 300-500 businesses every day then you couldn't go wrong with this business model.

              I would firstly add some local businesses to the directory myself, then when the competitors who you phone see that their competitors are already on it, this alone should be enough to make them feel they are missing out and have to get their selves on there too. By doing this with even 3 or 4 of the businesses in the area, it will still leave you plenty others to pursue.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8174173].message }}
              • Yeah, this method works and depending on what your trying to do and how your website is put together, you sure don't need to call 300 to 500 businesses a day.

                You can build a very scalable, very predictable income with a consistent 2 to 3 hours a day of phone prospecting, coupled with a defined follow up system.

                And if you do that for a while (few years or more [ I know...no one on here wants to build a business that takes a few years ])...you might just be making some serious effing money.

                I know that I'm getting closer to big money...every month.

                Make calls (or use whatever lead gen you want, but you've got to have a lead gen), follow up, have a good product.

                Speaking of have a good product...don't screw around with dumb crap. Build a good website. Build a website that provides value to both your business clients AND the people who land on your site!

                But, it does involve talking to people. So, that eliminates probably about 49% of the people reading this. And, it also involves creating and publishing good and useful content on a regular basis. So, that probably eliminates another 49%.

                So, for the 2% who do this method, and do it right. It works.

                It's not rocket science. It's not a scam.

                It's Business!
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8174297].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AmyKay
    I just started following this thread again. Time to rev up the directory machine again! But with my own twist. Here we go!

    Thanks, all!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8182756].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ijohnson
    CleanMountainLiving,

    I appreciate your input. I've been considering this business model for a couple of years but haven't come across anyone who had implemented it and scaled it up, other than John Durham.

    I have a few questions I hope you will be kind enough to answer:

    1. Are you in more than one niche?
    2. How many clients are currently purchasing monthly listings?
    3. What methods are you using to generate leads and acquire clients, i.e, cold-calling via telephone, knocking on doors, email, direct mail, etc.?
    4. Are you acquiring local clients only?
    5. How much time are you spending on a daily basis to generate leads?
    6. Do you offer content on your site? If so, how often are you posting new content?
    7. What theme are you using on your site?

    Taking the time to share information regarding the questions posted above, will be greatly appreciated. I needed more facts from someone who is actually doing it successfully.

    Since I've been following threads on this topic for quite some time and I've given a lot of consideration to building a directory site myself, I'm anxious to get your feedback.

    I gave myself a week to either move forward with building a directory site or table the idea. Your reply would go a long way in helping me make a more sound decision.

    Thank you.
    Signature
    Make every day count!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8183235].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ijohnson
    AmyKay,

    Please share your thoughts and experience with this business model, too.

    How long have you been building your directory site? What roadblocks, if any, have you encountered and how have you resolved them?

    Are you creating content for your site or just focusing on driving paid traffic to site?

    Very anxious to get your thoughts.

    Thank you.
    Signature
    Make every day count!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8183264].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AmyKay
    Like so many here, I'm just starting. Hopefully, I'll stand out as one of the finishers. Kudos to Clean Mountain Living on being a finisher!

    I like Clean's model. I do'nt need a fancy directory theme. I'll just build out pages for businesses.

    But the main focus of my site will be local news, actually. I see another small town doing that, and it's gaining popularity. I don't want to rely on google for traffic. So I'll get traffic with good local news for content, and build an email list. It will offer more value to advertisers.

    First, though... the traffic. I'll use Facebook for that.

    I'm off to take action!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8186266].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sweera
    Great discussion, Thank you all.
    I'm developing a site related to local travel information for tourists. Once listed the hotels and guest houses, I want to include an upgrade option to provide online reservation facility through my site. So I can get a small % earned from every booking made. I'm using geotheme and are there any plugins or solutions I can integrate.
    Many Thanks
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8206013].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PaulSch
      Having spent the last few hours reading the whole of this thread I'd like to throw in my 2 cents worth.

      Initially a great thread by the OP followed up by some brilliant suggestions about making improvements to the original idea. Then I've read about why people think it will work, why it will not work, why you cannot charge this or that for your service, about people agonising over which theme to use and so on.

      Am I "under complicating" this? (if there's such an expression)

      Simply set up a local directory using WP for plumbers or restaurants (or whatever) in your city, get 100 plumbers or restaurants (or whatever) to take a listing at $9.95 per month, payable in advance ($119.40 p.a. each giving a total of $11,940 p.a.).

      Create 10 or 20 of these local directories (outsource) to give an income of $119,400 or $238,800 p.a. less your outsourcing costs.

      You don't need to create the biggest directory on the whole continent.

      Don't agonise - DO IT.
      Signature

      Get FREE Access To Over 180 Webmaster Training Videos here. Did I mention they are totally free?

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8210367].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jen Eick
    I have the Directory Press theme, and am setting up a directory site. My thought is to fill up the listings, then "pre-bill" the businesses I list, and encourage them to upgrade to a paid listing so they don't lose their spot. (When they go to list, therefore, there will be no free option...only paid.) I personally find Directory Press to be awesome! But then, I am familiar with WordPress, and have never had a problem searching for answers. Directory Press gives unlimited "ticket support" and has a forum where others can answer questions about setting it up. So far, I consider it to be a great investment. Esp considering that you can use it on endless unique sites and get the support all for a one-time fee...none of that yearly licensing crap or any other surprises (so far!).

    Additionally, I appreciate the discussion on what to charge. I don't anticipate this to be my main "breadwinner," but just extra income on top of the other ideas I have that all fit into this overall project I have going. Therefore, an extra $240 per year, times however many businesses list their site, is just icing on the cake! I also plan to adapt this model for another site or two in the future (totally different ideas) just to see what I can do with the Directory Press theme.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8212950].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author swilliams09
    Here's a few thoughts on directory sites. Every TV station in my city of 374,536 people has a directory site. That's 4 directory sites that are being pushed as well as coupon/deal sites by a local station. The Sales people are required to not only sell airtime but online ads at varying levels from $200 on up to $1000. With sales goals that go up every quarter. That's stiff competition from people with a dedicated sales force.

    Also since they are attached to TV stations they get commercial spots with heavy rotation for promotion. If I were running a directory site, my main goal would be a. How do I stand out from that sort of competition and b. how to do I advertise it effectively. I personally would do this. I would find a media outlet that does not have a directory site and build and run it for them. Set a price for ads and extras and let them be your sales and promotions department. That's exactly what my station did. The company they work with is an internet marketing company, they use the directory site for leads on web and seo work while the tv station uses it for leads on airtime and commercial production.
    Signature

    Learn how to make videos that sell. Special $1 Offer for Warriors Only.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...ml?view=modern

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8215724].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author indata7800
      Any results from this?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8284101].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author zimbizee
        Where i am located - south east of the UK, the market is saturated with lots of directory sites which have popped up over the last 12-18 months. Can't see much potential here for ANOTHER directory site tbh. We even have franchises too.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8284970].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mjbmedia
    Someones directory has to compete on Google to be seen first page, then compete to actually be chosen to be clicked on, and bearing in mind its pretty obvious from what is shown on Google the listing is a directory listing why would most searchers bother clicking on it to only be met with yet another listing, then if its clicked on, their listing has to compete against all the competitors listings to be the one chosen, so in essence the searcher has to make at least 3 click decisions to eventually land on the clients directory page, then maybe another click to get to their actual website.

    Most directory pages are out of date so a number of people as searchers wont even consider clicking through to such a site as its often a waste of their time, even Yelp etc has old details often .

    Yet a business owner will gladly shell out a monthly payment to simply move the competition from a Google listing to this directory listing, theyre actually paying to lessen their chances of a searcher finding them , Im not doubting they pay, its just indicative of how stupid many business owners are
    Signature

    Mike

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8285019].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kolonel
      I am glad this thread is still going, as it might motivate myself to pull my finger out and give it a real try. Here are some of my initial thoughts about starting up with a directory:

      1. Focus on local businesses only - there seems to be some loyalty there
      2. Get the directory up and running with local businesses who are already shelling out $$$ for press advertising - will be focus later
      3. Suggest businesses to offer coupons to see what returns they are getting - this would vary depending on what type of business they are
      4. Look at local editorials, utilise contacts and continue "branding" through local social media pages
      Would like to hear some feedback regarding these points.



      Regards
      Rob
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8285058].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author antoineg
        Good day all,

        We are presently on the finishing touches of our new local area online business directory. We are paying a substantial amount of money to have a design that is clean and simple. Our primary focus is to be on the user and not revenue although revenue is the end state. We hope to execute our pre-launch shortly. We will be sending out one year free subscription letters to bet businesses to populate the site.

        We desire to maintain high quality listings as opposed to high quantity but poor content.

        We plan on minimizing the amount of advertising on the site as we find most online business directory to have more advertising than listings.

        We will initially charge $99.99 a year for a listing. We do not plan on having different levels of listings as these are more centered on revenue than supporting our mission.

        We would love to share our site once completed. PM for URL.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8285183].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author kolonel
          Originally Posted by antoineg View Post

          Good day all,

          We are presently on the finishing touches of our new local area online business directory. We are paying a substantial amount of money to have a design that is clean and simple. Our primary focus is to be on the user and not revenue although revenue is the end state. We hope to execute our pre-launch shortly. We will be sending out one year free subscription letters to bet businesses to populate the site.

          We desire to maintain high quality listings as opposed to high quantity but poor content.

          We plan on minimizing the amount of advertising on the site as we find most online business directory to have more advertising than listings.

          We will initially charge $99.99 a year for a listing. We do not plan on having different levels of listings as these are more centered on revenue than supporting our mission.

          We would love to share our site once completed. PM for URL.
          Can't PM but would like to have a look. Why not post it publicly ?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8285343].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tristan Gemus
    Just picked up a PR4 CITY.biz aged from 2004 for $200 on GD auctions. I'll post results once its launched .
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8285266].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author krzysiek
    I find both directory threads (101 and 102) full of good information about setting up a directory website and there seems to be plenty of discussion on how to land clients or how much to charge. From that point of view, these threads are pretty good.

    However, I feel very, very confused when I read through pages of the 101 and 102 directory threads and from what I can tell - no one is discussing on how to get the businesses who take up the offer any results.

    It's all talk about how to land clients, how much to charge them, and sometimes even talk about charging low enough so that they can't be bothered cancelling their monthly recurring.

    Personally, I find the focus of how much to charge to be ridiculous when we have not yet covered or discussed methods on how to actually bring value (ie: leads, new customers, more profit) for the businesses who take us up on the offer.

    Sure, people are saying things like SEO. But SEO isn't everything and SEO takes time. I guess I had hoped for people to actually chime in about paid traffic. Google PPC, FB ads, radio advertising, etc.

    In either case, there is too much focus on everyone talking about how they can line their owns pockets with cash without first talking about how they can help their clients do the same.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8288277].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kolonel
      Originally Posted by krzysiek View Post

      Personally, I find the focus of how much to charge to be ridiculous when we have not yet covered or discussed methods on how to actually bring value (ie: leads, new customers, more profit) for the businesses who take us up on the offer.

      Sure, people are saying things like SEO. But SEO isn't everything and SEO takes time. I guess I had hoped for people to actually chime in about paid traffic. Google PPC, FB ads, radio advertising, etc.

      In either case, there is too much focus on everyone talking about how they can line their owns pockets with cash without first talking about how they can help their clients do the same.
      I personally would love to hear from those that have successful directories to share any insights from their humble beginnings and what incentives/offers they began with.

      Rob
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8289550].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ProSeomCo
      Originally Posted by krzysiek View Post


      It's all talk about how to land clients, how much to charge them, and sometimes even talk about charging low enough so that they can't be bothered cancelling their monthly recurring.

      Personally, I find the focus of how much to charge to be ridiculous when we have not yet covered or discussed methods on how to actually bring value (ie: leads, new customers, more profit) for the businesses who take us up on the offer.

      Sure, people are saying things like SEO. But SEO isn't everything and SEO takes time. I guess I had hoped for people to actually chime in about paid traffic. Google PPC, FB ads, radio advertising, etc.
      krzysiek

      Unless a person has researched... knows or hopefully has an idea of the "niche" or "target market" for the paid members of the directory it would be hard to plan a budget for paid advertising.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8319909].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ProSeomCo
        Different methods of marketing other than SEO... that could be discussed further ... that all warriors could use to generate leads to create more added value for paid advertisers for their directory(ies) are:


        Direct Mail
        Voice Broadcasting
        TV
        Email Marketing
        Social Networking
        Internet Leads
        Live Transfers
        Tele-marketed Leads



        If you have any marketing questions please post away. I am hoping that this thread John Durham created will continue to grow and really help all warriors grasp the direct marketing concepts.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8321335].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ProSeomCo
          Good Night Warriors,

          Here is a sample Directory I created a few years back Click Here

          This is one of several directory sites I have put together in the last couple years.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8321355].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author kolonel
            Originally Posted by ProSeomCo View Post

            Good Night Warriors,

            Here is a sample Directory I created a few years back Click Here

            This is one of several directory sites I have put together in the last couple years.
            Nicely done sir.

            Would people recommend that you should be looking at a niche, rather than a general directory. My thoughts on what i am working on now is that there are 5-6000 businesses in the local area. With a good strike rate and reasonable rates surely this can work too ?

            Rob
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8321927].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author ProSeomCo
              Originally Posted by kolonel View Post

              Nicely done sir.

              Would people recommend that you should be looking at a niche, rather than a general directory. My thoughts on what i am working on now is that there are 5-6000 businesses in the local area. With a good strike rate and reasonable rates surely this can work too ?

              Rob
              Kolonel

              Thank you

              I usually choose niche because for me it is usually easier to connect with a target audience rather than a general directory.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8321958].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hijoy
    Banned
    Great John, thanks for sharing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8323329].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cairnstarheel
    Thanks for the thread guys, I am looking at setting up a mobile directory site, "city name" Mobile directory. Can anyone update on their operating model and how it is working, there are some good strategies in the thread. Is there any real world evidence as to what is working so far?

    Once you look into it there are a lot of directories out there

    Cheers!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8428275].message }}

Trending Topics