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Running a local Directory - Tried and failed.

by Kelvin Brown
9 replies
Disclaimer: I am trying to get info to use in my own marketing material.

If you tried to make money from a local directory but failed, why did you fail or what are some of the reasons you have heard.

Startup cost

Time involved

Long range planning

Finding the right software

Hosted software

Support for self hosted software

No sales experience

No support beyond the software



These are just conversation starters.

Please share what you think the problems are with making money from local directories.

Thank you

kelvin
#directory #failed #local #running
  • Profile picture of the author ePolymath
    I run several successful ones. What exactly are you having problems with? Give some details and I maybe able to help.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
      Originally Posted by ePolymath View Post

      I run several successful ones. What exactly are you having problems with? Give some details and I maybe able to help.
      Could you reply (or PM if confidential) some links to your directories? I'm super curious.
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      "Be the hero of your own movie."
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    • Profile picture of the author Trent Brownrigg
      Originally Posted by ePolymath View Post

      I run several successful ones. What exactly are you having problems with? Give some details and I maybe able to help.
      Can you just share some of your tips on this for us all publicly? I'm just getting into doing local directories and would love all the useful advice I can get!
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      You can find internet marketing strategies, SEO consulting, and tons of business advice at BAM!

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    • Profile picture of the author Kelvin Brown
      Thank you, but I was not really having a problem.

      I was looking to find out about those who were.

      Kelvin
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      Kelvin Brown

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      • Profile picture of the author TheyCallMeBE
        OP, you read my mind. I'm in the process of trying to get this off the ground as we speak. Just got a theme and now I'm about to put this into action...
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        • Profile picture of the author Corymoore
          This is exactly what i just started up, but im having problems getting leads and customers. Ive scoured my area and emailed probably 200 local businesses so far, went personally to businesses to inteoduce the services, and posted the business on CL, Kijiji, and local classifieds boards.. but not a single response! Ugh..

          I know i'm priced right, website has a great design, im not sure what im doing wrong or wht i can do better to get business owners to buy!

          Check out my site: the valley directory . ca (without spaces)

          If anyone that has successfully launched a directory listing can post or pm me about what i can do to improve and get the phone ringing i would LOVE the feedback! I quit my 9-5 for this, and need this to work!
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  • Profile picture of the author Lopaca
    We use a directory as a shoe-in for local businesses. We put local businesses on the directory for free and within a week or two of putting up their listing we contact them and show them how many visitors have gone to the directory. When they see how many they want to know how we did that. Great door opener. We then show them how we can provide a complete marketing program for them. Our directory is kind of like a Yelp. The business can be rated. People can leave comments. The information can be forwarded to friends etc
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    Lopaca
    Get the Free Training You Need to Become an Offline Marketing Expert. Learn how we make getting local clients easier and how to keep them longer.
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  • Profile picture of the author bhuff85
    I run a local directory right now. Although it's only been out publicly for the last 2 1/2 months, it's quickly gaining legs and getting a lot of interest. I get subscribers signing up daily to stay updated on latest listings and coupon/discount offers from local restaurants/bars.

    Here's what has worked for me:

    - Developed my own directory with my own code. This gives it an all around original look and feel, rather than most of those "cookie cutter" directory scripts or themes you see out there.

    - Gave all local businesses a free listing with basic info. I'll be making most of my money by selling upgrades for a monthly fee (with a 6 month minimum agreement).

    - I have done a lot of "offline" promotion to help get the word out there, such as:

    * Created door hangers to hang on doors around various neighborhoods.

    * Ran print ads in local magazine (3 weeks total - great response thus far)

    * Contacted local newspaper to pitch my new business. Have one small blurb today in the main newspaper here in the city. Every little bit helps    !

    - I've also done a lot of online promotion as well, using things like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to help spread awareness. Local forums have also worked great, too.

    - I have printed up postcards that I will be sending to EVERY business I have listed notifying them that they have been furnished with a free basic listing on my site, along with a call to action. I am following up with them 48 hours after sending the card, thus giving me "warm leads" to call on to get them to upgrade.

    If there is one piece of advice I can give you for local directories, make sure that you work on generating traffic and interest FIRST!

    Sure, it's a gamble to build it all upfront, but no one is going to want to pay for a listing in your directory that brings in no leads for them. Even if they do, good luck trying to get them to renew when they realize it has done nothing for them.

    Remember this - Getting people to USE your directory is just as important as having businesses pay you to be on it. That's an element that many people seem to forget.
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  • Profile picture of the author kimboslice
    Had very good success running several directories.
    I exited that business almost 2 years ago.
    This thread http://www.**********.com/affiliate-...-year-job.html has a lot of good info on making a successful directory.


    I can tell you this. Get ready to cold call if you want to make real money.
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