Local Directory question

10 years ago

I am building a directory right now as of a couple days ago. Obviously I can't say I've had success however my plan is not to just monetize the directory. While there will be paid listing for businesses (I'm doing a city directory), even the free listings are giving me their contact information. I plan to sell other services to these business' such as online marketing and offline (direct mail). Everybody that signs up for the directory will be a lead for other services I sell.
By the way, because everything I'm doing is multifaceted, it's very easy to get sidetracked with ideas. Keep telling myself, Follow One Course Until Success.

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9414407].message }}

vndnbrgj

10 years ago

I am building a niche specific directory, and maybe down the road.... a general local directory.

You, need to focus on something....
Are you going to do lead gen?
Are you going to do directories?
Are you going to do something else?

What are you going to do?

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone

- Neale Donald Wilson -

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9414494].message }}

Yvon Boulianne

10 years ago

I'm following the sames strategy as Shuffle, Free directory + sell other service to them

Thanks

Signature

Stop Struggling With Your Website and Marketing

30$ / task, pay after done!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9414525].message }}

Shuffle

10 years ago

Just to clarify, we will be charging for directory listings for our premium listing. We'll also have free listings. We're not going to charge really high monthly charges, however I do feel the need to capitalize where we can. A lot of upfront effort is going into the website itself which we can't get paid for until the site is up and running near it's potential (beneficial for both consumers and businesses).

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9414572].message }}

Gladiator

10 years ago

I know that every city would be different but in general. I'm curious as what prices one could charge for listings, free - silver - gold - platinum.

What I find is that for local city directories- most of the time you have to solicit and close the deal because most local business are not looking for you!

So if the prices is too low it takes many listings to make money but if you charge a little more you could get a few sign-ups and do ok! Yes I undersatnd that you will do other services but I like to get the listings as it would require less work to maintain.

What are Yellow Pages prices like for local listings just to compare?

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Are You A Sick Marketer?

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9414663].message }}

qu4rk

10 years ago

Originally Posted by vndnbrgj

I am building a niche specific directory, and maybe down the road.... a general local directory.

You, need to focus on something....
Are you going to do lead gen?
Are you going to do directories?
Are you going to do something else?

What are you going to do?

Thanks for those questions. Those are powerful. I'm actually breaking the rules of focusing on one thing. It may be my demise, but I'm doing lead gen + directory. I know, I know...one thing, but with lead gen I have a lot of waiting (because of SEO, content writing delays, etc.), so the directory will fill in my dead time.

Originally Posted by Yvon Boulianne

I'm following the sames strategy as Shuffle, Free directory + sell other service to them

Me too, it's great lead magnet.

Originally Posted by Gladiator

I know that every city would be different but in general. I'm curious as what prices one could charge for listings, free - silver - gold - platinum.

What I find is that for local city directories- most of the time you have to solicit and close the deal because most local business are not looking for you!

So if the prices is too low it takes many listings to make money but if you charge a little more you could get a few sign-ups and do ok! Yes I undersatnd that you will do other services but I like to get the listings as it would require less work to maintain.

What are Yellow Pages prices like for local listings just to compare?

What I've been read, you have to have traffic before you can charge otherwise why would they want to sign up? And you would be providing value to them, so they would continue to renew.

If you find the info on what YP.com or Yelp charges, that would great if you would post it here for everyone.

Originally Posted by Shuffle

Just to clarify, we will be charging for directory listings for our premium listing. We'll also have free listings. We're not going to charge really high monthly charges, however I do feel the need to capitalize where we can. A lot of upfront effort is going into the website itself which we can't get paid for until the site is up and running near it's potential (beneficial for both consumers and businesses).

Yes, I will be doing the same after I have traffic. I think it will be a harder sale without traffic. With traffic it will be a no brainer.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9415889].message }}

Shuffle 10 years ago

I agree traffic will help sell more premium listings. However I plan on offering a paid plan from the start that will include more features such a full image gallery and being a featured listing that puts their business on a slider plugin for my site. Paid listing will definitely get more exposure than free. I suggest offering paid from the start. If you don't offer it, it's impossible to start making money without it. Sales won't be as good until traffic builds up but will be better than $0. Guaranteed.
- Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9417375].message }}

Local Directory question

Trending Topics

How do I effectively build and nurture an email list for affiliate marketing purposes?

Are billboards still effective in driving customers?

Are Solo ADs the Most Cost Effective Way to Promote your Product?

Been a while! Any of you Old Timers here?

How much does the rebranding affect CR ?