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Your thoughts about this business idea please

by homeriscool
11 replies
Hi, I'd like some feedback about a business idea I have been thinking about for a while.

The idea is to build a local directory (yes I know directories are dead) which I will use as a steady flow of leads for other marketing services such as SEO, web design, 9 x 12 postcards etc.

Does anybody else here have this business model?

I'm always torn between doing local vs national for various reasons.

I'd really like your thoughts about this.

Cheers
#business #directory #idea #local advertising #local seo #thoughts
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  • Profile picture of the author ronnierokk
    The easiest business model is to create a squeeze page, driving traffic to it, collect your leads and sell them stuff. But make sure you have high ticket stuff in the backend.

    This is the model that every millionaire marketer I know uses.

    I don't think directories are popular enough these days to be effective.

    People want push-button easy stuff these days. Just give them what they are looking for via a cheap lead magnet from a squeeze page and let the backend stuff do their work.
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    • Profile picture of the author homeriscool
      Originally Posted by ronnierokk View Post

      The easiest business model is to create a squeeze page, driving traffic to it, collect your leads and sell them stuff. But make sure you have high ticket stuff in the backend.

      This is the model that every millionaire marketer I know uses.

      I don't think directories are popular enough these days to be effective.

      People want push-button easy stuff these days. Just give them what they are looking for via a cheap lead magnet from a squeeze page and let the backend stuff do their work.
      sounds like good, solid advice.

      I was just checking out your youtube channel....nice work

      When you mentioned a squeeze page, do you mean literally 1 page?

      And then promote through the backend?

      I have thought about doing this.
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  • Profile picture of the author Monetize
    Originally Posted by homeriscool View Post

    Hi, I'd like some feedback about a business idea I have been thinking about for a while.

    The idea is to build a local directory (yes I know directories are dead) which I will use as a steady flow of leads for other marketing services such as SEO, web design, 9 x 12 postcards etc.

    Does anybody else here have this business model?

    I'm always torn between doing local vs national for various reasons.

    I'd really like your thoughts about this.

    Cheers

    I don't think that local directories are dead at all.
    People are always looking for information and
    services so why not provide that to them. What's
    great about local directories is that you can set
    them up for any city you like, not just where you
    live, that's what I have done.

    If you have a vision and a plan for your directory
    website then give it a try. I love setting up sites
    because you can do whatever you want. And if
    it doesn't work, you can do something different.
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    • Profile picture of the author homeriscool
      Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

      I don't think that local directories are dead at all.
      People are always looking for information and
      services so why not provide that to them. What's
      great about local directories is that you can set
      them up for any city you like, not just where you
      live, that's what I have done.

      If you have a vision and a plan for your directory
      website then give it a try. I love setting up sites
      because you can do whatever you want. And if
      it doesn't work, you can do something different.
      Hi, thanks for your answer.

      So I take it you run directories?

      How do you monetise them?

      Are they worth the effort?
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      • Profile picture of the author Monetize
        Originally Posted by homeriscool View Post

        So I take it you run directories?

        How do you monetise them?

        Are they worth the effort?

        I have setup hundreds of websites over the years and
        have setup local directories for various professions.
        I monetize with fees and ads but you should do what
        works for you. I feel that your concept is worth a try
        and am confident that it will work if done correctly.
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  • Profile picture of the author bdover
    @Monetize is right, local directories as strong as ever because instead of Google and to get a list of 100,000 businesses somewhere in India, China or even in town somewhere nearby you live, local consumer contingency would be well served if the plumber they need to fix leaking tab right around the corner.

    What do you have to lose? If you'll fail, worse things could happen, you will know every local plumber, barber, pizza joint, shoes store etc.
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    • Profile picture of the author homeriscool
      Originally Posted by bdover View Post

      @Monetize is right, local directories as strong as ever because instead of Google and to get a list of 100,000 businesses somewhere in India, China or even in town somewhere nearby you live, local consumer contingency would be well served if the plumber they need to fix leaking tab right around the corner.

      What do you have to lose? If you'll fail, worse things could happen, you will know every local plumber, barber, pizza joint, shoes store etc.
      The thing I have most to lose is time.

      It sounds great in theory, and I'd like that business model but.....it has to be profitable.

      I can imagine something like this eats up a lot of time?
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      • Profile picture of the author bdover
        Originally Posted by homeriscool View Post

        The thing I have most to lose is time.

        It sounds great in theory, and I'd like that business model but.....it has to be profitable.

        I can imagine something like this eats up a lot of time?
        I can bet most of successful businesses in the beginning would only hope to be successful and because no one knows 100% for sure an outcome, you would have to be willing to gamble by using time as betting chips.
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  • Profile picture of the author TobiMDD
    Be like Nike - Just do it
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  • Profile picture of the author Jamell
    I think it could work if you integrate socialmedia and add some unique valuable features

    Now as far as the idea itself I would build it in phases build awareness about it and introduce it to the market in stages.

    This is going to allow the market "future buyers" to give you feed back.
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