Advice on a directory site

This is sketchy and will likely split a crowd. The thing is, imagine a ghost writer turns down work because they don't believe the client's 'ebook' will make any money?

You really have to approach this like a business. If it were me, I would, without a doubt, express my concerns. I'd tell them exactly what you've just told them. Chances are, they realize it themselves.

At least then, you don't feel bad. If they insist on work being done, then do your best. That's all you can do but you're not running a charity.

..and I don't think it's wise to be in the business of losing business

Damien right.

Also to add, $250 for a single website, thats a lot these days. The business model has to be changed.

I would believe websites like this, have to first go with a free approach before they generate revenue. I know a local guy who is getting 200 visitors a day using the free approach and Jan 2011 will start charging. I think thats a better business model. Back to $250, I dont know many business's that would pay that unless you are a SUPER start website, I think yellow pages is cheaper.

Cheers,
Mukul

Hi Kayla,

From the looks of it they need a lot of improvements, but that just means more business for you, right?

Do you know what kind of success they have had in selling their spots thus far? You mentioned they have sold some, but not sure how successful they have been. If they have had difficulty selling spots they should consider giving one free 6-month listing in each business category. For example, get one auto body shop to sign up for the free 6-month listing. Then they should use that to sell to the other body shops. "Look, Joe's Body Shop is already listed with us. If you don't want to get left behind, you'll want to jump on this."

As for the web design and SEO perspectives, I don't think the web design is too important. I've seen and worked on many local directories that have been absolutely hideous yet have been very successful. The content is going to matter much more. They should focus on having local content that isn't anywhere else, or at least compile all the local content from everywhere. People need a reason to go to the directory, use it, and come back.

For traffic, they may want to start a PPC campaign and run it for a week. During that week they should revamp their pages to be SEO-friendly. Do some keyword research for them and help them optimize on-page. Throw a few links in there and they should start to rank for many of their terms. Even if they're getting traffic for un-competitive terms, people will start to use the website and check out the more competitive ones too. For example, someone may find the site looking for a florist, but then also check out the real estate section if they're looking to move. Real estate keywords are more difficult than the florist keywords to rank for, but because they're all on the same site it's fine for now (and you can rank for the more difficult ones over time).

That's what I got off the top of my head right now, hope something in there helps you.

Will

tell them they are dreaming

We're going to be very honest with them about the odds, and then refer them to others if they want to continue. So - who's the best SEO team - that offers a referral program, of course!