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How can I start a business directory website on a budget?

by UK Wealth Wr
6 replies
I want to start a local online business directory for my area. A guy used to run a local business directory, and local businesses used to pay £75 a year to be listed on there, but the site vamished. I want to take over the domain and create the directory again, and sell listings to local businesses.

I have been to local businesses and established some demand.

So how do I actually create the business directory on a budget? Is it easy to do? I know some basic html and web design, or I could hire someone on Fiverr or Elance to design the pages?

Also, should I make the page listings so the client can edit their own page (say if their phone number etc changes)? Will that make it harder to design?
#budget #business #directory #start #website
  • Profile picture of the author MrFume
    There is an effective way, use WordPress, there are several free directory plugins-WP Directory is excellent, it allows different listing options, business can login and enter their details, add images. You have to purchase a paypal module to enable getting paid-$50.00 but you can make the site look very good, hire a graphic from fiverr for header-that is my advice, I have built quite a few over the years.
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    Journalism, the profession is undergoing a massive change since the WWW has arrived. I help people to build their personal profile and create a multi-media platform with WordPress, Podcasting, Writing and Video.
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    • Profile picture of the author UK Wealth Wr
      Originally Posted by MrFume View Post

      There is an effective way, use WordPress, there are several free directory plugins-WP Directory is excellent, it allows different listing options, business can login and enter their details, add images. You have to purchase a paypal module to enable getting paid-$50.00 but you can make the site look very good, hire a graphic from fiverr for header-that is my advice, I have built quite a few over the years.
      Ok thanks for the reply. Another question: the businesses who will be listed on my site want to be on the first page of Google, for example if someone types in 'Pet shops, Mytown'.

      How do I get the business directory itself onto the first page of Google, and how do I get each individual business listing on the first page of Google?

      Thanks.
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      • Profile picture of the author vladinla
        Hi,

        Usually the directory listing alone won't give them the first page. In theory, that's possible. But will depend on:
        1. How many competing pages are out there and how well they are optimized.
        2. How well you promote (SEO) your directory. Basically, how much "weight" it has in Google.
        3. How well the ads are structured/presented in the directory.
        4. Etc...

        Re business directory itself. Again, lots of factor will contribute to its performance in Google: size, SEO, amount (and quality) of the backlinks, etc



        Originally Posted by UK Wealth Wr View Post

        Ok thanks for the reply. Another question: the businesses who will be listed on my site want to be on the first page of Google, for example if someone types in 'Pet shops, Mytown'.

        How do I get the business directory itself onto the first page of Google, and how do I get each individual business listing on the first page of Google?

        Thanks.
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        • Profile picture of the author tahir100
          Setting up a business directory site is very easy. I explain all this in my latest WSO.
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  • Profile picture of the author MonopolyOnline
    Make sure all businesses with websites are linking back to your directory.

    I suggest have the owners not only "link back" but present the links as testimonials and/or blog posts (posted on their websites) of your directory.

    Also on your directory have a "testimonial" page where business owners can post their testimonials which include signature links back to their websites.

    Finally, organize your business members to exchange links to each other either via testimonials or blog posts.
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