Feasibility of a successful free directory

[stoner3221]

As we all see daily there is a never ending startup of free directories, even though large quantities of free directories close every day as well. Is the free directory business model feasible? How many free directories not using volunteer editors are successful?

[freelistfool]

I think you can make niche directories profitable, but it's a lot harder for general directories. Bottom line, you have to have something that will provide value to people who visit your directory and some enticement for people to submit to your directory.

[stoner3221]

Originally Posted by freelistfool

I think you can make niche directories profitable, but it's a lot harder for general directories. Bottom line, you have to have something that will provide value to people who visit your directory and some enticement for people to submit to your directory.

It just amazes me that so many keep attempting the same failed business model over and over and over.

[snakeair]

Originally Posted by stoner3221

As we all see daily there is a never ending startup of free directories, even though large quantities of free directories close every day as well. Is the free directory business model feasible? How many free directories not using volunteer editors are successful?

The thing i see with free directories is there lack of details when approving listings. These directories have guidelines up and don't even follow there own guidelines when approving links. They mass approve then brag on other forums about there daily submission's and big number of listings that are active to get more submission's. Then few weeks later sell the directory for a fast profit. Meanwhile they used a free directory software with a category dump so make 100% profit with a spam filled directory with a category dump used by thousands of other directory owners. Those folks killing the directory industry.

I don't think free directory owners sit down and gather up a strategy before creating a free directory. Money can be made off a free directory if setup right and maintained well. I'd buy a featured link if a free directory was maintained properly but i gave up on submitting to them past few month's. Not many quality free directories out there these days you can trust it'll be around for longer then a few month's.

[ranter]

Originally Posted by snakeair

Those folks killing the directory industry.

People who submit sites to fly by night directories are killing industry

[freelistfool]

It just amazes me that so many keep attempting the same failed business model over and over and over.

Meanwhile they used a free directory software with a category dump so make 100% profit with a spam filled directory with a category dump used by thousands of other directory owners. Those folks killing the directory industry.

Yeah, the problem with free directories now is that there is so much crap out there. That's why I like the niche directories. They're usually run by someone who cares about their niche so they care about their directory.

[BungeeBones]

I started a web directory and saw the same problems. So I built one from scratch that lets a webmaster install the directory in the same way as Adsense code. I thought it would get a lot of use, but so far very few installs unless I beg. But my idea was this, pool the small web directories, share and market the traffic generated as a block, then split the revenue.

I'm amazed that those directories get any traffic anyway, as they don't have content to draw visitors. they just have a few links. Apart from a one time submission visit what do I want to go there for? My system identifies the content of the website as the legitimate draw of web traffic and lets them offer a directory as a bonus to their visitor, sort of as an "exit portal" or something.

My latest attempt at a "fix" for the lack of participation has been to make a "sister" site with a new domain and brand. Maybe the name "BungeeBones" is too whimsical so I am trying AdvertiPage.com too.

[stoner3221]

Originally Posted by BungeeBones

I started a web directory and saw the same problems. So I built one from scratch that lets a webmaster install the directory in the same way as Adsense code. I thought it would get a lot of use, but so far very few installs unless I beg. But my idea was this, pool the small web directories, share and market the traffic generated as a block, then split the revenue.

I'm amazed that those directories get any traffic anyway, as they don't have content to draw visitors. they just have a few links. Apart from a one time submission visit what do I want to go there for? My system identifies the content of the website as the legitimate draw of web traffic and lets them offer a directory as a bonus to their visitor, sort of as an "exit portal" or something.

My latest attempt at a "fix" for the lack of participation has been to make a "sister" site with a new domain and brand. Maybe the name "BungeeBones" is too whimsical so I am trying AdvertiPage.com too.

I have had something like you have described going for 5 years with no real interest. Best of luck to you.

[robjones]

The only free directory that's been "successful" (if measured by size) still doesnt have a revenue model after a decade... so despite being an interesting phenomenon even that one isnt a "success" in terms or ROI.

It appears a lotta folks get into directories the same way I accidentally got into in a senior level Philosophy class my Junior year. At the start of school if you saw a line you got in it cause 9 outta 10 times if people were lined up it was something you wanted or needed. People see others starting free directories and think it must be a good idea cause so many are doing it.

Not only do I see no shining examples somebody could point to and say "I wanna be like *THAT free directory, theyr're rakin in the dough"... even if there were one it'd be like trying to beat Facebook by emulating Facebook.

You wont displace Facebook by copying it, (especially given the disparity in resources) ,you could only beat it by having an alternative type of app people like better. Similarly if there was a time for the free directory model to be a good idea, I think the time's past.

Just my 2 cents... if you have a free dir I wish you luck, I just don't want your job.

[John]

99.99% of all general directories have no benefit to a sites position in SERPS. Google have stated what diectories they give weight to, and 99.99% of general directories do not meet their criteria.

The owners of free directories only hope of any revenue from their worthless junk directories is harvest email adresses in order to dupe webmasters into paying for premium/featured listings in their worthless directories. At best these premium/featured listings will have no effect, at worst they will attract a SE penalty.

[vinr]

The automatic directories whether it is semi or full automatic are all useless. There are lots of people who are paying for automatic directories as it takes less time, but rather than saving your time in directory submission it is better to do it manually in worthy directory sites, that will save your money as well as time.

[robjones]

Originally Posted by vinr

The automatic directories whether it is semi or full automatic are all useless. There are lots of people who are paying for automatic directories as it takes less time, but rather than saving your time in directory submission it is better to do it manually in worthy directory sites, that will save your money as well as time.

Agreed. It's like somebody that has to hunt in order to eat. A few well aimed shots beats the hell outta standing in the middle of the woods rapid firing in random directions. In the second case you'll probably miss what you need and likely do more harm than good.

[joelchrist]

Yeah. you are right. Day by day free directory list is increasing, even though some of free directories are facing failure.

[msolution]

Originally Posted by robjones

Agreed. It's like somebody that has to hunt in order to eat. A few well aimed shots beats the hell outta standing in the middle of the woods rapid firing in random directions. In the second case you'll probably miss what you need and likely do more harm than good.

very thoughtfuly put ,

i agree the menace of fre directories gets back bad for the directory industry as a whole,...
but the better part is the life span of these things is also small.... so they just come and go,.... people who hold on, slowly realize that theres just more to it than the "Accept (all) button"

M.

[traffic_guy]

Directories may not be useful for the average person anymore, but they are good for backlinks. I submit my sites to directories; some of those directory listings with my link show up in Google. I'm sure it counts for something-though, not as much as it used to.