how to make money from directory since everyone accept FREE?

[ms4u]

Hi,

How exactly does directories make money by accepting FREE listing? or does they (webmaster) all do it just for fun or hobby?

I started to charge for my directory for listing, but there is low volume of submission. How should I tackle it? What am I missing for accepting free submission option?

[wendallb]

I have free listings but I charge for a featured listing and also sell some advertising..If you only have a paid directory you will have low submissions...

[linkdor]

You cannot only have paid submissions, unless your directory has a very strong reputation. Featured/paid listings must provide users with more valuable features, it's like on real life, nobody will ever pay if he doesn't get a good or service back.

[mohab]

You cannot only have paid submissions, unless your directory has a very strong reputation. Featured/paid listings must provide users with more valuable features, it's like on real life, nobody will ever pay if he doesn't get a good or service back.

I agree..

You also need to look around for scripts.. etc

PM me if you still need help

[dezinerite]

I have about 10 free web directories, and 9 of them are quite new (less than a year). The reason I decided to have 9 more is because I only had 1 for a year and it has already paid for its renewal and hosting (and a few more).

If you're starting out, the directories should accept free submissions. That's the only way you'll get links in them. While you're accepting free links, enable both featured (paid) and reciprocal options. You're bound to get some people choosing these options. Promote your directory as much as possible, and when you've gained in both traffic and PR that's when you can start earning a lot more.

Some people start unranked web directories and offer only paid listings even if their directories are not even indexed by Google. I personally think that's just a little crazy, and people paying for submissions into these directories aren't really paying for anything.

[YooHee]

on their paid listing.....

maybe some other still avail paid listing so that within 24 hrs.... your site is indexed :P

[ms4u]

Thanks guys. Good advice given.

I have now decided to change all my business directory (teotrad.com and searchukbusiness.com) to free except featured listing.

[highlander]

Normally i dont advise on general directories, as so few will make it and be gone within 2 years or left to rot - so the sites that did submit, won't get anything out of it. But will give some general advice, so listen up:

Any resource, any, must build itself (fill itself with websites/info) or experience these problems:

• visitors won't stick around eg: nothing to search
• sites within the resource won't get traffic (no visitors)
• the directory won't make money eg: non webmaster sites won't submit to an empty directory.

zero traffic means the site can't attract advertisers - no advertisers means no revenue and from then on it's down hill.

I'd build the resource first to get the searchers, then wait until you have at least 50k of visitors per month, then you can sell that to the advertisers and as submitters see the site grow, they will get more confident about adding their sites.

But as general directories are mostly made up of pagerank chasers, adsense earners, webmasters directories, they will never be that amazing.

Nobody likes an empty website, it puts people off.

[KPR]

I run a free directory but also offer paid listings. Directories are low cost to run which helps once it gains reputation ppl will pay for featured listing. That and adsense help.

[arora]

Normally i dont advise on general directories, as so few will make it and be gone within 2 years or left to rot - so the sites that did submit, won't get anything out of it. But will give some general advice, so listen up:

Any resource, any, must build itself (fill itself with websites/info) or experience these problems:

• visitors won't stick around eg: nothing to search
• sites within the resource won't get traffic (no visitors)
• the directory won't make money eg: non webmaster sites won't submit to an empty directory.

zero traffic means the site can't attract advertisers - no advertisers means no revenue and from then on it's down hill.

I'd build the resource first to get the searchers, then wait until you have at least 50k of visitors per month, then you can sell that to the advertisers and as submitters see the site grow, they will get more confident about adding their sites.

But as general directories are mostly made up of pagerank chasers, adsense earners, webmasters directories, they will never be that amazing.

Nobody likes an empty website, it puts people off.

Nice one, Highlander. Rep added!