The best time to stop free submissions

[gkd_uk]

Hi

When would it be the best time to stop free submissions and start to charge those who are submitting to a directory?

Thanks

[OldWelshGuy]

Sadly it is when you get some decent PR.

[gkd_uk]

Thanks Oldwelshguy

I think a great time to stop is when a directory reaches a pr5 or above.

[temi]

And why the heck do you want to stop when you reach PR5? I think that is when you should even submit more so that you can reach PR6

[gkd_uk]

It would best to remove the free submission and add leave a paid submission and a free reciprocal link.

This way, those who don't want to pay will atleast choose the free reciprocal link which will increase a sites PR further.

Temi, i thought pr was related to backlinks. Allowing others to add urls for free into a web directory will increase their PR but not the web directory's PR, unless the person submitting creates a link back to the directory from their site.

[temi]

GKD, my bad, I read the post upside down I thought you were talking about free sumission to point backlinks to your directory, sorry, you and OWG are righ.

[gkd_uk]

No problem Temi

[funkypilchard]

well I am looking at this from the other side, I am trawling the net to add my new website to directories to try and improve it's pr.

Because I am limited to time and a very tight budget any site that asks for payment without a high pr of 4 or above I ignore and move to the next one at the moment.

Here is a good example of making it a pay site too early?
Qango : Entertainment: Music

The PR of the previous page is 4 but look hopw few people have actually added their sites.

[temi]

Excellent example Nick, I have seen an awful lot of directories like this with just loads of sub categories with no contents, its sad

[funkypilchard]

yes.. IMO there are two ways to look at this as an advertiser.

1. The page may not have a high pr but there are lots of other businesses, namely my competition - I will add.

2. The page has few other business entries but has a pr of 2 or above - I will add.

Here is one thing I may suggest? just an idea but based on what I have just said, is it illegal for a web directory to add a dangled carrot business on their page without asking that company's permission.

Say for instance I look at your web directory, I am a finance company in West Mids, the first company I see listed is HSBC bank for west midlands, I will think 'yes, this site must be important as HSBC are advertising on their first page, this one must be worth advertising with for myself even if it's free submission' now obviously HSBC won't list but can you list them without their permission to create a higher profile?