The Cure For Web Directories’ Problems

1322 days ago

Well, after years of trying to figure out what’s the problem with web directories, I finally figured out the problem and the solution. Yes, I have finally solved the old age problem of web directories. However you think carefully, every web directory owner knows what the problem is and what the solution is. The thing is that most of the web directory owners don’t do anything about it. Let’s not be shy about it. You are right, it’s the content!

As a web directory owner myself, what I first started into web directories, I had this feeling that I don’t need to do much work at all. After all, it is supposed to be just a site for users to submit their websites and all I have to do is approve or reject the listings. Nothing to it. Just a few clicks and you are done. Not to mention, you are getting money for users to add content to your site. First of all, it was true when the web directory market was first setup. It was because it was rare and the web directories were of very high quality. Another importance of web directories is that it helps Search Engines to categorized websites. Let’s say for example, a site was is listed under automobiles in the web directory will most likely related to automobiles, as it is human edited. Definitely better than those algothrims used by Search Engines. I am not saying that Search Engines were completely relying on these web directories but let’s say they had some value.

Nowadays, all you have to do is to take a look at the huge number of web directories out there. Especially general web directories. I estimated there are probably more than 5000 or more general web directories on the Internet. Each of them offering the same categories and sadly the same content. That’s a major problem for web directories. What’s there to differentiate them from the rest? None whatsoever. Web directories owners look at this problem and they figure why not make my site more beautiful and stylish than the rest? Some thought they can differentiate their directories by adding some features like RSS feeds, news and what not. Sure those things do help. But let’s think for a moment, what’s the purpose of a web directory? Do the majority of your visitors come to your web directory for looks or for news? No, they visit your site for another reason, to get information on websites to complement Search Engines’ limitations. In fact, that’s the only reason why web directories exist in the first place. And the only way for you to differentiate yourself from the other web directories is more unique content!

Don’t wait for people to submit to your directories. Do it yourself. Add quality sites to your directory. Add more sites to your directory. Best of all, go niche. The Internet is too big for any one web directory to really categorize even a small percent of the websites. So, it’s better for the web directory owner to aim for a market where they are comfortable or have experience in instead of a general directory. It definitely makes it easier and most importantly, you enjoy your work. And you attract like-minded visitors. Don’t worry about making money first. It won’t happen so quickly anyways. Be patient. As your directory gets more traffic, you will find that others are even more eager to sign up to be listed on your site and you can even charge higher for listings.

Directories