Build an Online Internet Directory

Over the past many years a lot of people have started web directories.

Most online directories are powered by the common scripts - mostly out of the box so they are quite generic. Then the wannabee directory owners post on webmaster forums for people to add their sites for free.

And that’s about it.

Most directories don’t make it into Google (for SERPS at least) and die a slow death.

However a recent article and other things I noticed shows that if you develop a directory properly then you can make serious money.

The site in question is www.botw.org - best of the web

I saw a post on shoemoney.com that asked if you would hire Matt Cutts (the Google PR and fountain of all knowledge) - botw popped up and said, yes they would hire Matt and pay him above $200k - here’s their quote:

I’d hire him. His knowledge and contacts would make him an ideal addition to Best of the Web. In order to get him aboard, I’d probably offer him somewhere north of $200k annually, plus an equity kicker to keep his interests aligned with those of the company.

I’d probably make him Head of Search Quality, and have him be responsible for implementing plans to grow the BOTW offerings in a manner that would provide the most value to the user. Ultimately though, his job would be to get BOTW to replace DMOZ as the Google Directory.

botw people also frequent the webmaster shows with impressive stands and attend as many events as possilble.

So what makes botw be able to pay $200k per year ? Here are my thoughts as to why they are so successful :

• they did start off as everyone else did to build their directory
• they ensured that it reached a high PR as soon as possible
• it has a unique layout
• they promote their site everywhere (on many websites)
• the entries are properly and manually reviewed
• they have recurring fees (the best business model there is)
• there are several placement options (regular and sponsored)

So will it become the next Dmoz ? unlikely as it’s a paid submission, but good luck to it. If you are thinking of starting a directory then here are some other things people are doing:

• it really is a long term project
• you need to be different from the other thousands out there
• to promote folks have been buying other people’s avatars and sig links in forums (this is a good one if you can buy the signature link of a frequent poster)

Any other tips for build a successful directory ?