There are a lot of directories out there. That alone is a big reason why people are making less directories. Plus, now there really isn’t a need for regular directories on the internet. But, if you insist on making a directory, and trying to actually make some decent cash from it you should try these tips on how you can make money from your directory.

Now from what I have learned, I know that general directories are pretty much centered around everything. An everything directories’ targeted visitor is just webmasters. Usually, those webmasters aren’t there to look for someone else’s website on the directory. No, They are just looking to get some of the link juice from your directory by submitting their website.

Those webmasters will probably not care about anything other then submitting their website, so you won’t make any money via adsense, and you probably will not get money from anyone looking to buy a featured link because there are many better directories they can buy links from. (Better as in Page Rank & Traffic Wise) So, you will not make any sort of money/revenue what so ever from just anothor directory.

So, obviously making just another general directory will not help.

But, if you still insist on making a directory, why don’t you make your directory centered around a theme? You could make your new directory centered around a specific niche. A simple result of doing this is you will not have many competitor directories that your visitors could compare you with.

Next, you have to think about the visitors that you will be targeting. A mistake that many directory owners make, (usually new ones), is they are only targeting webmasters. They think that the more websites that they get the better. This is true to some degree, but they should not only target webmasters. You should be targeting just regular internet surfers that might be interested in your directory and the sites in it’s database.
Here is a simulation of a well thought up directory:

You have made a directory based on health. The only websites you allow to submit to this directory have to fit a quality qualification & they should have info on health, fitness, workout, diet, etc. You also make your directories design, domain, and content suggest that your website is like a library for health. This way people don’t just qualify it as “just another directory”. Then you advertise targeting people that want to lose weight, body builders, and people participating in sports. While you advertise you are also looking for some quality health sites that have not submitted to your directory. Then you submit them yourself, that way you don’t just need other people to expand your directory.

Then you just have to integrate ads in places that people are usually going to see and click, and possibly get some quality sponsor sites that are health related.

Once your domain is big and has enough links you can begin centering your attention on advertising your “virtual health library” (directory). Gaining more and more constant traffic along the way.

Then the directory will pretty much be working itself. All it will need is some advertising here and there and possibly some weekly check up. It will also start to get more and more money via the ad placements.

See how that works? If you insist on making a directory make yourself a little different and make it a specialized directory. You will find that you have less competition and more success.

If you got any questions ask them in the comments. :)