Great Features

When looking for the perfect software to create your own directory, there are a few things to consider. Since RSS feeds are so prevalent nowadays, why not find software that incorporates it? This would allow you to present the listings in a format that users could subscribe to. This also would allow you to add listings to your directory by importing an RSS feed into each category of your site.

A well written script would also allow you to import listings by having a Google and Open Directory importer. Perhaps the best software that I have found to do this is PowerSeek from http://focalmedia.net Just go to the category of your choice and import the matching category from Open Directory. For Google, do a search for the term that best fits your category of choice, and import only the listings that you find best suit that category.

When you run a directory, it would be nice to have the ability to provide premium listings in each category. This would mean having a second add url script where you can provide any additional fields that submitters can use to enhance their listing, and a link to a payment page that the submitter goes to after clicking the 'submit' button. The site administrator would accept the submission only after payment is confirmed.

Another good feature would be a spam filter that would allow you to block known spammer IP addresses, block domains or block specific email addresses. In addition, the add url script should also have a verification option to avoid automated submission scripts.

These are some of the things that I have found are helpful when looking for a good directory script. More later.

The Next Logical Step

I found it exciting to think that I was helping my customers and at the same time I was making some money at it. My next Directory was The Sunrise, FL Business Directory (http://sunrisefla.com/) and it seemed to take off just as quickly as the first. I again purchased a license for PowerSeek and found the listings via the online Yellow Pages. Adding the Adsense ads to this site increased my revenue somewhat, so I started another.

Although the software was more than adequate to create quality Directory websites, I am always looking for something new. I found a php link Directory software at: http://www.phplinkdirectory.com/ This software doesn't have all the features of PowerSeek, but will create a Directory that allows reciprocal linking (which PowerSeek does not). Rather than create a new domain to try out this software, I simply added it to an exiting site located at: http://boat-directory.biz/directory/

The latest software that I purchased is from the same software author as above, but it's purpose is to create Regional Directories. So I purchased this and created a new Directory located at: http://regionaldirectory.biz

This Directory differs from the others by allowing two views of the site but only uses one mySQL database. Visitors can view the site in 'Normal' mode where you see the categories on the home page, or they can switch to 'Regional' mode. In this mode, you first select the Country, then State and see the various cities that have listings in them. Selecting the city gives you the listings by category for only the city you selected.

I like this software for several reasons: first, it is inexpensive: just $25.00. Secondly, it installs very easily simply by uploading the files to the server and using the web browser to complete the install. It uses one mySQL database. The other thing about this Directory is that it allows for either a paid listing or a reciprocal link back to your site. This software is brand new and can be purchased at: http://regionaldirectory.org

More later.

My First Directory

As a web designer, I realized that one very important requirement was to get my customer's websites listed in the various search engines and Directory websites. The next logical step for me was to create my OWN Directory. Since I live in the city of Pembroke Pines, Florida I created The Pembroke Pines, FL Business Directory (http://pembrokepinesfla.com/).

I did this in a very crude way: using Front Page, I used the 'shared borders' to create the site. On the left was a list of the various categories, which in this case was the different professions. On the right, I placed links to various affiliate programs that I had joined. I then logged into the local yellow pages and did a search by profession of the businesses in Pembroke Pines, and added those to my Directory. It wasn't necessary for the business to have a website since I really wanted to list as many of the businesses as possible.

I found that in a short time, I was getting hits from the outside, and the site grew in popularity. And then Google entered into the scene! I signed up for an Adsense account, and found that not only was I getting hits on the listings, but on the ads as well.

I was still looking for a script of some kind to ease the administration of the site. I found a script from Focal Media called TurboSeek, and the NEW directory was born! This script made it easy to manage new submissions and send out the confirmation e-mails, but it still had some flaws.

When Focal Media came out with a better version called PowerSeek, I felt that I hit the motherload. The best thing about this software company (http://focalmedia.net) is that they listen to the customers and make upgrades to the software based on customer comments and wishes.

One thing that I didn't need was to have every listing contain a website address. They listened and took away the need to list one. I wanted to be able to offer 'Premium Listings' and they made this happen as well.

For me, the first Directory was the best thing I had ever done to generate hits for my customers. The next best thing was to create more Directories. More on that later.