Niche directory

[larryweiss]

I want to start a small niche directory. Do any of you folk know of a software package that will make it easy?

[SensoVision]

I've started http://www.pharos-search.com powered on http://www.gossamer-threads.com/scripts/links/ which have free license for non-commercial sites, later I've did upgrade for Links SQL. I've heard that Spherica have tried many different directory scripts, I've leave him a message asking to check this thread. I also know that few other folks who run directories watch this board as well, so hopefull they will leave their feedback as well.

[spherica]

There is lots of good directory software.

What are you looking for the directory to do??

Examples: do you want the directory for:
reciprocal links?
just a place to exchange links, an alternative to a links page?
something with little setup?
something that requires little template changes?


I'm sure I have more, but I just woke up, and saw  this.......haven't started the brain yet.

I think the easies to start up is a free (if you leave their link on everypage, they pretty much all do) would be from http://www.biz-directory.org/directory_script.php

This scripts requires a MySQL database, its set is is very  easy, the layout is ....OK, it is 100% CSS, so layout change can be a pbit of a pain as it has 2 stylesheets, 1 for IE and 1 for Netscape/Mozilla.

I limited to features, but this script is quite stable. If you do plan on using this one, let me know, I will PM you some info on some backdoor iinfo you will want to know.

[larryweiss]

I see that both of you are directory owners and experts. You guys are the best. Thanks for the enthusiastic response.

The directory I have in mind could look like yahoo, or any other attractive layout with some necessary features. This will be a pay for position, or pay per click system, therefore:

I must to be able to order the links.
I have to track the traffic through each link, and it would be great if I could not track my own clicks which have to be done to assure the link is working.

In the best scenario, a part of the screen would have a frame. This frame would be controlled by a mouseover. If a customer paid for a link they would get to have anything they like, probably a picture, but also text displayed in the frame.

It would be great if the whole thing could be automated, but I would happily do any work necessary to get the thing going without any automation.

A consideration is to keep the initial investment pretty low.

I know that for freeware I probably have to incorporate a link on most pages, but if practical I want to avoid giving away many free links. If anyone thinks this is a silly concern, please let me know.

Css based stuff be just fine, even preferred.

One last thing. If I go ahead and need to discuss any of this stuff, is there an expert who would be willing to have a phone conversation with me?
 
Thanks again.

[larryweiss]

One other thing.  The directory will be for plastic processors.  It should have the ability to search, by state and/or zip code (with mileage from "ground zero" settable), as well as searching for other factors.

I am not sure if this is a good feature for me, or not, but it would be good to have it there if I need it. My concern is that processors would pay me less if they thought that customers outside of their geographical would never see their names. On the other hand, the diretory would be more useful to the customers if they could search by region.

[spherica]

Just want to clarify one thing, you want a Pay Per Click   and not a Pay for Inclusion directory, yes??

I know of 2, but will have to find them again, both were nor free, and, sorry, can't remeber the cost off hand.

Let me have a look around, and I'll get back to you with what I find.

And also, I have no prob have a phone confo, if needed.

[spherica]

Might want to check these out.

http://www.hyperseek.com/

http://www.smarterscripts.com/smartsearch/

[larryweiss]

I have not determined whether ppc or ppi.

There are so many factors to consider. What I am doing here on this board is helping me determine just what I want and how to achieve it.  I am well aware that during any project there will be compromises.

And thank you again guys

[SensoVision]

I wouldn't be much of help here since I didn't work with PPC scripts at all, I know that base script I'm using have plug-in which transfer it to PPC directory, but I guess that there is cheaper and easier way to do this, so maybe check software suggested by Seph.

[spherica]

Well I think to start you might want to go with a PFI, its much easier to setup.

Also I know I have seen a couple of PPC directories, one was a total joke to run, everything had to be hand coded in, no automation at all.  The second I can't find.

From your earlier post, you want to be able to categorize them, so a directory would be beneficial, but in the same sentance a SE would work, but the searcher would have to say what location.

[12noon]

For a PPC you might want to think about http://www.jomomedia.com/main/index.php?mode=script&s=ppc but at the moment Jomomedia is in the process of a takeover. The support for Jomomedia is just from the others who use the same script and can be found on the forums. It should get better once the new owners are in place though.

As far as i know the best PPC software is Jackhammer http://www.hyperseek.com/ or http://www.iwebsoftware.com/

The iWeb Jackhammer is web server software that powers over half of the Pay Per Click Search Engines. Sites like findit-quick.com, valleyalley.com, searchgalore.com, globesearch.com and abcsearch.com rely on The Jackhammer to keep their PPC Search engine organized, fast and secure. Additionally, they are able to provide their customers with the features and perks that they demand. These "second tier" PPCs are competing, profitably, with the likes of Overture (GoTo.com) and the other big guns as busy, popular Pay Per Click Destinations.

I would check out the price of the above though because it doesn't come cheap !

Anyway here's a few small tips about running a PPC :-
1, When you start out, you won't have anything for people to search for and will need a search feed to fill your engine with results when someone searches. Go for a feed that pays you for showing results.
2, Make sure your software has country blocking. some search feeds only pay for US, Canada and UK searches.
3, If you use affiliates, don't let them rip you off. Proxy IP blocking would help stop this !
4, Try to aim your search engine at a niche market, don't go too big too fast.
5, Try to keep anyone advertising on your search engine happy. It takes some doing getting people to pay you for ad space, so give them the best deal that you can. They will pay you again if they get a good deal the first time.
 
Hope that helps.

BTW you might want to look at the Jomomedia portfolio.