How does google looks at "Directory Websites" in 2019?

[Baklajan]

Hi,
I am looking to create a legitimate link directory website featuring bunch of tools for Graphic Designers. Think of it as a specialized source for graphic designers. It is going be one-page site with 200-300 links to different online resources.

My main concern:
1. How does Google looks at directory sites, given that there is no content but a collection of nicely ordered links?
2. Given its a one page directory with no content, when inserting links is it best to keep them "no follow" or "do follow"?
3. If one of the links somehow becomes infected with malware, does the fact my directory will have a reference to the link affect credibility/ranking of my site?
4. Any ideas how to automate periodical malware scanning for such links?

These are my main questions, if anyone has additional suggestions please let me know. I am creating this site with good intent, hopefully its going to be helpful to community.

 

[paperbag]

I only know that they still widely exist in the porn niche and from what I can see seem to thrive. I would add a review page for each link.

 

[cameronvillage]

directory websites works for adult websites really good. you can test some good ranked escorts sites. 70% of ******** high ranked blacklinks they got from directories websites.

 

[FostexKiller]

Well respected and diligently moderated directories still have a place in the world.

If you create a paragraph about each entry, the site/page isn't going to be too thin.

You can check Google's opinion of a site, and if they've flagged the URL as malware/phishing via their safe browsing API: https://developers.google.com/safe-browsing

 

[MountainGuy]

I think you will do great as long as you leave a short description on each one.

Maybe order them in most usefull to least ... then when you get big people will pay to be at the top of the list

 

[The Inevitable]

Yeah make it more than just links. A few nice paragraph and optimized images wouldnt hurt at all.

 

[Baklajan]

Thanks so much guys! Links, Icons, and Short descriptions will follow. It is my "for-fun" project fully self-funded. My goal is to focus on Open-Source / Free / Freemium resources rather than paid. Most of us like free stuff, no matter of financial circumstance, right ?

Given the project's scope and purpose, the best motorization method I so far came across, is maybe donations (for those who care to support hosting, development and maintenance costs).

 

[sageman]

The real question is, how far do you want to go with it and how robust do you want to get? If you build a setup that commands enough respect and authority, people will pay good money to be listed. You have to know your industry very well, however.

This is one of the competitors in my industry:

https://www.productionhub.com/about/legal

Scroll down and check out the pricing policy.

This is an authoritative business directory within the industry you seem to be targeting:

https://clutch.co/

I am building a directory myself.

Start with a very robust platform that will give you these features:
1) opportunity to grow
2) allow you to create custom post types
3) have a payment gateway
4) will be user-contributed (most of the largest websites in the world are user-contributed)
5) allow users to claim their listings
6) allow pricing packages
7) allow users to upgrade their listings so that you can up-sell

...Just to name a few.
It's always advisable to add a blog to just about any directory website you build.

If you don't plan on building something substantial, you should probably not waste your time. I am not sure what your startup budget is, but this will be a good platform to consider (not an affiliate):

https://wpgeodirectory.com/

Combine it with buddypress (free) and you'll have a nice little community and directory going. That is when you'll have several revenue generating avenues.

This is a good theme that tightly integrates the buddypress and geodirectory plugins (not mine):

https://seventhqueen.com/themes/kleo/

One strategy to accelerate growth will be to give your members an incentive get reviews from their clients for their listings. You can could also use the entire set up as a geo-targeted business vetting platform.

...just a few ideas to get you started on your path to greatness. We can bounce ideas off each other, if you like.

 

[SunnyLeon]

Any good directory/listing type of CMSs that I can use? I really wouldn't want to use wordpress+plugin but a CMS built especially for this

 

[sageman]

Any good directory/listing type of CMSs that I can use? I really wouldn't want to use wordpress+plugin but a CMS built especially for this

Read the post above thoroughly. Reading is fundamental.

 

[Baklajan]

@sageman wow, you actually give a fantastic input! The type of directory you are talking about is way above the scope of my idea. I am looking to building a reference list of tools for Graphic Designers.

I thought of using WordPress and using this plugin: Simple Link Directory

codecanyon.net/item/simple-link-directory-pro/18482557

I sincerely appreciate your answer, it really give me food for thought. Ultimately scalability is the key.

 

[SunnyLeon]

Read the post above thoroughly. Reading is fundamental.

OK, I know I just went fast through your reply but I see you recommending a wp plugin also, and I said I`m not interested in going for wp+plugin but a full CMS, designed especially for directories. I had better luck with specific directories than wp plugins with these kinds of projects..

 

[sageman]

@sageman wow, you actually give a fantastic input! The type of directory you are talking about is way above the scope of my idea. I am looking to building a reference list of tools for Graphic Designers.

I thought of using WordPress and using this plugin: Simple Link Directory

codecanyon.net/item/simple-link-directory-pro/18482557

I sincerely appreciate your answer, it really give me food for thought. Ultimately scalability is the key.

I don't know how good a developer you are. If you're looking for solutions that will come with good support after purchasing, geodirectory will get you your money's worth. I experimented with 3 other inexpensive plugins from code canyon, which all turned out to be crap for one reason or another.

OK, I know I just went fast through your reply but I see you recommending a wp plugin also, and I said I`m not interested in going for wp+plugin but a full CMS, designed especially for directories. I had better luck with specific directories than wp plugins with these kinds of projects..

Based on my research, this is probably the only that comes highly recommended...if you have the money to spend:

https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/

You will find a few others on code canyon that are much less expensive, but they are bogus in my opinion.

Wordpress + buddypress + geodirectory = gives you the best bang for your money. The buddypress community is large with a LOT of free and inexpensive addons to extend your community in a variety of ways. The Geodirectory support is has been phenomenal so far.

 

[MicroLeaf]

From past experience, directories haven't really worked out for me pal. I did choose higher competition niches but the money was definitely worth the investment. Luckily recovered the funds used but didn't manage to make it a long term profitable venture.

If you have the right niche, it could work well.

 

[sageman]

From past experience, directories haven't really worked out for me pal. I did choose higher competition niches but the money was definitely worth the investment. Luckily recovered the funds used but didn't manage to make it a long term profitable venture.

If you have the right niche, it could work well.

I have seen directories that are failing miserably and ones that are doing tremendously well. The successful ones are those that have managed to build communities around their listings. Listings by themselves are not very useful. Google serves that purpose. People need guidance in choosing from the plethora of options they have out there. That is where reviews become incredibly useful. Take a look at Yelp. People don't flock there simply because of the listings. They go there because there's a lot of information there to help them make choices. People share their experiences with various services and products, which 1) creates massive unique content for indexing 2) helps users make decisions.

I believe it can work for just about every niche if it's done properly. Show me any niche and I will find you a directory that is thriving within that niche.

 

[Epic Proxy]

Directories are just like any other sites out there - the spammy ones will be the looser, while the good ones that are moderated, and provides a certain value or quality, would thrive. In fact, those directories such as classified or business directories are thriving - these are all well regulated and moderated. Spammy auto approve ones will not thrive - these would loose its charm gradually over time.