Local business directory

I have been looking into creating a local business directory which can expand to different towns and cities, would like to hear anyone's thoughts of if it is worth pursuing, any info regarding the timescales and costs involved would be helpful as i have seen similar websites which are charging around £50-80 yearly for an advertisement

You can do it but I think it’s harder these days because directories are generally less desirable.

Maybe add in some spin to the idea- for example maybe free 12 month listing then charge from second year, just to really build the engagement first.

And/or do some competitions and get local businesses involved to give prizes, so once again your adding more value and making it a community rather than just another directory.

davids355 said:

You can do it but I think it’s harder these days because directories are generally less desirable.

Maybe add in some spin to the idea- for example maybe free 12 month listing then charge from second year, just to really build the engagement first.

And/or do some competitions and get local businesses involved to give prizes, so once again your adding more value and making it a community rather than just another directory.

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thanks davids355 appreciate the advice

I tried this around 5 years ago, offered free twelve month listing, emailed all local businesses and only one person replied but didn't take up the offer. When you have Yell, 192.com, Facebook and Scoot (a few examples) offering fres listings, I really don't think it will take off.

Sorry, I don't want to sound horrible but I put in a lot of time and work but got zero results.

What trash like real dog trash companies in EU, (especially in Eastern Europe) do is create a listing site as you said.

They copy paste all information from google my business and paste it to their websites on a separate page which has the name of your business.


After like 6 months the page is on, they call a business which has 4.5 star or plus rating, saying:

"You won an award, for being the best of the category (for example pizza place) in the area" (obvious lie)



Then they would ask you to pay for being on the site at the "winners page" for 30 euro/year, and also they "print" a real award for you for like 50 euros.

Many people pay since its a small fee, and they get a framed A4 award mailed.


Easy 80 Euro scam.

razharov said:

Easy 80 Euro scam.

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I wonder how many people actually take them up on these offers?