Alive Directory Webmaster Blog http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog Comprehensive tips, news, and information for directory owners, submitters, webmasters, and marketers. Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:40:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 en Tip for Bid Directory Bidders http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/09/13/tip-for-bid-directory-bidders/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/09/13/tip-for-bid-directory-bidders/#comments Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:12:18 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/09/13/tip-for-bid-directory-bidders/ Many people appreciate the benefits of bid directories and the ability to control listing position in categories, increase exposure with homepage placement, etc.  However, there are a lot of people who think of them exactly like other directories and pay the exact minimum bid amount for the listing, just for the category placement, and that’s a perfectly fine approach, depending on the directory and site being promoted.  Here’s a tip for those who take this direction, though.  Instead of bidding the exact minimum amount, consider bidding $1 or even $0.05 more than the minimum amount.  The reason for this is because everyone else who has this same idea also bids the minimum amount, and if they bid before you, their listing will be shown above yours.  $1 can make the difference between a page 2 listing and a page 6 listing in many cases, and certainly page 2 is considerably more beneficial than page 6 in every way.

]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/09/13/tip-for-bid-directory-bidders/feed/ Blogger Mistakes and Advice for Investing in Blog Reviews http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/30/blogger-mistakes-and-advice-for-investing-in-blog-reviews/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/30/blogger-mistakes-and-advice-for-investing-in-blog-reviews/#comments Thu, 30 Aug 2007 21:57:26 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/30/blogger-mistakes-and-advice-for-investing-in-blog-reviews/ Recently significant promotion began for this blog and the new blog directory.  One of the channels being utilized is blog post reviews.  While working with the different providers and options available, several observations were made.  A lot of time was spent working with these systems.  Hopefully the below information will be useful to those interested in the topic and help save others time in the process.

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]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/30/blogger-mistakes-and-advice-for-investing-in-blog-reviews/feed/ Tips for Bid Directory Owners http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/26/tips-for-bid-directory-owners/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/26/tips-for-bid-directory-owners/#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:11:40 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/26/tips-for-bid-directory-owners/ Bid directories have many benefits and have become popular with web site owners due to the considerable direct traffic and exposure provided.  Listed below are some tips to help bid directory owners maximize revenue, benefit for web site owners, and convenience for submitters.

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]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/26/tips-for-bid-directory-owners/feed/ Factors for Determining Quality Web Directories http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/24/factors-for-determining-quality-web-directories/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/24/factors-for-determining-quality-web-directories/#comments Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:03:56 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/24/factors-for-determining-quality-web-directories/ Most people know about and consider PR as a factor for determining quality web directories.  Although PR can be useful as a quick reference, it is far from the best or only consideration.  Below you will find a list of other factors that should be taken into account when evaluating directories.

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]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/24/factors-for-determining-quality-web-directories/feed/ Mistakes Directory Owners Should Avoid http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/22/bad-ideas-for-web-directory-owners/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/22/bad-ideas-for-web-directory-owners/#comments Wed, 22 Aug 2007 09:20:28 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/22/bad-ideas-for-web-directory-owners/ Listed below is a collection of "bad ideas" for web directory owners.  The list provides information on actions that will damage your directory and/or your own reputation as the web directory owner.  Being involved with any of the below mistakes should be avoided to prevent risk and revenue loss for your business.

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]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/22/bad-ideas-for-web-directory-owners/feed/ Take Advantage of Approval Emails http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/22/take-advantage-of-approval-emails/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/22/take-advantage-of-approval-emails/#comments Wed, 22 Aug 2007 05:38:30 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/22/take-advantage-of-approval-emails/ Email communication to web directory submitters should be minimal.  That is, you don’t want to get your emails considered as spam or thought of as "just more mail from some directory".  However, the communication you do have with web directory submitters is valuable.  Listed below are some tips to maximize the benefit from emails sent:

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]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/22/take-advantage-of-approval-emails/feed/ Web Directories that Display and/or Sort by PR http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/18/web-directories-that-display-andor-sort-by-pr/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/18/web-directories-that-display-andor-sort-by-pr/#comments Sat, 18 Aug 2007 20:28:51 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/18/web-directories-that-display-andor-sort-by-pr/ Sorting by Google PR seems to be the best overall option available for web directories, and many web directories display the PR value for web site listings as information for visitors.  However, a lot of web directories are not obtaining valid PR information for the listings.  This can be a significant problem for those that sort by PR.  If you use the popular PHP Link Directory script, install and use the PR update MOD.  The tool seems to work even when the information is not obtained normally with submissions.  Doing so will even increase sales as submitters will be able to judge the future placement for a new submission.  Otherwise, the submitter is left to assume the listing will be placed at the bottom, several pages deep into a category.  The tool is also very useful for updating all listings when a Google PageRank update occurs.

]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/18/web-directories-that-display-andor-sort-by-pr/feed/ Reciprocal Web Directories http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/18/reciprocal-web-directories/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/18/reciprocal-web-directories/#comments Sat, 18 Aug 2007 20:18:36 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/18/reciprocal-web-directories/ If you’re thinking about starting a web directory that offers only an option for reciprocal listings, you may want to think again.  Unless you are already trusted within the webmaster community, the project is doomed to fail.  The reason is because most people value their own site more than a new site from an unknown source.  Therefore, few will want to add a free link to your site, not to mention the time it takes to implement the link.  Starting off with only this option will do you more harm than good, even if you do get some submissions and links.  There are several reasons for this:

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]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/18/reciprocal-web-directories/feed/ Reasons Not to Use Automated Submission Software http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/17/reasons-not-to-use-automated-submission-software/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/17/reasons-not-to-use-automated-submission-software/#comments Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:07:16 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/17/reasons-not-to-use-automated-submission-software/ There are many reasons not to use fully automated directory submission software.  Listed below are some of the more significant disadvantages and problems associated.  The information provided will hopefully be helpful for both submitters using or thinking about using automated submission software as well as the individuals and companies that operate web directories.

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]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/17/reasons-not-to-use-automated-submission-software/feed/ Alive Blog Directory Launched http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/14/alive-blog-directory-launched/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/14/alive-blog-directory-launched/#comments Tue, 14 Aug 2007 23:04:07 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/14/alive-blog-directory-launched/ Alive Directory has today launched an extensive blog directory resource.  The blog directory is intended as an extension to Alive Directory, and offers the same listing types and options, including deep links.  A comprehensive set of categories is provided for exceptional blog categorization.  Alive Blog Directory currently offers introductory pricing. After the intro period, the blog directory will have pricing similar to the main Alive Directory resource.

Important Note:  Other than sites that properly fit into a category under Blog Resource, all submissions must be an actual blog.  Submissions for any other site should be made to Alive Web Directory.

]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/14/alive-blog-directory-launched/feed/ Guidelines for Accepting Submission Titles http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/11/guidelines-for-accepting-submission-titles/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/11/guidelines-for-accepting-submission-titles/#comments Sat, 11 Aug 2007 18:21:34 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/11/guidelines-for-accepting-submission-titles/ A question recently came up about the titles that should be accepted with web directory submissions.  Listed below are some tips to keep in mind when reviewing submissions:

  • Avoid accepting titles that are overly promotional, such as "cheapest", "best", etc.  Consider using "affordable" or "high quality" instead.  Otherwise, your directory would be endorsing a web site that may in fact not be the cheapest or best.
  • Avoid titles that are too long for the sake of keyword "stuffing".  Such titles should be revised to include a few of the targeted keywords.
  • Avoid approving titles that are too short, such as a one-word title.  These titles are not descriptive enough to properly represent a web site and should be altered to do so.
  • Most obviously, ensure that titles actually represent the content of the web site submitted.  Some web site owners and marketers will attempt ranking for keywords because of the volume of traffic they will send when it is not truly appropriate for the web site.

The above efforts should be common practice for quality web directories, and helpful tips for all web directory owners that want to maintain a valuable resource.

]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/11/guidelines-for-accepting-submission-titles/feed/ Free Directories - Are They Really Worthwhile? http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/free-directories-are-they-really-worthwhile/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/free-directories-are-they-really-worthwhile/#comments Fri, 10 Aug 2007 21:48:18 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/free-directories-are-they-really-worthwhile/ The short answer is yes, with some qualifications.  Not all free directories should be considered for submission, especially those that accept any web site submitted, with no editorial review.  However, if you have the time to submit to the free web directories or can assign the task to someone, it is a worthwhile endeavor. 

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]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/free-directories-are-they-really-worthwhile/feed/ The Best Resources for the Best Web Directories http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/the-best-resources-for-the-best-web-directories/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/the-best-resources-for-the-best-web-directories/#comments Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:25:43 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/the-best-resources-for-the-best-web-directories/ There are several measurements that can be used to determine the best web directories.  A list of the top resources for high quality web directories is listed below, each with a unique method of justifying which directories are included.

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]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/the-best-resources-for-the-best-web-directories/feed/ Disadvantages of Offering Specials Too Often http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/disadvantages-of-offering-specials-too-often/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/disadvantages-of-offering-specials-too-often/#comments Fri, 10 Aug 2007 04:37:45 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/disadvantages-of-offering-specials-too-often/ Offering a special promotion/discount is a great way to encourage new business and further establish a project.  However, like many things, doing it in excess can produce unfavorable results.  Firstly, having a discount offer too often will deplete its effectiveness.  If something is too common or predictable, it’s no longer special, and has little meaning.  However, more importantly, offering excessive or regular discounts makes a company seem desperate.  Whether it is true or not, the perception is very damaging for business, and can lead to numerous problems and revenue loss.  It can even result in customers believing that you are charging too much to begin with.  One tip is to offer a special promotion over a longer period of time rather than repeating it.  After that period, do not duplicate the discount in the immediate future.

]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/10/disadvantages-of-offering-specials-too-often/feed/ Web Directory Promotion Performance http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/09/web-directory-promotion-performance/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/09/web-directory-promotion-performance/#comments Fri, 10 Aug 2007 01:47:45 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/09/web-directory-promotion-performance/ Aviva Directory has posted a great article charting the web directories that have increased the most in promotion over the past month.  This is very useful to know as it provides insight into which directories are worthy for submission (the ones that are actually being promoted day-by-day).  Special thanks to Jeff for working on preparing and presenting the data.

]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/09/web-directory-promotion-performance/feed/ Blaze Bidding Web Directory Launched http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/09/blaze-bidding-web-directory-launched/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/09/blaze-bidding-web-directory-launched/#comments Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:01:21 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/09/blaze-bidding-web-directory-launched/ Mystik Media has recently launched the Blaze Bidding Web Directory.  The directory is built on the established, trusted, and highly promoted Blaze web site, and offers permanent, high PR listings for reviewed web sites. The directory is based on a bidding system that provides submitters complete control over listing placement in the resource.  Bidding is quick, easy, and affordable for a permanent, high quality listing.  The main Blaze web site is very high traffic with nearly 25,000 uniques per day, and this traffic is leveraged to directly benefit the directory and its listings.  All listings are reviewed to ensure quality content for the directory.

]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/09/blaze-bidding-web-directory-launched/feed/ Comprehensive Tips and Guide for Web Directory Submitters http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/08/comprehensive-tips-and-guide-for-web-directory-submitters/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/08/comprehensive-tips-and-guide-for-web-directory-submitters/#comments Thu, 09 Aug 2007 02:11:40 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/08/comprehensive-tips-and-guide-for-web-directory-submitters/ Submitting to quality web directories is a great way to establish your web site in a number of ways. Below you will find a number of tips that will lead to better success and results from web directory submissions. Some of the information provided has been mentioned repeatedly elsewhere, some is obvious, and others may be useful to everyone with any experience level. Some of the tips are geared more towards submission to free directories and others are specifically for paid web directories, but all of the information can be useful for both types of web directories. The purpose of this article is to offer a collection of useful tips for web directory submitting together in one place for convenient access and reference to others.

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]]> http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/08/comprehensive-tips-and-guide-for-web-directory-submitters/feed/ Comprehensive Tips and Guide for Web Directory Owners http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/07/comprehensive-tips-and-guide-for-web-directory-owners/ http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/07/comprehensive-tips-and-guide-for-web-directory-owners/#comments Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:44:06 +0000 admin http://www.alivedirectory.com/blog/2007/08/07/comprehensive-tips-and-guide-for-web-directory-owners/ Below you will find a comprehensive collection of tips and guidelines for operating a web directory. Some of the information is personal opinion, but it is largely either fact or popular consensus. Most of the tips provided will help you increase sales, and some of them have been said over and over, some are obvious, and others may be useful to everyone with any experience level. The goal of this article is to be a comprehensive collection of tips for web directory owners all together in one place.

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