I want to start this post out with a bit of a caveat. I haven’t personally tried the directory application on a local keyword domain name yet, so this is mostly just a suggestion and not based on my experience. I do use the WhyPark directory app on ActingCoach.com and have at least one paying advertiser.
I think geo keyword .com domain names like PhiladelphiaPlumbers.com, SanFranciscoElecticians.com, and BostonLocksmiths.com are strong domain names. If the profession has many competing companies in that city, it could be a big opportunity for development. The city should also be large enough that many people are looking for a company in this field in the particular city (for example, RonkonkomaPlumbers.com might be a bit limited).
One way to manage development at a more minimal cost is to use WhyPark’s directory app. I would recommend having the company create a custom layout for you to your specs (around $200 for that I think) or hire someone to do it for you on eLance. As much as some people may dispute how a site looks, I am one who believes it’s important to have a good looking, updated website to get advertisers onboard. Additionally, I recommend a custom logo as well.
I would also use a copywriter (like TextBroker) to write a number of helpful articles related to the domain name’s content. This will at least get the site off the ground to start, and it will not only make the site look more populated to potential advertisers, it will also help with Google indexing and search engine traffic.
Once the site is launched, use your Google Webmaster Tools and Analytics accounts to track visits and search queries. As traffic grows, you should reach out to potential advertisers on the phone and via email. Although some people will probably be willing to sign up if they find your site, it will be much quicker to call or email them first. This way, you know they know about your site.
Having traffic is important because many potential advertisers will want to know they are getting value for their advertising dollar. I would charge anywhere between $5-20/month, depending on your location and the competition.
It’s easy to set up the WhyPark directory app, and it can be a time saving, cost-effective way to build out a directory website on a geodomain name. It’s something I will try when I have the right name.
I have tried this on a very small scale and didn’t have much luck. But again, this was on a very small scale.
What I like about the WhyPark stuff is that you can add/remove stuff on the fly, the platform is there for you and the support is great.
My plan is do launch on domain and try this on a larger scale and see how it goes.
I’ve had success with adding the top resume company. I did exactly what was mentioned in this article a month ago. I always make it a point to look for potential leads.
I tried to land another small resume company, but the lady had so many objections to buy domains relevant to her business and to list on the directory. This objection is in result of her spending 40 times more on advertising costs, and being reluctant to get results.
The resume company that listed pulled down a lead with 5 hours. Once I add more samples, examples, and other content, the directory should grow. It’s good to have the best because then you can use the listing as a way to attract additional advertisers.
I think $20 is fair, especially when Why Park takes $8 ($5+15%). One listing for the year will net you 20 times cost of registration. There’s a lot of money to be made.
I will add a web directory for all my service sites, as well as GEO apartments, rentals, and job domains. People will list when they see other successful companie getting listed. The recent listing is on a key resume service I didn’t have to design a logo or develop a page. I have a basic account with a basic page.
Good article. Thanks.
@ Adi
Are you able to share the domain names/websites you’ve built this way?
Ya, a directory is a great idea especially for geodomains. Elliot’s beautiful burbank.com was the inspiration behind me developing charlottetown.co.
However, in terms of the directory I decided to put some businesses in there for free based on Charlottetown sources. I hope they don’t mind me including their businesses for free. I plan to start accepting payed listings when my site becomes more popular. I hope this is a good approach.
@ Elliot,
The one I had is down. I just used the domain to test the apps and it was a small project not really worth my time.
I am working on a new domain right now and will share the url as soon as it’s up and running.
@ Lethal,
Great looking site!
Do you plan on charging for business listings or for banner ads only?
Thanks!
Thanks Adi.
Currently I’m charging for banners. In the future I plan on having some sort of premium listings feature. Regular listings may remain free forever. Not too sure right now, the site is fairly new.
@Lethal
I think that’s a good decision. I am working on a directory site now which was custom developed (not using WhyPark) and I’ll leave the listings free and just charge for banner ads and featured listings. I think it’s important to offer something for free on the site to attract more businesses and have a strong database which is very crucial for such a site/project.
P.S I hope no one actually went and registered “SanFranciscoElecticians.com” 😉
Kind of getting off topic here. But, geodomains are truly gold. For example, instead of buying something like burbanklawyers.com, Elliot could easily make a completely different website with his own domain such as lawyers.burbank.com or lease out this subdomain for a cheap monthly payment. If the subdomain’s website is unique enough, Google will treat it as a separate website (I think). Moreover, a subdomain can have a separate IP than the main domain.
Just an idea to ponder on.
@ Lethal
I agree about subdomains, but it’s much more work. With Google now showing more than one result from a website on search pages, it might not be worth the effort. If someone sells those subdomains, it encumbers the name. It can be much more difficult to sell a domain name/website if others own subdomains.
It is an interesting thought and one worth exploring.
Thanks for all the feedback/insight.
I disagree with the statement taht subdomains are so much more work. Take a look at my site: http://timmyth.com/p176694-whypark-and-subdomains.cfm
They are a problem if you intend to resell the domain, but if you are using WhyPark to rapidly develop domains like I do, then they are pure gold. The domain I refence in that post makes as much off the subdomains as I make off the main domain. Plus, I used that domain to test the datafeed to custom pages app I’m writing, so I recently (like last week) added a bunch of affiliate products to some of the subdomains. Since doing that, I’m seeing many more affiliate clicks, but no sales yet.