Seminar 8: Planning and Running a Web Directory

Who is number on web directory now?

Google, I suppose

That is really a search engine

Yes, you are right.

Shouldn’t paid ads say “Paid” on them?

The users might prefer that but the advertisers might prefer not.

Having bought the software for a web directory do you need a database?

Yes, the examples were all Linux so you need PHP/MySQL.

So a dedicated server might be needed because of the volume of emails?

Yes, it might.

Does it matter where you put links to other businesses?

Yes, it does.  The home page is best for humans and the spiders.

Can you get IP addresses from Google Analytics?

Yes, you can but they are not very reliable?  A mobile device will have one allocated from a pool.  We put Alberon’s IP address into a “Where is?” website and it said we were in Slovenia!

Should you really be redirecting people to other directories, i.e. the competition?

Yes, a very good point. It does affect your rankings.  You need to choose your pages for reciprocal links carefully.  You want complementary relationships.

How do you rank your suggestions versus Search Engine Optimisation?

You need to keep your site up to date and have relevant news links.  Make sure it is accessible and has good keywords.

Can you have a directory within a website?

Yes, it is a good idea.

I know I need to keep updating my home page.  If I just change a few words, would that work?

Treat Google like a human.  Try and make significant changes.

I believe you should write for the customer first.

I would endorse that.

On Yell,com, how much is a premier listing?

On Yell for one category for Oxford it was about £300.