So you have been thinking about starting a link directory right? Thats why you are here. But you are unsure of where to start. Let me start by saying that having a link directory and maintaining it is a job most definitely. But since you want more info lets discuss the ins and outs.

There are thousands of people on the internet with link directories. Some of them make money and others just have a directory to have one. The competition is great in the directory business, but with time and patience and money to invest it can pay off. So where to begin?

First you may start by getting a free script of PHPLD aka(phplinkdirectory). You will want to install this and get comfortable with using the functions which are very simple and user friendly. There is also a paid version which offers support. The next step is to spiff up your directory with a nice clean look. Just take a look at avivadirectory.com or Seodir.com. The look is nice and appealing to the eyes yet simple. Finding someone that can help you to create a nice look for your directory can be found in the phpld forums or even on digitalpoint forums.

The next step is to advertise and get your link directory popular. You will need to spend some money to appeal to people to come to your site, so it would be good to investigate some sites that are related to link directories and find what kind of traffic they are getting and what is charged for an ad. Sites that have a good reputation are directorycritic.com, directorykit.com, and strongestlinks.com just to name a few.

Keep in mind that word of mouth and online networking with other sites is very important. You should also submit your new directory on other directories as well. Link building is especially crucial since many of your visitors will be concerned with page rank. Over time your page rank will go up and you could have a very successful directory.

The factors that will determine in the end whether you will be successful with your directory are persistence and willingness to not profit for a while as you promote your directory and allow it to establish itself in the online community. Overall having a link directory can be rewarding, but it will not make you rich over night. So If you decide to start your own directory keep in mind to stay committed and give it time and effort like anything else and you will see results.

Link directories are many people’s staple of living. I know of some that work diligently on their link directories and even know others that have sites they make extra cash off of for link directory services. But recently some link directories have been penalized, or so it would appear.

How would you like to wake up one morning to find that the name of your directory doesn’t even appear in google for it’s name. Well this was what some hardworking link directory owners found.

If you go to Google and type in terms like “aviva directory” or even “alive directory” you won’t find the name of the website avivadirectory.com or alivedirectory.com anywhere on the first page of google. So what has caused this to happen?

Some believe that it is a minor and temporary issue with google’s algorithm while others believe it is penalty for certain practices by these link directories that google does not approve of. Well, would directory owners like these who have spent years building their directories really put them in jeopardy of getting such a serious penalty, or is it possible that google has up and changed some of it’s rules when they see fit and it has caused damage to well reputed directories?

No one knows 100 percent what has caused the change but one thing is certain, Google keeps you on your toes and expects you to abide by it’s rules even if it itself doesn’t.