Directory vs. Classifieds

[draggar]

I've been toying with the idea of adding a directory with one of my sites (a lot of inquiries, and a good amount of traffic) for people to post paid advertisements.

I have an old license of phpMyDirectory I could renew for $30 - are there other suggestions? I'd like customizeable fields so I can tailor it to my site.

Another question is there a big difference between a directory and classifieds (or are they essentially the same?). IMO a directory seems more involved while classifieds may be more like Twitter (short and to the point?).

 

[Johnn]

Classified = Craigslist = Everyone
Directory = Businesses

 

[draggar]

Short and simple - I have been leaning towards a directory but was just curious about classifieds.

 

[Johnn]

You have more flexibility with classifieds.
Normal users : on or two week listing - FREE
Businesses : Monthly or Yearly listing - PAID

 

[draggar]

I don't want free listings - I will be spammed (and not by spammers).

 

[Johnn]

No Free Listing = No Traffic = No Business Listing

Remember people think the Internet was invented by Al Gore and it's FREE

 

[draggar]

No Free Listing = No Traffic = No Business Listing

Remember people think the Internet was invented by Al Gore and it's FREE

Tell that to Adam Dicker and DNForum.

The issue is that I need a way to weed out crap and let serious people in there - maybe limited free listings? phpMyDirectory allowed free listings - when I had it up before I had a very basic profile for the free ones and a huge jump for even the lowest tier paid listing.

 

[amplify]

To weed out crap you need the same thing DNF needs, moderators.

Using paid software like that is likely to/has already been exploited to submit classifieds automatically.

 

[draggar]

I know - that's the scary part but I didn't have an issue with the directory I had before (most likely because it wasn't popular).

I threw up a Wiki a few months back - it took a week to get infested with spam to the point I closed the wiki.

So, question #2 is are there any recommendations for a directory script?

 

[amplify]

Best bet is go cheap by buying one and hiring a freelancer to tweak it where it can't be exploited like the original.

Second option is from the ground up.

Either way, you need to moderate what comes through to provide the quality content someone is looking for. JMO

 

[dmyre]

...So, question #2 is are there any recommendations for a directory script?

I'm looking for a good solution as well...

 

[jstewart]

I have also been toying with the idea of starting a directory/classified's site.

The directory business is largely owned by a Google, and the classified's already have a big moat..ie. Craigslist, I've decided the ROI may not be worth it.

 

[amplify]

There's still a niche market for classifieds. Though Craigslist is well known, it's also well known to have junk and scams.

 

[draggar]

OK, I just got a contact from this website which could have been solved if I had a directory (or classifieds - but I'm thinking directory). I'm going to ask for a finders fee but this has also made me push this up a notch or two. Any suggestions for SW? I'd like people to be able to include pictures (limited - based on subscription level).

 

[jstewart]

check keep.ca, if you like the setup I'll can assist.

Cheers
J

 

[beingchinmay]

Thank you for the information. Was a Good read. Looking for more information