Please note: The information provided in the 58+ pages on this website was written in 2008 and contains old and out-dated information. I will be releasing new updated information soon that will show you how to get around the problems facing most of the web directories online today. So please sign up to the newsletter to get the soon-to-be released update!There are multiple ways you can monetize your directory. First off most directory scripts have some kind of paid link submission features built in. This is the basic business model of web directories. You can start charging for link submissions any time you want but most website owners won’t pay for a link unless you have good Pagerank or search engine rankings.
Secondly you can use all the methods to monetize regular websites as you can your web directory:
Contextual Advertising
Affiliate Networks
Text Link Advertising
Other CPA or Affiliate Programs
I’ve made the most using Adsense but have also made money with affiliate ads and selling text links.
Adsense is by far the easiest method for monetizing your directory. I place my Adsense ads so they seamlessly fit into the layout and look like content. Doing this will increase your CTR.
I usually have one block of ads above the fold ie. Prominently displayed in the top part of the screen so you see them without having to scroll, usually right above where the actual listings of your directory start. Then I place one at the bottom and left (or sometimes right) of the listings as to frame them.
With affiliate ads I will usually place banners in the sidebar, header and footer but I also use text links that look like regular listings. I find affiliate programs with products that are related to my directory and will place them again above the actual listings sometimes as sponsored listings.
The more targeted your affiliate ads the more likely your site visitors will be interested in them.
Be sure to test ad placements when you are receiving enough traffic. Sometimes a little change in placement or color can boost your CTR and earnings. It always pays to test! Most often a little tweak in placement,
wording or colors can significantly boost your profits.
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