Revenue ($$$) is why the majority of directories are created = to make money.
Here we discuss the various directory income streams.
LISTINGS
The main revenue stream is advertising (listing) revenue.
There are various levels that can be offered including
- Standard listing
- Featured listing
- Premium listing
By offering levels you not only increase value, you increase the chances of increasing your return.
Options: Inclusions , Link back (follow and nofollow), rank, image/logo, social media
Also see ‘advertising’
AFFILIATIONS
Affiliations in some verticals can be very profitable.
An affiliation is where you are paid: $ per click, % of sale,
There are two main methods of incorporating affiliations into a directory.
- Associated banners
- Listings
Over 70 affiliation streams: Affiliation Revenue
SEARCH ENGINE REVENUE
The two main groups are Google and Yahoo/Bing
Without wishing to sound negative, incorporating advertising around your directory listings will detract from the content (listings).
Paid advertisers may complain that a competitor’s advert appears near a listing.
Search engine streams: Affiliation Revenue
ADVERTISING NETWORK
A newish player on the market is advertising networks often describing themselves as ‘contextual advertising networks.
We shouldn’t lump them all into one basket but our advice is be wary.
Many claim partnerships with Google and DoubleClick which means little to nothing.
Networks: Affiliation Revenue
ADVERTISING
This vertical is the hardest but also the most profitable.
Paid promotion of a company throughout your directory.
The advertising, rate and details are negotiated directly between you and the advertiser (no 3rd party).
You agree on terms and the revenue is paid directly to you.
Options include:
- Banners (site wide)
- Multiple listings
- Home page exposure
- Regular postings insite and social media
Arrangements may also be reciprocial
Securing direct advertisers is the issue
- Direct communication