Creating a Web Directory

•      Domain Name, Your First Directory - What do I do now?-- So, you have made the choice to create a directory! What do you do now? The first step of course is to purchase a domain. I usually buy domains from GoDaddy but that is up to you. You should try and get a domain that somehow describes your site if possible. It is also great if you can have the word directory in your domain name. 
•    Directory Script - There are many great directory scripts out there but I can only suggest what I use and know and that is PHP Link Directory. I haven't used any other directory scripts but this one works great and is very fairly priced. Actually the price is a downright steal if you ask me...
•    Hosting - OK, You have your domain name and your script so where do you put it? Hosting is really up to you but do a bit of research first. You can ask me if you wish and I can give you a great price and service as well. This article is not meant to promote my services though so just find something reasonable priced with decent reviews. You can always change hosts at a later time if you wish.
•    SET Up and Install - I am not going to get into too much detail here because I could write a whole page easily just on this. It is easy to install if you just take your time and read the instructions. Feel free to contact me if you wish and I will be glad to help you. Here are the basic steps though of the installation.

1.   Use an ftp program or client to upload the files to your server. Make sure the file permissions are set correctly because some of these files will have to be open while you install.
2. Create your database and your database user-name and password in your server control panel. This can usually be done very easily. Take note of this information because you will need it when you configure the script.
3. Run The Install Script - Some script's have you configure the configuration file by using an editor but PHP Link Directory actually lets you fill out a form. All you have to do is run the install script by using the url in the instructions. The first part of the installation script will ask you for the database information. Once you enter it the installation script should run through quickly and you will be done!

• My Directory is Running! Now What? - Now that you have the basic directory script running it is time to figure out how you want your directory to look. Look around the Internet and there are many styles that are usually free or very cheap. It is up to you but I would suggest going with something clean and simple to start with. Read the instructions or go to the PHP Link Directory forum to get yourself started. Or again, ask me by using one of the contact links here in afreeurl or one of my other sites. You will be surprised at how easy it is to get a basic directory and style up and running. Then just whip up a simple logo in photoshop and you are set!
• Adding Links and Content - So now you have a decent looking directory but it is totally empty. What good is a totally empty site of any type especially a directory that is supposed to help people find what they are looking for? To start off offer free links and free reciprocal links. Take some time and list all of the major search engines in your directory yourself. You can also use the spider feature and pick some topics and add some links automatically. This will at least get some links added. If your version also allows articles, write some. Remember that content is king!
• Promotion -  There are many ways to promote websites but we are just going to go over a few of the free methods. I would never ever suggest spamming any site so please don't do it.

1. Forums - I am not telling you to join forums just to promote. I am telling you to join these forums to ask questions and learn and make contacts. Network your site a little and you will be surprised at the free advertising you can get. Now be sure to include your directory link in your forum signature.
2. Search Engines - Submit your new site to the major engines only such as DMOZ, Yahoo and MSN. The rest will pick you up from these. In order to do well with these search engines be sure to have a good title and well written meta tags. This is where your content work will pay off!
3. Directories - The directories you choose to list your site on depends on what kind of directory you have. List your directory only in those directories that match your content. I would also suggest listing only in decent quality directories. If you have money to spend then try to list in some of the higher pr directories. Otherwise just choose the free ones.
4. Other Marketing Tips - Because I do this type of work for a living I could come up with all sorts of tips but I am just covering the basics here. Another decent and free method of promotion is to use social bookmarking sites such as Digg, Delicous, Reddit, Stumble and etc...  Promoting in these sites may not be the most consistent form of promotion but it is free and it can really help even if you just spent one hour a week doing it...  Just register on these sites and follow their instructions. Submit your articles to sites like Digg and this can really give you a boost.