Hey peeps,

I'm looking to fill a void in a certain niche by creating a directory, but I am a novice when it comes to directory scripts.

My directory would be very similar to the structure of a real estate directory in that it would take on a similar structure in terms of a state >> city type hierarchy.

I prefer something very simple, clean, and easy to navigate. I would also like it to be very automated (including PayPal integration). Essentially, all I want to do is approve or deny submissions.

Ability to customize would also be a big factor... I would also like a search by city/state/zipcode function, ability to integrate ads, ability to choose what information is submitted/displayed, ability to set different price points for different types of listings...

I know a few of you own very successful directories. Do you use proprietary scripts or do you have a certain programs/software that you would recommend?

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---cK

CK Chung is an independent SEO consultant who provides premium Holistic SEO services, including services specific to Real Estate SEO. You can find his alter-ego, Kid Disco, spouting off on his SEO blog at SEOdisco.

We rolled our own.

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Bob

Scripts? We don't need no steenking scripts! Plus, if you BUY a script and BOGART it, how do you differentiate yourself from anyone else using the script? Isn't that what automated link farming is?

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Terry Light - Professional Contrarian
Office Phone - (949) 305-7995
RealEstateBytes.com
Real Estate Encyclopedia
Author for RealEstate ABC (Creator, too)

I see this one frequently used by http://forums.digitalpoint.com/ members.

http://www.phplinkdirectory.com/

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Well... for one, this is a personal project of mine, so I don't have my company's developers at my disposal. Ideally, I would roll out my own script if I had the time, knowledge, and resources, but it wouldn't really make sense with what I want to do right now.

I'm looking for the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to do this... and that is why a pre-made script would be the best way for me to go.

I've seen ones out there that I could use... I was simply looking for recommendations.

As for differentiating myself, there is not a single useful directory for the niche I'm going for. If there is, it's either undeveloped or nowhere to be found... Plus, I would customize the design...

All I need is something simple that I can make look good. I think a "steenking script" will do the job for this project...

I don't understand what your statement about automated link farming has to do with this...

pcdoc - thanks for the link... I'm not sure if it's exactly what I'm looking for. It looks more like that DMOZ style directory rather than the state/city type directory I'm looking for. However, the thread in DP is a great resource. Thanks!

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---cK

CK Chung is an independent SEO consultant who provides premium Holistic SEO services, including services specific to Real Estate SEO. You can find his alter-ego, Kid Disco, spouting off on his SEO blog at SEOdisco.

Hi Kid disco.

Do real people actually use these directories?

Seems like there's a billion directories out there now!

I get the impression that they are mainly for webmasters to swap links, and little to do with providing a service to the visitor (no great harm in that if it doesn't hamper anything else). If it's mainly for link exchanging, then it's just a glorified "Links" page. Again, no great harm in that.

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Charles Sweeney
http://SellYourHouseForFree.com

Good point. I think the concept of a useful directory has been diluted in the real estate industry... and I could see how your opinion relates to the real estate industry.

However, the niche I'm looking at has nothing of the sort... and I found out about it after hearing complaints from friends of mine who share like interests.

Imagine searching online for something in a somewhat popular (and growing), but undeveloped niche and not being able to find what you are looking for. This is what I'm hoping to capitalize on.

There actually will be little link exchanging if at all as this directory will not really be for websites... I'll leave that up to you guys to figure out...

__________________
---cK

CK Chung is an independent SEO consultant who provides premium Holistic SEO services, including services specific to Real Estate SEO. You can find his alter-ego, Kid Disco, spouting off on his SEO blog at SEOdisco.

My earlier post crossed with a reply you made. I could see from that reply that you were going for a niche and not making "yet another directory".

I think there could be mileage in it. Good luck!

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Charles Sweeney
http://SellYourHouseForFree.com

As far as directory scripts.. I rolled my own in asp for windows and have been using esnydicat for other projects. I would suggest that you do it yourself as it's really not a big job, you always know exactly what's going on and can get exactly the functionality you're looking for.

I've been pretty happy with the esnyndicat script overall though.

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OverSite.US | A Unique Web Directory
Real Estate Directory | A regional listing of quality real estate related web sites.
Tampa Bay Fishing | Seeks references from the area resource pages of quality local sites.

I've heard good things about esyndicat, too... Thanks for the info, VRI!

__________________
---cK

CK Chung is an independent SEO consultant who provides premium Holistic SEO services, including services specific to Real Estate SEO. You can find his alter-ego, Kid Disco, spouting off on his SEO blog at SEOdisco.