I saw a post once in the V7N forums about how directories can be real money makers. Ever since then, I wondered what kind of revnue they can really make. I also wondered how much time it takes to manage a directory. I convinced Chris Davidson from Black Fox link directory to do an interview with me. I found that it was very informative. Check it out:

J: First thing, how much time does it take to run your directory?

C: more than I can spend on it, literally. You’ll noticed I closed free submissions temporarily, to clean up my long review que. I’m receiving almost 300 submissions per day, figure 2-3 mins per site to review…it adds up.

J: Wow, and is it just you reviewing submissions?

C: Yep. The 2-3 mins is a high side, becaue there are a large number of spam submitted. Probably 1 in 5 sites are quality worth listing.

J: How old is your directory?

C: 5 months young

J: When did you start getting submissions?

C: Day 1

J: How many did you get in a day in the beginning?

C: The first 2 months yielded about 50 submissions per day, which was easily managable. Keep in mind, my directory is free…paid inclusion would have kept a lot of people away.

J: You are doing some paid listing now aren’t you?

C: I offered paid listings from the beginning, it’s just right now it’s temporarily closed for ‘FREE’ listing. I offered featured listings and sitewide footer links for pay options from day 1.

J: Do you mind me asking about what kind of revenue you earn?

C: Sure, but I hope your not disappointed. Most directories don’t make the big bucks until they achieve a good PR. I’ve spent more $$ earned in advertising and link purchasing than I’ve earned at the Blackfox Directory. Earning money with a directory is a long term goal…no short term methods exist with someone with a limited budget.

J: What is your monthly income?

C: It varies. My highest has been $500 and lowest has been $50.

J: Your directory is only 5 months old. That’s not too shabby.

C: I suppose not…it’s been disappointing not seeing any homepage PR updates. I think revenue will really soar once that happens.

J: How do you promote your directory?

C: That’s a loaded question. How about…everywhere. Anyway. lol. Mainly on forums, my blog, and by purchasing links.

J: Do you do Adwords or any other form of PPC?

C: Sometimes, I use it for advertising categories on the directory…to help benefit the people who list. In addition, whenever I run a listing special…but not as often. I’ve never had too much luck with Adwords or PPC. I’m more of a link buyer…than contextual advertiser.

J: Between forums, your blog, and link purchasing which seems to drive the most traffic?

C: Forums, no question. Between v7n and digitalpoint, a directory has almost an endless supply of submissions. And it’s free!
J: Do you talk on any other forums? How much do you post on average?
C: Webmaster related forums…no, only v7n and DP. Uh, I post probably 15-20 posts per day. However, I read A LOT!

J: There has been talk that directories are becoming a thing of the past. People say Google has figured out a long time ago that people are just using them to get back links with anchor text or what not. Do you think that directories will ever fade out?
C: Most definatley not…however, I think it will become increasingly difficult to create a successful one. My strongest case point…DMOZ. Google and Dmoz practically lie in bed with each other… I think that general directories will eventually fade away…unless they gain major support, but you will see a lot more niche directories pop up.

J: Do you think google will ever get to the point where a link in a directory has no weight at all?

C: No, definately not. There is still something to say for a human edited directory. And if it’s not human edited it’s not a directory…its a link farm. Directories add value to the web, by weeding out the spam, that’s something google can’t seem to accomplish

J: Hmmm, just a few more questions and I’ll let you go.

C: No prob.

J: Where do you see your directory in the future? How much do you expect to make in 2-3 years from it? What kind of PR do you have in mind? Anything else a long those lines?

C: I see my directory as being a directory that people relate to or compare other new directories to. I’m hoping that it will set an example for new endeavors. It will be around for a long time. 2-3 years from now I view the directory as a very solid source of revenue, hopefully in the 2-3k range, per month. AT this point I will have hired a few good editors to help out and spread the word. My goal PR is 10, never settle for less. However a more realistic goal would be in the realm of 7…. yeah, 7… I could be happy with 7 I think. In regards to revenue, I could be way off base…in either direction. I’ve heard of directories with PR 6 that earn $500,000 per year…but I’m more realistic than that.

J: Would you recommend others who have any interest in starting a directory to do so? What kind of advise can you give them?

C: A directory is not a get-rich quick or easy web endeavor to manage. However, it can be a great learning tool, in regards to building a reputation/branding/ and link building strategies. So yes, I encourage others to create a directory. My advice: be diligent with your editing, always move forward, always think of ways to add value, and do a niche directory.(much more managable)

J: This was some good stuff, Chris. Thank you for agreeing to do the interview. It helped answer questions I had in my mind and I’m sure some of the readers also.