I am relatively new to running a directory site. I am curious as to how you would advertise one and gain more submissions to a directory. Is there anyone that can give me a few tips? the directory is a free services directory www.hostforzero.net

Out of curiosity may I ask you why you've added "Zero” in your domain name, if you don’t mind, I think perhaps it create wrong meaning here indicating the absence of something.

well it used to be a free hosting site. the zero meaning free. I figured the zero would still be good as now its a free hosting directory. hostforzero= host for nothing.

Do you think this throws some people off?

I think if it was zero for host that could be more relevant to your view, I always suggest to implement the things what usually customers perceive.

Well you are in the right place to advertise. Forums like WHT would be the best place, or perhaps advertise on some hosts websites

Maybe you should try the directories of directory.. Things like enfin.com
And of course, submitting your directory to dmoz and yahoo directory wouldn't hurt either

submitted. im more interested in getting the listings to start off, seeing as how having traffic to a site with no listings is somewhat useless. I already have about 30 listings but i would be happy having about 50-100 before i really start the advertising.

markjut rightly said WHT would be good place to advertise, however a press release about your directories with its specialized contents before advertisement can be much helpful to you.

I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor.