Howdy everyone and anyone!

I'm thinking to start a web hosting directory of mainly three categories; shared, resellers and VPS. I know, there’s a lot out there, but I want to be different. I want to aim my directory at the small - medium sized businesses who need clients and to offer cheap (or free) advertisement space to get their business known.

I would like a few opinions about what you think a directory should have. I know there’s the basics, but I'm a programmer, and I like to program, so I've decided to build this little project in my own time and release it when it's ready. If I ever do start it.

I understand I won't get any Google Rank that’s viewable, so I would just have to try and advertise it through different forms unless I think of a way for hosting companies to link to it, but I'm not sure many companies would do this.

Well, I have probably forgot something vital, but anyhow, do you have any opinions about this certain subject?

P.S; Sorry if this thread is in the wrong forum, but I don't think it is.

As you have already said, there are a lot of these out there at the minute....I did start something like this and it fell miserably on its face....BUT....like anything, it is what you make it and if you can get enough promotion and traffic, then it may take off....

It's a good idea if you can make if unique and easier to navigate than all the other hosting directories out there. Most of the current ones are just too overwhelming for people looking for a host. :)

Thanks for the inspiration guys. I am defiantly going to make it a clean layout with minimal advertisements, so people actually looking for hosts and not just browsing can benefit from it.

I guess it's not that of a popular subject to talk about, but I'll give this a last bump. Any ideas on what you would like to see in a hosting directory, anyone?

I too have ventured into this area, but I am confident about my directory being something popular some day.

Here are a couple things I would suggest..

1. Traffic. You are going to needs lots of it to get host to want to place thier company on your site.
2. Make it brandable and easy to remember.
2. Easy navigation as said before.
3. REAL.. Honest reviews.. Also stand firm on not deleting any bad host reviews.
4. Dont turn your directory into a ad banner circus.
5. Also you are going to need a niche feature/tool that helps users find a host that is not currently available in the directory market right now. You will have to figure this one out on your own. I have a couple of things that I am working on for my directory right now.


Thanks and good luck :)

Hey,

Thanks for the input, really appreciated.

I'm not as so confident on making people do reviews, as you know they can be faked. I thought of to give each host who sign-up a special key code so they can give this to their customers to write reviews, this would mean they are genuine reviews. But, as of yet, the only flaws I can think of are:

I) Host may not give the key code if they think a client will write a bad review.
II) Clients might not want to get a key code from their host in order to write a review (but then again, if they want to write a review, they should).

Because I want the layout to be clean, I don't want it to have millions of links to other websites and banner ads to the websites. The only way I can rely on traffic is through pure advertising or offering some feature hosts can use to link back to the directory, but I'll need to think of a feature that's worth using and not just to advertise.

I'll start thinking of a nifty feature to use for users browsing, this will take a little time until I start building it and gather information.

Once again, thanks for the advice!

okay, after a long time of the first post, Please tell me how your hosting directory is growing. I need your feedback for my own new born hosting directory

Perhaps you and your staff review each known & reputable host? Much like CNET.com which they review each products.

An unbiased review from the site's staff. That's a new thing that other hosting directory sites doesn't have, I think.

Sorry Arasp, I have not started it at all yet. Thres a holding page and thats it. I've been busy this past month.

Rev. I'm quite fond of that idea. :)

I think you are going to face stiff competition, they've been around longer, you need to do research and lots of it.

It shouldnt just be a directory IMHO. You could place well put together information on hosting. Most people I talk to face to face havent got a clue what it is.

I tell them what I do and their face is blank. I explain to them what a 'host' is and they go.. ''Ohhhh ... I thought you just put a website up on the web and thats it!'

Most people who know alot about hosting are either hosts themselves or have had experience with it or at least a bad experience with a host before they go looking for a new one.

Mostly its other hosts that go to hosting directories so they can add their site and forget where they put it (or is that just me?).

You need to attract fresh blood and information is vital to lure them to your lair.

I understand there will be hard competition, and I understand it could be a big flop, but there's defiantly no harm in trying. I will do research as well. Much planning is needed.

I also will take in your points OmegaHost. I am determined to find a way to attract new people into this industry, as well as keeping the web hosts who have submitted their listing. I will find ways, evil or cunning.