Need guidance to design an IT resources directory

I have launched an IT resources directory a few years ago, I worked very hard on trying to attract visitors. I even wrote a few articles myself and were about the only thing on the site that got traffic.
I couldnt get people to start submitting listings and I dont know why.
I recently relaunched the site with a new design using Joomla and even offered a three month free hosting account for those who upload or write a certain amount of articles. I also stated that the site is still under development.
My question is, what does it take to build a large directory and get listings flowing in such as scriptsearch and other sites like these.
Apart from a proffessional looking design which Im still working on, what else should I do.
Note that the directory services are totally free.





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Quote:


I also stated that the site is still under development


To add a quick comment, I generally advise against stating that a web site is under development. It seems to turn off visitors. :-/ Anyone else have any similar observations?
-mike





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Yup. Launch your site only upon completion. Makes a lasting and positive impact on your visitors.
Optimize your Joomla site to open faster and try some adwords publicity to test the visitors response. Don't invest much. Just get yourself some targeted audience.
All the best

thanks, I appreciate your comments. I really couldnt make up my mind about launching before finalizing or not. I guess, I wanted to build the database, while I work on the design. I thought that stating that the site was under development gave me an excuse for the lack of listings.





__________________http://www.ithome.org

I would suggest to create a wiki and do press release about your directory.