How to Monetize A Directory By Selling Featured Listings

In this video, I will show you how to build a profitable directory using a WordPress plugin. I will explain the importance of free listings and how they can generate traffic and potential advertisers. I will also demonstrate how to turn free listings into feature listings and collect leads. By following this model, you can increase revenue and create a successful directory. No action is requested from the viewers.
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00:00 Introduction
02:08 Selling Feature Listings
05:52 Launching the Feature
08:17 Using Business Directory Plugin
10:56 Claiming Listings
13:36 Marketing and Product Integration

[@JamesNicholson-pp4uj]

Hey Tim, thanks for the clip! I've been planning on building a couple of directories within a few niches, using this model. I had one question, and sorry if you mentioned it and I miss it... BUT, Once you have a good number of listings you've manually sourced and added yourself (and I assume, populated all relevant data from their site), how do you let them know that they're on your directory and entice them to spend with you? Direct email marketing explaining the service/offer perhaps? Cheers mate!

[@jasonduprat3781]

Great content! Is your directory course/training program available yet? I searched your website and 😊 the copyblogger academy, but I'm looking for the details on building the directory websites.

[@raymakara]

I love the business directory idea, Tim! Thanks for showing all of this info! Question: Is it easier (or better) to do a directory for a bigger city, or the smaller surrounding towns? Like, I live 22 miles east of Pittsburgh, PA. The town I live in has ~30K population, and probably another 30K with a few more towns around mine. Is it better to do a directory for my town and surrounding ones, or do a Pittsburgh directory with all of the suburbs, which may or may not extend all the way out to my town. Would really appreciate your advice and insight! Thanks!

[@randomuser88844]

Amazing content, Tim. Incredible. Do you use same business directory plugin on all your sites?

[@timstodz]

No. We custom code most of our directories now, but if I am ever just starting out in something that I'm not 100% certain will work, then yes I always start with the plugin.

[@ColdCallSteve]

I would definitely pay for a product as you mentioned .

[@blackcatwebsitedesignstudio]

Thank you! I have built one and am doing interviews with the business owners to try and get some traction but want to know the best way to reach out to other businesses I have listed while I am building up the traffic?! I'd love to hear more on building successful directories as I can see the massive potential and want to make mine super successful. What's your time frame for expecting to monetize it once set up? Should I start asking for featured listings now even though my traffic is super low? Do you use paid advertising to boost traffic and interest? Sorry so many questions!

[@timstodz]

I wouldn't try to monetize yet, or you'll burn advertisers. Time frame is probably a year. I don't use paid advertising I never have.

[@imrankalathingal6444]

How do you find these businesses information? Do you scrap?

[@louisecourville]

Hey 👋 interesting concept. I am thinking a specific industry versus local any insights? I’m thinking suppliers of an industry versus the specific locations of the market. Or do you think that the best directory is for location services because you mentioned maps. It’s kind of hard to describe without saying the industry!

[@timstodz]

Industry is good too. You can do it without map, of course. No problem. You can structure the categories in whatever way you want.

[@courtneyellis9716]

Any thoughts on building directories in industries where supply is suffering (i.e. healthcare industry) ?

[@johansmith5132]

I'm clueless now. Will have to watch a few of these videos to understand how to make money with this.

[@timstodz]

The trick is to not expect you will get it right on the first try. Just keep tinkering with it and it will work.

[@shanewalsh247]

Can i buy these modules like "claim listings" individually? Elite is $249/year and I think that is needed for "claim listings"

[@timstodz]

Yes. Exactly right.

[@sparksilly]

Nice! How much do you typically charge a business for a featured listing and do you just do it monthly?

[@timstodz]

Yeah I guess I should have mentioned that. It all depends on the market. FOr Sober Nation I charge $149 a month.

[@ColdCallSteve]

@@timstodzis there a scale what to charge or is it perceived value? For example a contractor / home’s services provider?

[@aleksandars9254]

​@@ColdCallStevethis is a good question

[@BillTrevorWebSmartAdvisors]

How can I pay you to be a mentor for my local directory????

[@timstodz]

I've had a lot of people ask me about this recently. Email to me [e-mail]

[@GrantCharge]

Where are the other videos in the Description please Tim?

[@timstodz]

Added. Thanks for the nudge.