Using WordPress to Create a Directory of Websites

People go to Google to search for web sites that have content on a certain topic that interests them. Once a keyword is entered and the Search button is clicked, Google returns a list of web sites that contain the keyword. It is not unusual for Google to get millions of web sites with that keyword. It is always assumed that the very first site on the list will contain the most relevant content. That way, one would click on the web sites listed on the first, second, or third pages, rarely venturing beyond the tenth page.

However, some surfers complain that many of the sites they have visited contain only ads and very little content. Most sites sell products, and any information one can get will be about the goods being sold. Many are becoming frustrated; even if the Internet contains a lot of information, sometimes it is difficult to find the information you need. One way to mitigate this growing frustration is to build a large directory of web sites that your visitors might enjoy. For example, if you are targeting visitors who want information about back aches, you can then create a web site directory full of links to similar sites.

As I have told you in the past I am Techless Terry and always looking for ideas that work great with WordPress. Recently I found a free WordPress directory theme bDirectoryPress, created by a great guy by the name of Mark Fail, who is also the creator of ShopperPress and other great WordPress themes. Mark also has premium themes but the free themes are great too! Since discovering DirectoryPress I have started building a couple of directories and have upgrraded to the premium theme for some extra features.

Anyway, if you want to check the DirectoryPress theme just CLICK HERE and if you decide the purchase the premium theme this tired old man will make a couple of dollars to put into my grandsons college fund. If you take advantage of the free DirectoryPress theme I will still be happy for you have taken my advice and are trying something new.

What are the advantages of creating this web site directory using WordPress? Will, if you have been reading this blog you already know that WordPress is great but here are a few more advantages:

1. Your visitors will save time searching for web sites they will enjoy.

If you can write descriptions to the sites in your directory, your visitors will have an overview of the sites they plan to visit. That way, they can zero in on the sites they need much faster.

2. Your visitors will bookmark your web site instead of the individual site they will visit.

The list in our Bookmarks begins to get cluttered once we add more and more sites. If surfers can have a “jumping board” where they can go to other sites, they will be saving that site. This will mean surfers going to that site again and again.

Your web site directory can be that “jumping board” to a particular niche. You will then be getting traffic from users looking for information on your niche.

3. You can monetize your directory.

You can design your web site such that ads from AdSense will blend naturally with your site. You can also include affiliate links in your directory. However, ensure that you do not overdo this, as surfers might think your directory contains only advertisements. Provide good content, such as descriptions of the listed sites, as mentioned above, and your visitors will often return to your site.

By creating a directory of web sites you do not only help your visitors save time searching for information, you also have that opportunity to earn some money from your site.