It all started when I was looking for a web directory that would allow me to list my social networking profiles as well as my websites. Well I don’t have to tell you I couldn’t find any. Not one. So I decided to create my own.
I created a new web directory with a new format and new layout. It took me awhile to get everything working properly. I knew it was a good idea to let people and businesses promote their social networking profiles but I increasingly felt it was a mistake to change the look and feel of a web directory. I mean, everyone knows how to navigate and use a traditional web directory. It isn’t very hard.
My web directory was finished, but always having this issue of usability eating me up I decided to test my new web directory on a few people. I purchased a few commonly known web directory scripts, got them up and working properly and was ready for a good ‘ol fashioned test to see which web directory was the easiest to use.
The results were bitter sweet. Everyone loved the way my directory looked, but no one like the layout and usabilty factors. The almost unanimous winner for ease of use and layout was a well known and affordable web directory script known as PHPLD. After licking my wounds I conceded to the fact that they were right. This isn’t meant mean I won’t always be looking for ways to make my new directory look better, act better or just do more things. In fact, on the contrary, I plan to do all of the before mentioned things on a constant basis. Just because I don’t feel it’s time or wise to change how a web directory acts or looks, it doesn’t mean I’m not going to try little things here and there to make a better experience for anyone that visits.
So, now that we’ve determined my new web directory isn’t really any different in layout or functionality than the other 1000’s of web directories currently running, what is different? Below are five key points to why my web directory is different and why you should seriously consider adding it to your SEO and advertising portfolio:
First: I don’t use website thubmnails. I use a photo upload. People don’t care or relate to thumbnails of your website. They would rather see your logo or a photo of you or your team. Adding your logo would bring more brand awareness while adding a photo of yourself or team members would be more social and add a certain warmth to your lisitng.
Second: I don’t display any advertisements with your detailed listing. People want to pay for a detailed listing of their websites/profiles/
Third: Every link of ours on your detailed listing has a “nofollow”
Fourth: For people and businesses who want their social networking profiles to be found so they can add friends or followers, we have the option of listing 13 of your social networking profiles. At our web directory you can not only add your business and website(s) you can also add friends and followers. You may also list an RRS feed of your social networking profile or website.
Fifth: Video embeds. A lot of companies have videos that they could display. As well, I see a large number of people and businesses who have created personal welcoming messages. We give you the option of embedding a video with your listing. This will either make our visitors more aware of who you are or what you’re selling.
Whether your a web surfer looking for people, blogs or businesses or a person/business paying for a listing, I can safely say at the Socialrific Social Web Directory we just give you more. Add your business, blog and social networking profiles today (http://www.socialrific.com/
An example listing: http://www.socialrific.com/
