One of my side businesses involves creating industry specific directories for various industries and we are planning to launch one for the building industry. My question is whether people would use a directory that is simple to use, includes contact info and description of businesses and most importantly is hand edited to eliminate spam and non relevant sites. I have people whose job is to track down businesses in specific business niches so we think when we launch a directory it is as complete as we can make it. Currently in our building database we have close to 10,000 businesses covering general products and tools plus specific trades such as drywall, concrete, specialty (decks, closets and such), metal framing, green products. Anyway you get the idea.
I know that there are quite a few directories out there but we think we can create one that is easy to use, not cluttered with a lot of junk and, because we list every business, not just paying advertisers, has more businesses and products than most. Plus we supply a business info page for each business rather than simply a link.
We also include mail order suppliers and will be adding a free builder directory.
My question is would you use such a directory and what would you want to see included.
Replies
Would you list 'Inventionby Builders'; i.e. products invented by builders/tradespeople?
After reading your other thread I looked to see where to add them. Proabably as a category but if there is enough of them we might create a little more visible way to find them. Having been a remodeling contractor for the past 30+ years I can appreciate the guys that create a better way to do it and will help where ever poosible. I sent a note to my database guys to set something up when we go live with the building directory in a couple weeks. All someone has to do is send me an email and I will get a listing form out to them.
Please contact me directly at:[email protected]Thanks
Mike
I am sending you an email tonight. If anyone has any thoughts they would like to share on this directly please feel free to email me at [email protected]
"My question is would you use such a directory and what would you want to see included."
I'd use one. In fact I already use a couple similar publications for very specific product lines.
It wouldn't need the everyday stuff you find at most lumber yards or home centers. Those folks compete on price, availability and convenience. But if it included obscure stuff like custom cabinet knobs, low voltage lighting, specialty nails and hardware, custom tile or lighting fixtures...stuff you don't see everyday or even know exists, I'd use it.
I guess I'm saying it would include listings of lots of obscure products from (probably) small local companies that a person just might not see everyday.
Just out of curiosity, how do you make sure the directories stay up to date? The problem I've had with even the basic yellow pages is calling someone to find that they are not in business anymore.
I second the idea of the specialty suppliers. Be sure to cross index them under all the products and product names that are applicable. I think indexes are the most important part of these types of directories.
Our directories are all updated by someone with experience in that specific industry. We are constantly looking for new businesses in trade and regular magazines, trade shows, recommendations and other avenues. We also have an ongoing process to confirm that businesses are still in business. All in all it is very labor intensive but it is the only way to have a decent directory.
As far as indexing we are a mix of yellow page type headings and keyword search so there are several different ways to find what you are looking for. Plus by using specialty sub directories for trades like drywall there will be several places a business can be found.