How to Start a Blog Directory

Choose a Niche for Specific Blogs
New blog directories must have a clearly defined niche to compete with an already saturated market on the internet. Build a directory that can stand as the go-to resource for internet users trying to find blogs in a specific category. Doing so will help to attract visitors who want an easier solution than scouring the web for hours to find a few key blogs of interest. The BlogHer network has already carved out a niche of women bloggers, which helped it to become a highly popularized website. Select a specific niche within general categories to focus on when creating your blog directory. Homeschooling or teaching blogs are better targeted than education related websites.

Keep a Strict Moderation Policy
Among the hundreds of blog directories and blogging networks online, few of them include bloggers that have 100% quality content. Many of these directories have been saturated with members who own blogs for the purpose of spamming others with advertisements and promoting worthless products. That makes it harder for visitors to find information that they are looking for when searching through blog directories. Build a directory that includes only high caliber blogs managed by serious authors. The status of your website will improve if you continue to manage a directory of blogs with useful content.

Choose a Monetization Strategy for your Directory
There are several expenses involved in the operation of a blog directory, unless you use free website hosting companies. Find a way to monetize your blog directory and prevent the website from placing you in financial debt. Many blog directories generate income by using contextual advertisements around the content. This is one easy way to monetize a blog but there are other options that may work better depending on your niche. The form of monetization should work parallel to content listed in a blog directory.

It may not be appropriate to advertise hunting apparel or supplies for mountain climbing if your directory lists upscale hair salons in the Southwest. Compare a variety of possibilities when choosing a monetization strategy for your blog directory. This strategy may include affiliate partnerships, banner ads or online sponsorships. A blog directory can also be used to market services or products from your own small business. Sell design, SEO marketing or copywriting services to visitors if you have these particular skills.

Invite Bloggers to Participate
Ongoing promotion will be needed to launch your blog directory website. Bloggers will not join if no one knows that the blog directory is available. Search the internet and social networking websites to find top quality bloggers that fit into your specific niche. Contact these bloggers with an invitation to create a listing in your blog directory. Create small banners that members can use to place on their blogs, promoting their listing in your directory. You can also advertise or sponsor blogs in the chosen niche to entice bloggers who may want to join and create a listing.