A web directory contains information listings and descriptions about retail establishments, service providers, city information and other places, depending on the type of directory you want to have. You can create both free and paid directories, requiring listing fees of the specific businesses that want to be listed and advertised on your site. Creating a web directory does take a bit of knowledge concerning the initial setup and customization of your directory, however.

Setting Up

Buy a domain name and web hosting service subscription to start your web directory website. The domain name should reflect the purpose of your web directory; if you're creating a local town or city web directory with business listings, choosing a domain name like "<City-name> Directory" may be appropriate. Domain names can be registered at registrars like GoDaddy or Register.com, but they can also be registered at the same time you purchase a web hosting subscription. When looking for a monthly web hosting service, you'll need to decide whether you want a shared hosting or a dedicated hosting service for more resources. Features to look for in a hosting provider include near-100% uptime, easy access to the control panel and 24/7 customer support.

Directory Scripts

Upload a directory script to your domain name on your web host's server; directory scripts are about the easiest way to create a web directory website. An alternative to using a script is coding the directory by yourself if you're skilled in website coding languages like PHP and ColdFusion. Both free and paid web directory scripts exist. An example of a free script is PHP Link Directory, and paid ones include eSyndiCat and phpMyDirectory. Some directory scripts contain helpful features such as full customization, easy-to-use administration panels and user link submissions if you want to allow others to add a service or business to your directory; compare each directory script's features to determine the best fit for your needs.

Customizing Web Directories

Create categorical listings and sub-categories, and add business services to your web directory via the administration panel of the directory script. The particular directory script you have chosen should contain a user manual or reference guide on how to do this as well as how to customize the script to feature your website name, colors and design, among other things. For a business web directory, create categories for restaurants, lawyers and doctors, hotels and inns, grocery stores, department stores and churches, among other categories you could include. Don't forget to input specific details, such as business names, addresses, locations and telephone numbers, if desired.

Source:

CodeFear: 5 Paid PHP Web Directory Script

WebHostingBreak: Dedicated Hosting

eSyndiCat: The Most Powerful Web Directory Software

Resource:

PHP Link Directory: Administrator Features