How do you run your Free Directory??

[Fastian]

Hi guys

Well, I am considering to start a free directory (general) and looking for feedback from you guys who have already managed free directories.

Few things I want to know.
1) How do you promote it? (Keeping your expenses low)
2) Do you edit description of submitted links to make them unique or to correct the mistakes?? (or you just delete them)
3) Do you correct titles, move it to appropriate category or just delete and let them submit correctly??

Any tips, comments or suggestions:

[SergeF]

I'm noticed that the most directory owners prefer leaving titles and descriptions of the newly submitted listings in original appearance. As for me, I prefer editing details (sometimes) to make listing appearance to keep the directory's style, because lots of listings come with extreme looking )) I mean people submit listings with a description that contains unnecessary characters like dollar sign, @,#, %, &, *, etc. I also move listings to appropriate category if it was submitted to the wrong one. Constant listing deleting to allow the link re-submitting leads to bad reputation IMO.
As for promotion and expenses, I don't find it vitally useful to pay someone for my listing appearance on their directory, moreover, google does not like it as well.

[iGuides]

1) Promotions for Free Directory? I don't think there is big budget required to promote a free directory, when you start a new free directory, you would need to give it a quick push by advertising on other relevant free directories or relevant forums.

2) I do edit for Express or Featured Listings but don't entertain the Free Listings with such facility unless there is some exceptional links (though exceptional links always provide better description and titles)

3) For Express and Featured Listings I modify and willing to move into relevant categories, but for Free Listings users must have followed the submission guide lines strictly.

[Qurratulain]

Seconded Asim!

I just want to add a bit more. Just put a line in submission guidelines suggesting submitters to use a unique and expressive description for their link, and tell them that it's for their own good. It'll probably lessen the burden on your side, letting you approve the links with quality description only and deleting the rest.

[iGuides]

Just put a line in submission guidelines suggesting submitters to use a unique and expressive description for their link

That is very tricky thing, but always effective. I completely agree with you to highlight and make such points in your guide lines with different color or make them bold so that submitters can understand their links will be deleted.