PART III: Branding a Web Directory

Please note:
This article is written in continuation of “DT’s Startup Guide: Learning to build a web directory”

Now that we have our blueprint ready, we can move ahead to the first step towards creating a great directory.

Branding a Web Directory:
A brand is a symbolic embodiment of all the information connected to the product and serves to create associations and expectations around it.

This is one of the most crucial stage and a lot of thought needs to be put in this activity. A simple branding mistake can affect your directory’s image in the future, dampening its market visibility.

Branding in terms of a web directory would mean that we associate a name (domain name) with the directory, which can capture the imagination of the casual browser.

It need not be grand but apt for use with a web directory that is planning to cater to the masses.

Now obviously a name like Business.com is beyond our reach but we can always create a brand that can be as respectful.

Yup, content is king but then it is also important that we get the name right.

The name that I have chosen for my premium directory is SutraDirectory.com, not very grand but a very fit name to brand.

Effective branding is all about telling customers who you are, what you do and how you do it.

I would write an in depth article explaining the steps to successful online branding at a later stage.

Currently we would focus at the visual aspect of online branding.

The branding aspect would include:

1. A domain name for the web directory
2. A logo
3. A catch phrase

So get your mind churning as it would be a difficult task to come with a good domain name as practically all the good one are taken.

Now you have two choices, firstly you can associate two words to come up with a name; Bubbleplex.com or come up with a rhyming word that you can brand as your web directory; Romow.com

Personally i would stay away for .info domains as I somehow find them  very spammy.

Making a logo will be discussed in a later stage while we are designing and now we can next focus on creating a phrase line that people can associate with our directory.

Just one suggestion here, make it catchy

The one that I like the most at the moment is that of bigweblinks.com. They say; “Awesome Links for Awesome People”, although it could have been more visible.

Just a few suggestions here,
* Do not name your directory with something that speaks more of selling backlinks like BuyPageRankDirectory.com, BacklinksDirectory.com

Well you might consider me wrong, but I believe that the future of web directories is not as a backlink building engine but a mean to bring exposure and visibility for a listings.

Also, you can keep away from controversy that Matt has exposed to the webmaster community: How to report paid links; which could become a reality in the future.

* Spending some time in visual branding will seal the foundation for the next big directory, which could be yours.

Brand Names that I like:: (although they could do better by launching their online promotion campaign with a punch line that people can quote and help build brand loyalty)

Romow.com
Avivadirectory.com
WebXperience.org

Cost incurred till the end of Part III: 0$