Ethical question about setting up a local business directory...

[jasonwdexter]

I've just launched a local business directory that allows the small businesses in my local area to get noticed by a very targeted audience. People such as self-employed builders, painters and decorators and the like.

As well as helping them out, they'll be helping me out by testing the waters of local keywords and seeing just how difficult and how much traffic they'll get. Kind of like spreading myself across 100's of keywords without the need for domains etc.

All the links on there are nofollow, but what are the ethics behind letting my clients have a dofollow link from it? I wouldn't use this directory as a marketing tool for my self and my business, but if I acquired a client from my website or other source, but they would benefit from a dofollow link?

[activitysuper]

Just so I understand,

You have created a local directory covering a range of trades - plumbing, painting etc. You hope the directory ranks for relevant terms such as 'Painters Manchester' which will generate the exposure the directory listings will need to get noticed / generate business.

Is that correct?

[jasonwdexter]

Yeah, pretty much!

Not generate business for me, obviously.

[activitysuper]

I wouldn't do-follow the links pointing out, they are going to gain benefit from relevant traffic.

I think to gain the rankings you are after your going to have to store up juice, well at least at the beginning.

Plus why not push your services? If your delivering a free service for local trades then pushing your stuff through email etc is not a bad idea especially if you offer services in the area the directory is targeted at.

[jasonwdexter]

Yeah I see what you mean.

The benefit of allowing my clients to have a do follow, insanely relevant link would only help the work I do on their website as well.

I'm not thinking of opening up all links on it, but only on the clients websites that I work on anyway.

Monetization such as that or adverts will be something I consider in the future, for sure.

[KevinBudzynski]

I don't see much of an ethical issue with this as many directories do this in one form or the other and I don;t feel like it crosses the line. If this was me, I would disclose it some place, but certainly there is no legal issue with not disclosing it.

[activitysuper]

Uh ok I understand.

I don't see any problem with this at all, your clients benefit from a do-follow link on a directory you run.

If they want a do-follow link they have to become a client or maybe pay a annual fee.

Done.

[BrianJGomez]

Yeah I agree, I don't see any ethics issues here at all. If this were my directory, I would look at it like this: there are two main potential benefits to this directory 1) relevant traffic 2) a relevant link. There's nothing wrong if you wanted to charge clients for premium placement once you get enough businesses in there.