The Beginings of a website directory

[furtherup]

When first starting a niche website directory, well setting one up is pretty easy, but:

How do you get people to start listing their sites on it?

Are you supposed to fill it up with a bunch of new websites yourself over time? register users under random names and add websites.....

What does an empty directory look like to somebody who comes across it? Would they want to list their website on it?
Or would they pass on it if the directory is empty?

I of course, in time after it develops, want to turn it into a 'sell advertising space' on it directory.

Looking for some help, thanks.

 

[Elvis]

First, ask yourself what people are looking for when choosing directories to submit to. The #1 answer is probably "I want an easy, high PR backlink for free." So... do whatever you would do to any other website to increase PR.

You could also get your directory included in the lists for all the directory submission service providers. You'll get plenty of submissions then.