New Web Site - Test Data

[highman]

We are launching a new directory type site with loads of Categories and Sub-Categories which at the moment only contain test data, it is clearly marked test data to pad the site out.
The client is keen to get the site in the SE's, as this will obviously lead to interest from agencies and users

The real data has to come from lots of small agencies who will only really be interested once the site is well up in the SE's, catch 22.

I can get the site listed in Google, no worries, how big an effect will the test data be to a user?

I take it Yahoo and LSmart are a def no no? anyone tried it?

How would ODP see it?

TIA

[MazY]

Sorry, HighMan.

Given your recent staff-room revelation, the UK members are unable to help you further. :D

Who says I can't stand competition? :)

[highman]

Uh uh I see its like that then is it !

right sights set on VB then :D make way matey

[MazY]

Actually, truth is, I don't have a clue with regards to your question! lol

[ihelpyou]

What do you mean by 'test data' and why would it make a difference?

[highman]

For Example;

If you started a new Web based shoe shop and filled up all the categories and sub cats with shoes for sale, but, all were fictional, you did not have any shoes for sale yet until your suppliers had agreed to supply the shoes. So the site is filled with shoes all marked 'test data do not purchase'

Thats the scenario but we dont sell shoes!

[Advisor]

Couldn't you add some real companies for free to start out with? A few of the biggies? I think that would go over much better than test data, plus the others would want to be in once they see that the biggies are in. I think!

Jill

[ihelpyou]

ah, I see.

The directories would be the problem. They don't want sites in unless they are completely. The spidered SE's would be no problem at all.

[markymark]

Tough one, this. I wouldn't even bother with the search engines until your directory has listings. I have been to plenty of optimised directory sites only to find that there are no listings. I have never been back to any of them and I am certain that this is the view of the majority of people.

You should approach advertisers now, explain that who you are and what you are able to do, offer them a first mover type deal and then optimise the resultant site.

[highman]

Yes the idea is to get a few in free to start with, but this is a LARGE site so even a few biggies leave it a bit sparse so it still needs some test data, I just wondered how Yahoo and LS would view test data, would they look at it as 'under construction'?

I think they may and then reject it?

[highman]

Thanks Mark,

Its the users view I was after aswel as this is just as important to the site

It is catch 22, the agencies / advertisers are sceptical until its up in the SE's and attracting traffic, but I am reluctant to promote it when its full of test data

[ihelpyou]

Yep, that's what I think would happen as the directories are human edited and do not want anyting resembling 'under construction'.

[Alan Perkins]

If your directory is full of test data, what good is it to your visitors? Will they ever come back? And won't the potential advertisers ask for detailed traffic figures rather than rankings.

Why not start with a small directory populated with real sites.

[highman]

>Why not start with a small directory populated with real sites.

Not quite as easy as that Alan, the directory has a preset size which it must have to even pretend its going to be any good in its field.

I think all I can do is document my concerns and let the punter make the final decision, if it was my site then the whole process would have been different....... shall i just mention the word VC :rolleyes:

[Advisor]

shall i just mention the word VC 'nuff said...

J

[Alan Perkins]

shall i just mention the word VCLOL. Say no more.

I still think you could do more harm than good by driving tons of traffic into a dead end, even if you succeed in doing that.

[highman]

Agreed <starting to feel like piggy in the middle>.... lol

[glengara]

Highman, I'd suggest you fill it with real sites; make it a free and comprehensive directory, and then pull a Y!.

I'm assuming paid inclusion comes into the frame somewhere; during the transition period you could have these"featured" above your initial free entries, and then slowly cull the free entries.

If it brings them extra sales, many of your "freebies" may well opt for inclusion.

A lot more initial work, but those two letters you mentioned should be able to cover it.