On this blog we have regularly looked at directory sites which have improvised to not only survive but also thrive. For an example look at this story or this one. We continue this exercise and present this directory (?) of UK Website Designers. This site has impressed us so much not only because of the way it has been presented but the way the perception is created that this is more than just a directory but a complete service in itself.

We will not be in a position to look at all the great unique features on the site - so we will concentrate on a few. Firstly look at the categorisation. As a site that is customer oriented it is important that the user can find what he is looking for easily. The categorisation by cities like one for London website designers, one for Leeds website designers etc creates an instinctive navigational route for the user.

Next look at each listing. For an example look at this listing here on A D Creative Consultants. Look at the quantity and quality of the information presented. You have brief editorial review of the desgner along with rankings based on various parameters. Also available are user posted reviews to give an honest feedback from customers of that website designer. Next and a cool feature is the map integration to help you find your way to this designer.

And another fact that catches the eye is the low cost for inclusion to this directory. Regular listings are free while premium listings cost only 10 GBP per year.

This site is another great example of how adapting to new user requirements is vital to survive and succeed. Could not this site have used a common directory script and listed out all the designers in similar categories. Then spend a few hundred dollars on buying links and you have a directory ready. But no. This directory went for th path that is more difficult and has been successful in creating a service that can actually be used by ‘real humans’.