Interesting development, direct sales bypassing marketplaces like Flippa

[Clinton]

One of the sites I currently own was once promoted via submissions to various directories.

So these directories end up with one of my email addresses.

Today one of them sends me a bitly link. Apparently they've found me a site for sale that matches the content of my site and they think it's an exciting opportunity for me. The link leads to here - a turnkey/template. And, yes, it does match the content of the site that was originally submitted to that directory.

This is an interesting development.

It shows that sellers of these templates are looking for channels other than Flippa. On one level I admire their savvy. The mailing lists built up by free directory sites are perfect places to attempt to sell these templates. And there's a value add - no call it "targeting" - that beats the scattergun approach (and cost) of a Flippa listing. There must be other such lists/avenues they are exploring.

They are routing their sales through SEDO. So far at least 5200 people have clicked through to the SEDO listing in the last 30 days. I guess I'm not the only webmaster they made this offer to!

Do you think this has wings?

Hello Andrew Johnson,

Its not often that we email you about something not related to YOUR website, but maybe this could be your website! We are currently looking for someone to take ownership of our website. http://bit.ly/cuIjeA

Are you looking to expand your portfolio? Maybe you want a fresh start in a new niche? Or maybe your website isnt the type of website that generates sales ... Maybe you dont even own your own website yet ...

Its an instant business! You can start selling and earn money in your PayPal account as soon as you take it over! This website does it all for you, 24 hours a day!

Get more details, including traffic rank, and appraisal or make an offer at http://bit.ly/cuIjeA

Make an offer and its all yours!

...contd

[tvanslooten]

Wow...that's brilliant. As a SEO guy myself, I always submit my sites to these directories as just one other avenue to spread my backlinks around (even though the links from these directories are probably worthless these days). These directory owners are sitting on a goldmine of data. I always wondered why they didn't take advantage of my email and try to pitch me stuff that would "fit" the type of site I submitted to their directory. Do I think this has wings? It certainly could. I personally haven't received any of these offers but I'll keep an eye out for them now to see if it becomes a trend.

Travis