Behind the scenes
The UK Motoring Directory is a human-edited web directory of automotive industry, business and associations presented in a multi-device friendly format, fully searchable and optimised.
Content is managed by experienced industry professionals and auto enthusiasts.
Launched in 1998, the UK's first directory dedicated to the automotive industry, now visited by over 30 million visitors.
The UK Motoring Directory platform is globally recognised for its innovative concepts, categorization, software development and optimisation.
We have enjoyed the journey.
Appearance & Layout
A great deal of attention has been given to the layout of the directory in terms of appearance; CSS friendly, HTML3 compliant is viewable on any device (PC, MAC, Tablet and Smart Phone). It is also 100% bot friendly welcoming GoogleBot and other search engine bots to index the directory of a regular basis.What's Been Happening
- September 2024 | CDN hosting on cloudflare.com
- August 2024 | Re-Introduce free listings
- July 2024 | Migration to new server
- July 2020 | Bootstrap intergration, PHP Upgrade, Friendly URLs
- August 2019 | SSL - https:// Security Certificate
- July 2018 | new Wordpress theme
- January 2018 | New VPS Hosting
- June 2015 | Merged into Wordpress - Mobile, Tablet and PC responsive
- April 2014 | New layout
- August 2013 | Hosting moved to Sydney Australia
- January 2008 | Australia Launch : www.motoringdirectory.com.au
- March 2008 | USA Launch : www.theautomotivedirectory.com
- 2000 - 2008 | See below
History
The UK Motoring Directory website began life in 1999 as a web marketing tool for an 'automotive' spare part (cv boot).
The first version [ www.ukmd.co.uk ] was a mock-presentation [html] with half a dozen listings in a few categories that did not meet the judges approval.
Not long after, emails started arriving from companies wanting to be listed in the directory. Twelve months later, www.ukmotoringdirectory.co.uk had 500+ listings in HTML format with a high rank in Yahoo and a steady stream of visitors.
November 2001 introduced a new look directory [ukmd00.01] and dynamically driven by ASP [active server pages], the UK's first. The technology inspired a new classification system designed specifically for the motoring industry.
The new classification comprised a tree structure of 18 main motoring topics combined with multiple sub-categories based on type, location and make.
The next platform [ukmd00.02 : 08/03] was launched in August 2003 dynamically driven by PHP connected to a MySQL database.
Directory [ukmd01.03] was rolled out over the following 6 months sporting a new look, faster loading pages, improved search facility and improved marketing opportunities. Directory hosting [ukmd01.04] was moved to Sheffield in October 2006. Directory hosting [ukmd01.05] was moved to Canberra Australia in August 2013. Directory [ukmd01.06] was redesigned and incorporated into Wordpress. (see Big Shiek Up below) For a fabulous insight into the past through to the present, visit WayBackMachine to see how we looked then compared with how we look today.
Motor on!
Directory Changes
New Layout
The new layout: https://www.ukmotoringdirectory.co.uk/sitemap.php
Add 3 tier system:
- Link Partner
- Gold Partner
- Premium Partner
Proposed focus.
- Totally automated system for complimentary listings.
- Bold appearance for Premium and Gold partner listings.
- Improve search functionality.
- Add A - Z company listing.
- Promote Stolen Register.
- Add misc functionality and new appearance.
The Big Shake (Sheik) Up
In 2014, the web site was hacked a number of times. Various forms of hacks largely defacing pages and swearing allegiances to Allah. In March 2015, the attacks became more regular and damaging. Not that we have anything against Allah but why we were the target of extremists and neckbeards is anyones guess.
March 2015 | Enter UK Motoring Directory [ukmd01.06].
The biggest change to the web site since it was converted from ASP to PHP, the new site features a new backend (wordpress), appearance, layout, security and a number of other features taking it into the new millennium.
We've packed in more security, better forms, device responsive, new profile layout and a whole lot more! Given the size of the development, we expect changes to be ongoing for some time.
July 2020 | UK Motoring Directory [ukmd02.01].
Easily the biggest update since we began. A bootstrap backend, upgraded to PHP 5.6, friendly URL's, super fast loading pages.
Feel free to tell us what you think, and if any, provide feedback how we can improve.
2024 State of Play
After many years offering a range of paid listings, its clear this is against Google T&C.Google applies the restriction on the basis that the paid links affect Google rankings. Many see it as a "restriction of trade". There are cases pending* world-wide against Google so time will tell.
The directory ran very successfully as a legitimate business until 2013, when Google de-ranked every directory worldwide. Sadly, we had to let our very disappointed support team go.