SEO for a web directory

What are the key SEO points to consider when designing/creating a new web directory.

The main points i can think of are:

* Category names on the page and in the url?
* The actual link to the site as looking like 'http://www.website . com' rather than a link saying 'view website' which then links to the site?
* Every single screenshot of the site alt tagged?
* Possible display of PageRank?

Im just getting these ideas from the many directories i've seen on the net. Any other points or feedback on those points would be awesome!

You will have a lot of well-established competition; it would probably be better to specialise somehow.
Of course.
Using the url would be just as pointless as using "view website" (because you will already rank top for your url)!
Every image alt tagged, no matter what it is.
That won't help your optimisation one bit.

I have the perfect niche for my directory! so thats in the bag and don't need to worry about that one.

ClickyB - The only thing I am slightly worried about is the on-page optimisation for the directory? Is there MUST DO list when creating a directory?

Yes,
all things are ok but to start new web dir.. you need to tack care for
1.domain & subject on which you are going to start dir.
2.How you will market your dir & what will be earning of it.
3.also take care for all onpage seo stuffs.

If you have any questions ask me.

1. would a directory like www.website.co.uk/directory/category_names/second_level_category

succeed in the world of directories compared to a directory where it is hosted on www.differentdomain.co.uk/category_names/second_level_category


obviously the top example would be good to keep page rank? but the second example would need to gain links etc to gain page rank?

2. and 3. are easy for me to sort out

How did you get from this to thisin 16 days?

In theory there is no difference in the ranking potential as much of the success (or otherwise) depends on how many relevant and good quality links you can get to your directory home page (assuming the site is well constructed and optimised in itself).
But a lot also depends on your goals and intentions.

In SEO terms? Nothing you shouldn't do for every type of site.