The directory should rate applications and allow the author to put an award image on their site. This will help ensure that there are lots of links to the shareware directory, and authors love getting awards. Do not use excessive graphics. If navigating the site is slow, modem users will go somewhere else. A good submission system keeps the information on the shareware site fresh because authors are more likely to submit their programs.
Fresh information is critical to keeping a loyal base of visitors.
The site must accept PAD submissions so that the author only needs to submit the PAD URL once. If you do support PAD, you must check the PAD file for changes once a day. Authors must be allowed to enter a password and edit their listings. Also, there should be only a single password that gives the author access to all their listings. Do not use a separate password for each listing.