Join me as I chat with John Rush, a serial entrepreneur, as we dive deep into how to build and scale online directories. John shares his strategies and frameworks to for how to use AI and SEO to build and scale cash flowing directories. An online directory are a great side hustle or first online business for anyone to start
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:59 Why directories
02:46 How to find directory ideas
08:31 Building your directory
19:35 Promoting your new directory
23:14 SEO for directory
29:40 Data/Content for directory
34:13 How to monetize directory
42:17 How much can you sell a directory for
45:07 How large can a directory became
1) Why directories are hot right now:
• More content online = higher need for curation
• People trust well-curated directories
• Less SEO competition than other niches
2) How to find directory ideas:
• Use Google Keyword Planner
• Look for high search volume, low competition keywords
• Find available domain names that match or are close to target keywords
3) Building your directory:
• Use no-code tools (like Unicorn Platform) for speed
• Start simple – focus on listing items, not features
• Use AI to generate initial content and structure
4) Promoting your new directory:
• Share on relevant Reddit threads (carefully!)
• List your directory in other directories
• Engage on social media, especially Twitter
• Focus on SEO after initial validation
5) SEO strategy for directories:
• Start with ~10 high-quality articles
• Use tools or AI to generate SEO-optimized content
• Focus on internal linking and site structure
• Add trending items quickly to capture search traffic
6) Monetization strategies:
• B2B sponsorships and featured listings
• Affiliate links (especially for high-ticket items)
• Sell anonymized data or insights
• Charge for premium listings or access
• Brand sponsorships for established directories
7) The power of directories for SaaS:
• Easier to win SEO traffic than direct SaaS marketing
• Use directories to funnel traffic to your main product
• Consider buying relevant directories for instant traffic
8) Realistic expectations:
• $5K MRR achievable as a side project
• Up to $20K MRR with focused effort
• Million-dollar potential exists (but rare)
9) Why start with directories:
• Lower failure rate than SaaS
• Faster dopamine hits (traffic, first sale)
• Great way to learn digital product development
Pro Tip: Don’t fall in love with one idea. Launch multiple directories, see what sticks after 30 days, then double down on winners!
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
Work with me and my team: LCA — world’s best product design firm to build apps, websites and brands people love. https://latecheckout.agency
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers [BoringMarketing.com](http://boringmarketing.com/)
Community Empire – a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses http://communityempire.co/
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
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FIND JOHN ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/johnrushx
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrushx/
John’s directory guide: https://johnrush.me/directory-guide/
