Brief Summary
This video discusses the viability of building website directories in 2025. The creator, Frey Chu, shares his experience building a successful directory that earns $1,500-$2,000 per month. He addresses common questions and concerns about directories, including their relevance in the age of AI, potential revenue, and how to get started. Frey emphasizes the importance of choosing an underserved niche, validating the idea, and using web scraping tools to populate the directory. He also debunks the myth that directories are too late to start, arguing that they are still a viable business model, especially in niche markets.
- Directories can be a profitable business model in 2025, especially in underserved niches.
- AI tools like ChatGPT are not a threat to directories, as they often rely on information from directories.
- Directories can be monetized through display ads and sponsored listings.
- Web scraping tools can be used to populate directories with data.
My First Successful Directory
Frey Chu shares his experience building his first successful directory website. He started in October 2022 and by June 2023, it was generating $1,000-$1,200 per month in recurring revenue. The directory receives 50,000-60,000 monthly visitors and earns an additional $400-$500 per month from selling digital products. He emphasizes that this directory was built as a learning project and he didn't have any prior experience with SEO or directory building.
What's the Point of Directories While ChatgGPT Exists?
Frey addresses the concern that AI tools like ChatGPT will make directories obsolete. He argues that AI tools often rely on information from directories, and while they may provide information directly to users, they don't replace the need for curated and organized lists of businesses. He emphasizes that location-based directories are particularly relevant, as Google Maps often fails to provide accurate results for specific niches.
Potential Revenue of Directory Websites
Frey discusses the potential revenue of directory websites. He acknowledges that the revenue potential is not as high as other online business models, but it can still be significant. He outlines two main monetization strategies: display ads and sponsored listings. He cites the example of Tim STDs, a directory owner who earns $250,000 per year from selling sponsored listings on his directory, Sober Nation.
What's the Best Way to Find Existing Directories?
Frey explains how to find existing directories in a specific niche. He recommends using tools like Ahrefs to identify relevant keywords and then searching Google for directories related to those keywords. He emphasizes that the existence of existing directories doesn't necessarily mean that a new directory can't be successful. He suggests analyzing the SEO of existing directories to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Starting Costs for Website Directories
Frey addresses the cost of starting a directory website. He acknowledges that using tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush can be expensive, but it's possible to get started with just WordPress, a domain, and a theme. He shares his own experience building his first directory using a manual process of copying and pasting information from Google Maps into WordPress. He emphasizes that while tools can make the process easier, they are not essential for getting started.
Isn't it Too Late to Start Website Directories?
Frey addresses the skepticism that it's too late to start a directory website. He compares directories to dropshipping, arguing that both are viable business models if done correctly. He emphasizes the importance of finding a niche that is not overly saturated and developing a unique workflow. He also highlights the fact that his own directories are in niche markets that are considered "boring" but still generate significant revenue.
How to Get Data for your Directory Website
Frey explains how to populate a directory with data. He recommends using web scraping tools like Outscraper to extract information from Google Maps. He demonstrates how to use Outscraper to scrape data for criminal lawyers near me, highlighting the features that allow you to specify location, categories, and desired data fields. He emphasizes the importance of cleaning and verifying the scraped data, as it may contain inaccuracies.
Is a Directory Just....A List?
Frey clarifies that a directory is more than just a list. He emphasizes the importance of optimizing the directory for SEO, including using relevant keywords in the domain name, slugs, header tags, and image alt text. He argues that a well-curated and SEO-optimized list can be a valuable resource for users and search engines.
Validating a Website Directory Idea
Frey discusses the process of validating a directory idea. He recommends using a combination of tools like Ahrefs, Google Keyword Planner, and social listening platforms like Reddit and TikTok to assess the potential demand for a directory in a specific niche. He emphasizes that relying solely on Google Keyword Planner can be misleading, as it doesn't always accurately reflect the difficulty of ranking for a keyword.
What are the Best Examples of Directories Today?
Frey provides examples of successful directories, including Care.com and Craigslist. He highlights the fact that many smaller directories exist in niche markets and generate significant revenue. He emphasizes that the most successful directories are often in "boring" niches that are underserved by other resources.
Building A Directory In 50 Minutes?
Frey addresses the controversial claim that a directory can be built in 50 minutes. He argues that while it may be possible to create a basic directory quickly, it's unlikely to rank well in search engines without proper research and optimization. He emphasizes the importance of spending time on keyword research, niche selection, and content creation to ensure the directory's success. He also expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of programmatic SEO for directories, suggesting that static pages tend to perform better.
