Why directories are gonna be huge

updated on 29 April 2025

(And How People Are Making $5K–$20K/Month From Them)

In this episode, we go deep with John Rush, the king of online directories.

You’ve probably seen his work or read one of his threads — but today, John breaks down everything about launching a successful online directory in 2024.

We talk about:

  • ✅ How to come up with directory ideas using keyword research
  • 🚀 How to quickly build directories using AI tools and scrapers
  • 📈 How to grow traffic with SEO, Reddit, X, and other free tactics
  • 💸 How some people are earning $5K, $10K, even $20K/month from simple directory projects

So why are directories such a big deal right now? Why are they blowing up again?

We’re Entering the Golden Era of Directories

We live in a world of content overload. Everyone’s publishing. Everyone’s selling. Everyone’s yelling.

People are tired.

And more than ever, they want curated content — clear, trustworthy resources that help them make faster decisions without getting lost in the noise.

That’s where directories come in.

They curate, filter, and organize — and that’s powerful.

“People will start outsourcing decision-making to directories instead of Google,” John says.“Because directories feel more human. More relevant. More trusted.”

Why Directories Work So Well Right Now

Here’s why directories are booming in 2024:

🧠 1. Low-Risk, High-Reward

Directories are one of the lowest-risk ways to launch a startup.

You don’t need a team. No app. No funding. Just a clear niche and a few weekends of work.

Some people are making $5K–$20K/month with super simple directories — all from affiliate links, sponsored listings, and boosted placements.

🔍 2. The Internet Needs Curation

Google search results are messy. AI-generated blogs are everywhere. People want clarity.

A well-built directory adds value immediately. It’s not just another link list — it’s a decision-making tool.

🚀 3. SEO Still Loves Directories

With proper structure, keyword-rich listings, and internal linking, directories often rank well in Google.

You can:

  • Target long-tail and niche keywords
  • Build backlinks passively
  • Grow traffic on autopilot

How to Launch Your Own Directory (John Rush Method)

Let’s walk through the process John outlined — simple and actionable.

🔎 Step 1: Find the Right Niche

  • Use Google Ads Keyword Planner or Trends
  • Look for low-competition, high-intent, or fast-growing search terms
  • Make sure people are talking about it on Reddit, X, Medium, etc.
  • Example: “pop up tents” → great niche, people are searching, content is sparse

🌐 Step 2: Buy the Right Domain

  • Your domain should match the keyword. If your topic is “pop up tents”, the domain should be something like popuptents.org or .com
  • .org is great for directories. .com leans more toward e-commerce

🤖 Step 3: Build the Directory

  • Use AI scrapers or tools like Browse AI, Bardeen, or custom GPT scripts
  • Search X using advanced filters to find products or sites to list
  • Organize everything in Notion, Airtable, or Webflow
  • Make sure you understand the niche — this is key to making your directory feel trustworthy

📢 Step 4: Validate Demand

  • Use site:reddit.com [keyword] or site:quora.com [keyword] to check real interest
  • Engage with those communities, drop your directory link (ethically!)
  • Check comments on related blogs and YouTube videos for additional posting opportunities

🧲 Step 5: Promote It for Free

  • Post weekly updates on Reddit, Quora, and X
  • Get listed on DirectoryHunt.org and other launchpads
  • Submit to Product Hunt, Indie Hackers, and niche newsletters

📊 Step 6: Track Growth + Monetize

Once traffic starts coming in, it’s time to monetize:

  • Affiliate links — link listings to products and earn 10–50% commissions
  • Claim your listing — let companies take control of their page
  • Boosted listings — offer top spots for a fee ($99/week, $199/month, etc.)
  • Sponsors — outreach to relevant brands and offer ad space

Directories Are the Future of Trust

Directories are making a comeback — not because they’re trendy, but because they solve real problems.

They’re simple, useful, scalable, and profitable.

In a noisy world, they give clarity.

And for solo builders, they’re the best-kept secret in the modern internet economy.

“The more content there is online,” John says,“the more valuable good curation becomes.”

Ready to Start?

👉 Check out DirectoryHunt.org — the launchpad for niche directories.

Submit yours, explore trending projects, or get inspired by what others are building.