(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.