The session detailed how to identify and launch profitable directory-based online businesses by leveraging overlooked demand on platforms like Google, Reddit, Facebook, and outdated competitor websites.
Several actionable research tactics and essential tool recommendations were shared, focusing on low-competition, high-demand service gaps.
Five specific directory niches were suggested as immediate opportunities.
A step-by-step plan for validating and launching a minimum viable directory in under 24 hours was provided.
Action Items
No due date – Audience: Use suggested research tactics to identify niche directory opportunities.
No due date – Audience: Apply the step-by-step launch plan to test and validate chosen directory ideas.
No due date – Interested viewers: Comment requested directory niche for possible live walkthrough by the presenter.
Identifying Directory Opportunities
Directories are a straightforward, low-maintenance online business model with potential for fast SEO wins and monetization through ads, affiliates, lead generation, and paid placements.
Weak competition is common; many existing directories are outdated, poorly designed, or lack important filters.
Focus is on serving unmet search intent by organizing service providers and adding value through targeted filters.
Research Tactics and Tools
Use Google’s "inurl:directory" search paired with niche keywords to find outdated or low-quality competitors.
Analyze keyword competition and volume with AHREFS and the Keywords Everywhere browser extension.
Explore overlooked "People Also Ask" and "Related Searches" sections in Google for filter and idea inspiration.
Investigate spammy business listings on Google Maps for niches where keyword stuffing dominates but quality is poor.
Mine Facebook groups and Reddit: search for phrases like “looking for,” “recommend,” or “anyone know a good” to uncover active demand and nuanced filters.
Use tools like Glasp, Evernote/Google Docs, and Airtable to build and organize a swipe file of ideas, filters, and niches.
Consider specialty tools like lowfruits.io for low-competition keywords and Gummy Search for Reddit topic clustering.
Five Directory Niches to Build Now
Used commercial kitchen rental spaces – targeted at ghost kitchens, meal prep, and food startups.
Event venues that allow you to bring your own food – solves a key pain point for event organizers.
Therapists who take Medicaid and are responsive to emails – addressing both access and communication gaps.
Wedding vendors not listed on major platforms like The Knot – helps surface quality but unadvertised providers.
Mobile dog groomers in rural areas – capitalizes on pet service demand where online presence is minimal.
Validate and Launch Process
Select a niche with proven, unmet demand as revealed via the above tactics.
Quickly gather 10+ legitimate provider listings without asking permission.
Build a basic MVP using lightweight tools (Carrd, Softr, Notion, Airtable, Google Sheets).
Soft launch by sharing in relevant groups and with listed providers, gauging willingness to be included or featured.
As soon as engagement is validated, offer simple paid upgrade options such as featured listings or additional filters.
Monetize through affiliate links or lead generation as additional options.
Decisions
Prioritize directories with unique filters and low-quality incumbents — Rationale: These offer the clearest opportunities for fast SEO traction and defensible value against outdated competitors.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
Which directory niche should be built live in an upcoming demonstration? (Pending input from audience in comments)
Will a follow-up case study or deeper build walkthrough be produced if there is specific demand?