The Actual Process Behind a $10.5K/Month Directory Website

Get the exact system used to build profitable local directories: https://www.gregisenberg.com/directory The episode features Frey Chu explaining his methodology for building profitable directory websites, using dog parks as a case study. He demonstrates how to identify opportunities through keyword research, validate ideas through social proof, and implement a basic yet effective directory structure. The discussion emphasizes that even simple directory websites can generate significant passive income through various monetization methods, while also serving as a foundation for larger business opportunities. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:40 - Examples of Profitable Directories and their traffic 10:35 - Why Build Directories 12:23 - Finding and validating directory ideas 26:44 - Data collection and enrichment 42:21 - WordPress implementation 46:36 - Monetization strategies Key Points: • How to identify profitable directory website opportunities using keyword research and competition analysis • Step-by-step process for validating directory ideas using Reddit and social listening • Data collection and enrichment techniques for building comprehensive directories • Simple implementation strategy using WordPress or other CMS platforms • Monetization strategies including AdSense, affiliate marketing, and potential SaaS opportunities 1) First, find your niche: • Use Ahrefs "near me" searches • Look for 30-100K monthly searches • Target keyword difficulty under 20 • Avoid seasonal/branded keywords • Find niches with fragmented search intent 2) Validate your idea: • Check competition on Google • Look for basic/outdated directories • Browse Reddit discussions • Confirm real user pain points • Set a "bounty" on weak competitors 3) Data Collection Strategy: • Use Google Maps scraping tools (like Outscraper) • Focus on exact category matches • Collect key data points: - Name, address, phone - Reviews & ratings - Hours & location links - Street view images 4) Data Enrichment  • Add unique features competitors lack • Include amenity details (shade, benches, etc) • Use AI tools to automate enrichment • Focus on solving specific user problems • Make data actually USEFUL 5) Building The Directory: • Start with simple "static pillar pages" • Target city-specific keywords • Include: - Table of contents - Location details - Embedded maps - Reviews - Internal linking structure 6) Monetization Options  • Display ads (most passive) • Affiliate partnerships • Lead generation • Data collection/email lists • Potential SaaS upsell Notable Quotes "AdSense has been the closest thing that I've ever experienced to passive income." - Frey Chu "People are monetizing directories wrong. They're just putting AdSense... The opportunity is actually to build software on top of these directories." - Greg Isenberg LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products 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 http://boringmarketing.com/ Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND FREY ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://x.com/freychu Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreyChu Frey’s Newsletter: https://shipyourdirectory.kit.com