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Do this to build a $200,000 side hustle (The Online Directory Blueprint)

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Summary

Greg Isenberg


Podcast episode Summary

☀️ Quick Takes

Is this Podcast episode Clickbait?

Our analysis suggests that the Podcast Episode is not clickbait because it provides comprehensive strategies and actionable steps for building an online directory as a side hustle, aligning with the title's claim.

1-Sentence-Summary

Greg Isenberg's podcast episode outlines strategies for building a lucrative online directory side hustle by leveraging AI and SEO for content curation, employing no-code tools for ease, and utilizing various monetization methods like sponsored listings and affiliate links, all aimed at generating up to $200,000 with minimal risk and investment.

Favorite Quote from the Author

the main thing is most of these ideas don't need a single investor some cost nothing to start I'm pretty much handing you a cheat sheet the idea bank is your startup shortcut

💨 tl;dr

Online directories are booming! To build a successful one, start with keyword research, use no-code tools, keep it simple, focus on SEO, and validate multiple ideas quickly. Monetization options include sponsorships and affiliate links. Directories are a low-risk way to kickstart your online business.

💡 Key Ideas

  • Online directories are growing in popularity, providing trusted, curated content for users.
  • Key steps to start an online directory: find ideas, validate them, build the directory, and focus on SEO.
  • Keyword research is critical; use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner for identifying ideas.
  • An exact match domain name helps with SEO, but adapt to Google's emphasis on meaning-based search.
  • Use no-code tools, like Unicorn, to simplify the directory-building process and expedite launch.
  • Start simple with a basic page; add features later to avoid overcomplicating initial efforts.
  • Incorporate AI for content generation and streamline directory structure; human touch enhances quality.
  • Validate ideas through initial traffic before heavy investment in SEO and content.
  • Focus on multiple ideas in the first 30 days to spot the most promising directory concept.
  • Quality of data is crucial; low-quality directories won't gain traction or expert shares.
  • Monetization strategies include sponsorships, affiliate links, charging for listings, and selling data.
  • Directories can drive traffic to SaaS tools effectively, often at a lower cost than direct competition.
  • Directories are seen as a lower-risk, potentially lucrative side project compared to SaaS products.

🎓 Lessons Learnt

  • Start with Keyword Research: Validate your directory idea by checking keyword search volume to ensure interest exists before investing time.

  • Use No-Code Tools: Launch your directory faster with no-code platforms that provide templates and built-in marketing features, allowing for quick updates.

  • Keep It Simple at Launch: Start with a basic version of your directory to gather feedback and iterate, rather than overcomplicating it from the get-go.

  • Focus on SEO and Quality Content: Prioritize search engine optimization and high-quality data to attract users and influencers; low-quality content can hinder growth.

  • Test Multiple Ideas: Avoid putting all your efforts into one idea; trial several concepts to increase your chances of success.

  • Engage Strategically on Social Media: Use social media and relevant directories to drive traffic to your site, but be careful not to spam.

  • Monitor and Update Regularly: Stay current by frequently checking for trending items and updates in your niche to keep your directory relevant.

  • Monetize Effectively: Explore various monetization strategies for B2B directories, like sponsorships and affiliate links, to generate revenue.

  • Directories as a Business Entry Point: Consider starting with directories to build an internet business; they have lower risk and can lead to quicker earnings.

  • Research Before Buying Directories: Analyze the traffic and potential of existing directories before making a purchase to ensure a good investment.

🌚 Conclusion

Directories can be a smart entry point into online business, offering lower risk and quicker returns. Prioritize quality content and SEO, test multiple ideas, and leverage no-code tools to streamline your launch. Stay adaptable and keep your directory fresh to attract users.

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In-Depth

Worried about missing something? This section includes all the Key Ideas and Lessons Learnt from the Podcast episode. We've ensured nothing is skipped or missed.

All Key Ideas

Online Directories Overview

  • Online directories are becoming increasingly popular and provide curated content that people trust.
  • The process of starting an online directory includes finding ideas, validating them, building the directory, and working on SEO.
  • Keyword research is essential for identifying worthwhile directory ideas, using tools like Google's Keyword Planner.
  • There is a growing demand for quality content, making well-curated directories valuable as people outsource decision-making from Google.

Key Insights on Building Directories and SEO

  • The importance of finding an exact match domain name for SEO, but adapting to Google's shift from exact words to meaning-based search.
  • The idea of creating a directory of validated startup ideas from successful entrepreneurs, which could be a shortcut for aspiring business owners.
  • The recommendation to use no-code tools for building directories to expedite the launch and simplify future marketing efforts.
  • The Unicorn platform is highlighted as a simple website builder that has pivoted into a directory builder, catering to this need.
  • Many people overcomplicate their directory projects by wanting too many features at launch, emphasizing the need to keep it simple initially.

Directory Creation Tips

  • For a new directory, start with a simple page featuring just a name and items; additional features can come later.
  • Using AI can streamline the directory creation process by generating content like menus and structure.
  • SEO is crucial for directories; more text and items increase the chances of ranking well.
  • FAQs are important as each title can represent a common search query, potentially driving traffic.
  • Many overlook simple strategies because they assume valuable methods must be complex.
  • Start with minimal effort to validate assumptions before investing more time and resources into content creation.

Business Directory Strategies

  • AI can assist in creating content, but human effort is essential to enhance it.
  • The speaker aims to build a directory with multiple small business ideas, relying on validated keywords for traffic.
  • If a project takes more than one evening, the method needs reevaluation to ensure efficiency.
  • Testing multiple ideas simultaneously minimizes disappointment from potential failures.
  • Promoting the directory involves engaging on Reddit, replying to relevant articles with the URL, and being cautious to avoid bans.
  • Submitting the directory to other relevant directories can effectively drive traffic.
  • Utilizing social media to respond to relevant questions with the directory link can yield significant visibility and traffic.
  • Backlinks from social media can be more valuable than traditional website backlinks due to their potential for broader reach.

SEO and Traffic Validation Insights

  • The importance of validating an idea through initial traffic and clicks before diving into SEO.
  • SEO is a crucial part of growing directories, and it involves more than just content generation; internal linking and structure are key.
  • It's not advisable to publish a large number of articles on a new site right away, as it can be seen as spam by Google.
  • Using tools to automate SEO processes can help streamline keyword research and content creation.
  • Traffic analysis after a month is essential to determine the viability of the directory; no traffic can be difficult to fix.

Directory Growth Strategies

  • It's difficult to get traffic to a directory that's fundamentally flawed, such as having the wrong domain name or keywords.
  • Focus on validating multiple directory ideas in the first 30 days to identify the most promising one before investing more time.
  • Data quality is crucial; if experts find low-quality data in your directory, they won't share it, which impacts growth.
  • Influencers will share your directory if they see high-quality, relevant content that demonstrates expertise in the topic.
  • Regularly update your directory with trending items to attract organic traffic from Google and maintain relevance.

Monetization Strategies for Directories

  • There are multiple ways to monetize directories, especially depending on the audience type (B2B is easier).
  • Sponsorships can be pitched to businesses for banner spots or featured listings in directories.
  • Affiliate links are effective, particularly for high-cost items, and can generate good income.
  • Selling anonymized data or insights to larger companies can be a profitable monetization strategy.
  • Charging for listings can be effective, especially if there’s significant traffic and interested buyers.
  • Access fees for detailed information in directories can generate revenue, especially for niche markets.
  • Brand sponsorships become viable as directories grow, allowing companies to promote their brands without needing traffic.
  • Directories can help with SEO traffic for other projects, like SaaS tools, but are harder to win for those tools alone.

Benefits of Directories for SaaS Tools

  • Directories can channel traffic to SaaS tools more effectively than competing directly for SEO traffic.
  • Directories are less competitive in keyword bidding, making them a cost-effective way to generate traffic.
  • You can sell directories to SaaS companies targeting the same audience, creating a lucrative market.
  • The average price for directories ranges from $2K to $100K, depending on traffic and audience.
  • Researching traffic and audience on platforms like Similar Web can help identify potential directory purchases.
  • Directories can be managed by individuals or small teams, with potential earnings around $5K for beginner directories.

Benefits of Directories as a Business Model

  • Directories can be a lucrative side project, potentially generating 5K to 10K per month.
  • They're seen as easier to succeed with than SaaS products, which have a high failure rate.
  • Directories can grow passively through SEO, making them stable revenue sources.
  • Many successful internet businesses started as directories, like Starter Story and Product Hunt.
  • The risk of complete failure is low when launching multiple directories.

All Lessons Learnt

Directory Development Tips

  • Start with keyword research for directory ideas. This helps you see if people are actually searching for your idea before you invest time and resources into it.
  • Use Google's Keyword Planner tool. It's not just for ads; you can throw your ideas in there to gauge potential traffic and interest for your directory.
  • Match your domain name with your keyword. Having a domain name that aligns with your directory's focus can boost its visibility and relevance.

Tips for Launching a Directory

  • Be Creative with Domain Names: Always look for available domain names that are creative alternatives to popular keywords. Instead of settling for taken domains, try variations that convey the same meaning, like 'mini' instead of 'small.'
  • Use No-Code Tools for Faster Launching: Starting with no-code tools can accelerate your project launch. These tools offer templates and built-in marketing features that save you time and effort compared to coding everything from scratch.
  • Prioritize Marketing and Future Scalability: When building your directory, focus on marketing strategies and the ability to scale in the future. Using a no-code platform helps facilitate this by allowing easy updates and changes without extensive coding work.
  • Keep Initial Launch Simple: When launching a directory, don't overcomplicate it with too many features. Start with a basic version to get it out there and gather feedback before adding more functionalities.

Directory Development Tips

  • Start with a simple directory first.
  • Use AI to simplify your work.
  • Focus on SEO to increase visibility.
  • Create an FAQ section for better traffic.
  • Research popular search queries.
  • Validate assumptions before investing time.

Tips for Improving Project Visibility

  • Invest proper human time for better results: While AI can assist, adding personal effort and creativity makes your project stand out and improves its quality.
  • Test multiple ideas simultaneously: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; having 5-10 ideas allows you to mitigate disappointment if one fails.
  • Engage carefully on Reddit for traffic: Find relevant articles where users ask for URLs and provide your link, but be strategic to avoid being banned.
  • List your directory in other relevant directories: This can drive traffic to your site, as relevant directories often have a large audience.
  • Utilize social media for backlinks: Respond to questions on social media with your directory link; popular posts can generate significant traffic and improve your site's SEO through social signals.

SEO Tips

  • Validate your idea before SEO: Do the first four steps to see if people are clicking on your content. If not, it might be a bad idea or the domain name needs changing.
  • Start with limited articles: In the first month, publish a maximum of 50 pages or articles on a fresh site to avoid being flagged as spam by Google.
  • Use tools for SEO: Rely on SEO tools for keyword research and internal linking. It's more effective than manual content generation.
  • Monitor traffic after promotion: After promoting your directory, wait 30 days to check traffic. If there’s no traffic, it’s tough to fix that.

Tips for Building a Successful Directory

  • Never fall in love with the idea for a directory. Make multiple attempts (like five) and focus on the one that performs best after 30 days to avoid wasting effort on a failing concept.
  • Focus first on validation of potential SEO traffic and user interest. In the initial phase, prioritize checking if people care about your idea before investing too much into the quality of the directory.
  • Put effort into making the data high quality. Many fail because they neglect the quality of the data; high-quality content is crucial for attracting influencers and gaining respect in the niche.
  • Monitor your directory regularly for relevant updates. Stay attentive to the space, checking frequently for new hot items to keep your directory current and increase Google traffic.
  • Be quick to add trending items to your directory. If you list popular new items quickly, you can capture search traffic before others do, enhancing your directory’s visibility and growth.

Monetization Strategies for B2B Directories

  • Monetize B2B directories easily through sponsorships: If your directory targets businesses, you can pitch them for banner spots or sponsorship options, leveraging your audience size.
  • Use affiliate links for high-value items: Affiliate marketing works well with expensive items; higher-priced items yield more significant profits per click.
  • Sell anonymized data or insights: You can monetize directories by selling anonymized user data or insights to larger corporations, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.
  • Implement a paywall for listings: Charging a fee for listings can work, especially if your directory has substantial traffic and the items listed offer value to users.
  • Charge for access to exclusive content: Limit the visibility of certain directory information, requiring users to pay for full access, which can be particularly effective if the content is in high demand.
  • Seek brand sponsorships as traffic grows: Once your directory gains traction, approach large brands for sponsorship deals that focus on brand promotion rather than direct clicks.
  • Consider SEO challenges for SaaS tools: Recognize that gaining SEO traffic for SaaS projects can be more difficult, and directories might be a better starting point for building traffic.

Benefits of Using Directories for SaaS

  • Use directories for SEO traffic: Instead of competing for expensive keywords for your SaaS tool, focus on creating directories that can attract free traffic and then channel that traffic to your products.
  • Directories are cheaper to compete for: Nobody wants to pay for directory keywords, making it easier to rank and gain traffic compared to high-cost SaaS keywords.
  • Sell directories to SaaS companies: You can monetize directories by selling them to SaaS businesses that share the same audience, providing them a valuable traffic channel.
  • Directories offer great ROI: Buying a directory with consistent traffic can lead to a low cost per click, making it a better investment than traditional advertising methods.
  • Directory prices vary: Small directories can start as low as $2K, averaging around $20K, and larger ones can go up to $100K, depending on their audience and traffic.
  • Research before buying: Use tools like Similar Web to analyze traffic, audience, and reach out to directory owners with offers, as many may sell for less than their listed price.
  • Directories can scale: With effort, a directory can grow significantly, and even without luck, starting with a low investment can lead to decent returns, around $5K.

Building an Internet Business with Directories

  • Start with directories as your first attempt to build an internet business. This approach has a lower risk of failure compared to starting with software as a service (SaaS) and can lead to quicker success.
  • Expect to earn around 5K to 10K from directories as a side project. Directories can provide a decent income, especially for those outside the U.S., and can serve as a way to fund your life.
  • Focus on building digital products after launching directories. Directories can serve as a stepping stone to develop more complex digital products later on.
  • SEO is a valuable channel for directories. Once you achieve stable traffic, like 5K visits a month, your revenue can grow over time without needing constant effort.
  • Directories are often based on non-competitive keywords, making it easier to gain traction and maintain growth compared to other business models.

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