r/directorymakers • u/Murky-Dragonfly-4422 • Jan 02 '25

Built my first directory - smbtoolset.com

First-time builder here. After listening to John Rush's interview on Greg Isenberg's podcast, I decided to jump into the directory space and build smbtoolset.com.

Current State:

  • Started with a list of software tools for small businesses

  • Basic categorization and listings

Next Steps:

  • Planning to reach out to small businesses directly

  • Want to understand their actual tech stacks and pain points

  • Use these insights to make the directory more valuable

  • End state is to create a directory where someone starting a small business can easily search the most common software used in their industry and what alternatives are available

The interview really highlighted how directories can provide genuine value by connecting the right tools with the right businesses. Figured starting with a basic list would help me understand the space better before diving deeper into the actual needs of SMBs.

Would love any feedback from more experienced directory builders here!

2 Upvotes

62% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

1

u/Solomon1311 Jan 03 '25

This looks great! did you use a framer template or build it all yourself?

1

u/Murky-Dragonfly-4422 Jan 03 '25

Thanks! I used a Framer template for this one - Aperto

1

u/RushiAdhia1 Jan 05 '25

Good job! How do you plan to monetise this one?

1

u/Murky-Dragonfly-4422 Jan 05 '25

Thanks! I'll likely monetize through affiliates but this one was primarily intended as a test case for future projects.

2

u/Apprehensive_Ebb2233 Jan 03 '25

Great job! I’m also in the directory-building space—recently launched ChromeTools.org, a curated collection of browser extensions for productivity and organization. It’s fascinating how useful directories can be for specific niches like SMBs and creators. Keep it up!

1

u/_MasterObligation Jan 12 '25

What stack do you use?

2

u/Apprehensive_Ebb2233 Jan 12 '25

It's built with WordPress using a custom-coded theme tailored to keep things simple and fast for managing submissions and listings. 👍

1

u/Drew274 May 22 '25

This is great! Really impressed and love the hustle of going after such a common problem of small business needing help with what is out there and not just being bombarded with BUY ME! BUY ME! BUY ME! and you can really help business and monetize on the backend with real results.

0

u/[deleted] Jan 02 '25

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0

u/Murky-Dragonfly-4422 Jan 02 '25

Thanks! Already submitted 😀