Exploring the Directory Business: Insights from Greg Eisenberg
In a recent video, Greg Eisenberg dives into the world of online directories, addressing common questions and skepticism surrounding this business model. With a successful directory under his belt, generating around $1,500 to $2,000 a month, Eisenberg has dedicated the last nine months to this venture after fully committing to it by quitting his job. The aim of his video is to shed light on how to build a profitable website directory in 2025, while also sharing insights and strategies based on personal experience.
Eisenberg recounts how he started his first directory in October 2022, leveraging self-taught SEO skills from YouTube. By June 2023, his directory was earning between $1,000 and $1,200 monthly, attracting approximately 50,000 to 60,000 visitors a month. He emphasizes the role of digital products in increasing earnings, noting that they account for an extra $400 to $500 monthly on his platform.
Addressing Skepticism: The Irresistible Value of Directories
One of the primary concerns raised in the comments pertains to the potential for AI tools like ChatGPT to diminish the traffic directed to websites like directories. Eisenberg counters this argument by highlighting the niche-specific and location-based focus of successful directories. He argues that while AI tools provide information, they often lack the depth and detail that curated directories can offer. His experience shows that despite the prevalence of platforms like Google Maps, users often find it challenging to locate specific niche-related businesses effectively. Thus, directories serve the fundamental purpose of convenience, simplifying the search process for users.
Responding to concerns that online directories are relics of the past reminiscent of Yellow Pages, Eisenberg points out that even Yellow Pages still receives millions of visitors monthly, debunking the myth that directories have become irrelevant. He believes there remains substantial potential for monetization through effective marketing strategies and quality content.
Eisenberg identifies two primary monetization strategies: display ads and selling featured or sponsored listings. Citing the success of other directory owners, he illustrates that while income may vary, there is room for profitability in this business model—a sentiment backed by the solid traffic he continues to draw on his own website months after making little to no updates.
Another common question from viewers pertains to identifying existing directories within a chosen niche. Eisenberg advises utilizing tools like Ahrefs for comprehensive keyword analysis and competitive research. A simple Google search within the desired niche can reveal existing directories, even in overlooked markets. He encourages aspiring directory creators to spot gaps in current offerings and notes that many competitors are often poorly optimized for SEO, presenting opportunities for new entrants.
Many potential directory entrepreneurs express frustration over perceived barriers to entry, such as associated costs. Eisenberg reassures them that getting started doesn’t require extensive investments in tools and services: a basic understanding of platforms like WordPress can suffice to launch a new directory.
His insight sheds light on the misconception surrounding the profitability and feasibility of the directory business. While some may view it as a saturated market, Eisenberg emphasizes the importance of innovative thinking and strategic execution, pushing back against doubts surrounding profitability in the niche.
For those looking to populate their directories with businesses, Eisenberg recommends using web scraping tools, such as OutScraper, to acquire the necessary data. He acknowledges the significant amount of cleaning and verification required to ensure data accuracy but provides practical guidance on the procedural aspects of web scraping.
He reiterates that a well-structured directory is more than just a list; it requires a deep understanding of SEO to ensure visibility. This involves optimizing various on-page elements such as keywords and content structure to bolster ranking potential on search engines.
Conclusion: Directories as Evolving Digital Assets
As Eisenberg wraps up his discussion, he encourages viewers to consider directories as viable digital assets that can generate passive income. He challenges the notion that success in building these platforms is unattainable, sharing his journey as evidence of the model’s effectiveness. His experiences resonate with those willing to invest time in research and content creation, demonstrating that the directory model is far from dying—it's evolving.
Eisenberg concludes by inviting viewers to engage further and seek clarification on building directories, nurturing a community of aspiring entrepreneurs intrigued by this digital business avenue.
Part 1/8:
Exploring the Directory Business: Insights from Greg Eisenberg
In a recent video, Greg Eisenberg dives into the world of online directories, addressing common questions and skepticism surrounding this business model. With a successful directory under his belt, generating around $1,500 to $2,000 a month, Eisenberg has dedicated the last nine months to this venture after fully committing to it by quitting his job. The aim of his video is to shed light on how to build a profitable website directory in 2025, while also sharing insights and strategies based on personal experience.
Starting Point: The Journey into Directories
Part 2/8:
Eisenberg recounts how he started his first directory in October 2022, leveraging self-taught SEO skills from YouTube. By June 2023, his directory was earning between $1,000 and $1,200 monthly, attracting approximately 50,000 to 60,000 visitors a month. He emphasizes the role of digital products in increasing earnings, noting that they account for an extra $400 to $500 monthly on his platform.
Addressing Skepticism: The Irresistible Value of Directories
Part 3/8:
One of the primary concerns raised in the comments pertains to the potential for AI tools like ChatGPT to diminish the traffic directed to websites like directories. Eisenberg counters this argument by highlighting the niche-specific and location-based focus of successful directories. He argues that while AI tools provide information, they often lack the depth and detail that curated directories can offer. His experience shows that despite the prevalence of platforms like Google Maps, users often find it challenging to locate specific niche-related businesses effectively. Thus, directories serve the fundamental purpose of convenience, simplifying the search process for users.
The Enduring Relevance of Directories
Part 4/8:
Responding to concerns that online directories are relics of the past reminiscent of Yellow Pages, Eisenberg points out that even Yellow Pages still receives millions of visitors monthly, debunking the myth that directories have become irrelevant. He believes there remains substantial potential for monetization through effective marketing strategies and quality content.
Eisenberg identifies two primary monetization strategies: display ads and selling featured or sponsored listings. Citing the success of other directory owners, he illustrates that while income may vary, there is room for profitability in this business model—a sentiment backed by the solid traffic he continues to draw on his own website months after making little to no updates.
Part 5/8:
Competitive Research and Niche Identification
Another common question from viewers pertains to identifying existing directories within a chosen niche. Eisenberg advises utilizing tools like Ahrefs for comprehensive keyword analysis and competitive research. A simple Google search within the desired niche can reveal existing directories, even in overlooked markets. He encourages aspiring directory creators to spot gaps in current offerings and notes that many competitors are often poorly optimized for SEO, presenting opportunities for new entrants.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Part 6/8:
Many potential directory entrepreneurs express frustration over perceived barriers to entry, such as associated costs. Eisenberg reassures them that getting started doesn’t require extensive investments in tools and services: a basic understanding of platforms like WordPress can suffice to launch a new directory.
His insight sheds light on the misconception surrounding the profitability and feasibility of the directory business. While some may view it as a saturated market, Eisenberg emphasizes the importance of innovative thinking and strategic execution, pushing back against doubts surrounding profitability in the niche.
The Art of Data Population and SEO Optimization
Part 7/8:
For those looking to populate their directories with businesses, Eisenberg recommends using web scraping tools, such as OutScraper, to acquire the necessary data. He acknowledges the significant amount of cleaning and verification required to ensure data accuracy but provides practical guidance on the procedural aspects of web scraping.
He reiterates that a well-structured directory is more than just a list; it requires a deep understanding of SEO to ensure visibility. This involves optimizing various on-page elements such as keywords and content structure to bolster ranking potential on search engines.
Conclusion: Directories as Evolving Digital Assets
Part 8/8:
As Eisenberg wraps up his discussion, he encourages viewers to consider directories as viable digital assets that can generate passive income. He challenges the notion that success in building these platforms is unattainable, sharing his journey as evidence of the model’s effectiveness. His experiences resonate with those willing to invest time in research and content creation, demonstrating that the directory model is far from dying—it's evolving.
Eisenberg concludes by inviting viewers to engage further and seek clarification on building directories, nurturing a community of aspiring entrepreneurs intrigued by this digital business avenue.