Ask HN: Should I build a directory product?

3 alizaid 3 6/6/2025, 2:46:23 PM

"just build a directory, they’re easy to monetize" - one of my friends

but there are already hundreds of those most of them feel the same

if i ever build one it won’t be another uneed or tinylaunch clone it’ll have taste, soul, and real utility

that’s the same mindset behind thumblifyai.com not just another ai thumbnail tool

it’s a content machine for creators built to help them get real clicks, real reach

this “build a directory” idea’s been stuck in my head for a month

i don’t know… should i actually build it?

Comments (3)

mooreds · 23h ago

I had a directory of local farm shares/CSAs for about a decade. That one wasn't super easy to monetize, so I'd pick your niche carefully. It also was a ton of work right around the holidays. It helped a lot of people though.

I'd avoid building software--you can find Wordpress plugins that give you everything you need. That will get you up and running quickly from the tech side.

If you follow my advice you'll spend most of your time doing marketing and sales to try to get both free and paid listings.

If that excites you and you love the space that you're cataloging, go for it! Otherwise I'd avoid.

alizaid · 23h ago

thanks for sharing - that’s super helpful

the idea i have in mind is to build something like a product hunt killer not just another list, but a real product that feels fresh and useful

i’ve been doing all the marketing for my other product (thumblifyai.com), and i actually enjoy that part a lot

also, i know how to code - and with tools like cursorai - i’m confident i can build MVP in a month

appreciate advice though, means a lot

owebmaster · 18h ago

If it is stuck in your head yo should do it, it is not too much work to start but it is to make it good. If you give up at least it won't be stuck in your head anymore and you might learn from the experience and not have ideas stuck in your head anymore after understanding the work it takes to make a thing that looks simple (a directory) be worth any good amount of money.