Comparing the best directory builders so you don't have to.

What is a directory?

A web directory, also known as a link directory, is an online catalogue of websites, businesses or resources, organized for easy navigation and retrieval of information. Directories typically contain entries about websites, categorized into topics and subtopics, providing links along with titles, descriptions and images about each site's content. Web directories offer an alternative method to search engines and AI platforms for finding websites, allowing users to browse through structured lists rather than conducting searches.

What to look for in a good directory builder/platform?

So you want to create a directory but aren't sure where to start. Choosing a directory platform or builder will rely on your expertise, objectives of your directory, and familiarity with web design and coding. While the builders mentioned thus far have been no-code solutions, there is some technical knowledge required with nearly all platforms.

Here are some things to look for and consider when choosing a directory builder:

• Ease of setup: Directory platforms like Softr are great for simple, and quick directories and don't require coding knowledge. A trade off of Softr is your ability to customize your sites and very granular controls.
• Ease of use: How easy is it to add/update/remove content from your directory? Platforms that integrate with no-code backends such as Airtable or Google Sheets allow for easy management.
• SEO friendliness: SEO is one of, if not the most important aspect of a directory. Directory platforms such as Wordpress and Webflow allow for nearly complete control over every aspect of SEO, internal linking and other critical aspects to ensure that Google loves your directory.
• Plugins and integrations: Plugins and integrations allow you to customize, automate, and grow directories quickly. A thorough infrastructure and marketplace of plugins and integrations helps save you time and money in the long run.
• Monetization: Surely you want to make some money from your directory, does the directory builder integrate with payment processors or offer the ability easily?