How to Run a Directory Like a SaaS Company
praneetbrar7
Turning Your Directory Into a SaaS-Style Growth Machine
Directories have made a major comeback. They’re valuable for SEO, help users discover new tools, and can be a steady stream of income. Whether you’re curating SaaS tools, Chrome extensions, no-code platforms, or AI products — directories can scale like a true software-as-a-service (SaaS) business. But the question remains: how do you actually run a directory like a SaaS company?
Let’s dive deep into how you can apply SaaS methodologies — think automation, funnels, scalability, and customer experience — into building and scaling a directory. We’ll also look at how tools like Nurturing Mails can transform your growth engine and browse real-world examples like UNO Directory, Aura++, and Praneet Brar’s digital presence.
Why Run a Directory Like a SaaS Company?
When you think “directory,” you might imagine a simple list of links or services. But modern directories are full-blown platforms, and treating your site like a SaaS company brings multiple advantages:
- Predictable growth through automation and funnels
- Repeatable acquisition strategies
- Clear monetization models like tiers, ads, and memberships
- Opportunities for recurring revenue
- Defined customer onboarding and support paths
In essence, SaaS-style thinking turns a passive project into a scalable, revenue-generating asset.
1. Build a Niche-Focused Directory
Why Niche is Key
Large, general directories struggle because they compete with massive players like Product Hunt or G2. Instead, carve your niche — for example:
- Directory of AI Chrome Extensions
- SaaS Tools for Freelancers
- No-code Automations Directory
- Directories for Remote Jobs or Digital Nomads
Sites such as Aura++ have grown by targeting specific audiences — helping health and wellness startups find toolkits. Meanwhile, UNO positions itself as the “stack showcase” for products, doubling as both a promotional platform and visual tool discovery engine.
2. Automate Growth with Smart Outreach
As with any SaaS platform, you need a steady flow of users (or in this case, product listings). Manual cold outreach doesn’t scale, and most directories fail to attract creators because they’re simply waiting for people to find them. That’s where outreach automation becomes crucial.
Use NurturingMail for Hands-Free Onboarding
Nurturing Mails is built specifically for directory owners. Instead of spending hours sending cold outreach DMs or emails, it automates the entire pipeline by detecting new launches on Product Hunt and emailing founders personalized invites to submit their product.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Congratulatory email tone (non-spammy)
- Real-time tracking of Product Hunt launches
- Emails sent at optimized intervals (every 15-20 minutes)
- Personalization using founder and product names
- Proven conversion templates that increase submissions up to 150%
You can learn more about the features and even explore pricing models geared for solo founders and indie directory curators.
Plus, it scales even if you’re running multiple directories. This makes it ideal for users like digital maker Praneet Brar, who builds across multiple indie projects and wants different funnels for different target products.
Why Timing Matters
Product Hunt launches generate buzz similar to a mini-product launch — often in the first 24–72 hours. That’s the golden window. By reaching founders post-launch, you’re connecting at the perfect moment when they’re open to visibility and backlinks. Timing, personalization, and tone make all the difference — which is exactly what automation platforms like NurturingMail nail.
3. Create SaaS-Like Onboarding Flows
Getting someone to list their product is just the start. Like any SaaS business, your job is to provide a seamless journey from first contact to full activation.
Steps to Optimize Directory Onboarding
- Clear Submission Page: Keep your CTA simple. For example, UNO’s submission flow is broken down into minimal fields with smart categorization.
- Auto-Moderation: Use conditional logic or AI to filter spam and complete listings faster.
- Instant Gratification: On successful listing, enrich the experience immediately (badges, social cards, etc.).
- Email Nurturing: Onboard users via welcome emails, listing performance tips, and calls-to-action for premium features.
4. Offer Tiered Monetization — Like SaaS
Don’t just rely on ads. Create SaaS-style plans that reflect growing user needs. Start simple:
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic listing, no-follow link, standard category |
| Pro | $29/month | Highlighted placement, do-follow link, advanced tags, analytics |
| Sponsored | $79/month | Homepage banner, promoted listings, newsletter mention |
Directors using NurturingMail can grow faster and then direct leads into upsells automatically. When submissions increase with personalized outreach, more users consider the “Pro” and “Sponsored” tiers. Perfect SaaS flywheel.
Want to understand how much this could scale? Check the FAQs to see how many submissions per month the average user generates.
5. Focus Heavily on SEO and Discoverability
Directories naturally form link structures. Turn that into SEO fuel:
- Each listing = a long-tail keyword opportunity
- Product categories = siloed content structure
- User-generated content = fresh updates for Google
- Encourage shares via embeddable badges or widgets
One lesser-known trick: create “SEO hubs” around niche trends. For example, a Chrome extension directory could have a top-level content page like “Best Chrome Extensions for Digital Marketers in 2024.”
Backlink strategy is important too. By providing value to startups post-launch, you encourage them to link back to their own listings for SEO boost — a win-win.
6. Think Beyond Listings: Build a Community
Directories thrive when they’re more than just a submission form. Consider adding:
- Monthly newsletters (featuring best or trending listings)
- Feedback or upvote sections
- User reviews, similar to SaaS testimonials
- Founder interviews or case studies
A great resource to learn more about tools and digital ecosystems is Future Tools, which curates not only listings but valuable context, making it much more than another AI tool directory.
You can also personalize your outreach using NurturingMail to build this community vibe — not just through feature pitches but simple, warm founder conversations.
7. Measure Core SaaS KPIs
Like any SaaS, track what matters:
- Monthly submissions
- Conversion rate of submissions to paid listings
- Open and reply rates on outreach emails
- Customer lifetime value (CLTV)
- Listing usage metrics (visits, shares, click-throughs