The Best Way to Scale a Side Project Directory in 2025
praneetbrar7
The Best Way to Scale a Side Project Directory in 2025
With 2025 upon us, scaling a side project directory is no longer just about building a well-designed platform. It’s about leveraging automation, outreach, and meaningful partnerships to stand out in a saturated ecosystem. From indie hacker directories to niche marketplaces listing only AI tools or SaaS apps, the key lies not just in attracting relevant submissions—but in doing it consistently, effectively, and with minimal friction.
This post walks through the best strategies and tools to scale a side project directory sustainably in 2025, drawing from experience in the indie maker space, and referencing proven tools like Nurturing Mails, UNO Directory, Aura++, and insights from creators like Praneet Brar.
Why Traditional Approaches to Scaling a Directory No Longer Work
Static SEO Alone Isn’t Enough
Gone are the days where simply listing 100+ tools with keyword-optimized titles would guarantee traffic. Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is reshaping how content is served—and directories must prove actual usefulness and regular updates to maintain ranking.
Manually Reaching Out is Time-Consuming
Manually browsing Product Hunt, Twitter (now X), Hacker News, or Reddit for product launches and sending emails or DMs is tedious. Not only does it yield diminishing returns, but you also compete with 100+ other founders doing the same thing. You need a precise, automated solution.
Paid Ads Yield Mixed ROI
If you’re running a free or low-cost submission-based directory, burning budget on Twitter ads, Reddit promotions, or Google campaigns can eat into your margins. Moreover, these platforms cater more towards B2C products—not founder-first tools or directories.
What Actually Works in 2025: Strategic Automation & Personalization
1. Automate Outreach to Startup Launches
The best directory growth hack today is personalized cold email outreach to founders right after their launch. This is where Nurturing Mails becomes a game-changer. It automates and personalizes this outreach—delivering your pitch to newly launched products on Product Hunt without you lifting a finger.
- Real-time detection of over 50+ daily new Product Hunt launches
- Emails include product and founder names for personalization
- Sent at optimal intervals (every 15–20 minutes) to ensure inbox delivery
- 150% average increase in directory submissions within 60 days
This means your directory will consistently be the first to reach founders when they are most receptive—right after launch.
See how easy it is to get started.
2. Focus Your Directory in a Niche
General-purpose directories are tough to scale. Instead, consider narrowing into a fast-growing niche, such as:
- AI Tools (e.g., LLM wrappers, GPT apps)
- No-code SaaS tools
- Sustainability startups
- Remote collaboration tools post-COVID
Take inspiration from well-performing niche directories like UNO Directory (focused on solo creators) and Aura++ (a mental health discovery directory). These platforms have grown by targeting a specific audience rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
3. Make it Easy to Submit
If submission takes more than 2 minutes or asks for unnecessary fields, people will drop off. Keep your submission form intuitive and mobile-friendly. Bonus points if you offer three submission types:
- Free (standard listing)
- Featured (one-time or monthly fee)
- Boosted (highlighted at the top or homepage)
Integrate with tools like Tally, Typeform, or custom-built forms. And automate reminders via email with custom plan automation if a listing is pending renewal.
Optimizing for Visibility: SEO & Backlinks Still Matter
4. Encourage Backlinks from Submitters
Encourage founders to link back to your directory from their startup’s websites or product pages. Every backlink helps your SEO rank higher, especially when building authority in a niche.
5. Internal Linking Between Listings
In 2025, Google values topic clusters heavily. That means your directory pages should interlink with related entries. If someone submits an AI image tool, automatically add “Related Tools You Might Like.” This boosts session time and cross-page SEO.
Utilize Social Proof & Community
6. Add Social Proof to Your Directory
Highlight stats like:
- “1,300+ startups listed”
- “Trusted by makers featured on Product Hunt, Indie Hackers, and Hacker News”
- Testimonials from people whose submissions led to traffic or users
If possible, showcase logos or success stories directly sourced via testimonial widgets like Loa Testimonial Builder.
7. Build a Community Around Your Directory
Create a Telegram group, Discord server, or Slack community of startup founders who submit to your directory. This builds repeat usage, referral submissions, and enhances credibility. Consider offering early access to new directory features or opportunities like “startup of the month.”
Scaling the Backend & Processes
8. Use No-Code Tools to Operate Efficiently
A giant tech team isn’t needed to run a winning directory. Use this tech stack instead:
| Tool | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Airtable | Manage submission database |
| Nurturing Mail | Automate personalized founder outreach |
| Zapier | Automate submission flows & notifications |
| Notion | Organize content and drafts |
| Carrd | Quick microsites or category launches |
9. Monitor Metrics & Iterate
Track which listings get the most clicks, how users navigate your site, and what triggers paid submissions. Use tools like Plausible Analytics or Hotjar to monitor and improve performance.
Wrap-Up: Start Scaling From Day One
Scaling a side project directory in 2025 is about engaging startup founders early, automating smartly, providing real value, and owning a distinct niche. With tools like NurturingMail, you can tap into a consistent stream of high-intent founders just after their Product Hunt launch—letting your directory grow with minimal effort.
If you’re considering launching a new directory or want to scale an existing one without burning out, make automation your ally. Launch smarter, not harder.
To learn more, explore NurturingMail Pricing or jump in by Getting