TSN #23 - The Directory Play

In partnership with

Hey! 👋

This week's idea came from studying Sam Parr's latest project. He built a directory for accountants that started as a personal quest to find a good CPA, got it to $20k monthly few months after launch. This got me thinking - there are so many fragmented service markets just waiting to be organized!

Enjoy!

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🎬 The Pitch

Imagine building a highly curated directory that becomes THE go-to platform for connecting service providers with clients in a specific industry. We're not talking about another generic listing site - this is about creating a trusted matchmaker in industries where finding the right provider is crucial and deals are worth thousands.

Here's the concept: Pick a fragmented service market where people struggle to find reliable providers (think accountants, funeral homes, specialized consultants). Build a platform that vets providers, showcases real endorsements, and helps clients make informed decisions. With the right niche selection, you could earn €500-€2000 per lead or 5-15% of closed deals.

The best part? You can build this entire business using no-code tools like Unicorn Platform, start with manual curation, and scale through automation once you've proven the model.

📊 Market Insights

The directory and lead generation market is massive:

• Lead generation industry valued at $3.24B in 2023

• 76% of consumers check online reviews before choosing service providers

• High-value service providers spend 20-40% on client acquisition

• Traditional directories are losing trust, creating opportunity for curated platforms Source: Lead Generation Market Report 2023

💡 The Concept

Core Model (Accountant Directory):

• Curated list of verified CPAs and tax strategists

• Detailed profiles with specializations and pricing

• Client testimonials and endorsements

• Match-making service for specific needs

• Public Q&A section for each provider

• Any niche with certain parameters is game

Alternative Industry Plays:

1. Funeral Services Directory:

   • High emotional stakes

   • Local service needed quickly

   • Average deal value: €2,000-5,000

2. AI Tools Directory:

   • Rapidly growing market

   • Companies struggling to choose tools

   • Enterprise deals worth €10,000+/year

3. Home Services Specialists:

   • Focus on high-end services (luxury renovations, smart home installations)

   • Projects worth €20,000+

   • Recurring service opportunities

4. Specific Venture Capital Funds or M&A Boutiques

5. Web3 directories

💰 Revenue Streams

• Primary: Lead generation fees (€200-500 per qualified lead)

• Secondary: Monthly listing fees (€100-300 per provider)

• Premium: Success fees (5-15% of closed deals)

• Additional: Sponsored listings, featured providers

🛠️ Bootstrappability Score: 10/10

Can be built with no-code tools for under €1000. Main investment is time for provider outreach and curation.

💻 Non-Tech Factor: 7/10

Entirely buildable using Unicorn Platform or similar tools. Focus is on curation and relationships.

🚀 Getting Started

1. Choose your niche:

   • High transaction value

   • Fragmented market

   • Regular need

   • Complex decision-making process

2. Build MVP using Unicorn Platform:

   • Clean, professional design

   • Easy search/filter

   • Provider profiles

   • Lead capture forms

   • Review system

3. Initial Provider Outreach:

   • Start with 20-30 providers

   • Personal vetting calls

   • Collect detailed information

   • Get client testimonials

4. Launch Strategy:

   • Free listings initially

   • Focus on quality over quantity

   • Build trust through curation

   • Collect success stories

5. Monetization Evolution:

   • Start with listing fees

   • Add lead generation

   • Introduce success fees

   • Launch premium features

💪 Pros & 😓 Cons

• Pro: High-value leads mean good margins

• Pro: Network effects create barriers to entry

• Con: Need critical mass of good providers

• Con: Must maintain strict quality control

🔍 Steal Somebody’s Homework & Dive Deeper

Want to explore this idea further? Check out:

• Sam's List - Curated accountant directory

• All GPT’s - Pretty self explanatory

• How to build a directory by Sam & Greg

Found an interesting directory business? Share it with me - always curious to learn about new niches!

- Slavo