Start a Local Business Directory for Your City

Google Maps lists everyone but champions no one; a curated city guide with real photos and honest writeups becomes the local institution advertisers want into.

1. 1

   Scope to one area you know

   One city, or one side of a big city. The advantage over Google is curation and local voice, and that only works at a scale you can personally cover.

2. 2

   Profile 50 businesses with care

   Real photos, a short honest writeup, hours, and links. Ask each owner to check their listing; that first contact becomes your sales relationship later.

3. 3

   Publish list content people share

   'Best coffee shops in town' and 'date night guide' posts are what locals actually share, and every one links back to your listings.

4. 4

   Build the local audience

   A weekly what's-happening newsletter and a local Instagram or Facebook presence turn the directory into a media brand. The audience is what businesses will pay to reach.

5. 5

   Sell featured placement and sponsorships

   Featured listings ($25 to $100 per month), category sponsorships, and newsletter ads. Start selling once you can show real local traffic and engagement numbers.

6. 6

   Add events and deals

   An events calendar and locals-only deals give people a reason to return weekly, which multiplies the traffic every advertiser is buying.

Do not take our word for the money. Put your own numbers in and see what this idea has to earn before it works. Free, instant, no account needed.