The business model no one's talking about, but should be.

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Want to know why most people fail online?

They build businesses that need them 24/7.

There’s a better way—one that doesn’t turn you into your own worst boss.

Today, we’re sharing a step-by-step game plan to build a hands-off income stream that gives you the time to take a much-needed step back.

The power of an Online Directory

In the world of online business, directories are one of the most overlooked, yet insanely profitable, passive income models. Just look at platforms like Airbnb or Yelp—at their core, they’re directories! Businesses pay to be listed, and users love having a go-to place to find what they need.

With the right niche, a directory can generate recurring revenue through paid listings, sponsorships, and affiliate commissions—all without you needing to be involved daily.

Need inspiration? Watch this

If you need a nudge to get started, check out Greg’s video on how he built a cash-flowing directory in under an hour. It’s a solid reminder that there are opportunities everywhere—you just have to grab them. These days, building something valuable online is easier than ever, and this is one of the smartest ways to do it.

Finding your perfect niche (with demand)

The secret to a successful directory? A niche with high demand but low competition. Instead of guessing, use Build The Keyword—a powerful tool that helps you uncover profitable directory ideas based on real search data.

Take a Jet Ski Rental Directory for example, it helps thrill-seekers find the best rental spots worldwide. With Google Places API integration, users can easily explore locations, check ratings, and book with confidence.

Most importantly: businesses would gladly pay to be featured on a platform that brings them customers on autopilot.

Building your directory (using no-code)

You don’t need a crazy technical background to build this. Platforms like Replit make it ridiculously easy to create a sleek, user-friendly directory. Here’s a quick breakdown of what it would include:

• Jet ski rental locations pulled from Google Places API

• Ratings, hours, and contact details displayed seamlessly

• Interactive map to explore rental spots

• Filtering options to find the best-rated places near you

Think Airbnb’s interface but for water sports—clean, intuitive, and valuable.

Real people are already doing this

Still on the fence? Listen to this podcast episode from Side Hustle Nation, where real entrepreneurs break down how they built directory sites that now make them thousands per month.

We did this ourselves (and you can too!)

We validated this process for you, our readers. Check out this tweet where we share how we built a successful dentist directory and the lessons we learned along the way. The process is simpler than you think, and the potential is massive!

You’re running out of excuses

If you’ve been looking for a way to build a business that works for you (instead of the other way around), a directory is your golden ticket. Pick a niche, make sure people actually want it, and build the damn thing. Worst-case scenario? You learn something.

Once it’s live, it keeps making money without you babysitting it.

Ready to stop overthinking and start doing? Reply to this email and tell us what niche you’ve got in mind—we’d love to hear!