Are directory sites on their way out?

Hello guys,

I've been a long time BHW reader for almost 10 years,but never really saw the need to join in until now.

So, I joined in because I finally left my job, and hopped on the entrepreneurial train without a lifejacket. I'm obviously drowning right now, but I'm sure I could make it somehow..

Anyways, I gotta ask, are directory sites still relevant in this day and age with Ai pulling data in chat Windows for users? I asked chatgpt about this and it did make some interesting assumptions assuring me directories are important bits of the internet for Ai to work with.

I spent several months building a complex directory app which makes deploying new directories a 30 minutes affair - only for the US trades vertical though (plumbers, welders ext) - only for me to run out of steam after going live. The hard lesson I'm learning is the fact that it seems way too complex selling to trades men. Lots of convincing and boot-kissing involved.

What do you guys think? Am I stuck thinking anyone still cares about using directories, even though they are hyperlocal?

Directories still have value, especially for hyperlocal searches where accurate business data matters.

KoD- said:

Directories still have value, especially for hyperlocal searches where accurate business data matters.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think new directories going up against Yelp or GMB for trades like plumbers, electricians, welders etc stand a chance? I'm guessing someone needs to find a plumber in Denver, they simply just pop out the Yelp app and just find one on there. As opposed to just doing a Google search and Google simply shows them plumbers with reviews? It's a bit confusing honestly, because I launched the live site and already started getting impressions and clicks from Google searches in less than two months - I didn't expect that much result sooner.