Building a directory website today is one of the smartest moves you can make. Businesses are hungry for more exposure. Shoppers are looking for trusted local options. And community-driven directories are the bridge between the two.
If you’re wondering how to build a directory website with HighLevel, you’re in the right place. With tools like SmartDirectoryAI now available inside HighLevel, launching your own site has never been easier—or faster.
Directories are powerful because they don’t feel like “sales pitches.” They feel like community projects. When you create a local or niche-based directory, you instantly position yourself as a trusted resource. You open doors for conversations, partnerships, and long-term relationships with businesses that could become your future clients.
The good news? You don’t need a huge budget, a tech team, or months of planning. You just need a clear focus, a simple strategy, and the right tools. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to build a directory website with HighLevel using SmartDirectoryAI. We’ll cover everything step-by-step—from picking your focus to setting up payments to making your site live.
By the end, you’ll have a fully working directory ready to grow your community, impress local businesses, and open new revenue streams for yourself.
Let’s jump right in.
Why Choose HighLevel for Building a Directory Website?
When it comes to building a directory website, not all tools are created equal. Some platforms need tons of plugins, custom coding, and headaches. HighLevel changes the game by giving you a full, ready-to-go system inside one dashboard.
Here’s why it’s a smart choice if you want to build a directory website with HighLevel:
All-in-One Platform
HighLevel gives you everything you need under one roof. Website builder? Check. CRM? Check. Email marketing, SMS campaigns, automations? Check and check.
You won’t need to duct-tape different tools together. Everything works smoothly from day one. That means less stress, faster setup, and more time to grow your directory.
Easy Setup with SmartDirectoryAI
SmartDirectoryAI, available in HighLevel’s App Marketplace, makes launching your directory even easier. It installs inside your sub-account with just a few clicks.
No confusing tech setup. No endless customization needed. You get a clean, professional directory structure ready to customize for your local or niche market.
Built-in Revenue Opportunities
With HighLevel, your directory isn’t just a list of businesses. It’s a real income engine. You can offer free listings, paid upgrades, premium badges, and add-ons—all without installing extra tools.
Plus, once you build trust with local businesses, you can offer even more services like marketing, automation, or AI-driven ads. The directory becomes your starting point for bigger deals.
Powerful Automation Features
Follow-ups, appointment bookings, listing approvals, and payment reminders—HighLevel automates all of it for you.
Instead of chasing businesses manually, your workflows and automations do the heavy lifting. This frees up your time and helps you grow faster without burning out.
SEO and Local Marketing Power
HighLevel gives you full control over your SEO settings. You can optimize your directory’s pages, categories, and listings easily. Add in smart blogging and local link-building, and you’ll start climbing the search rankings without heavy lifting.
SmartDirectoryAI also structures listings in a way that search engines love, helping your site get noticed faster.
What is SmartDirectoryAI and Why It Matters
SmartDirectoryAI is a game-changer for anyone looking to build a directory website with HighLevel. It’s not just a tool; it’s the backbone that powers your directory and makes it stand out from the competition.
The Power of SmartDirectoryAI
SmartDirectoryAI is a specialized app available in the HighLevel App Marketplace. It’s designed to make directory creation simple, fast, and effective. The app streamlines every part of the process, from setting up the site to managing listings and payments.
With SmartDirectoryAI, you get a fully automated, easy-to-manage platform that’s optimized for local businesses. Whether you’re creating a geo-based directory for your city or a niche-based directory for a specific industry, SmartDirectoryAI has you covered.
Why SmartDirectoryAI Is a Must-Have for Your Directory Website
Easy Setup and Configuration
The app is designed with simplicity in mind. With just a few clicks, you can build a directory website with HighLevel using the SmartDirectoryAI app. From there, it takes care of the heavy lifting, automatically setting up your directory’s structure, fields, and categories.
Built-in SEO Optimization
One of the standout features of SmartDirectoryAI is its built-in SEO optimization. The app structures your directory in a way that search engines love. This means your listings are more likely to rank higher in search results, attracting more visitors and potential customers.
It even lets you customize URLs, meta descriptions, and page titles to ensure each listing is SEO-friendly, making it easier for local businesses to get discovered.
Seamless Integration with HighLevel
SmartDirectoryAI integrates perfectly with HighLevel’s other features. This means you can easily combine directory management with email marketing, SMS campaigns, and automations.
Once you’ve built a directory website with HighLevel, you can nurture relationships with businesses through personalized emails, set up follow-up automations, and track every interaction from one central dashboard.
Revenue Streams and Monetization
With SmartDirectoryAI, monetizing your directory is a breeze. The app lets you create different pricing plans for business listings, offering both free and paid options. You can also add extra features like premium badges, video ads, and AI-powered promotions.
The best part? You can create multiple revenue streams without needing to install any third-party plugins or systems. It’s all built right into HighLevel, making it easier than ever to earn from your directory.
Setting Up Your Directory Website with HighLevel and SmartDirectoryAI
If you’re looking to build a directory website with HighLevel and SmartDirectoryAI, the process is straightforward and quick. The combination of these two tools eliminates the guesswork and time-consuming tasks that usually slow you down. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced user, this setup guide will walk you through each step to get your directory up and running.
Step 1: Get Started with HighLevel Sub-Account
Before diving into SmartDirectoryAI, you’ll need a HighLevel sub-account. Here’s how to set it up:
- Head to HighLevel’s website and sign up for an account. If you’re new, select the appropriate plan based on your needs.
- Navigate to your HighLevel dashboard and go to Sub-Accounts.
- Click Create Sub-Account. Choose the Blank Snapshot option to keep everything simple. Add your directory name, location, and other details.
- In the Settings > My Staff section, assign yourself as the admin to ensure you have full control over your sub-account.
Step 2: Installing SmartDirectoryAI App
Now, let’s install the SmartDirectoryAI app within your sub-account. This step is crucial as it provides all the directory features you’ll need.
- In your HighLevel dashboard, head over to the App Marketplace and search for SmartDirectoryAI.
- Once found, click the Install button. Choose the sub-account you just created and select all assets. Confirm the installation, and SmartDirectoryAI will be ready for use.
- The app offers a free plan, so go ahead and select it. You’re all set to begin customizing your directory!
Step 3: Customizing Your Directory’s Appearance
Now that SmartDirectoryAI is installed, it’s time to make your directory stand out. The app offers easy-to-use customization options that let you tweak your directory’s look and feel.
- Go to the Branding section inside the SmartDirectoryAI dashboard and Edit the theme. Upload your logo, set the color scheme, and customize the site title and description.
- For quick setup, you can load dummy data. This will populate your directory with sample listings, helping you visualize how your directory will look before adding real businesses.
Step 4: Add Categories and Subcategories
The core of your directory is its listings and categories. Here’s how to get them organized:
- Create Categories: Start by adding categories like Dining, Wellness, Services, and so on. Categories help users easily navigate your directory and find what they’re looking for.
- Add Subcategories: You can drill down further by adding subcategories within each category. For example, under “Dining,” you could add subcategories like “Italian,” “Mexican,” and “Vegetarian.”
Step 5: Add Listings to Your Directory
Now that the directory is set up, it’s time to start adding your business listings. You have several options to add listings to SmartDirectoryAI.
How to Add a New Single Listing
- Go to your HighLevel dashboard and add a new contact. Enter the business name in the First Name field, and add the email address (and other details) as needed.
- In order for the listing to show up, tag the contact with the word “business.” Without this tag, it won’t appear on your directory.
- Tip: The “business” tag is the magic switch!
- Once you’ve added all the details, save the contact.
- After saving, go back to the SmartDirectory page and refresh it. You’ll see the new business listing show up instantly!
How to Make a Listing “Premium”
If a business wants to stand out more, you can make their listing “premium.” Here’s how:
- Go to SmartDirectory > Businesses. Find the listing you want to upgrade.
- Simply slide the Premium toggle to the ON position, and boom – the listing is now premium!
- Customers can also upgrade their listings by purchasing a premium plan from your directory’s pricing page.
How to Bulk Import Listings (CSV Method)
If you have many listings to add, you can do so in bulk by uploading a CSV file. Here’s how:
- Go to the Contacts section of your SmartDirectory sub-account (not the agency view).
- Click the Import Contacts button (the little upside-down C with an arrow).
- Select Contacts and click Next. Then, drag and drop your CSV file into the box.
- Ensure all your fields are properly mapped. Confirm the mapping and proceed by clicking Next.
- You can either add the “business” tag during import for instant listings or import without it and manually add the tag later.
- Recommended: Add the “business” tag during import to streamline the process.
- Confirm the settings and click Start Bulk Import. Your listings will be added to the directory.
How to Add the “Business” Tag After Import (Two Ways)
If you forgot to tag your listings during the import, don’t worry! You can add the “business” tag afterward.
- Bulk Tagging: Select multiple contacts, click Add Tag at the top, choose the business tag, and confirm.
- Tag One-by-One: Open an individual contact profile, scroll to the Tags section under Actions, click Add Tags, search for “business,” and add the tag.
Step 6: Monetize Your Directory
Once you’ve set up your directory and added some listings, it’s time to start earning. Here’s how to monetize:
- Set Up Pricing Plans: Go to the Plans section and create different pricing tiers. Offer a free plan for basic listings and paid plans for businesses that want more visibility or premium features.
- Create Add-Ons: Add extras like AI video ads, premium badges, or featured listings. These add-ons increase the value of your directory and give you a chance to earn more.
- Set Payment Methods: Don’t forget to set up a payment gateway through Stripe to handle transactions. This ensures smooth processing for both free and paid listings.
Step 7: Integrating Essential Tools
To ensure your directory functions efficiently, it’s time to integrate some essential tools:
1.Connect Google Maps: By integrating Google Maps, users can easily find business locations. Simply sign into your Google Cloud Console, enable the necessary APIs, and paste the API key into your SmartDirectoryAI settings.
2. Set Up Email & SMS Communication: HighLevel allows you to set up automated email and SMS communication. Use these tools to welcome new businesses to your directory, send payment reminders, or update users on new listings.
3. Configure Workflows: HighLevel’s workflow automation can handle everything from approval notifications to new listing confirmations. Set up your workflows to run automatically, saving you time and keeping things smooth.
Pro Tips to Launch Smart and Fast
Launching a directory website with HighLevel and SmartDirectoryAI is exciting, but how do you make sure it’s successful from the start? Here are some pro tips to help you build a directory website with HighLevel, get it up and running quickly, and set it up for long-term success.
1. Start Local, Then Expand
One of the best ways to launch your directory is to start small—focus on a local area or niche. Whether it’s a city, region, or industry, starting locally makes it easier to gain traction and build a strong user base.
- Easier to Connect with Local Businesses: Reaching out to local businesses is far easier than trying to contact companies nationwide. They’re more likely to engage with a directory that caters to their specific community.
- Gradual Expansion: Once you’ve established your local directory and gained a loyal following, you can begin expanding. You can either grow into neighboring areas or dive into specific niches that align with your original directory.
2. Choose a Non-Commercial, Community-Driven Name
When naming your directory, avoid using overtly commercial terms. A non-salesy, community-driven name creates a more inviting and trustworthy vibe.
- Go for Community Vibes: Names like “Scottsdale Thrive” or “Hawaii Local Hotspot” sound less like a business and more like a community project. This helps to build trust with both users and business owners.
- Avoid Overthinking: Don’t stress too much about choosing the perfect name. Set a deadline for 2–3 days, pick a name, and move forward. Perfectionism can slow down your progress.
3. Use Your Existing Network to Populate Listings
The quickest way to get your directory filled with listings is by leveraging your existing network. If you attend business events, trade shows, or mixers, use those opportunities to collect business cards and gather potential directory listings.
- Incorporate Businesses from Events: Attend events like BNI meetings, Chamber of Commerce functions, or local mixers. Collect business cards and add those businesses to your directory right away.
- Send a Friendly Follow-Up: Once you add businesses to your directory, send a friendly, non-salesy follow-up email. Keep it simple, like: “Hey, it was great meeting you at [event]. I’ve added your business to our local directory as a thank-you. Take a look and feel free to connect with others in the community!”
4. Leverage Local Exposure to Fill Listings
Local businesses that appear on radio, TV, or in print are already putting themselves out there. This makes them prime candidates for your directory. Adding them to your directory not only adds valuable content but also strengthens your community ties.
- Add Businesses from Local Ads: If you see a local business ad on TV, radio, or print, add them to your directory. You can then reach out with a message like: “I saw your ad in [local newspaper or TV] and thought I’d add you to our directory as a way to support our local scene!”
- Build Credibility with Local Visibility: When businesses see that you’re helping promote them without asking for anything in return, they’ll view you as a trusted ally, not just a salesperson.
5. Set a Clear Deadline for Your Launch
It’s easy to get bogged down in perfectionism, but waiting too long to launch can lead to missed opportunities. Set a clear deadline to have your directory live and stick to it. Once it’s out there, you can make continuous improvements.
- Avoid Overthinking the Details: There’s no perfect time to launch, and there’s no such thing as a perfect directory. Set a realistic deadline, focus on getting the basic features right, and let the directory grow from there.
- Momentum Is Key: The sooner your directory is up, the sooner you’ll start gathering businesses, users, and traffic. The initial momentum will carry you forward as you make tweaks and improvements over time.
6. Offer Both Free and Paid Plans to Attract More Businesses
Offering free listings can help businesses get a taste of what your directory offers without the pressure of commitment. Paid listings can provide additional exposure and premium features for businesses willing to invest.
- Free Listings as a Gateway: A free plan is a great way to attract businesses and get them onto your directory. This creates a low barrier to entry for businesses who may be unsure about paying upfront.
- Monetize with Paid Plans: As businesses see the value your directory provides, they’ll be more inclined to upgrade to a paid listing. Offer premium features like AI-driven ads, featured listings, and enhanced visibility to incentivize businesses to upgrade.
7. Keep Your Marketing Non-Salesy
Remember, the goal is to build relationships first. The more you approach businesses and potential users from a helpful, community-driven perspective, the more success you’ll have in the long run.
- Avoid “Hard” Sales Pitches: Instead of pushing businesses to list immediately, focus on offering value. Frame your directory as a way to support local businesses or a specific niche. This will lower resistance and increase the likelihood of conversion.
- Build Relationships First: Think of your directory as a community resource. Once you’ve gained trust and built relationships, then you can introduce additional services like AI-powered marketing or automation solutions.
Ready to Launch Your Smart Directory?
Building a directory website has never been easier. With HighLevel and SmartDirectoryAI, you’ve got the ultimate tools to create a local business hub that works for you.
Build a directory website with HighLevel and tap into powerful features that automate listings, streamline management, and help you monetize your platform effortlessly. It’s the perfect combination for anyone looking to connect with local businesses, build a thriving directory, and scale with ease.
