Today we're going to hear from a caller in Massachusetts who has a small moving business

and thinking about starting a directory website that provides listings to movers from around the

country. So what do we think about this idea? What do we think about the business model

of building a directory website? Is it outdated or might it still have some potential? I like this

question. I think it gives us a couple of good jumping off points. And I think for anybody out there

who wants to establish themselves as an authority and expert, otherwise wants to serve a particular audience

category topic, you might want to think about what is the best way you can do that. And so the

directory website is one way. There could be some other ways as well. I'll do my best to give a

helpful answer to our caller and maybe something helpful for other listeners as well. Detailed

question and that answer coming right up.

Hi, Chris, this is Elgin from just outside Boston, Massachusetts.

I've been listening to the show for years now and love the inspiration and advice.

So my current side hustle is a small moving business, basically myself and a friend of mine.

He's not a partner in the business, so I pay him in a agreed amount for each job, and it's working fairly well for now.

My question is about potentially creating a directory

website of movers from around the country and charging lead referrals, sponsor listings,

or other ad-related revenue. I'm choosing the moving business since I already know the industry

and it seems like a good fit. Now is the directory model outdated when a simple Google search of moving

companies might suffice? I asked this question because you've covered directory websites

in past episodes and they seem a little more specialized from what I'm proposing. Thanks and

look forward to hearing your advice. Well, is the model outdated? I don't know if that matters. Maybe it's a little outdated in the sense that directory websites, you know, came out a long time ago, first came out a long time ago. And now they're often easier ways to find information, not just with search engines, but people are searching with chat GPT and other AI tools.

So the directory model category has definitely declined a bit, but it could still work if you

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