The Only Prompt I Use to Find High-Potential Directory Niches

There’s one prompt I always go back to whenever I’m looking for a new directory idea to build. Over the years, I’ve researched more than a thousand different niches to figure out which ones are worth pursuing. Most of the time, I’ll only find one good idea for every couple hundred I look at. But this single prompt has consistently helped me find at least one solid idea every time I use it.

In this video, I’ll walk you through the exact prompt, show you how it works, and explain why it’s so effective. It’s built around the patterns and characteristics I’ve seen in some of the most successful directories on the internet. You can take this prompt and use it yourself to uncover winning directory ideas that are low competition but have the potential to grow into something big.

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The Prompt (Don't forget to toggle the "Research" button):

I want you to research and suggest potential directory niches that I can build websites around. Use the following criteria when evaluating ideas:
1. Search Volume
Broad/national keyword: ideally 10,000 to 40,000 monthly searches.
Local/city-based keyword variations: ideally 500 to 1500 monthly searches.
2. Proof of Directory Ranking
On the first page of Google for local queries (e.g., “[keyword] Los Angeles”), I should see at least one directory ranking.
This shows that Google already favors directory-style content for that query.
3. Layered Niches
Think in layers when identifying opportunities. For example:
Shopping → second-hand goods → thrifting → salvation army
I want to see directory ideas that can be niched down in a similar layered way.
4. Existing “Bounty”
There should already be a successful directory in that niche with real traffic and traction.
My strategy is to model and improve upon these existing directories.
5. Examples of Winning Niches I’ve Done Before
Scratch and Dent Appliances
6. Deliverable
Provide me with a list of potential directory niches that fit these rules.
For each idea, show:
Broad keyword search volume
City-based search volume examples
Whether a directory ranks on page one for local queries
An existing directory that’s already succeeding (if available)
How you got to that niche using layered thinking

Timestamps:

00:29 The Claude Prompt + Full Breakdown
04:53 Vetting a niche found from running the prompt once
09:38 How this method beats my old methods of finding ideas