7 Best Directory Boilerplates & Templates for 2026: Complete Guide
Nomad List earns $360k/year from a simple directory. Here are 7 boilerplates that can help you build the next profitable listing platform in 2026.
Nomad List pulls in $360k per year. SaaS Hub makes $120k. OpenAlternative earns $80k annually. What do they have in common? They're all directory websites.
Building one from scratch takes months. You need authentication, payments, SEO optimization, admin panels, and a dozen other features before you can even think about launching. Or you could use a boilerplate and launch in days.
We tested the seven best directory boilerplates available in 2026. Each one offers a different approach to helping you build a profitable listing platform. Here's what we found.
What Makes a Great Directory Boilerplate?
Not all boilerplates are created equal. Here's what separates the good from the great:
The non-negotiables
Authentication, payments, and an admin panel. Without these three, you're building infrastructure instead of your business. Every option on this list includes them.
The tech stack matters
Look for Next.js (performance and SEO), TypeScript (fewer bugs), and a modern database like PostgreSQL or Supabase. Stripe integration is table stakes for payments. Anything less and you're starting with technical debt.
Monetization should be built-in
The whole point of a directory is making money. The best boilerplates come with multiple revenue streams ready to activate:
| Revenue Stream | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Paid submissions | Charge $29-299 to list a product |
| Featured placements | Premium visibility for extra fees |
| Affiliate links | Earn commissions on referrals |
| Sponsorships | Sell banner or section sponsorships |
| Subscriptions | Recurring access to premium features |
If a boilerplate makes you build these from scratch, it's not saving you much time.
With that framework in mind, let's look at the top options.
1. Dirstarter
Best For: Entrepreneurs who want a production-ready directory with AI features and built-in monetization
Dirstarter ships with everything you need to launch a directory business. The AI content generation alone saves hours of manual work when populating your initial listings and categories.
Key Features:
- AI-powered content generation for listings and categories
- Stripe payment integration ready out of the box
- SEO optimization with meta tags and structured data
- Complete admin panel for managing listings and users
- Built-in blog system for content marketing
- Analytics integration for tracking user behavior
- Amazon S3 integration for file storage
Technology Stack: Next.js 16, TypeScript, Stripe, Resend, Amazon S3
Pricing: Pay-once model with lifetime access
What sets Dirstarter apart is the focus on getting you to revenue fast. The payment system works immediately after deployment. No additional configuration required to start accepting submissions.
Users report launching their directories within 2-3 days. That's not marketing fluff. The codebase is clean, well-documented, and follows modern best practices.
2. Mkdirs
Best For: Developers who want advanced features and a headless CMS
Mkdirs has earned its reputation as one of the most feature-rich options available. The Sanity CMS integration makes content management smooth for non-technical team members.
Key Features:
- AI autofill for listing creation and optimization
- Integrated headless CMS with Sanity
- Secure authentication system with email verification
- Free and paid submission options
- Rich text editing and image uploads
- Newsletter subscription system
- React email templates
- Advanced search with filtering capabilities
Technology Stack: Next.js, TypeScript, Sanity CMS, Auth.js, Tailwind CSS
Monetization Options:
- Affiliate commission tracking
- Paid submission tiers
- Premium advertising placements
- Sponsored content opportunities
The AI features go beyond basic content generation. Smart categorization and listing optimization suggestions can improve your directory's search performance over time.
Users praise the clean codebase and thorough documentation. Customization is straightforward if you're comfortable with Next.js.
3. DirectoryStack
Best For: Businesses that want to start simple and scale over time
DirectoryStack takes a modular approach. Start with core functionality, then add features as your business grows. The architecture makes this expansion painless.
Key Features:
- Modular architecture for customized builds
- Real-time analytics dashboard
- AI-powered search capabilities
- Lead generation forms for local businesses
- Map embeds for location-based directories
- Extension system for additional functionality
- Performance optimization with static generation
Technology Stack: Next.js 16, TypeScript, Supabase
Pricing Structure:
- Core Template: $99 (beta pricing)
- Full Featured: $249 (beta pricing)
- Custom setup services available
The upcoming marketplace and booking modules signal the platform's commitment to long-term development. If you're planning a directory that might need booking functionality later, this is worth considering.
The codebase follows modern best practices with clean separation of concerns. Maintenance stays manageable as your directory scales.
4. NextJSDirectory
Best For: Solo entrepreneurs focused on monetization
NextJSDirectory is built for creators who want to focus on business, not code. The template emphasizes quick deployment and immediate revenue generation.
Key Features:
- Multiple monetization streams (sponsorships, affiliates, ads)
- Admin interface for content management
- Clerk authentication for secure user management
- Supabase backend for reliable data storage
- Draft and publish workflows
- Responsive design optimized for all devices
Technology Stack: Next.js, TypeScript, Clerk, Supabase, Stripe
Business Model Support:
- Sponsored listing placements
- Affiliate marketing integration
- Advertisement space management
- Free and premium listing tiers
Revenue streams come pre-built. Many competitors require additional setup to achieve the same functionality. If you're not deeply technical but want to run a directory business, this template deserves a close look.
5. DirectoryEasy
Best For: First-time directory creators who want simplicity
DirectoryEasy lives up to its name. No overwhelming feature lists or complex configuration. Just the essentials you need to launch a directory business.
Key Features:
- Simplified setup process
- Essential monetization features
- Mobile-optimized design
- Basic content management system
- Search and filtering functionality
- Payment processing integration
If you're building your first directory and feeling overwhelmed by the options, DirectoryEasy offers a gentler learning curve. You can always migrate to something more robust later.
6. DirectoryFast
Best For: Developers who prioritize site speed above all else
DirectoryFast does exactly what the name promises. Speed optimization is baked into every aspect of the codebase.
Key Features:
- Performance-optimized codebase
- Fast loading times across all pages
- Efficient search algorithms
- Optimized image handling
- Caching strategies implemented
- Mobile-first responsive design
Speed matters for SEO and user retention. If your directory will serve international audiences or handle high traffic volumes, those milliseconds add up. DirectoryFast is built for that scenario.
7. ListsKit
Best For: Content creators building curated resource directories
ListsKit caters to content creators who want to monetize their expertise through curation. Think "best tools for X" or "top resources for Y" style directories.
Key Features:
- Content-focused design templates
- Easy list management and organization
- Social sharing optimization
- SEO-friendly structure
- Newsletter integration for audience building
- Affiliate-ready framework
The content presentation and organization tools are where ListsKit shines. If you've built an audience around recommendations and want to formalize that into a directory business, this template fits the use case well.
Choosing the Right Directory Boilerplate
The best choice depends on your specific situation:
| Priority | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| AI features + monetization | Dirstarter | Production-ready payments, AI content generation |
| Maximum flexibility | DirectoryStack | Modular architecture, add features as needed |
| Headless CMS | Mkdirs | Sanity integration, great for teams |
| Simplicity | DirectoryEasy | Gentle learning curve, essential features only |
| Performance | DirectoryFast | Speed-optimized codebase |
| Content curation | ListsKit | Built for resource directories |
Before You Buy
Ask yourself these questions:
- What's your budget? Most premium boilerplates cost $99-$349 with pay-once licensing
- How comfortable are you with Next.js and TypeScript? Some templates require more technical skill than others
- Which revenue streams matter most? Paid submissions? Affiliates? Ads? Make sure your choice supports them
- How might your directory grow? Pick a template that can scale with your plans
- How much support do you need? Check documentation quality and community activity before buying
The Bottom Line
Directory websites remain one of the most reliable online business models. The examples we mentioned at the start (Nomad List, SaaS Hub, OpenAlternative) prove that the opportunity is real.
The boilerplate you choose matters less than your execution. Define your niche. Understand your audience. Provide genuine value. The technical foundation just needs to be solid enough to support your vision.
That said, starting with the right tools saves time and frustration. Every week spent building authentication or payment systems is a week you're not acquiring users or creating content.
Ready to launch? Check out Dirstarter's pricing and see if it fits your project. You could have your directory live by the end of the week.
