How to Write a Directory Submission That Actually Converts

•Launch Nicely Team

You've found the perfect directory. High Domain Authority. Relevant audience. You click "Submit". And then... you copy-paste the same generic description you used on your landing page.

Stop.

Directories are not just buckets for backlinks. They are sources of high-intent traffic. But that traffic is skeptical. They see dozens of tools every day. To stand out, you need to tailor your copy for the directory format.

1. The Headline: Benefit > Feature

Most founders write headlines like this:

  • ❌ Acme.ai is an AI-powered project management tool.

This is boring. It tells me what it is, but not why I should care.

Try this instead:

  • ✅ Manage projects in half the time using predictive AI.

Rule: Start with the specific value proposition. Use active verbs.

2. Talk to the Specific Audience

Different directories have different audiences. Your copy should reflect that.

  • For Indie Hackers: Focus on the "Bootstrapped" or "Maker" journey. Mention your tech stack or revenue goals.
  • For Designer News: Focus on the UI/UX. Use words like "pixel-perfect," "agnostic," "system."
  • For General Business: Focus on ROI (Return on Investment). "Save money," "Increase sales."

The Tactic: Write 3 versions of your short description (Technical, Business, Design) and use the appropriate one for each directory.

3. The "Problem-Agitation-Solution" Framework

In the long description field, don't just list features. Tell a story.

  1. Problem: "Finding high-quality leads takes 20 hours a week."
  2. Agitation: "That's time you could spend closing deals. Instead, you're scraping email addresses manually."
  3. Solution: "Launch Nicely automates the search, delivering 50 verified leads to your inbox daily."

This structure hooks the reader emotionally before selling the solution.

4. Social Proof in the Copy

If you have users, flaunt them.

  • "Join 5,000+ marketers."
  • "Used by teams at Google and Netflix."
  • "Rated 4.9/5 on G2."

If you are brand new, use "Personal Proof":

  • "I built this because I was tired of X..." (Authenticity sells).

5. The Call to Action (CTA)

Don't just say "Visit Website." Give them a reason to click right now.

  • "Get your free audit."
  • "No credit card required."
  • "First 100 users get 50% off."

Summary

Treat every directory submission as a mini-landing page.

  • Hook them with a benefit-driven headline.
  • Speak their language.
  • Agitate their pain.
  • Prove your worth.

Do this, and you won't just get a backlink. You'll get a customer.