Directory Boilerplates in 2025: You Will Love Them!

The demand for directory boilerplates has grown significantly in recent years.

These pre-built frameworks make it easier for developers, indie makers, and entrepreneurs to launch directory websites without starting from scratch.

Whether you want to build a local business directory, a job board, or a niche SaaS marketplace, directory boilerplates can save time, simplify payments, and improve SEO from the very beginning.

Two of the most discussed options in 2025 are Dirstarter and MkDirs.

Both are built on Next.js and share some similarities, but they take different approaches to customization, features, and usability.

This article takes a closer look at what each offers.

What Are Directory Boilerplates?

A directory boilerplate is a ready-made codebase that provides the essential structure of a directory website. Instead of writing everything from scratch, you get:

• Pre-built authentication and admin dashboards
• Listing and submission systems
• Payment integrations (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
• SEO-friendly pages and metadata support
• Design components and UI templates

This makes them especially appealing to solo founders, indie hackers, and small teams who want to focus on growth rather than reinventing the wheel.

#1. Dirstarter: A Flexible Directory Boilerplate

Dirstarter is designed with customization in mind. Built on Next.js v15, it provides a full-featured architecture suitable for developers who want control over their project.

Key Features

• Complete Next.js codebase with authentication and admin panel
• Stripe integration for global payments
• AI tools for content generation and category recommendations
• SEO-optimized blog and listing pages
• Analytics for user behavior insights
• Integrations with Resend and Amazon S3
• Lifetime updates after a one-time payment

Advantages

• Highly customizable with a modern tech stack (Next.js, TypeScript, TailwindCSS)
• Monetization-ready (Stripe, ads, featured listings, affiliate links)
• Clean codebase praised by developers
• One-time purchase model with lifetime use

Limitations

• Branding (“Built with Dirstarter”) requires manual removal
• Advanced support is only in higher pricing tiers
• May require developer involvement for very niche workflows

Pricing

• Basic: $149 one-time (lifetime license and updates)
• Pro: $199 one-time (includes support and community access)
• Custom: From $999 (setup and advanced customization)

Who It’s For:

Dirstarter is best suited for founders who want flexibility and are comfortable with light coding adjustments.

#2. MkDirs: An All-in-One Directory Boilerplate

MkDirs takes a more “out-of-the-box” approach. It is often described as the boilerplate that lets users launch directories in just a few hours.

Key Features

• Next.js base with Sanity CMS integration
• Vercel AI SDK for content generation and OG image creation
• Auth.js authentication with email verification and password reset
• Stripe payments for submissions and sponsorships
• Pre-built themes with dark mode and responsive design
• Blog and newsletter functionality
• SEO-friendly structure across listings and blog posts
• Lifetime updates with support via email and Discord

Advantages

• Quick setup — often within hours
• Unlimited directories with a single license
• Clean, modern UI with Tailwind and Shadcn components
• AI assistance for faster content creation
• Lifetime access without hidden fees

Limitations

1. Requires connecting personal Sanity and Stripe accounts
2. Some branding requires editing for a 100% white-label solution
3. Limited to Next.js/React ecosystem

Pricing

• Lifetime License: $99 (includes unlimited projects and updates)

Who It’s For:

MkDirs is ideal for time-constrained makers and beginners who want an easy way to launch a directory with minimal setup.

Comparing Directory Boilerplates

If you are choosing between Dirstarter and MkDirs, here are the main differences to consider:

• Customization: Dirstarter allows deeper customization, while MkDirs is more plug-and-play.
• Ease of Setup: MkDirs is generally faster to launch, while Dirstarter may take more setup time.
• Monetization: Both support Stripe, ads, and sponsored listings, but Dirstarter emphasizes flexibility while MkDirs emphasizes simplicity.
• AI Features: Dirstarter provides content and category generation; MkDirs extends this with automated OG images.
• Support: Dirstarter uses a tiered model for support, whereas MkDirs includes lifetime support.
• Pricing: Dirstarter starts at $149, while MkDirs is $99.

If you're interested in choosing either of the boilerplates, I would recommend you go with Dirstarter over MkDirs, the reason is design.

SEO Advantages of Modern Directory Boilerplates

Both Dirstarter and MkDirs integrate features that support search engine optimization:

• Structured metadata for listings and blog posts
• Fast load times with caching
• Blog systems for content expansion
• Clean, indexable URLs
• Mobile-friendly layouts

For directory websites, these SEO foundations are essential. Search engines reward structured, fast, and content-rich directories with higher visibility, something both Dirstarter and MkDirs enable right from the start.

Final Thoughts

The rise of directory boilerplates reflects a broader shift in how digital entrepreneurs build businesses in 2025. Instead of starting from scratch, founders now leverage ready-made frameworks that handle payments, SEO, and scalability out of the box.

• Choose Dirstarter if you want deep customization and a flexible codebase to expand over time.
• Choose MkDirs if you prefer simplicity, speed, and a feature-packed template that works immediately.

Both options demonstrate how modern directory boilerplates can shorten the path from idea to launch, making it easier than ever to build sustainable, monetized platforms.