How To Build A No-Code Directory With Softr And Airtable

Build a No-Code Niche Directory Using Softr and Airtable

In today's digital age, creating a niche directory can be a profitable venture, especially as search evolves with AI. Curated directories offer users valuable information, and with tools like Softr and Airtable, you can build these without any coding skills. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through setting up your very own niche directory using Softr with Airtable as your data source.

More of a visual learner? Watch the video version:

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Step 1: What is Softr?

Softr is an intuitive platform that enables you to create no-code applications, including niche directories. It’s a powerful tool that's currently trending as one of the top products on platforms like Product Hunt. With Softr, you can leverage data from sources like Airtable, Google Sheets, and Notion to build engaging and useful applications.

You can create a free Softr account here.

Note: You can build one app including a custom domain on Softr on the free plan.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Directory Concept

Start by defining your niche directory's concept. For our example, we’ll be creating a simple, resource-based directory. Think about what type of resources you want to offer and the audience you are targeting.

In my opinion, a niche directory is the best option. Think how you can curate information and bring VALUE to people.

Any idea that ticks that box could be a winner – and is certainly worth a shot.

Step 3: Create a Softr Account

If you haven’t already, create a new account on Softr. You can try it for free, which includes the ability to publish an application on a custom domain.

Step 4: Selecting a Template

Softr offers various templates to kickstart your project. Choose a resource directory template that aligns with your niche. This template will allow users to submit resources, and it will offer features like search, filtering, and responsive design.

Step 5: Connect Airtable

• Login to Airtable: If you don’t have an Airtable account, sign up for one.
• Connect Your Data Source: In Softr, navigate to connect your Airtable account. Grant the necessary permissions so that Softr can access your data.
• Import Template Data: Softr will guide you to import a template resource library from Airtable, which you can customize with your own data.

Step 6: Customizing Your Directory

• Edit Directories: Adjust the categories and entries within your template. For each entry, you can update titles, links, descriptions, images, and approval status.
• Dynamic Elements: Softr’s block-based system allows you to customize how data appears. You can hide or display images and descriptions as needed.

Step 7: Add Resources and Approvals

Create a process for users to submit resources. Use the “Add a Resource” page in Softr to gather submissions. These resources can go into Airtable, where you can review and approve them before they’re displayed on your directory.

Step 8: Design and Customize

Customize the overall look of your directory:

• Update headers, background images, and overall color themes.
• Use Softr’s design interface to make aesthetic adjustments.
• Consider using design tools like Canva to create custom graphics if needed.

Step 9: Publish Your Directory

• Domain Setup: Use a domain registrar like Namecheap to host your directory. Add your domain in Softr and follow their instructions to connect it.
• Publish: Set a name for your directory and publish it. You can host it on Softr's subdomain or your custom domain.

Final Thoughts

Niche directories present a unique opportunity to provide curated information for specific audiences. By using Softr and Airtable, you can easily create and manage these directories without any coding knowledge. If this piques your interest, play around with the templates and start building. Feel free to drop any questions or share what type of directory you plan to create in the comments below.

Building a No-Code Niche Directory with Softr and Airtable (Summary)

Softr and Airtable provide a powerful, no-code solution for creating a custom directory website. Here's a detailed breakdown of how to implement this approach:

Key Integration Steps

You can create a business resource directory using two primary tools:

1. Airtable for Data Management

• Create a base with tables for your directory items
• Set up fields like:
• Name
• Description
• URL
• Featured Image
• Category

1. Softr for Website Creation

• Connect your Airtable database directly to Softr
• Use templates specifically designed for resource directories

Technical Setup Process

Connecting Airtable to Softr:

• Log into Softr
• Navigate to Data Sources
• Select “Connect data source”
• Authorize Airtable access
• Choose specific bases you want to integrate

Directory Features You Can Implement

• User Submission Forms: Allow users to add their own resources
• Filtering Capabilities: Sort resources by categories
• Responsive Design: Ensure mobile and desktop compatibility
• Automated Population: Automatically update directory from Airtable

Pro Tips

• Start with a free template to understand the workflow
• Customize your directory's look and feel
• Implement clear submission guidelines
• Regularly curate and approve submitted resources

By leveraging these no-code tools, you can create a professional, dynamic directory website without extensive technical skills.