Softr

Build a Polished, Powerful Directory with Softr

If you're looking to build a sleek, searchable directory without getting buried in code, Softr is a platform worth exploring. Though it didn’t start off as a directory-specific tool, Softr has evolved into one of the most flexible no-code solutions for directory websites—thanks in large part to its tight integration with Airtable and its own built-in database system.

Think of Softr as your visual translator. You feed it organized data - via Airtable or Softr's native database - and it transforms that raw information into a polished, interactive website.

Unlike traditional directory builders that focus purely on listings, Softr starts from a database-first perspective. This gives you more control over how your data is structured and displayed. Whether you're showcasing local businesses, niche service providers, or a curated resource hub, it all begins with clean, organized records.

Pricing That Grows With You

Softr’s pricing is based on total data records across all your projects—so it’s not limited just to one site. As of 2024:

• Free Plan: Great for experimenting or launching a simple directory

• Starter ($49/mo): Supports up to 1,000 records, includes custom domains

• Professional ($139/mo): Offers up to 5,000 records, white-labeling, and more advanced features

• Business ($269/mo): Designed for high-traffic or large-scale directories

• Enterprise: Custom Pricing

It’s a flexible setup that lets you scale your project without immediately jumping into enterprise pricing.

How It Works: A Real-World Example

Let’s say you're building a directory of independent coffee roasters. You’d begin by creating a database with fields like name, location, roasting style, bean origin, and contact details. Softr offers prebuilt blocks like "List", "Grid", and "Detail" views, which you can mix and match to present your data beautifully.

But where Softr really shines is its dynamic filtering and search tools. The platform automatically creates filters based on your database fields—so users can search by region, bean type, price range, or other details in real-time, without needing to refresh the page.

Memberships & Monetization Built-In

Want to turn your directory into a revenue stream? Softr lets you create membership tiers with custom access controls. You could offer free access to basic listings and charge for premium content like contact info, detailed reviews, or enhanced profiles. Stripe integration makes payments seamless and easy to manage.

Customization Without Complexity

While Softr isn’t a pixel-perfect design tool, it gives you just the right amount of control. You can combine maps, filtered lists, user profiles, and more - all connected to your live data. It’s flexible enough to build professional-grade experiences, without the overwhelm.

Features That Go Beyond Listings

• User authentication: Let users create profiles, save favorites, and more

• Form builder: Collect submissions or listing requests with approval workflows

• SEO-ready pages: Custom meta tags and clean HTML for search visibility (though note that dynamic content is client-side rendered, so strategic SEO is important)Relational databases: Connect listings to events, categories, reviews, or even other directory types for rich, interlinked content

Is Softr Right for You?

If you’re familiar with Airtable or the basics of databases, you’ll feel right at home with Softr. New to the data side of things? There’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get how your information flows through the system, building a directory becomes surprisingly intuitive.