Directory Submission
Generate tailored listing copy and a submission playbook when you want your product on directories, curated lists, launch sites, or app stores.
Overview
directory-submission is an agent skill most often used in Launch (also Validate and Grow) that produces per-platform directory and app-store submission copy and a structured submission workflow.
Install
npx skills add https://github.com/kostja94/marketing-skills --skill directory-submissionWhat is this skill?
- Ready-to-paste descriptions tailored per platform (AI tools dirs, Product Hunt–class launch sites, Shopify/Chrome stores
- Reads project-context.md when present so positioning stays consistent across submissions
- Covers paid listings, newsletter features, and directory ads—not only free listings
- Pairs with product-hunt-launch for launch-day tactics and cold-start-strategy for full 0→1 channel planning
- First-invocation full playbook; subsequent runs can skip intro and go straight to Action
- skill version 1.2.0 in SKILL frontmatter
Adoption & trust: 765 installs on skills.sh; 586 GitHub stars; 2/3 security scanners passed (skills.sh audits).
What problem does it solve?
You have a shippable product but no consistent, channel-specific copy or checklist to get listed on directories, curated lists, and app stores without ad-hoc guessing.
Who is it for?
Solo builders doing their first distribution push across AI tool directories, launch platforms, and browser or commerce app stores after core positioning exists.
Skip if: Teams that only need Product Hunt launch-day mechanics without broader directory work—use product-hunt-launch instead—or anyone without a product story yet who should run cold-start-strategy first.
When should I use this skill?
User wants directory submission, get listed, app store listing, Taaft/Product Hunt-style platforms, or tailor description per platform.
What do I get? / Deliverables
You leave with platform-tailored paste-ready listings, clearer channel rules, and a concrete Action plan—then use product-hunt-launch or cold-start-strategy when launch-day or full-channel strategy is the next step.
- Per-platform submission copy
- Directory submission action plan
- Channel rules and avoid list for outreach
Recommended Skills
Journey fit
Spans multiple journey phases - primary shelf plus alternate fits below.
Canonical shelf is Launch because the skill’s output is outbound placement and listing copy for third-party channels, not in-product build work. Distribution is the right subphase for directory campaigns, store listings, and curated-list outreach that drive discoverability off your own domain.
Where it fits
Align landing page claims with shortened directory blurbs before you publish the site.
Batch-submit to AI directories and launch aggregators with per-site copy variants.
Draft Shopify App Store or Chrome Web Store descriptions using the same positioning rules as web directories.
Refresh listings or pitch newsletter/directory ad slots with updated feature bullets.
How it compares
Use for multi-directory listing workflows and copy, not as a substitute for full 0→1 channel planning or PH-specific launch tactics.
Common Questions / FAQ
Who is directory-submission for?
Indie and solo founders, micro-SaaS builders, and AI tool makers who want listings on directories and stores with copy that fits each platform’s format.
When should I use directory-submission?
Use it during Launch distribution when you are submitting to directories and app stores; during Validate when a landing narrative must match external listings; and during Grow when you refresh listings or run directory ad/newsletter placements.
Is directory-submission safe to install?
It is procedural marketing guidance; review the Security Audits panel on this Prism page and treat any pasted credentials or store API keys as your own responsibility—never embed secrets in listing copy.
Workflow Chain
Requires first: cold start strategy
Then invoke: product hunt launch
SKILL.md
READMESKILL.md - Directory Submission
# Channels: Directory Submission Guides submitting products, tools, or apps to directories and launch platforms. **On each invocation**: On **first use** in the conversation, output the complete response (Introduction, Importance, Methods, Collaboration Channels, Rules, Avoid, Action). On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip (e.g., "just do it", "skip intro", "I already know"), go directly to Action. Directory submission is a core channel for cold start—see **cold-start-strategy** for full launch planning. Directories offer more than listings: free/paid listings, ad placements, newsletter features, social promotion, and marketing campaigns. Platform types: AI tools (e.g. Taaft), product launch (e.g. Product Hunt), review platforms (e.g. G2), app stores, niche directories. ## Why Directory Submission Matters *Platform examples are illustrative only. No affiliation, partnership, or endorsement implied.* | Benefit | Description | |---------|--------------| | **Backlinks** | Quality directories pass link equity; improve domain authority and rankings. Focus on high-authority directories (DA 50+); avoid low-quality link farms. | | **Real traffic & conversion** | Referral traffic from directories converts. ~42% of businesses report increased referral traffic after submission; referral conversion ~1.8% (B2C), 1.1% (B2B), 1.3% (SaaS). Use UTM to track; proper attribution can improve measured conversion by ~23%. | | **Social proof for brand search** | When users search your brand name, directory listings (e.g. Product Hunt, G2, Taaft) often dominate SERP. Third-party presence signals legitimacy; consumers check 5-7 sources before deciding. Verified badges and consistent NAP across directories boost trust. See **serp-features** for SERP feature types. | ## Current Best Practices **Quality over quantity.** Mass submission to hundreds of low-quality directories can harm rankings; strategic placement in 10-15 high-quality directories typically yields 15-25% improvement in indexing speed and branded search visibility. | Practice | Why | |----------|-----| | **Prioritize DA/DR 50+** | High-authority directories pass link equity; low-quality link farms risk penalties | | **Editorial review preferred** | Human-curated directories (vs. automated) carry more weight; Google's Helpful Content Update favors editorially-curated listings | | **Niche over generic** | Industry-specific directories deliver faster results (30-60 days) and better topical relevance than generic sites (60-120 days) | | **NAP consistency** | Name, Address, Phone identical across all listings--critical for local SEO | | **Track submissions** | Document where you submitted, approval status, canonical topics | **Budget reference**: Small businesses $300-500/mo; enterprises $1,500-3,000/mo for comprehensive programs. Results typically 30-60 days from high-authority directories. ## Initial Assessment **Read project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, read it. Use sections 1-4, 5, 6, 8, 9 to generate submission content directly--no need to ask the user for info already in the context. | Context section | Maps to directory fields | |-------------