A Step-by-Step Walkthrough of Setting Up Uno Directory

Introduction

Thinking about launching your own directory website? Whether it’s a collection of AI tools, startup resources, or job listings, directories are an incredibly powerful way to monetize the web. With the Uno Directory template, setting up a professional, SEO-optimized, and scalable directory website has never been easier. In this walkthrough, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step setup using the Uno Directory Next.js template, helping you get online quickly while saving on development time and cost.

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to setting up Uno Directory, highlighting each step in the process — from downloading the template to launching a fully functioning directory. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Purchase and Download Uno Directory

The first step is to get access to the Uno Directory template. The template is available for a one-time price of $149 and includes everything you need: full source code, commercial license, updates, and premium features — no recurring monthly fees.

Purchase Uno Directory Template
Includes updates and commercial license
No recurring fees — pay once, use forever

Once purchased, you will receive access to the source files, documentation, and setup instructions.

Step 2: Set Up Your Local Development Environment

Uno Directory is built on modern technologies like Next.js, Prisma, Tailwind CSS, and shadcn UI. Make sure you have the following installed on your machine:

Node.js (v18+ recommended)
Yarn or npm
Git

Clone the Repository

After extracting the source code, open your terminal and navigate to the project folder. Then, install dependencies:

cd uno-directory
npm install
# or
yarn install

Step 3: Configure Environment Variables

Uno Directory relies on several environment variables for features like authentication, email functionality, and AI content generation via OpenAI. In your project root, duplicate the .env.example file and rename it to .env.local.

Update the following keys with your credentials:

DATABASE_URL – for Prisma/PostgreSQL setup
NEXTAUTH_SECRET – for secure authentication
RESEND_API_KEY – to enable transactional emails
OPENAI_API_KEY – to enable AI suggestions/autogeneration

Step 4: Set Up the Database

Uno Directory uses PostgreSQL via Prisma ORM to manage database operations. Once your database is configured (locally or via a cloud provider like Supabase, Railway, or PlanetScale), migrate your schema:

npx prisma db push

This step syncs the database schema defined in the schema.prisma file. You can also run:

npx prisma studio

…to open Prisma Studio for easy visual access to your data.

Step 5: Run Uno Directory Locally

To test your setup, start the development server:

npm run dev
# or
yarn dev

Visit http://localhost:3000 in your browser to see your directory in action. At this stage, you’ll see the homepage layout, demo listings, navigation, and blog system.

Step 6: Customize the Directory

Uno Directory comes with a highly configurable and responsive design using Tailwind CSS and shadcn UI. You can easily change branding, layout, and content structure.

Update Site Branding

Change colors in Tailwind config
Upload your logo and favicon
Update site meta and title in next.config.js

Edit Content & Listings

Go to the Admin Dashboard and manually add listings or enable user submissions via frontend form. You can also:

Set pricing for featured listings
Enable payment via Stripe
Review and approve submitted listings

Explore Uno’s Live Demo to see how it works in real time.

Step 7: Implement SEO and Tracking

Uno Directory is SEO-first with built-in best practices like schema markup, Open Graph tags, and optional sitemap generation. Each listing page is optimized for organic search visibility.

Additionally, you can integrate tools like:

Google Analytics or Plausible for tracking
Google Search Console for indexing
Backlink verification to ensure listing quality

Step 8: Launch Your Directory

Ready to go live? Choose your favorite hosting provider. Since Uno Directory is built with Next.js, it works great with:

Vercel (recommended)
Netlify
Render

Push your code to GitHub and connect your repo with your hosting provider. Add your environment variables in the host’s dashboard, and you’re live in minutes!

Step 9: Monetize Your Directory

Uno Directory supports several monetization strategies baked into the template:

Paid Listings – Allow users to pay to list their projects or businesses.
Sponsored Spots – Highlight featured listings at the top of categories.
Affiliate Revenue – Add referral links to products and earn commission.
Ad Placements – Integrate Google AdSense, banner ads, or sponsorships.

Learn more about monetization strategies in our guide: How to Monetize With Uno Directory.

Step 10: Maintain and Scale

Uno Directory is built for long-term growth. Keep your platform fresh and active by:

Regularly accepting new submissions
Publishing blog posts to drive organic traffic
Re-sharing listings on social media and newsletters
Optimizing performance and mobile experience

Final Thoughts: Is Uno Directory Right for You?

Whether you’re launching a niche blog, affiliate site, or a full-scale tool directory, Uno Directory offers everything to get you started — fast. With no-code features, built-in payments, and an SEO-optimized design, it’s one of the most powerful directory templates for entrepreneurs and content creators.

Compared to alternatives like Webflow templates or full SaaS platforms, Uno’s code-based ownership gives you greater flexibility, monetization power, and control — all at a one-time cost.

Ready to Build Your Directory?

If you’re looking for a fast, scalable, and profitable way to launch your own directory website, Uno Directory is your go-to solution.

Whether it’s for tools, startups, SaaS products, or local businesses — your next big web project starts here.

Still have questions? Check out the Uno Directory FAQs or reach out to our support team directly. Let’s build something amazing together.