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Directify

Directify:
SpreadSimple Alternative

Which is the Best Directory Builder in 2025? Compare features, pricing, and capabilities to make the right choice for your project.
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When it comes to building a directory website, two platforms that often come up are Directify and SpreadSimple. While both can be used to create directories, they take very different approaches.
In this article, we'll compare them in detail, looking at features, ease of use, pricing, and why Directify might be the better fit if you want to launch and grow a serious directory with minimal friction.

⚡ What is Directify?

Directify is a no-code platform built from the ground up for directories. Unlike generic website builders, Directify comes with ready-made templates and pre-configured features like:
  • Public submissions
  • Paid listings
  • Ads management
  • SEO tools
  • Custom fields
  • and much more
It's designed to help you launch quickly and grow with ease—without needing third-party tools or complex setups.

📊 What is SpreadSimple?

SpreadSimple is a powerful tool that turns Google Sheets into modern websites, making it super easy to manage data. It offers a unique approach where your spreadsheet becomes your CMS.
While SpreadSimple can be used to create simple directories, it's primarily designed for those who want to manage their data in Google Sheets and display it as a website, rather than as a full-featured directory platform.

🔍 Key Differences: Directify vs SpreadSimple

Feature Directify SpreadSimple
Purpose Full-featured directory builder with CRUD, SEO, monetization, and customization Website builder powered by Google Sheets data
Directory Templates ✅ Ready-to-use directory templates with everything pre-configured 🔄 Basic directory templates, but require manual setup of data
Public Submissions ✅ Built-in public submission forms ❌ Not available
Paid Submissions ✅ Built-in paid submissions system ❌ Not available
Custom Fields ✅ Easy creation of custom fields via dashboard ❌ Limited by Google Sheet structure
SEO Tools ✅ Full SEO support (meta tags, slugs, schema, blogs) 🔄 Basic SEO (meta titles/descriptions)
Forms ✅ Built-in form builder 🔄 Based on Google Forms
Real-Time Data Updates ✅ Two-way sync with Google Sheets ✅ Auto-updates via Google Sheets
Collaborators ✅ Unlimited with permissions ✅ Via Google Sheet collaboration
Custom Domain & SSL ✅ Included ✅ Included
Pricing ✅ Starts at $19/month (unlimited listings, blog, collaborators, no branding) 🔄 Starts at $17/month (limits on features, integrations and limited data)

🚀 Pros and Cons

Directify

Pros:

  • Built specifically for directories
  • Advanced SEO features
  • Public and paid submissions
  • Full control over design and data
  • No limits on collaborators, blog posts, or listings
  • Monetization-ready
  • Two-way sync with Google Sheets

Cons:

  • Fewer templates compared to SpreadSimple

SpreadSimple

Pros:

  • Super easy to use if you're familiar with Google Sheets
  • Real-time updates from Sheets
  • Simple and fast website creation
  • Affordable for basic use cases

Cons:

  • Limited customization beyond what Google Sheets allows
  • No public or paid submissions
  • Basic SEO only
  • Requires external tools for advanced functionality

🧐 Key Differences Between Directify and SpreadSimple

1. Data Management Approach

SpreadSimple is built around Google Sheets as your content management system:
  • All data lives in your spreadsheet
  • Updates in sheets reflect on your site
  • Limited by spreadsheet structure
  • Great for data-heavy, simple sites
Directify uses a purpose-built CMS for directories:
  • Structured data with relationships
  • Custom fields and taxonomies
  • Built for complex content models
  • Optimized for directory-specific needs
  • Two-way sync with Google Sheets

2. User Submissions & Monetization

With SpreadSimple, there's no built-in way for users to submit listings or pay for premium placements. Any updates must be made directly in your Google Sheet.
Directify is built with monetization in mind. You can accept public submissions, charge for listings, feature premium content, and even manage ads—all without any additional tools or integrations.

3. SEO and Growth Potential

SpreadSimple offers basic SEO capabilities with meta titles and descriptions, but lacks advanced features like schema markup, custom slugs, and content optimization tools.
Directify provides comprehensive SEO tools designed specifically for directories, including schema markup, custom URLs, meta tags, Open Graph data, and a built-in blog for content marketing—everything you need to rank well in search engines.

4. Scalability for Growing Directories

SpreadSimple works well for small to medium-sized directories, but can become unwieldy as your data grows. Google Sheets has limitations that can impact performance with large datasets.
Directify is built to scale with your directory, handling thousands of listings with ease. The database-driven approach ensures consistent performance even as your directory grows.

💰 Pricing Comparison

Directify Pricing

  • $19/month – 1 site, unlimited blog posts, no branding, team collaboration
  • $49/month – Unlimited sites, and other features
All plans include full directory features, public submissions, and monetization options

SpreadSimple Pricing

  • $17/month – 3 sites, Basic features, SpreadSimple branding
  • $29/month – 3 sites, Pro plan with branding removal and additional features
Lower starting price, but strong limitations

📝 Conclusion

If you're looking for a simple website powered by Google Sheets, SpreadSimple is a great tool. It's perfect for small directories, price lists, or product catalogs that you update often in Sheets.
But if you're serious about building a real directory business, with SEO optimization, paid submissions, public forms, custom fields, and full control over your content, Directify is the clear winner. It removes the technical hassle and gives you an all-in-one solution with no limits.
Choose SpreadSimple for simplicity.
Choose Directify for scalability, growth, and monetization.
Start your free trial with Directify today