I built a directory of 2,500+ marketing tools - here's what I learned about the martech landscape
Hey IH 👋
I'm Alen and I run ManyTools.com, a free directory where marketers, SEOs, and founders can find and compare tools without wading through sponsored top 10 lists.
The problem
Whenever I needed a new tool like an email platform, CRM, or landing page builder, I kept finding the same affiliate-driven lists. There was no easy way to compare features, pricing, or pros and cons.
What we built?
ManyTools lists 2,500+ tools across 70+ categories including SEO, email marketing, affiliate tracking, content creation, and more. Every listing shows features, pricing, pros and cons, user ratings, and alternatives.
We also added persona-based navigation. Growth hackers, designers, and developers each get a curated shortlist that actually matters to their work.
There is also a dedicated AI tools section with 1,358 tools. Keeping up with that space feels like drinking from a firehose.
What I’ve learned?
There are more niche tools than most people realize. Half of AI tools change or shut down within months. And most founders spend too much on tools when free or freemium options can do the job.
What’s next?
We are building better community features and would love feedback from indie hackers on what makes a tool directory actually useful.
Check it out: https://manytools.com
Happy to answer questions or hear your thoughts.
Solid positioning! An independent tool directory is useful if it stays transparent and current.
A few things I’d think about from a trust and security angle:
• How are you validating tool submissions to prevent spam, fake reviews, or SEO link farming?
• Are user ratings authenticated or rate limited to avoid manipulation?
• If you allow founders to claim listings, how are you verifying ownership?
Directories become targets for spam and reputation abuse quickly. Clear moderation rules and lightweight verification can protect signal quality.
We’re the Nautillo Pro team, focused on web app security, so we naturally look at abuse surfaces and integrity. If you ever want to test ManyTools from an external security perspective, we have a free version available.