In the AI age, the internet has become the core hub for information flow, and a "navigation site" (also known as a web directory or URL navigation website) serves as a platform that collects, categorizes, and recommends high-quality links. Unlike simple search engines, a navigation site acts more like a carefully curated portal, helping users quickly find the resources they need. This article explores why it's worth investing time and effort into building your own navigation site, its core advantages, potential profit models, and how it can empower individuals to become "super individuals" in the future (i.e., independently operating personal brands or creators with strong influence).
Why Build Your Own Navigation Site
Building your own navigation site isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision but stems from the evolution of the internet ecosystem and the need for personal empowerment. First, with the explosion of information, users often get lost in vast amounts of content. While search engines like Google are powerful, algorithm-driven results can sometimes lack personalization or reliability. A self-built navigation site allows you to become an "information gatekeeper," curating high-quality links to provide themed, noise-free navigation experiences. This not only solves user pain points but also helps you establish authority in niche areas (such as tech tools, learning resources, or life hacks).
Second, a self-built navigation site is a low-barrier entry point for entrepreneurship. Compared to developing complex apps or e-commerce platforms, the technical requirements for a navigation site are minimal: you just need a domain name, a CMS (like WordPress), or simple static pages to get started. It allows you to start from your interests and gradually expand. For example, if you love reading, you could create a book resources navigation site that aggregates reviews, download links, and community recommendations. This is not only a starting point for monetizing interests but also accumulates user data, laying the foundation for future expansions.
Finally, in the era of AI and algorithms, a self-built navigation site is a strategy to resist platform dependency. Major platforms like Twitter or TikTok have volatile algorithms, easily leading to unstable traffic. Your own navigation site gives you complete control: customize the design, content, and update rhythm, avoiding being "enslaved by algorithms." Many entrepreneurs find that such sites can quickly attract loyal user groups, forming community effects.
