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How I Built a Directory of 150+ AI Tools (And Why Most Are ChatGPT Wrappers)

How I Built a Directory of 150+ AI Tools

I spent 3 weeks testing every AI tool I could find. Here's what I learned.

The Truth About AI Tools

Most AI tools are ChatGPT wrappers.

They call the OpenAI API, add a nice UI, and charge $50/month.

Real AI tools:

  • ChatGPT (OpenAI)
  • Claude (Anthropic)
  • Gemini (Google)
  • Midjourney (independent)
  • GitHub Copilot (Microsoft)

Everything else? Usually a wrapper.

What I Built

AI Tools Gems — a free directory of 150+ AI tools.

Features:

  • Interactive quiz to find YOUR tool
  • Cost calculator for your AI stack
  • Side-by-side comparisons
  • Free vs paid for every tool

Tech Stack

  • Pure HTML/CSS/JS (no frameworks)
  • GitHub Pages + Netlify
  • 700+ backlinks from GitHub Gists
  • 100 repos for domain authority

Results After 1 Week

  • 39 pages live
  • 700+ backlinks
  • Google Search Console verified
  • Indexed by Bing

What I Learned

  1. SEO takes time — Backlinks don't work overnight
  2. Free tools convert — People love free stuff
  3. Quizzes go viral — Interactive content gets shared
  4. Social media matters — Nobody clicks GitHub links

Try It

https://aitoolsgems.netlify.app/

Built by ElevaSync Solutions

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