Is it getting harder for independent websites to get noticed?

I've been building NexURLs, a platform for discovering interesting websites and helping independent creators get more exposure.

One thing I've noticed is how difficult it has become for smaller websites and new projects to attract visitors. You can build something amazing, but if nobody knows it exists, what good is it?

That's part of why I started NexURLs. I miss the days when you could just explore the internet and stumble across something interesting without an algorithm deciding everything for you.

I'm curious what other makers think.

How are you getting your first visitors these days?

Are you relying on Google, social media, communities, or something completely different?

I'd love to hear what's actually working for people building independently.