Both of these websites are very different, yet, they are both directories. Regardless of your business type or industry, there’s a good chance you can find a way to implement a directory on your website. Payment options (for those of you who will charge for directory listings) Location-based searches with integrated maps Fully customizable form fields Easy ways to add and adjust directory listings Ways for customers to rate and review businesses Back-end tools Front-end submission features Shortcodes that make it easy to add a directory anywhere on your site Media support You won’t necessarily need every feature on this list. So use this list as a reference to help you find the best WordPress directory plugin for your site. While most of the features are free, you can buy add-ons for things like: Paid listings Reviews Multi location support Advanced search Events Option for businesses to “claim” their listing GeoDirectory is also multi-site compatible, so I recommend it to developers who will add it to their clients’ sites or to those of you who plan to build a network of directories. 3. Business Directory Plugin The Business Directory Plugin is an all-in-one option for WordPress directories. It offers some of the key features that I look for in a directory plugin: Media support Customized form fields Payment processing You can also purchase add-ons to enhance your directory with the Business Directory Plugin. They have add-ons for premium features like: 2Checkout gateway Discount codes Ability for businesses to claim listings on your site, similar to Yelp Google Maps integration File attachments module PayPal gateway Ratings Stripe integration Even though you’ll have the option for premium add-ons, you can install and use this plugin right out of the box for free. Some of the other top features include: Map integration Paid listings Claim listings CSV import and export Customized email notifications With Directories Pro, customers can rate and review the listings on your directory without having to register, login, or create an account. Look for the option that has the specific features you need to help you find the best WordPress directory plugin for your website.
Out of 95 directory plugins, there are 5 to consider adding to your website
The Internet is full of directories. In fact, your website might already be listed on some directories right now.
Depending on the scenario, directories have multiple applications and use cases. For example, Yelp is a popular option for consumers to find a restaurant or service in a specified area based on their search parameters, while a directory like Angie’s List connects people with contractors for things like electrical work, landscaping, and plumbing.
Both of these websites are very different, yet, they are both directories.
Essentially, directories are databases. They serve as an easy way for users to find more information about a particular subject or business.
Regardless of your business type or industry, there’s a good chance you can find a way to implement a directory on your website. Law firms use website directories to list their lawyers and employees. Real estate companies have directories for their listings as well as their agents. A retail chain probably has an online directory for its store locations.
If you’re using WordPress, adding a directory to your website is simple. You just need to install a plugin.
Key features of a WordPress directory plugin
Since the word “directory” is so vague and has tons of potential applications, it can be a bit challenging at times to find the best WordPress directory plugin for your website. So before I go through my list of the top options for you to consider, I want to briefly explain what to look for in a directory plugin.
- Payment options (for those of you who will charge for directory listings)
- Location-based searches with integrated maps
- Fully customizable form fields
- Easy ways to add and adjust directory listings
- Ways for customers to rate and review businesses
- Back-end tools
- Front-end submission features
- Shortcodes that make it easy to add a directory anywhere on your site
- Media support
You won’t necessarily need every feature on this list. It really depends on your company, your website’s purpose, and the type of directory you’re trying to create. As we continue through this guide, you’ll see these features and many more offered by the directory plugins I’ve listed. So use this list as a reference to help you find the best WordPress directory plugin for your site.
1. GeoDirectory
GeoDirectory has one of my favorite search interfaces of all the directory plugins on the market. With GeoDirectory, you’re able to create a massive global directory on your website. This is a great option for those of you who are looking for a free WordPress directory plugin as well.
They make it easy for website visitors to find exactly what they’re looking for without sacrificing the look and visual appeal of your website.
This plugin offers a front-end form that allows other businesses and users to submit listings, so scaling your directory is limitless.
When someone searches for a business on your website, the listings are displayed by proximity, so users can see the closest and most relevant options to them first.
As the name implies, GeoDirectory is integrated with Google Maps. There is a large and clickable map next to every listing in the directory. Users can find directions to the location directly from that map without having to leave your website.
While most of the features are free, you can buy add-ons for things like:
- Paid listings
- Reviews
- Multi location support
- Advanced search
- Events
- Option for businesses to “claim” their listing
GeoDirectory is also multi-site compatible, so I recommend it to developers who will add it to their clients’ sites or to those of you who plan to build a network of directories.
If you’re building your directory website from scratch, you could also consider purchasing the directory themes from GeoDirectory as well. But, this plugin will work with any theme, so you’re not obligated.
Merchants with listings on your directory will have access to Google Analytics data. This feature will show them how much your site is helping their company. You can use that to potentially justify your pricing if you plan to charge for listings.
Overall, GeoDirectory is a top option for anyone who wants to build a large and scalable business directory.
2. Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro
Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro made my list is because its potential applications are seemingly endless. You can use it as a platform for classifieds, similar to Craigslist, or go a completely different direction and use this plugin for something like a directory of movie ratings. Maybe you…
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