CM Expert Directory Pro

The search radius leaves out people who do serve that area

You build a directory of specialists with search by zip code and radius. One professional has a distant address on her profile but serves a specific neighborhood. Someone searching from there does not find her, because the radius only measures distance.

In a local directory, distance to an address does not say whom each professional can serve.

CM Expert Directory Pro is a WordPress plugin for publishing directories of experts, staff or members. On each profile, Is promoted takes it to the top of the results, and Is promoted by zip codes does the same and adds a list of zip codes. With CM Map Locations, a search for one of those codes shows the expert even when they fall outside the searched radius.

Complete profiles and a filterable index

• Extended profile: overview, publications, education, experience, address, phone, email, website and social links.
• Custom fields: a form builder to add fields of various types, and another for additional links.
• Classification: categories, tags and custom taxonomies, with the filters you choose.
• Search: by keyword, with AJAX filters that update results without reloading and an A-Z filter by last name.
• Index views: Directory, Tiles and List, ordered by first name, last name, dates, menu order or category.
• Profile content: gallery of images and videos, documents, related products, the author's posts and a Google map.
• Contact: WhatsApp widget for direct messages and a unique QR code on each profile.
• Data transfer: profile import and export between sites.

All plugin labels can be edited, which lets you translate the interface or adapt it to a specific sector.

A directory of in-person and online therapists

One case that uses its fields well is a center bringing together therapists who work in an office and remotely. Each profile carries specialty, languages and education. Those who see clients in an office show their address on the map. Those who work remotely are marked as a virtual expert, and the profile hides the map and address.

The Expertise, Service and Language categories already appear in the add form, and visitors filter with them. To charge for listings, look at the Payments add-on. Build this setup with a few profiles and test the filters before loading the full directory.

Pieces added separately

• Community: users or guests add, claim and manage profiles, with admin moderation.
• Payments: charges for listings and renewals with WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads. Recurring payments need WooCommerce Subscriptions and WooCommerce Payments.
• Forms: contact form on the profile.
• Levels: member levels with different appearance and fields.
• Map Locations: map with all members and search by zip code and radius, with the CM Map Locations plugin. That search works within a single country and needs latitude and longitude on each location.

The plugin does not integrate with BuddyPress or s2Member, and geolocation does not work with it.

Requirements and directory launch

Interactive maps need a Google API key. The index page is created automatically during installation.

1. Install and activate the plugin from Plugins, Add New.
2. Open the settings under CM Expert Directory and review the view, labels and filters.
3. Define additional fields and taxonomies before loading profiles.
4. Create a profile with Add Expert. The image must be 400 by 400 pixels.
5. Check the index and add the Google key if you will show maps.

Directories to compare by what you publish

If your directory mixes several listing types, look at Directorist, which lets you build several types in one WordPress, with radius search.

For a paid member directory, compare with Paid Memberships Pro Member Directory. For the health sector, check Hospital Doctor Directory. If you list companies and not people, CM Business Directory is a better fit.

Answers about CM Expert Directory Pro

Can I show a single expert on a page?

Yes, with the single expert shortcode, which places them on a post or page.

Do I control who appears in the directory?

Yes, with the Community add-on, which lets you review profiles before they are published.

Can I list experts only when someone searches?

Yes, with the Only show items on search option.