Directories

An empty directory attracts no one, and neither does one full of stale data

Building a directory in WordPress usually ends one of two ways: a static list nobody updates, or a tangle of plugins stuck together that don't understand each other. Directories offers a set of plugins to create directories with listings, categories, locations, maps, reviews and a user dashboard, all from a single install.

The work of a directory isn't publishing it but keeping it alive. That's why the most interesting part here isn't the look, but the tools that let others contribute and fix things: frontend submission, listing claims and user reviews.

What Directories does with your listings and your visitors

• Custom fields: you can add fields to listings, categories, tags, locations, reviews and even claims, to store exactly the data your sector needs.
• Visual display editor: you change how directory content is shown by dragging and dropping, without touching code.
• Search and filters: a search form with auto-suggest and dynamic faceted filtering.
• Map: listings on custom-styled maps with area search, geolocation and full-screen mode.
• CSV import and export: useful for loading a list you already have or getting your data out.
• Multiple directories: with one install you can create as many as you need, and clone or migrate them by exporting their settings.

How it fits depending on who builds it

If you're building a local business directory

What matters is the combination of categories, locations and a map with area search. Businesses can also claim their listing: once verified, they edit their own data, which takes a good part of the maintenance off your plate.

If you want to charge for listings

Paid listings work through WooCommerce payment gateways, so you need WooCommerce installed and set up. Frontend submission lets users publish and manage their listings without entering the WordPress dashboard.

If you want to grow with user content

Reviews support customizable rating criteria and can be opened to guests, not just registered users. More participation, but also more moderation: think about who will review what comes in and how you'll prevent fake reviews, which can also cause legal trouble.

If you work for clients or in several languages

It is compatible with WPML and right-to-left languages. On the architecture side, it's built for developers: components, PHP namespaces, Composer, Bootstrap 4 and Font Awesome 5.

Forms, notifications and SEO

To add a contact form to each listing you can use Contact Form 7, WPForms or Gravity Forms. Directory emails can be customized if you install the Better Notifications For WordPress plugin. It also has options designed for search engine ranking.

It needs outside plugins for payments, forms and notifications

Directories is not a payment system by itself: it depends on WooCommerce for paid listings. Contact forms and notification customization depend on third-party plugins. And the contact details, reviews or listings you publish are your responsibility: review how personal data is handled before opening submissions to guests.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have more than one directory on the same site?

Yes, with one install you can create several, and also clone or migrate them by exporting and importing their settings.

Can users without an account publish?

Yes, guests can submit listings and reviews, in addition to registered users.

Can I load a list I already have?

Yes, through CSV import, and you can also export your content.

Is it suitable for a multilingual site?

It is compatible with WPML and RTL languages.

What to check before deciding

Try the demo with your real case: create a listing from the user dashboard, use the filters and the map, and check that the display editor gives you the design you need.