Are you planning to create a directory site? As always, WordPress is more than capable of handling the task. However, to get your site up and running efficiently, you’ll need to pick the right directory plugin from the many options available.
This post is designed to make that choice easier.
Here’s what you’ll gain from reading:
- Key features to consider when selecting a directory plugin
- How to decide if a directory plugin is the right choice for you, or if a WordPress directory theme might be a better fit
- A curated list of some of the best directory plugins available
Let’s dive in so you can start building your directory site quickly!
What Should You Look For In a WordPress Directory Plugin?
You’ll want a few essential features when building a directory site, regardless of your niche. These key elements will ensure your site functions effectively and serves your visitors well:
- Detailed Search Functionality: A directory is only valuable if users can easily find what they’re looking for. Choose a plugin that offers an advanced search system with plenty of filters to help visitors narrow down their options quickly.
- Monetization Options: If you’re aiming to generate income, look for plugins with built-in monetization features. This could include selling paid listings, offering upgrades, or running advertisements directly through your directory.
- Custom Fields: Custom fields are essential to tailor your directory to your niche. Make sure your plugin allows you to add custom fields that capture all the necessary information for your specific type of directory.
- Google Maps Integration: Especially for local directories, Google Maps integration is crucial. It enables users to find listings based on proximity, a must-have for location-based directories.
Also, when creating your directory site, please remember that you can use a dedicated theme, a plugin, or sometimes both. Choosing the right tool will depend on your specific needs and the level of customization you require.
Should You Use a Plugin or Theme for Your Directory Site?
If you’re creating a site that’s 100% focused on its directory functionality, you might be better off going with a dedicated directory theme. While such themes are less flexible for non-directory uses, they’re built from the ground up to match the directory functionality. That means everything looks perfect from the minute you install the theme… which isn’t always the case with plugins.
We already put together a list of the best WordPress directory themes. Check that out if you think a dedicated theme fits your situation better.
If you use a plugin, you add functionality to a non-directory theme. That is, you’re retrofitting. Plugins are your best bet if you need to add directory functionality to an otherwise standalone site. But you may need custom CSS to make your directory site look just right.
What Are The Best WordPress Directory Plugins?
Now that we’ve covered the preliminary information, let’s discuss some of the top directory plugins on the market. I’ll try to give you both free and premium options.
1. Sabai Directory Plugin for WordPress
Sabai Directory Plugin is a highly popular premium directory solution available on CodeCanyon. It has over 7,300 sales and maintains a solid 4.5-star rating. Its popularity is due to its extensive feature set, which offers the flexibility that directory websites often require.
One of the standout features of Sabai Directory is its custom field functionality. You can easily add custom fields using a visual form editor, giving you complete control over the data you want to display on listing pages. Visitors can search through these fields and other criteria like keywords, categories, distance, and location. This flexible search functionality ensures that users can find what they’re looking for quickly and easily.
The plugin offers multiple display options for your listings, including list, grid, or map views. The interactive map view allows visitors to refine their search by moving the map, dynamically providing more location information. Sabai Directory also supports paid listings, enabling you to create custom plans and allowing business owners to manage their listings via a dedicated dashboard.
Additional features include voting, featured listings, directions, and more, making Sabai Directory a comprehensive option for any directory site. Priced at $29, it offers excellent value with its robust capabilities.
2. Business Directory Plugin
Business Directory Plugin is a flexible directory solution with a free core plugin and a range of paid add-ons. It’s a great starting point if you want to create a directory without upfront costs, offering several essential features in the free version.
The free version allows you to customize your listing forms by adding and editing form fields. Users can submit and manage their listings directly from the front end, making controlling their information easy. The search form is also customizable, allowing you to hide or display specific fields to offer the filtering options your visitors need. The listing page includes a sorting bar to help users quickly sort and refine search results.
The free plugin also includes basic monetization, enabling you to create paid listing packages and accept payments through Authorize.net.
Paid add-ons unlock additional features, such as displaying business locations on Google Maps, support for multiple payment gateways, claimed listings, and discount codes. With these add-ons, you can expand the functionality of your directory based on your needs.
3. GeoDirectory – Directory Plugin
GeoDirectory is another directory solution offering a free core plugin with various premium add-ons. The free version is designed to create directories based on a single city or location, making it a great starting point for local directories.
You can build custom front-end submission forms using the drag-and-drop form builder, which includes 13 different custom field types. Users can easily submit their listings, and while you can create search and filter options for these fields, this feature is only available with one of the premium add-ons.
GeoDirectory’s free version also includes several Google Maps widgets to display your listings, with additional map-related features available through premium add-ons. You can monetize your directory by offering premium listings with another paid add-on.
Other premium features include user reviews, BuddyPress integrations, event listings, and more. While GeoDirectory’s free version doesn’t offer as much functionality as Business Directory Plugin, it’s highly extensible through add-ons, although costs can accumulate depending on how many features you need.
4. Web 2.0 Directory Plugin for WordPress
Web 2.0 Directory Plugin is a premium directory solution available on CodeCanyon. With a robust 4.5-star rating and over 4,400 sales, it’s a popular choice for those seeking robust directory features for their WordPress site.
The plugin allows adding customizable content fields to give your listings flexibility. You can also order listings and enable visitors to search by these custom fields, which is especially helpful for niche directories. The search functionality integrates with the Relevanssi plugin to enhance WordPress’s default search capabilities.
Web 2.0 Directory Plugin supports displaying listings on a map, making it an excellent option for local directories. On the monetization front, you have various options, including selling sponsored listings, offering “listing boosts,” and integrating ads to generate revenue.
The Web 2.0 Directory Plugin is a solid option for building a local directory with customizable features and flexible monetization options.
The plugin is priced at $34 with standard Envato licensing.
5. Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro
Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro is another directory plugin that offers a robust free core version with paid add-ons to extend its functionality. The free version is particularly strong, making it an excellent option for those with tight budgets.
In the free version, you can add unlimited custom fields to your listings and include any fields in the search widget, allowing for highly customizable search options. It also supports unlimited locations with Google Maps integration, perfect for directories spanning multiple areas.
Users benefit from personal accounts where they can manage, edit, or delete their listings. You can also charge for featured listings and recurring fee plans, though the recurring fee feature requires a premium add-on. Payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal also require premium add-ons, but local payment methods are available in the free version.
Overall, Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro offers a lot of functionality at no cost, with the option to expand through premium features as your needs grow.
Get Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro
Which Directory Plugin Should You Pick?
Focusing on your specific needs is essential when choosing the right directory plugin because you only need one. So, how do you decide?
Business Directory Plugin is an excellent choice for those seeking a feature-rich free option. Its free version is highly flexible, and you may only need a few premium add-ons to meet your needs fully. Advanced Classifieds & Directory Pro is another good, though slightly less popular, free option.
If flexibility is your top priority, GeoDirectory offers many add-ons, giving you significant control over your site’s functionality. However, keep in mind that the cost of add-ons can accumulate quickly.
For affordable, feature-packed options, Sabai Directory Plugin and Web 2.0 Directory Plugin from Code Canyon provide solid functionality without the hefty price tag. Both are well-rated and suitable for users who want flexibility without overspending.
And remember – you always have the option to use a directory theme.
Epicurean Theme