Everybody knows that content is king. However, you’ve got to be careful about what you say and how you say it. When it comes to your website or blog, a few words can make or break your entire business.
You’ve got to think about your audience and what they want to read. If you bore them, they’ll move on to another site. If you’re too chatty and lose their attention, you can bet that they won’t be coming back for more. So how do you get the perfect balance?
The answer is simple: use the best WordPress plugin for business directories!
Best WordPress Plugin For Business Directory
1. Sabai Directory
Sabai Directory is a premium directory plugin for WordPress. With this tool, you can create a community-driven business directory, like Yelp or Yahoo! Local.
Users can search listings by keywords, category, distance, and location — plus the plugin offers user-friendly auto-suggestions. Sabai Directory also provides different rating and review options as well as the option to claim an existing business as your own.
On the visitor’s side, this plugin allows users to upload photos to a business listing and they can comment on reviews and other visitors’ photos as well. It also allows them to flag listings, reviews, photos, and comments that may be false or inappropriate. This helps both customers and employees regulate the site and ensure all information and feedback about a business is fair and accurate.
| PROS | CONS |
| Supports image uploads for listingsOffers option to upvote comments and photosCan show directions in the map interface16 Google Map styles, 11 widgets, and 12 shortcodesCompatible with Paypal and Stripe | Limited public support documentationLimited customization and design optionsNot WPML compatible Limited customer support channels (email) |
Price: $29
2. ListingPro
Although it’s not really a plugin, this WordPress theme has a lot of plugin functionality prepackaged in its design. It comes complete with a slew of features you can use for your directory site, including a drag-and-drop page builder and a custom lead form builder that gives you full control over which information you want to obtain for listings.
As frontend submissions are approved, you can organize them categorically on your listing page using a unique set of criteria. These listings can be ordered by title, publish date, highest rating, and more. Frontend users can take advantage of the theme’s advanced search features like “instant filters” to search for a company they’ve worked with before or look for a new one that meets their current needs.
Some additional features for this theme include a built-in ads management tool and an events calendar. There’s also a “free maps” feature as well as a checkout and payment processing system.
| PROS | CONS |
| Prepackaged with a ton of useful features and toolsProvides several unique filter and categorization options for listingsIncludes a built-in payment and checkout systemProtects against spam with Google ReCaptcha | Requires premium add-ons for some featuresNot easily compatible with WooCommerceTechnical support only included for 6 months |
Price: $69
3. Web 2.0 Directory
A high-quality, feature-packed, directory plugin for WordPress, Web 2.0 Directory allows you to create a classified ad listing site, an events directory, a vehicle dealer site, a real estate portal, and more.
This plugin offers all the features you would expect in a premium directory site, like front-end listings, editing capabilities, and integrated Google Maps. It has a fully responsive design, and it’s compatible with most plugins on WordPress.
Some additional features include custom icons and form fields, YouTube and Vimeo attachments, and the ability to print a listing if desired. There’s also an option to download a listing as a PDF or save it as a bookmark in your web browser.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to install and useProvides multiple revenue-generating optionsCan submit listing in bulkOffers a star rating system for listingsCompatible with WooCommerce | More geared towards a “classifieds” websites than a business directoryIssues reported with WPML and WooCommerceLimited customer support optionsLarge file size for downloads |
Price: $39
4. Connections Business Directory
A widely used, free directory plugin, Connections Business Directory is fully responsive and retina-ready with plenty of features to help you create a successful business directory site.
It’s compatible with most WordPress themes and page builders, and it supports the WordPress Gutenberg Editor. Some blocks that are supported with the Gutenberg Editor are the carousel block, the directory block, and the upcoming list block.
The carousel block displays your listings in a rotating module. This is ideal for both business listings and “Our Team” pages. The directory block provides a more traditional approach, with all of the company’s information listed statically on your page. Lastly, the upcoming list block shows users all of the future events that are scheduled to take place.
| PROS | CONS |
| Provides “robust” templating supportCan offer hundreds of thousands for business entriesOffers repeatable fields for users and visitorsUpdated on a continuous basisExcellent customer support options | Some features require additional plugins for useSome issues reported with setup/installationLimited customer support options Template Customizer is not compatible with all WordPress page templates |
Price: Free
5. Gravity Forms Directory
Gravity Forms is a free WordPress plugin packed with all of the modern features you would want for your directory website.
For example, this plugin offers a built-in search option, automatic pagination, and allows users to edit directory listings so that only the ones they created are visible. This helps user keep track of their active listings, so they know what’s available for their customers.
It also allows you to display directories and entries as tables for better organization. You can also define a custom style using one or a few of this plugin’s default shortcodes. For instance, users can view single entries in their own page or in a lightbox, and you can approve and dissaprove entries that are submitted in bulk.
| PROS | CONS |
| Offers a built-in search functionOffers a pagination feature for directory listingsCompletely shortcode basedProvides lightbox support for imagesPlenty of categorization options for visitors | Despite being a “free plugin” you need to download the Gravity Forms plugin to use it which is a premium pluginRequires a “Pro” Gravity Forms account to use the paid web directory featuresLimited functionality with the free versionLimited customer support options |
Price: Free
6. Toolset
Toolset takes a little different approach to WordPress plugins. Rather than just offering the plugin for anyone to purchase and download, Toolset provides documentation after purchase. This plugin prioritizes customer success by offering a training course that teaches people how to use the plugin and maximize its value.
But, that’s not all this training teaches you. It also teaches you how to build a successful business directory in general, giving you both the knowledge and the tools required to develop an engaging and — hopefully — profitable website.
Some additional features include responsive layouts, ultrafast code, and a reliable support staff that’s available almost 24 hours a day. This plugin is fully customizable, so you can create the exact look and feel to your site that you were hoping for.
And, this plugin is WPML compatible, so everything you build with it can be translated as needed. This is great when you want to scale your site and start engaging audiences that may speak different languages.
| PROS | CONS |
| Comes with an onboarding program and training exercisesTraining teaches both how to use the product and how to build a directory siteProvides maps and front-end formsHas an option to create “related” postsOffers a free trial via a sandbox account | Not as user-friendly as other options on this listSometimes there are too many options to choose from, which can lead to overloadSome confusing support documentationRequires some coding/programming knowledge to use |
Price: $69
7. Directory Pro
This is feature-rich WordPress plugin provides several different options to customize your site and make it stand out from its competitors. For example, there’s a signup module, a pricing table, and a rating system that you can apply to each listing. It also comes with free email templates, a PayPal and Stripe integration, and an Ajax “load more” feature.
Additional features include Ajax filter faceted search, a review module, and a contact form. You can also differentiate between free and paid listings on your site.
Aside from the features, Directory Pro is fully responsive and SEO-friendly. This helps your site rank higher on search engines which ultimately improves your organic traffic.
| PROS | CONS |
| Can be translated into 13 languagesProvides a variety of shortcodesComes with 11 premade email templatesCompatible with MailChimpProvides a “coupon” feature for discounts and promotions | Not as user-friendly as other plugins on this listLimited customer support optionsDoes not offer an “auto-complete” field for forms |
Price: $39
8. Business Directory Plugin
If you’re looking for something simple, then this may be the right plugin for you. Business Directory Plugin is versatile, easy to use, and you can set it up in just a few moments.
Some notable features include customizable form fields, drag-and-drop image uploads, and a built-in CSV import function so you can create listings in bulk — rather than having to upload them one by one.
There’s also plenty of payment options available for this plugin. For instance, not only can you accept payments in your listings, but you can set up recurring payments and fee plans as well. To do this, this plugin is compatible with numerous payment software, like PayPal, Authorize.net, Stripe, and more.
| PROS | CONS |
| Plenty of options for collecting payments from visitorsIdeal for those working under a tight budgetOffers ReCaptcha to prevent spam listingsMobile-friendly and responsive designCompatible with NavXT Breadcrumbs and WP-PageNavi | Requires premium add-ons for some featuresRequires premium add-on for payment integrationsTough to scale with this plugin without purchasing an add-onUnable to edit labels for listingsLimited customer support options |
Price: Free
9. GeoDirectory
No, GeoDirectory is not the plugin I used to find rock shops around the world — though someone should write that down because it’s a pretty good idea.
Instead, GeoDirectory is a WordPress plugin that turns any website theme into a business directory. It’s compatible with Gutenberg and most page builders like Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Divi.
GeoDirectory is fully responsive, so your directory site will look great on any device or browser it’s loaded on. This plugin also comes with a built-in user review system and business inquiry forms so visitors can send listings to friends. Users can also submit their own business forms via the front-end, drag-and-drop interface.
| PROS | CONS |
| Compatible with most WordPress themes and page buildersOffers a drag-and-drop form builderAbility to search listings by zip code or locationWPML compatibleOffers various features for SEO optimization | “One-city” directory. You can’t add listings outside the default cityLimited support documentation (but an excellent customer support team)Could be more user-friendlyDoes require add-ons for some features |
Price: Free
wordpress business directory theme free
1. Directory Starter
If you need to include a basic directory on your website or build your own child themes in the future, Directory Starter is a great place to begin.
This theme is highly customizable thanks to the inclusion of over 40 widgets, blocks, and shortcodes. With the drag-and-drop tab builder, reorganizing your listings is a breeze. If you prefer to work with your favorite page builder, the theme is compatible with popular ones like Elementor and Divi. You could also start with a template that you can customize directly from within your child theme.
Although it’s free, Directory Starter boasts some advanced features to help you build a professional listing page. It’s designed to work with the GeoDirectory plugin (review), which gives you coverage of more than one city. Users can search by proximity, add ratings, and write reviews. You can also add business hours to any listing, and build unlimited contact forms thanks to the integrated Ninja Forms.
Overall, if you need a solid directory theme that will fulfill its purpose, you can’t go wrong with Directory Starter. It’s responsive, customizable, and expandable which covers the basics you need when starting out.More Info / DownloadDemo
2. Robolist Lite
A directory theme may have a simple purpose, but this doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Robolist Lite is precisely that — a modern, slick theme to help you create a pleasant browsing experience.
It’s ultra-fast thanks to being built on top of the Bootstrap CSS framework, which provides snappy site loading times regardless of device. It’s also integrated with the powerful and free WP Job Manager plugin, a perfect tool for recruitment agencies. Last but not least, it’s powered by the bundled Elementor page builder plugin so you can easily customize this theme to match your needs.
For more advanced functions, you can upgrade to Robolist Pro, which lets you customize posts and choose from several page templates. You can easily expand your site’s functionality with many widgets and add-ons. Also, integrating the premium WP Job Manager Simple Paid Listing plugin will help you monetize your directory.
All in all, if you want a fast, pixel-perfect theme that will grab your visitors’ attention, look no further. Robolist Lite is an excellent choice for real estate agents, job agencies, and many other business sites.More Info / DownloadDemo
3. ListingHive
If you’re a real estate agency or a hotel, you’ll want your property listings to be clean and inviting. Enter Listing Hive — a simple yet powerful theme that will make your images truly stand out.
Listing Hive lets you build almost any type of directory, as there are no predefined listing attributes. This means it’s fully adaptable to your needs. There are also many free extensions available to add extra functionality such as the marketplace, search alerts, favorites, and more.
The theme is incredibly easy to use, enabling you to install it with just a few clicks. You can also style it with custom CSS. Moreover, it lets you set up advanced filters for any listing attributes you can imagine. Your registered users will be able to submit new listings on the frontend, too.
Simple, powerful, extensible — if these are the qualities you’re looking for, Listing Hive may be your perfect choice. This multipurpose theme is particularly suited to real estate, though other businesses will find it equally useful.
4. Robojob Lite
Practically all job seekers appreciate a smooth browsing experience, including options to search by keyword, location, or category. RoboJob Lite delivers on all fronts and gives your job board a clean, modern look.
This theme integrates with the free WP Job Manager plugin. It gives your job portal robust functionality, letting users create a new job listing for any niche. You can also use many free extensions to expand the functions of this theme, such as adding advanced search forms in the banner area.
You will likely want to fully customize the look of your listing website too. In this case, upgrading to Robojob Pro may be worth considering. It lets you switch between Google Fonts, colors, shortcodes, and more. You can also better manage your candidates, CVs, and employers, thanks to the bundled and premium WP Job Manager Resume Manager plugin.
Conclusion
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