{"id":95161,"date":"2019-10-25T09:12:29","date_gmt":"2019-10-25T14:12:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/?post_type=resource&p=95161"},"modified":"2024-10-02T14:50:52","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T19:50:52","slug":"build-wordpress-directory-site","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/case-studies\/resources\/build-wordpress-directory-site\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build a Directory Site With WordPress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s likely that you\u2019ve used a directory website before. Some popular, common examples include Yelp<\/a>, Yellow Pages, or even eBay<\/a>. These are useful websites full of categorized and sometimes niche information, and creating one of your own might seem a bit intimidating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be interested to know that you can, however, easily create a directory site with WordPress. Plus, this kind of unique website offers a lot of potential for monetization. Thanks to the platform\u2019s open-source code base, you have quite a few options when it comes to building a directory site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll cover how to create a directory site using plugins. We\u2019ll also offer a few pointers for accomplishing this task without a plugin if you prefer. Let\u2019s get started! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Creating a WordPress Directory Website With a Plugin: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Using plugins to extend the functionality of WordPress can open up many new opportunities. Plugins for creating directories are no exception, and can be used for personal sites and business ventures alike. Let\u2019s walk through how the process works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Install and Activate a WordPress Directory Plugin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your first step will be to navigate to Plugins<\/em> > Add New<\/em> in your WordPress dashboard:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here you can use the Search<\/em> plugins<\/em> field to find the directory plugin you\u2019re looking for. You can explore each plugin by clicking on More Details<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the details page, you can review the plugin for compatibility, and access important installation documentation. When you\u2019re ready, you can click on Install Now <\/em>to start the installation process. Then, select Activate<\/em>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an example, we\u2019ll be using the free and easy-to-set up Business Directory<\/a> plugin. When you install and activate this tool, you\u2019ll see a notice on your Plugins<\/em> page in the WordPress dashboard, letting you know that a certain page will need to be created in order for the plugin to fully function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can simply click on Create required pages for me<\/em>, and take advantage of the automated option: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the creation process is complete, you\u2019ll have the chance to view your new directory page. While it will be empty of listings, you can take a look at the basic layout right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Add Directory Listings Manually<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Business Directory plugin has a lot of features. You can add a listing in your new directory manually, or via an import process. First, let\u2019s add a listing manually by going to Directory<\/em> > Add New Listing: <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will take you to a listing edit page that is similar to a page or post edit page. There will be a lot more settings and features, however, which pertain specifically to creating new directory listings: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below the text edit area, you\u2019ll also find fields to help you fill in all the details of your posting. Additionally, you can create custom fields for niche listings: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also be able to create and use directory-specific tags and categories, in order to help organize your directory listings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Add Directory Listings With Imported Data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most directory plugins also offer the option to import listings in bulk with a CSV file. With the Business Directory plugin, when you navigate to Directory Admin<\/em> > CSV Import & Export<\/em> in your WordPress dashboard, you\u2019ll find some resources<\/a> to help you structure your files for smoother importing: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve uploaded your data, you\u2019ll be able to access it for editing through the Directories<\/em> menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Customize Your WordPress Directory Site Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many additional settings in the Directory Admin<\/em> menu, which you can access and customize in order to make your new directory site unique: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you will need to upgrade the plugin in order to access the payment gateway options, there are many aspects of the free version that are open to customization, such as the Directory Themes <\/em>and form fields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: Complete Your Settings and Publish Your WordPress Directory Page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This plugin also offers the option to create and submit listings from the front end of your website. You\u2019ll want to configure your user settings before publishing your directory, however. You can do that by navigating to Directory Admin<\/em> > General <\/em>> Registration<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also be able to change and configure all the other settings that are important to your directory website from the Directory Admin<\/em> menu. When you\u2019re done, just make sure the Business Directory page is published, and you\u2019ll be ready to build your directory!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a WordPress Directory Website Without a Plugin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d rather build a directory site without a plugin, you may find some elements more difficult to create without extensive programming knowledge. You can, however, build a very basic directory using directory-friendly themes and some built-in WordPress functionality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are free themes available in the WordPress Theme Directory that are geared towards directory sites, although many of them require an additional plugin in order to take full advantage of the theme\u2019s features. One example is Directory Starter<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This theme was built specifically to work with a directory plugin. You\u2019ll find most that \u2018non-plugin\u2019 options eventually require a plugin in order to truly achieve a fully-functional directory website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, if you just want to list a small number of items without allowing front-end users to submit listings or pay for a subscription, you could create custom post types<\/a> and taxonomies<\/a> natively in WordPress to organize your listings data. If you wanted to import data from something like a CSV file, however, you\u2019ll again be looking for help in the plugins directory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have extensive programming knowledge or coding resources at your disposal, you could also build custom post templates within your theme to deliver a directory look and feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Build Your WordPress Sites WithWP Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Creating a directory website might be a valuable new opportunity for your business. Of course, you\u2019ll also need fast and reliable hosting to support your WordPress site<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At WP Engine, we have a variety of plan options<\/a> and tools and solutions<\/a> for WordPress builders. Combine the flexibility of WordPress and the stability and security of our fully managed platform to get your online directory site up and running in no time! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s likely that you\u2019ve used a directory website before. Some popular, common examples include Yelp, Yellow Pages, or even eBay. These are useful websites full of categorized and sometimes niche information, and creating one of your own might seem a bit intimidating. You may be interested to know that you can, however, easily create a…<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":297,"featured_media":145839,"template":"","resource-topic":[904],"resource-role":[896,906],"resource-type":[916],"class_list":["post-95161","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nHow To Build A Directory Site With WordPress | WP Engine\u00ae<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how to create a directory website in WordPress with our easy guide. Perfect for expanding your business or exploring new markets. 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