10 Feb 9+ Surprisingly Good Directory Plugins For WordPress 2021
Creating a directory of a particular kind of business profiles or information is really easy through WordPress platform. All you need to do is to develop a simple blog, use either a multi-niche theme or directory specific one and at last, a directory plugin.
You just need to come up with a unique idea or the one that can be monetized well enough and then you got all the help from WordPress that you need. Once the website is ready, then you need to find related plugins. I’m going to lower that burden as here I’m compiling the best WordPress directory plugins of 2021.
You will find names, details, and links from where you can grab their installer packages. Prepare the kind of requirements you wish to include in your next directory blog and start matching with the plugins I’m adding down here.
To start with, you should be aware of how to choose a plugin. There are lots of things you need to take care before installing any of them on WordPress website as they can open lots of vulnerabilities. This is because plugins are an easy way to insert any malicious code into the core script.
So be safe and don’t forget to check both reviews and support pages of any plugin before installing. You can even try using them on a demo website before using on main.
We also recommend reading:
- 21+ of The Best Directory WordPress Themes
- Best Job Board Themes for WordPress
- 15 Best Amazon Affiliate Marketing WordPress Themes
Let us start with the list now and all you need to do is to go through till the end. Make sure you see every option before selecting one particular.
#1 Sabai Directory for WordPress
The number of features and kind of standard they individually got is what makes this first plugin always recommended on the top position. You need to pay $29 to avail its license to be used on the single product, and I can bet that you’ll find it worth. Since I’m writing a compilation of all best options so writing every feature is out of scope but still I’ll add a brief introduction to them.
Adding and editing listings, post reviews, adding pictures and other media files to listings, location based search, embedding to any page with Shortcode, monetization with paid listing, PayPal compatibility, bookmark listings, map view, etc. Yes, it comprises of flat design and responsive layout.
The plugin is so powerful that if used in right way, it can help you develop Google+ Places, Yahoo! Local kind of directories. It is also compatible with BuddyPress which can help readers to create their social profiles and manage their favorite listings. Check out its demo and I’m sure you’ll find a lot of interesting facts inside.
#2 Connections Business Directory
If you were looking for a free option, then here is the first one. You can grab its installation package from official WordPress plugin store. With over thousands of active installs, it’s one of the best free options we got and I’m sure you’ll find it worthy.
The feature list comprises of seamless WordPress integration, simple to use Control Panel at Dashboard, fully responsive, Retina-ready, picture option in every post, different customizable fields, private and public listings, category support and lots of customization options depending on kind of theme you’re using at the base.
#3 Web 2.0 Directory
Web 2.0 Directory could be likened to a Swiss army knife for directory plugins. Whether you want to create a local, classifieds or niche specific Web 2.0 Directory allows you to do just that. There is a whole array of feature to be had with this plugin, so I will only mention a few of my favourite. Web 2.0 Directory empowers you to explore numerous income stream; you get can:
- charge customers to post and renew their listing
- create a featured listing for addition revenue
- PayPal subscription available as standard, other payment options includes stripe the developers favourite.
Have you ever done a search on Google maps and seen your results displayed visually?
With this plugin, you can do that to gives your visitors a visual overview of where the place is located.
When compared to some of the higher price plugins mention on this page Web 2.0 Directory is the clear winners with lots of generous features pack in this plugin.
#4 Directories Pro Plugin for WordPress
Directories Pro plugin is one of the latest additions on the marketplace and in my opinion, it is one of better plugins on this list. This Directory plugin is highly rated on CodeCanyon and is frequently updated for improvement, but it isn’t free (pricing starts $39). A powerful navigation and customizable interface is right there within to help you maintain high user experience and readability.
Features are good enough to start a directory listing website along with lots of options to monetize everything in a better and professional way. The plugin comes with full support for paid listings, and you can even run WooCommerce subscriptions + guest checkout options right there. Other attractive features include advanced search forms with auto-suggestion, filter reviews and review rating, and full compatibility with SEO plugins like Yoast.
#5 Crocoblock Marketplace Solution
With Crocoblock marketplace solution, you can create a fully functional directory website for services, goods, and projects. Pricing starts from $130 per year up to $750 Lifetime. Here are a few top features for building a marketplace website: create user profile pages, set up sellers accounts, build sitewide search and website navigation, filter products, show reviews, and rating, set price calculation.
JetPlugins can help you build a marketplace website from scratch or choose from the existing dynamic templates. It’s something like pre-coded templates (real-estate, car-dealer, vacation rental directory).
Enjoy integration possibilities for setting up payments, CRM & lead generation, email marketing, etc.
You can check the marketplace dynamic templates demo to see how this marketplace solution can function.
#6 Business Directory Plugin
You don’t need to pay anything for this plugin, and it’s a legit one, being used by thousands of people out there. The customization option it offers for individual listing post is truly awesome and the reason behind its immense success. It can even allow you to import and export data into CSV sheet files, cool yeah?
Here are a few features worth mentioning:
- Fully customizable fields
- display location of business
- SEO optimized
- featured and sticky post
- compatible with payment gateway like (PayPal, Stripe, Wallet), reCAPTCHA support
- ZIP code search
- attachment management and deep integration with Google Maps are the highlight in its feature list.
#7 GeoDirectory – Ultimate Business Directory
It’s the last recommended plugin from my side that comes without any cost but offers certain premium add-ons within. The basic layout covers up all general needs to run a directory website while keeping premium options at a price. It is 100% compatible with WPML and comes with widget ready. Since there is no pricing involved for accessing basic structure, so I’d recommend to test it on your own and know it better.
The Premium add-ons are worth their weight in gold, and unlock the ability to integrate some incredibly powerful features into your site. These include, multi locations, advanced search filters, custom post types, prices and payments, events, ratings and reviews, claim listings, and much more. If you want to take your directory to the next level, these are definitely worth a look.
#8 Map List Pro – Google Maps & Location directories
$30 priced plugin is the next option that covers features like auto-zoom, fully responsive, print option, sorting listings by location, adding a featured image, clustered markers, multiple infobox styles, category markers, etc. The search tool and level of filtration offered is truly awesome, and together they increase user experience much higher.
The design styles being offered can help you develop different looking layout quickly, and it also comes with an easy to use and learn Control Panel. The simple panel on the back makes everything fully customizable and translatable as well. The integration of Maps in every post is deep enough to force a user to include a location, who is looking to add a listing.
#9 WP Local Plus
When I first created this article I overlooked WP local Plus because in my opinion in wasn’t to current standard. Thanks to a recent update I’m thrilled to present WP local Plus complete with a redesign on the front end and admin area. The overall user experience is good all the links and navigation are well layout. If you have ever thought a creating a local directory like craigslist then WP local Plus allows you to be up and running within 5 minutes.
A few noteworthy features includes:
- Advanced search functionality.
- Smart contextual advertisement similar to what you would see on ehow or about.com.
- Run your directory on autopilot set and forget if that is your business model.
#10 Business Directory Plugin pro
We’ve made over 20,000 people successful with Business Directory Plugin
Business Directory Plugin is one of the oldest WP plugins mentioned here but remains relevant today. If you have ever wanted to create your own directory with WordPress like Yelp and many others, then this plugin gives you the power to so. Although it is still relevant I personal would look at the other options available on this page. The design is outdated and with the immersion of new technology this can be created for a fraction of the Price Bu4 Directory Plugin as to offer.
Now you might be thinking, why mention it in the first place?
Great question, my aim is is to present to you the best options available on the market. In the comments, A few users couldn’t find the right solution for themselves, so I’m sure this might be of interest to some of you.
Over to You
As always it’s your call now. Don’t forget to check support and review sections of any plugin before actually installing (I know I’m reminding again, but it’s a necessary thing for the sake of security). I hope this compilation helped you.
Before taking your leave, I want to know the plan you’ve drafted to bring more and more entries in the directory you’re about to start. Off course, if you can share. Peace.
*last updated 01/05/2021
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