User-friendly databases in the form of directories can be a helpful feature to integrate into your WordPress site and there are loads of plugins out there that enable you to do this. It can be tricky figuring out which plugin to choose when they all feature different options from maps to integrated email marketing options, and at a wide range of prices.
We’re here to help, and we’ve narrowed it down to the top 8 directory plugins for WordPress. Whether you’re looking to build a basic text-based directory or a professional directory with integrated maps, there’s something here for you.
Everest Business Directory
At the top of the list we have this highly functional WordPress plugin. There are so many features in this plugin that we found it can do just about anything from directory listing to editing and more. There are elegant templates to choose from and it can be seamlessly integrated into the style of your WordPress website. Six-month support comes in at $28, so although it’s not the cheapest on the list it’s still affordable and you get so much.
Connections Business Directory
The basic features of this WordPress plugin are free but there are many additional features such as new templates that are available at a price. Conveniently, however, add-ons are individually priced so you can choose only the features you need, such as additional templates or contact-form widgets. This way you can build the perfect directory. If you’re looking for a basic directory, the free version is eminently functional, supporting many languages and enabling you to upload your brand’s logo into the directory.
Business Directory Plugin
German, French, Russian and English are all supported languages in this functional and easy-to-use WordPress plugin. Like many plugins out there, Business Directory Plugin offers a basic free plan with optional paid extras, so thinking carefully about what you need from your plugin can get you a good deal with these plugins. Paid features include Maps integration, payment gateways and more.
Business Directory Plugin – Easy Listing Directories for WordPress
GeoDirectory
GeoDirectory is another WordPress directory plugin with both free and paid features. GeoDirectory’s free plugin is fairly basic, although it’s functional enough if your needs are simple. However, most likely you’ll need some version of a paid plan. This gives you access to a pricing manager which helps maximize revenue, as well as geolocation settings so you can group users into different locales. To unlock all GeoDirectory’s features you can choose to pay either once annually for $199 or in six or four-monthly instalments.
Advanced Classifieds And Directory Pro
Allison Chan, tech writer at Paperfellows and Custom Essay describes this WordPress business directory plugin as “offering one of the most functional and advanced free plugins on the market so it’s an exceptional option if you don’t want to pay for premium features. With Advanced Classifieds, usually premium features are available for free.” This includes advanced search options in the search bar and the ability to create a “featured” list that users need to pay you to access. For custom pricing plans you still need an add-on, but these start from an affordable $4.99 a month.
Sabai Directory
Sabai Directory offers a professional-looking directory plugin for a low price making it an attractive prospect. By crowdsourcing data in a similar way to Yelp and Google Maps, utilizing user reviews and comments, you can build a functional directory on a tight budget with this plugin. It’s also highly customizable and you’ll find many styles and templates to choose from. There’s no free version but at $29 with six months of free support it’s a great investment for what you get.
Name Directory
For simple directory needs, Isabel Aquino, WP expert at Australianhelp and Stateofwriting recommends Name Directory. “This is a good option as it’s completely free – there are no hidden costs to encounter for add-ons or additional functionality,” she advises. “This means you’re going to end up with a basic directory as there’s no option for including images or maps, but if you need a text-based directory then this is an accessible option.” You can still create multiple directories and they’ll all be searchable with this cheap and cheerful option.
LDD Directory Lite
Our last plugin stands out as it’s one of the few WordPress directory plugins that allows sending email marketing within its free version. You can make customized emails to follow up leads with this plugin, so if email marketing is important to you this is an excellent choice. Besides this handy function, it also features many customizable style options for your directory.
The Last Word
Whether you’re a WordPress veteran or a new user looking to add a basic directory to your site you’ll find something on this list. A directory is a valuable component of any website, adding value for your visitors and ultimately helping you profit.
