Let’s Build a Directory – Themes for WordPress

Posted by Mr WordPress on 07 12 2015. in WordPress

Let’s Build a Directory – WordPress Themes for Directories & Listings

A directory is a unique challenge, and there are a lot of options on offer as far as both directory themes and plugins go. I can save you time and suggest you skip any free plugins, since no one is prepared to spend the time involved in creating a directory platform and then give it away for free, however, there are many premium alternatives.

There are one or two freemium directory plugins that are worth your time but they requires a lot of styling on the frontend and doesn’t have any advanced functionality. Purpose-built directory WordPress themes offer a number of better options, many of the more recent themes integrate closely with Google Maps and WooCommerce or simply PayPal alone for paid listing submissions and subscriptions.

The problem with building a website using a directory theme is that it is very much just a directory, whereas a website using a different or generic theme, such as a magazine theme and then installing a directory plugin simply adds a component to the existing website, rather than becoming the website in its entirety. Depending on your website concept, either of the approaches may be more suited. If your vision is to have a full blown “Directory Website” with business listings then opt for a directory focused theme, however if the directory is just an add-on to your current site, such as a members list then a plugin is probably more suited. It is a shame that the Google Maps integration does not work 100% of the time in a lot of locations, particularly more far flung regions of the world outside of North America, but otherwise the map integration is a very good thing.

Here’s Some Choice Themes

There are many great directory themes already listed on Themeforest, here are some of the best:

Directory

Directory theme is an absolutely unique theme concept, first time ever on themeforest. You’re able to easily set up an online directory portal listing categorized items of any type – companies, shops, websites and so on. We’ve spent quite a long time developing the theme as many things were changed several times to make it right. Theme also includes Easy Admin that simplify item administration. Users won’t get lost in WordPress backend any more 🙂

Themeforest Page: http://themeforest.net/item/directory-portal-wordpress-theme/3840053?WT.ac=category_item&WT.z_author=ait

Demo: https://preview.ait-themes.club/tf-preview/directory2/examples/

Business Finder

With the Business Finder theme you’re able to easily set up an online directory portal listing categorized items of any type – companies, shops, websites and so on. Theme has built in spaces for advertising, you can easily include your google adsense or any other ads. Theme also includes custom built search and filter of all items you add in into online directory.

Themeforest Page: http://themeforest.net/item/business-finder-directory-listing-wordpress-theme/5443578?WT.ac=category_item&WT.z_author=ait

Demo: https://preview.ait-themes.club/tf-preview/businessfinder2/examples/

Glocal

Glocal is a content driven Directory Portal that is ideal for listing any kind of entity or activity, whether it’s a restaurant, an event, a candidate, a vacancy or even a consortium of companies.

Themeforest Page: http://themeforest.net/item/glocal-directory-listings-wordpress-theme/5545452?WT.ac=category_item&WT.z_author=uouapps

Demo: http://uouapps.com/wp/glocal/

Metrodir

Metrodir is a content driven Directory Portal that is ideal for listing any kind of entity or activity, whether it’s a restaurant, an event, a candidate, a vacancy or even a consortium of companies.

Themeforest Page: http://themeforest.net/item/metrodir-directory-listings-wordpress-theme/6897791?WT.ac=category_item&WT.z_author=uouapps

Demo: http://uouapps.com/wp/metrodir/