This is a guide to web directory resources, which may include directory software or scripts, businesses that focus on designing web directories, or other resources.
Web directories differ from search engines in that directories list sites by category and subcategory rather than displaying them through a keyword search, and the category choice is generally based on the overall content of the site rather than a single page. Although directories are usually indexed by search engines, their content is designed to be accessed by humans.
The first directories were hand-coded by individuals assembling collections of links, and some smaller directories still are, the vast majority of web directories are operated on a backbone of a variety of directory scripts or software that has been designed, or adapted, for that purpose. Blogging software, such as WordPress, have also been adapted for the creation of web directories.
Web directory scripts usually include an administrative area where directory administrators can create categories and subcategories, approve, modify, or decline submitted listings, and perform other tasks required in the administration of a directory. Some allow for varying degrees of access and permissions, allowing directory staff to perform various tasks without having full access to administrative functions, and most will allow webmasters and marketers to submit sites for inclusion in the directory, either for a fee or for free.
Some directory scripts are open source, or free for use by anyone, while others require payment for the licensure of the software. Most directory scripts include preconfigured themes or templates that directory administrators can select from, although these are more limited in some scripts than in others. However, most directory operators will opt to modify the directory in a variety of ways, altering not only its appearance but its functions.
Some web designers or individuals have chosen to specialize in the modification or design of specific web directory scripts, offering this as a service to directory administrators who may not be as proficient in these tasks. Additionally, directory owners and others who have become sufficiently familiar with the software will sometimes offer third-party templates or themes for specific directory scripts, either for free or for sale.
Other online businesses offer fully-hosted web directories on a monthly or annual payment basis. Although these tend to be pricey, the use of such a program relieves directory administrators of the more technical aspects of the directory, allowing them to focus on building and promoting their directories.
These, and any other web directory resources, are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Although the Arfoo Directory script has not been updated in years, reports are that it still works and it may be freely downloaded from the site, which also highlights the features of the script, and offers information about its requirements and licensure as an open source software distributed under the Creative Commons License. An online demo is available, along with a user support forum, which still receives some activity from users although Arfoo staff has not been actively offering support.
http://script.arfooo.net/
CrowdVox is a flexible PHP-based script that can be used as a web directory or as a review site. Featuring an interactive dashboard, module manager, content filters, custom fields, a tag cloud, ad rotations, full branding, and several available configurations, including mobile apps, a full list of features is displayed, along with an administration panel and front end demo, pricing plans, plugins, and other details. Contacts, announcements, and a blog are included.
https://crowdvox.com/
Originally known as Directory Press, Directory Theme is built on a WordPress platform by Premium Press. Capable of easily handling 50,000 listings on a shared hosting account, several add-ons are available, including those made specifically for Directory Theme and those made for WordPress in general. Its features are highlighted here, along with the benefits of using the theme, and demos of the front end and administrative area are available. Child themes are displayed.
http://directorypress.net/
Built with SEO in mind, eDirectory offers Google tagging, sitemap generation, and in-site SEO, as well as rapid launch and easy management. Available features include several listings options, an events calendar, classifieds, coupons and special offers, blogs or articles, banners and other forms of advertising, and the ability to rearrange the elements of any page. A full list of features is provided, along with its monthly and annual plans, and other available services and plugins.
https://www.edirectory.com/
In business since 2005, eSyndiCat is built on a PCP platform, and can be used to create a web directory, a business directory, church directory, bidding directory, or an article directory, and can be used in addition to an existing site, or as a stand-alone directory. Free and premium versions are available, as well as a demo of the premium product. Free templates and plugins are available, along with online documentation, a help desk, and a user support forum.
http://www.esyndicat.com/
After receiving an order, directory owners can provide the company with a logo and preferred colors for the directory portal, as well as any desired customizations, and Ezydir will complete the project, installing the files on the customer’s server. A full list of its features is presented on the site, along with its pricing and options. An overview of the directory software is put forth, and case studies, available services, and a demo are included. Career opportunities are posted.
http://www.ezydir.com/
Available in standard, business, and developer editions, the features, and prices of each are set forth side-by-side, and optional services are listed below, along with their prices, and answers to frequently asked questions. Among other things, the directory software is fully customizable, responsive and mobile ready, and it supports multiple languages and payment gateways. A demo is available. Additional modules and promotional features will enhance the directory’s capabilities.
https://www.goclixy.com/
Originally known for its forum software, the directory software is created by Gossamer Threads, a Vancouver-based company with more than twenty-three years of experience in web technology. The web directory software’s features and requirements are stated, along with screenshots of default and custom templates, as well as some of its administrative features, client testimonials, and a portfolio of ways in which its clients are using the software. A hosted option is included.
https://www.gossamer-threads.com/products/gossamer-links/
In business since 2003, PHP Business Directory is provided with unencrypted source codes to allow for modifications, and there are hidden fees. The resulting directory is responsive and SEO-friendly and may be combined with several other products available from the same company, such as classified ads, a website creator, and a jobs portal. Its features are described in detail, and screenshots and demos are included, along with its pricing for the software and any add-ons.
https://www.phpbusinessdirectory.com/
Offered since 2001, PHPLD has a commitment to web directories and is one of the most used directory scripts in the industry. Its features, services, and support options are highlighted, including its support ticket system, professional development services, pre-sales questions, and an operating manual. Pricing and online ordering of its software, upgrades, add-ons, and additional services are put forth, and a template gallery for its directory and classifieds is included.
https://www.phplinkdirectory.com/
Written in PHP and using a MySQL database to store data, the PHP Links Directory features a responsive front site layout, optimized for smartphones and small screens, and an administration panel that allows for easy site management and configuration. Supporting an unlimited level of categories, different listing packages, featured listings, multiple administrators and user groups, the software comes with the full source codes, free installation, and support.
https://www.phplinksdirectory.com/
Featuring free phpLD templates, designed by Irka Web Promotions, for several versions of the popular phpLD web directory script, which may be downloaded from the site. Also included are installation instructions, announcements, updates, news about web directories, a list of directories using PhpLD Your Site templates, and sponsored links, as well as support information, SEO contests, archives, and a list of partner sites. Advertising opportunities are posted.
http://www.phpldyoursite.com/
Created in 2006, phpMyDirectory has become a popular premium web directory script, promising an easy setup, several customization options, powerful automation, integration with other service providers, and reliable support and security practices. Its content, control panel, billing, customization, security, log-in modules, add-ons, and payment gateways are highlighted, and its owned and hosted plans and pricing are presented, along with its support services.
https://www.phpmydirectory.com/
Specializing in premium PHP software, Subrion’s web directory script features user-defined data fields, so that it can be used to build a wide range of directories, from general web directories to any of a number of niche directories. Its key features are highlighted, along with a live preview, and its plans and prices, which are intended to host one, up to five, or up to ten sites, respectively, each license including six months of free support and access to upgrades.
https://subrion.pro/product/directory.html
Using PHP and MySQL, the web directory script is available as a proprietary web directory script or as a plugin for WordPress, fully integrated with the WP theme and membership base, with a link in the front-end navigation and the WSN Links administration panel accessible through the WordPress admin panel. Its features are listed, and a demo is available. Other resources include information about its support services, a user guide, knowledge base, and community forum.
https://www.wsnlinks.com/
