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
Offering software for local businesses and membership directories, 360Directories is designed to be robust, scalable, and brandable, offering simple and turnkey solutions for anyone who promotes members or businesses online, including media companies, television and radio stations, city and civic organizations, membership sites, restaurant associations, industry directories, and entrepreneurs. Featuring responsive web design, custom development, and advanced management tools.
https://www.360directories.com/
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.
https://script.arfooo.net/
Begun in 2018 and based on Vancouver Island off the west coast of Canada, Community Box is intended as a simple directory that could be added to existing websites. Community Box offers a no-code, mobile-friendly directory platform with self-service member profiles, map views, branding options, and integrations with popular website builders. Its features include, but are not limited to, self-service profiles, profile moderation, featured profiles, and search functionality.
https://www.communitybox.co/
Directbase is a no-code directory website builder designed to build, customize, and monetize professional directory sites without writing a line of code. Directbase can be used to build and manage multiple directory sites from a single dashboard, each with its own customizable features and analytics, with no limits on the number of sites you can create. Branding options allow for customization of every aspect of the directory's appearance, and CSV/Excel data imports are supported.
https://directbase.app/
Directify is a no-code directory builder for makers and entrepreneurs. Directify handles the tech (hosting, security, updates), while clients choose a template, add listings, connect their domain, and then monetize their directory. An AI directory website builder, clients can describe their idea, and let Directify's AI build the whole directory site in 60 seconds, including listings, categories, design, and SEO. Templates, a client showcase, feature listings, and pricing.
https://directify.app/
Offering three one-time purchase plans, which are compared side-by-side, along with another in which Directorist configures the directory end-to-end, producing a monetized-ready site, fully managed by its team, its prices and features are listed on the site. Core features include Directorist AI, Advanced Form Builder, Multi Directory, easy migration and personalization, scaling, a CSV bulk importer, unlimited custom fields, and a powerful search and advanced filters.
https://directorist.com/
Offering four monthly or annual plans (starter, growth, pro, agency), Directory Craft is designed to be a visual directory builder that helps clients launch professional directory websites without the need for design or development skills. A free trial is included, and hosting, SSL, updates, backups, and security are handled, with no DevOps required. Its features, pricing, and options are highlighted on the site, along with client testimonials, a FAQ, and a set of free tools.
https://www.directorycraft.app/
Created by X-PHP Web Applications, Directory Plus is promoted as a lightweight and fast business directory script written in raw PHP, resulting in a smaller codebase size, capable of handling several thousand listings on an inexpensive CPanel or similar hosting configuration. It includes geolocation, advanced custom fields, custom field groups, and maps support. A demo is available, along with details, and a link to where it can be purchased from Envato Market.
https://x-php.pro/
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.
https://directorypress.com/
A directory can be created in seconds, as DirectoryEasy is AI-powered, requires no coding, and can be either self-hosted or in the cloud. A client would describe what they are looking for in a directory. Its website presents its plans (lifetime, yearly, monthly), as well as a starter plan, one single directory, or an unlimited number of directories. Its features are highlighted, along with examples of actual directories built and deployed with DirectoryEasy.
https://directoryeasy.com/
Dirstarter is a Next.js directory template for building profitable directory websites. Three one-time payment plans (Basic, Pro, Custom) are available, and compared side-by-side, with prices and feature listings. According to the website, it is SEO optimized, customizable, fast, and AI-enabled, allowing for multiple revenue streams, multi-language support, Stripe integration, advanced analytics, and integrations with Resend, Amazon S3, and others. An affiliate offer is available.
https://dirstarter.com/
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/
GeoDirectory is an enterprise-grade WordPress plugin for building scalable business directories, city guides, real estate listings, job boards, event sites, classifieds, and local discovery platforms. It uses custom database tables, not WordPress post meta, so sites perform well, from small local portals to directories with hundreds of thousands or millions of listings. Core features include optimized search, maps, reviews, front-end submission, and customization.
https://wpgeodirectory.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/
A free multi-purpose WordPress plugin, Hive Press allows for the creation of any type of directory, classifieds, marketplaces, job boards, and other purposes. Free and premium themes are available, and the directory can be extended through free and premium add-ons, which are described here. Support services are available through Hive Press, as well as through a growing Hive Press community, tutorials, and a tips and tricks section. Client reviews are posted.
https://hivepress.io/
Designed to be an easy-to-use software that allows anyone to launch their own online business directory and coupon website for their town or city. Its turnkey directory platform includes everything necessary to get started. Three monthly pricing plans are compared side-by-side, and a description, feature listings, examples, a demo, and contact details are provided, along with a help and tech support section, videos, guides, tips, a blog, and sales contacts.
https://www.idealdirectories.com/
Hosted on SourceForge, the PHP-based web directory script is designed to be used to create a small niche directory of businesses, organizations, or other entities with websites. Besides categories and listing sites, its features include pages, ad placements, SEO-friendly URLs, comments and star ratings, and a sitemap. A discussion forum is included for questions and updates, and its files are available. Links to script requirements and a demo site are included.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/linkdir-web-directory-script/
ListingPro is a WordPress directory theme that includes a setup wizard, required plugins, one-click demos, and live suggestions for keywords, categories, listing names, and more. Location search is city (region) based, and search can be easily narrowed through filters, such as price group, open now, near me, and features. Custom facet types, such as buttons, checkboxes, dropdowns, nd price-range can be added. It is easy and fast to add new business listings from the front-end.
https://listingprowp.com/en/
Available through three monthly pricing options, MakeADir does not require any coding skills to start. Clients can sign up, create categories, and begin adding listings. After signing up, clients can describe their directory idea, and MakeADir's AI will search the web for real entities, suggest categories, and pre-fill listings. Unlike WordPress plugins, MakeADir is a fully-hosted platform, with no hosting, security patches, plugin conflicts, or maintenance overhead.
https://makeadir.com/
Mosets is a Joomla extension used for creating, managing, and organizing any type of directory, including multiple directories in a single Mosets Tree installation. Available as a Joomla extension, installation merely requires the installation of a single package file through Joomla's installer. Upon installation, the directory will have a set of sample data that includes custom fields, categories, and listings. This data can be modified or removed. Its features are highlighted.
https://mosets.com/
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/
PHP Jabbers Business Directory Script
PHP Jabbers offers dozens of PHP scripts and web applications for various businesses worldwide. If desired, PHP Jabbers can host and install the script for you, giving you an embed code to connect to your website. Its Business Directory script is a stand-alone yellow pages script that can be used to build and maintain a local business directory, and a Developer License allows for changes and customizations to the script. Hosted and self-hosted plans are available.
https://www.phpjabbers.com/business-directory-script/
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/
A PHP script for creating modern directory websites, PHP Website Directory is provided with the full (not encrypted) source code, allowing developers to customize it, and installations can be self-hosted or hosted. With a few clicks from the admin panel, directory owners can set the type of directory they want to run (DMOZ-like, a website directory with individual page listings, with website reviews, etc.), and several advanced features and admin options are provided.
https://www.phpscriptdemos.com/php-website-directory.html
This directory script is described as a powerful and easy-to-use free PHP link management script with several options for running a directory, a catalog of sites, or a simple link exchange system. It can be used to create a general directory and have users submit their favorite sites for review, or to create a regional directory for a town or state, to sell advertising, or as a niche directory about any topic. Downloads, features, and an installation guide are posted, and a demo is available.
https://phpweby.com/software/dir
Completely online, SEO-ready, 100% open source, and crafted in PHP/MySQL, this directory script offers multiple earning options, is PayPal-ready, and can be customized to various business requirements, such as a review website, yellow pages, membership sites, church listings, quote websites, restaurant guide, or a general or niche web directory. The script can be managed through a secure admin control panel. A free demo and testimonials are available, and a proposal may be requested.
https://phpdirectoryscript.net/
Based in Finland, phpListings is a web development company dedicated to developing high-performance and scalable directory software, which is available for purchase, with an optional support and yearly renewal subscription. The package features free installation, a widget-based theme editor, and support for paid membership plans with multiple payment gateways, and other features defined here. A demo allows visitors to sample its front end, user account, and administrator access.
https://www.phplistings.com/
Inspired by DMOZ, according to the website, phpSoftPro is a platform that offers a dynamic and comprehensive PHP/MySQL solution for organizing and managing a web directory. A feature list and demo are available, along with installation instructions, and the script can be purchased and downloaded from the site. Listed features include SEO-optimized pages, Schema Markup, a fully-customizable template, an admin panel, one-step installation, and free installation services.
https://www.phpsoftpro.com/web-directory-script.php
Created in 2007, qlWebDS is a directory script that offers administrative options and tools for the simple management of content for the directory owner and a one-step submission process for directory users. If enabled by the administrator, users are allowed to create new subcategories related to their domain's topic. The script also has a feature that allows accepting new links and displaying them immediately, or leaving them for future review and approval.
https://www.qlwebscripts.com/
Created by SmarteyeApps, Smart Directory is available in free or permanent versions. The free version is helpful as a demo or trial installation, allowing owners to become familiar with its features, while the Pro Version (crafted with Lavel 11, React, and Inertia) allows for more advanced features, such as advanced dashboards, rich business profiles, bulk uploads, claim business options, and monetization options. The free version may be downloaded from the site.
https://www.smarteyeapps.com/blog/free-php-business-directory-script
SobiPro is a Joomla extension/component that began as a directory builder and has evolved into a flexible content construction kit. It is designed to let owners create and manage directories and other structured content types from within Joomla. Its key feature is its multi-directory and multi-content architecture, allowing for multiple independent content sections within one Joomla site; each section can have its own categories, fields, templates, permissions, and search settings.
https://www.sigsiu.net/
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
TurnKey Directories is a WordPress web directory plugin that includes the directory engine, the admin console, the front end, the SEO stack, the billing platform, the custom portal, and the backlink network. Listings live in dedicated tables with proper indexes, with nothing to bloat the post table. Each segment of the hierarchy has its own title, its own meta description, structured data, and its own place in the sitemap, so each can rank on its own. Features, demos, and pricing are provided.
https://turnkeydirectories.com/
