Are you looking to create a web directory in WordPress? One of our users recently asked us if it was possible to create a web directory in WordPress. Our answer: of course, there is a plugin for this. In this article, we will show how to create a web directory in WordPress. We will also show you how to easily accept payments for your premium online registrations.

What is a Web Directory??

Web directories allow users to browse a catalog of links divided into subjects, categories and areas of interest. Yellow Pages or your phone book are a perfect example of a web directory..

WordPress offers different plugins and web directory themes that will allow you to create a web directory using WordPress. However, for this article, we will only show you the plugin method, so you can use it on any WordPress site..

If you use a WordPress web directory theme, you will be limited to this theme forever.

That said, let’s see how to create a web directory in WordPress..

How to Create a Web Directory in WordPress

Method 1: Use of the Gravity Forms Directory Supplement

Gravity Forms is the most popular form management plugin for WordPress. It allows you to create contact forms, submission forms, etc. For this method, you must buy and install Gravity forms..

Here is a Gravity Forms coupon that will give you 25% discount.

Once you have installed and activated the Gravity Forms plug-in, you must now install and activate the Gravity Forms Directory plug-in. It is a free plugin that transforms Gravity Forms into a Directory plugin.

Then you must create a form that your users will use to submit entries for the web directory. You can do this by going to Forms »Add a new one to your WordPress administrator space.

On the new form page, you will use the Gravity form fields on your right. When you click on a field, it will be added to the outline of the form where you can modify it. You will use standard fields to add your form fields such as Site title (text on a single line), Site URL, Description (Paragraph text), etc..

Once satisfied with the form, you must click the button button to save the form.

Adding Your Web Directory to a WordPress Post or Page

The next step is to display your directory on a post or WordPress page. You can do this by creating a new page or by modifying an existing article / page. When you access the page modification screen, just above the publication editor, you will see the button.

Just click on it and a context window will appear in which you will have to select the form you created previously. The entries in this form will be used to display your directory.

After selecting the form, click the button button at the bottom of the context screen. You should be able to see the directory shortcode appear in the publication editor. You can save your publication / page and preview your changes to see the directory in action.

Adding a Submission List Page for Your Directory

In order to submit websites to your directory, your users will need to complete the form you created previously. Start by creating a new page in WordPress and click the Add Form button above the publication editor. Then choose your directory form, then click the Insert Form button.

The shortcode in your directory form will appear in the publication editor. You can save the message / page or click the preview button to see the form in action..

You can also use the Gravity Forms payment additives to charge fees for each bid, but it’s the easiest way to create a directory using Gravity Forms..

Method 2: Use of Commercial Directory Plug-in

The second method is to use a business directory plug-in. Remember that, even if the main plug-in is free, many features will require you to buy the PRO version of the plug-in..

Start by installing and activating the Business Directory plug-in. When activated, the plug-in will ask your permission to create a new WordPress page and add the shortcode of the professional directory. Click on it to create your directory page.

You will also see a notification that you have selected the activated announcements and that you must activate the payment options. We will recommend that you disable the featured lists for the time being. You can deactivate the lists in the spotlight by going to Annuary Admin »Manage the options then click on the tab where you have to uncheck the box next to .

Then you will need to create a few categories for your directory. You can do this by going to Directory »Categories Directory. You will need to create at least one category so that your users can use this category when submitting their advertisement..

Once you have created the categories, you can access your directory page on your website. You will see something like this:

You users can click the button to add their ads. You can also manually add entries to your directory by going to Directory »Add a new ad.

Acceptance of Payments for Directory Entries

Business Directory Plugin allows you to accept payments for entries in your web directory. By default, plug-in is only supplied with Google Wallet as a payment gateway. Other payment channels such as PayPal and Stripe are available as separate add-ons that you can buy on the plug-in website. After installing the complementary plug-in of the payment gateway, you can go to the Admin Directory »Manage the page options and click on the tab.

The first option on the Payment Settings screen is the check box to activate payments. If your site is not yet ready, check the box next to the option.

The next step is to choose your currency and add a thank you message for the payments. Below are the parameters for configuring your payment gateway. If you have not installed any other payment bridge plug-in, Google Wallet will only be the default payment gateway option..

Once you have finished configuring payment options, then click the Save Changes button to save your settings..

Since you want to make payments, you will need to set registration fees. This can be done by going to Annuary Admin ”Manage the costs. There, you can create different referencing plans, configuration costs and a reference time for each plan, then save your modifications..

That’s all your web directory is now ready to accept paid announcements. We recommend that you explore other options in the plugin settings to further optimize your web directory..

We hope this article helped you create a web directory using WordPress..

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