Ultimate guide to the top 8 WordPress business directory plugins

Looking to build a business directory in WordPress? Whether for a local town, a niche industry, or an internal company use, you’ll need the right WordPress business directory plugin.

Business directories make it easy for people to find products, services, or listings in one place. From real estate sites showcasing properties to platforms like Yelp connecting users with local businesses, directories are everywhere.

In this post, I review the top 8 WordPress business directory plugins, breaking down their key features, pricing, and available add-ons to help you choose the best option for your needs.

1. Gravity Forms with GravityView

GravityView is an add-on for the popular Gravity Forms plugin that allows you to display form entries on the front end of your website. In other words, Gravity Forms helps you collect business information, while GravityView allows you to display it.

With support for several field types (dropdowns, lists, repeaters, file uploads), Gravity Forms makes it easy for you to collect all kinds of data. This includes media (such as images), contact details, and location information.

GravityView makes building powerful business directories easy thanks to its intuitive drag and drop builder. There is also a range of pre-set layout options. This allows you to display business listings in a table, a list, or even on a Google map! With this plugin, you can build member directories, Yelp clones, real estate directories (like Zillow), and more.

If you’re looking for a flexible, no-code framework for building custom directories that look amazing on the front end, GravityView is a great option. Furthermore, there are a variety of extensions available that add additional functionality to GravityView (see below).

Key features

• User edit – Allow businesses to edit their own listings.
• Advanced filtering and sorting – Sort and filter listings based on conditional logic.
• Presets/templates – Get your directory up and running in minutes thanks to GravityView’s powerful presets and templates.
• DIY layout – Build your own custom directory layout.

Pricing

GravityView starts at $119 per year for the core plugin. The Pro version starts at $199. Gravity Forms is not included.

Add-ons & extensions

GravityView Pro includes the following extensions:

• Advanced Filtering – Filter your directories using conditional logic. This allows you to display listings based on parameters that you set. Only show listings created by the logged-in user, restrict listings to a specific date range, and more.
• Ratings & Reviews – Adds a rating and review system to your directory allowing users to rate businesses using a star rating or upvote system.
• A-Z Filters – Allow users to filter listings by letter. This extension adds links at the top of your directory going from A to Z.
• Social Sharing & SEO – Add social sharing buttons to listings and integrate your directory with Yoast SEO for advanced SEO optimization.
• Featured Entries – Mark certain listings as “featured” so they are highlighted and show up at the top of the listings page.
• Advanced Elementor Widget – Visually design and style your GravityView layouts directly in Elementor.
• Magic Links – Allow users to update their entries from the frontend without logging in.
• Multiple Forms – Combine data from multiple forms in a single View.
• Dashboard Views – Embed Views inside the WordPress admin dashboard.
• Maps – Display entries on an interactive Google Map.
• DataTables – Display entries in a live table with advanced features.
• DIY – Build fully custom entry layouts with HTML and CSS.

Who choose GravityView?

If you already have Gravity Forms, or you have prior experience using it, then GravityView may be the best business directory plugin for you! Not only can you leverage the power and flexibility of Gravity Forms for data collection, you can build custom directories using GravityView’s drag-and-drop editor. You’ll also have access to an expert support team and a vast library of tutorials and guides.

2. GeoDirectory

GeoDirectory is a plugin that allows you to build location-based business directories on WordPress.

The plugin is compatible with popular page builders like Elementor and Divi, and it also works well on multisite installations. The search functionality looks great and the plugin also integrates with Google Maps, allowing you to show location-based listings.

If you’re looking for a lightweight business directory solution that you can scale as you receive more traffic, then GeoDirectory might be a good option for you. The only downside to GeoDirectory is that you need add-ons to enjoy the full functionality of the plugin. Buying a license is also quite expensive.

Key features

• Drag and drop listing editor – This makes it easy for businesses to edit their listings.
• Shortcodes and widgets – The plugin comes with over 15 different widgets.

Pricing

GeoDirectory core is free to download from WordPress.org. However, if you want access to add-ons, you’ll need to pay for a membership which starts at $115 for four months, or $229 for twelve months.

Add-ons & extensions

• Google Analytics – Add Google Analytics tracking to your business directory and access basics stats from the details page using a shortcode or widget.
• Location Manager – This add-on allows you to extend your directory by adding unlimited locations for your listings. You can also prepopulate location data using the Google API.
• Advanced Search – Add search filters for custom fields.
• Custom Post Types – Manage multiple different listing types and combine different listings to create diverse directories.
• Pricing Manager – Allows you to monetize your directory by charging businesses to place a listing.
• Events – Adds custom fields and sorting specifically for events.
• … And more!

Why choose GeoDirectory?

If your site uses Divi or Elementor, this plugin is a strong choice thanks to its built-in integration with both builders.

3. Directories Pro

From the same team that developed the Sabai directory plugin, Directories Pro is a more modern version that is well-suited to local business, restaurant, and store directories. The plugin uses custom post types and taxonomies, providing added flexibility for technical users. The plugin also includes maps support for displaying geolocation data.

Directories Pro allows you to choose whether your listings display in a list, grid or masonry view. You can also add a search bar for filtering by category, location, or keywords. Users praise the plugin for its high level of customization, though several note that this flexibility can feel overwhelming.

Key features

• Paid listings – Sell listings via WooCommerce.
• Claim listings – Allow businesses and users to claim a listing so they can edit it.
• CSV import/export – Bulk import/export listings to your directory from a CSV file.
• Fully responsive – Your WordPress business directories will look good on any screen size.

Pricing

Directories Pro costs $39 with six months of support. To extend support to twelve months, you’ll need to pay an additional $12.75.

Add-ons & extensions

There are no add-ons for Sabai Directory because all of the advanced features are included in the basic plugin.

Why choose Directories Pro?

If your goal is to build a customizable directory without needing to install multiple plugins, try Directories Pro as it may offer the functionality you’re looking for.

4. Directory Pro

Not to be confused with Directories Pro by Onokazu, Directory Pro is a separate, full-featured directory plugin with a sleek look and feel. The plugin is perfect for international or local business listings and comes with inbuilt Stripe and PayPal integrations.

There’s a rating system, a sign-up module, and a pricing table. The plugin also includes emails and AJAX search functionality. The listing page is fully responsive so it looks good on any screen size.

Directory Pro also works well with popular tools like Mailchimp and WooCommerce, giving you the ability to enhance the functionality of your WordPress business directory.

Key features

• Favorite listings – There are buttons allowing users to favorite certain listings that they are interested in.
• Bidding system – Make money by allowing companies to bid for a higher spot in the directory.
• Badges – This extension adds badges to new listings .

Pricing

Directory Pro costs $39 with six months of support. To extend support to twelve months, you’ll need to pay an additional $12.75.

Add-ons & extensions

All plugin features are part of the core offering.

Why choose Directory Pro?

Do you want to charge money for directory listings? Consider using Directory Pro as it makes this easy thanks to its built-in payment integrations.

5. Advanced Classifieds and Directory Pro

If you’re looking for a flexible business directory solution to integrate with your existing website, Advanced Classified and Directory Pro is a great option. 

The plugin supports unlimited listings and locations and the basic plugin is free to download from WordPress.org. This means you can get up and running for no investment other than your time.

Add-ons and extensions allow you to add features to your directories such as PayPal payments, and WooCommerce support. While the add-on library is smaller than some other plugins, there are a lot of features packed into the core plugin itself.

You can add unlimited custom fields to your listings including radio buttons and text inputs. You can also categorize listings making it easier for users to search through your directory on the front end.

Key features

• Email notifications – Merchants get an email then their listing expires or when they receive a payment.
• Advanced search – The plugin comes with an advanced search widget, allowing you to search by category, keyword, location, and more.
• Image upload support – Listing pages support the uploading of images and videos.

Pricing

The basic plugin is free. The premium version, which includes payment support, sliders, CSV import/export, spam blocking, support more multiple categories, and more costs $95.88 per year.

Add-ons & extensions

• PayPal Standard – Accept payments using PayPal.
• Stripe Payment – Accept payments over Stripe.
• Listings Slider – Showcase your directory listings in a slider/carousel.
• WooCommerce – Create paid plans and charge users using WooCommerce.

Why choose Advanced Classifieds and Directory Pro?

If you want to build a business directory quickly, and you’re on a budget, consider using Advanced Classifieds and Directory Pro as it requires no upfront costs to get started!

6. Toolset

Toolset is a dynamic data plugin for WordPress that helps you build complex apps using the block editor. Toolset lets you add custom types to your site and display them any way you choose, without needing to write PHP.

While Toolset isn’t a directory plugin per se, they do offer an in-deth course showing you how to set one up.

If you’re new to WordPress or directory sites, Toolset may feel overwhelming at first due to the number of available options. That said, its flexibility—combined with the block editor’s visual, drag-and-drop interface—makes it easier to get comfortable over time.

Key features

• 30-day refund – Toolset has a 30-day no-questions-asked refund policy.
• Custom post types – Includes support for custom post types, fields, and taxonomies.
• Payment acceptance – Includes support for payment gateways allowing you to charge businesses for listings.

Pricing

Toolset costs €69 per year for one site. For unlimited sites, you’ll pay €299 per year. (Note: prices are in euros!).

Add-ons & extensions

There are no separate add-ons as all features are included in the plugin itself.

Why choose Toolset?

If you’re a WordPress veteran or developer, Toolset may provide the power and flexibility you’re looking for when creating a business directory. Consider using this plugin if you’re a more technical user.

7. Name Directory

The Name Directory plugin allows you to build simple directories and glossaries on your WordPress website. 

While this plugin doesn’t come with sophisticated functionality or a range of powerful features like some of the plugins above, it’s still a great solution if you’re looking for something simple that works out of the box.

The plugin works with shortcodes, allowing you to embed your directory anywhere on your site. If you’re wanting to build an internal directory for your company containing a glossary of terms, Name Directory is ideal.

However, if you’re looking to build a full-featured business directory that can scale, it’s best to choose one of the plugins reviewed above.

Key features

• Lightweight – The plugin is lightweight and won’t slow down your site.
• Multi directory support – You can create as many different directories as you want and display them using shortcodes on different parts of your site.

Pricing

Name Directory is free to download on WordPress.org.

Add-ons & extensions

There are no add-ons for Name Directory.

Why choose Name Directory?

If you’re looking to build a glossary, or a very basic directory that doesn’t require many features, then consider using this plugin.

8. Business Directory Plugin

The Business Directory Plugin is a well-rounded solution for building business directories on WordPress. 

The core plugin allows you to customize your listing forms and take payments through your site. The Business Directory Plugin is lightweight, easy to configure, and contains most of the core features you’d need to get a business directory up and running on WordPress.

You can build directories that are mobile-responsive and SEO optimized using Yoast SEO or another WordPress SEO plugin. The Business Directory Plugin also comes with built-in CSV import/export functionality.

To integrate payment gateways or scale your directory for more users, you’ll need to purchase one or more add-ons.

Key features

• Payment acceptance – Payment support comes with the core plugin, allowing you to charge for listings.
• Form field customization – The listing form submission fields are customizable so you can build forms with different field types.
• Spam prevention – The plugin integrates with Google reCAPTCHA allowing you to prevent spam submissions.
• Widgets – There are multiple widgets for things like featured, latest, and random listings.

Pricing

The core plugin is free with a paid version starting at $99 per year.

Add-ons & extensions

• File upload – Allow users to upload PDF files, text files, and images as part of their listing.
• Zip code search – Search listings by ZIP code and proximity search.
• Google Maps – Display the geolocation of listings in your directory.
• … And more.

Why choose Business Directory Plugin?

If you’re looking for a lightweight directory plugin that also supports online payments, then this plugin may be a good choice.

How to choose the best WordPress business directory plugin for your project

When choosing a business directory plugin for WordPress, much of the decision depends on what kind of directory you’re planning to build. For example, do you want to charge businesses for creating a listing? If so, you’ll need a plugin with payment support.

Are you looking to build a directory that can scale over time? In that case, you’ll need a flexible plugin with a robust codebase. At the end of the day, you have to identify your needs and then choose the most suitable plugin for your project.

Having said that, there are some general features that you should always look for in a business directory plugin. We’ve listed some of the most important ones below.

• Options for allowing businesses to edit their own listings
• Payment gateway integrations to charge for listings
• A rating and review system
• Support for images and videos
• The ability to mark certain listings as “featured”
• An intuitive search feature for sorting and filtering listings
• Google Maps integration for location support
• Shortcodes for easily adding listings to your website
• Customizable submission forms for creating different types of listings

With these features in mind, here are our picks for the top 10 best WordPress business directory plugins

Pro tipLooking to create charts and graphs? Read our post on the top 7 best WordPress chart plugins.

Start building your WordPress business directory

There are a variety of WordPress business directory plugins available that allow you to create professional directories that look great.

Whether you’re looking to build a Yelp competitor or a small, local business directory, there are plugins that can help. We wrote this post to help narrow your search so you can find the ideal plugin that includes all of the features and functionality that you need to build a successful listing directory.

If you found this post helpful, read how to build a directory website with WordPress next!