Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about business directory websites, and their answers.

What is a Business Directory Website or Online Business Directory?

A business directory website lists businesses within a particular niche, geographic location or a combination of both. “Listings” are the pages on the website that detail a business’ information. Listings typically include contact information, photos, and a description of the business’ products and services. Reviews and ratings are also included in many online business directories.

Business directory websites usually have a search function enabling users to search through business listings by relevant criteria, such as niche sub-categories or cities. You may also be able to sort listings by price, ratings or distance from your location.

Do Directory Websites Make Money?

No matter the business model – free, paid or freemium – business directory websites can make money and be very lucrative. It has to function well, get traffic to the business listings and generate leads.

Like any other for-profit website or business, a number of factors will determine the success of a business listings website, but the most important factor will be the operator’s input in terms of effort invested. What you put in is what you will get out of it.

WordPress Directory Plugin vs Theme

To create a WordPress directory website, choose a directory plugin instead of a directory theme. We follow the best-practice philosophy that WordPress plugins should be used for features and functionality; WordPress themes should be used for design and layout. There should be a clear separation between the two.

By choosing a plugin to build your WordPress directory site, you can then choose any theme you like to display the directory data and website content. You can even now use a page or theme builder like Beaver Themer or Elementor Pro alongside a barebones theme to build it.

Most importantly, if you ever decide you want to change your theme or theme builder, you can do so without removing the underlying data in your directory. If you build your directory with a WordPress Directory Theme and you decide you no longer want to use that theme, your data would need to be exported or even completely lost.