Directorist

Directorist is a WordPress plugin for building directory websites, with listed uses including local businesses, service providers, classified ads, real estate, restaurants, and job boards. Users can choose an AI Directory Builder or drag-and-drop builder, create multiple directories, add custom fields, and configure AJAX search filters and featured listings. The plugin also includes CSV import and export and SEO-ready listings. Its free version provides core directory infrastructure, custom fields, multi-directory support, and CSV bulk import; payment processing and revenue features require a paid plan. Monetization options include pricing plans, Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net, featured listings, claim fees, pay-per-submit, and recurring subscriptions. Listed integrations include MailChimp, GamiPress, WPML, BuddyPress, BuddyBoss, Oxygen Builder, Elementor, and WooCommerce Subscription. Directorist also offers a white-labeled native Android and iOS app, with setup and store submission handled by the company. Its pricing note says paid plans start at $129 per year. Listed Starter pricing is $116 a year and renews at 103 USD per year after the first year.

Directorist provides directory-building and monetization tools, with core directory features available in its free version. Paid plans are needed for payment processing and revenue features, while a native mobile app is offered separately.

Directorist suits people building directory listing businesses on WordPress, including non-technical users. It can support directories for businesses, services, property, jobs, and other listed categories.

Overview

Directorist is a WordPress plugin for building directory websites, best suited to operators who need several kinds of listings and want room to monetize them. Its free version covers core directory infrastructure; payment processing and revenue features require a paid plan.

It can serve directories for local businesses, service providers, classifieds, real estate, restaurants and job boards. The AI and drag-and-drop builders give non-technical users ways to shape a directory, but the WordPress foundation makes it a less natural choice for teams seeking a standalone directory service.

For more options, see our Directory Software list.

Key features

Multi-directory support and unlimited custom fields let operators distinguish different listing types instead of forcing every entry into a single template. Advanced AJAX filters, location features and SEO-ready listings address visitor discovery; public submissions and CSV import/export help with intake and administration.

A CSV import of 25,000 records is possible, though hosting memory may require splitting the job into smaller batches. That can help with larger directories, but the practical import workload depends on the hosting environment.

Paid plans add monetization through Pricing Plans, Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net, featured listings, claim fees, pay-per-submit and recurring subscriptions. These options suit operators testing different revenue models, while the requirement to pay for payment processing means the free plan is not a complete choice for a business that needs to collect fees.

Officially tested integrations include MailChimp, GamiPress, WPML, BuddyPress, BuddyBoss, Oxygen Builder, Elementor and WooCommerce Subscription. Directorist says it does not share customer site information or personal data with third parties. Its analytics tools include GDPR data protection, IP anonymization, do-not-track handling and configurable raw-log deletion.

Pricing

The free plan provides core directory infrastructure, custom fields, multi-directory support and CSV bulk import, but excludes payment processing and revenue features. It is a practical starting point for a directory that does not yet need paid listings; operators who need to earn from submissions will need a paid plan.

The site-count tiers make Starter the narrowest paid option, while Pro and Agency cost more for multi-site use. The mobile app is sold separately or bundled with Directorist Pro; the standalone app plan covers one site, and the combined plan is also for one site. The one-time Go Live package is distinct from the annual subscriptions and limits its scope to the stated site, directory types, features and pages.

Platforms

Directorist supports Android, iOS, API, self-hosted and web platforms. Directorist App 2.0 is a white-labeled native Android and iOS app; Directorist handles setup and store submission, making it an additional route for operators who want a branded mobile presence without handling those steps themselves.

Who it's for

Directorist fits non-technical users building and running directory businesses, especially those who need multiple listing categories, custom fields, location search or public submissions. It is also a sensible fit for WordPress operators who want to begin with a free directory and add paid listings later. It is less suitable for someone who needs payment processing at no cost or wants a directory product independent of WordPress.

Support runs through a ticket system. Responses may take up to 24 hours, or up to 48 hours on weekends and public holidays, so operators needing immediate assistance should account for that response window.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The free version includes multi-directory support, custom fields and CSV bulk import, letting operators build core directory structure before paying.
• Pro: Paid features cover several listing revenue models, from recurring subscriptions to claim fees and featured placements.
• Pro: The optional native app includes setup and store submission handled by Directorist.
• Con: Payment processing and revenue features are gated behind a paid plan, limiting the free version for commercial directories.
• Con: Large CSV imports may need smaller batches if hosting memory is constrained.
• Con: Ticket support can take up to 48 hours on weekends and public holidays.

Alternatives

Classified Listing is worth comparing for a freemium directory option: its Core Plugin — 1 Site costs $39 a year and includes a core plugin, 20 premium add-ons, 18 themes, and one year of updates and support. Courtyard is a paid option with a free trial and a plan starting at $9 a month for 1–29 families, with a free data import and unlimited member access, custom fields and sections.

eDirectory may suit buyers seeking a hosted directory service: its Professional Cloud license costs $99 a month and includes hosting and SSL. Sift is another paid alternative with a free trial. DirectorySpot, Store Locator Plus and The Church Connectory are paid alternatives. Appy Pie AI Directory Website Builder offers a free plan for up to 50 listings with basic category filters, standard templates and an Appy Pie subdomain.

Verdict

Choose Directorist if you want a WordPress-based directory that can handle multiple listing types and grow into paid submissions, with a free core and an optional branded mobile app. Look elsewhere if you need monetization without a paid plan, a standalone hosted directory, or faster support than its ticket response windows promise.