Looking to create a WordPress directory website but do not know how to start the process? This guide will help you start the interface without any hassle. Even if you do not have high levels of coding skills, you can use the process to build an interface. Starting a business directory is a good way to earn money through your interface. In fact, a majority of people converting websites to WordPress are shifting platforms to implement such monetizing ideas on their interfaces. Online directories help businesses and relevant audiences connect with each other. They help people easily locate a product or service they are looking for. Enterprises use such platforms so that they can appear in front of prospective customers in their locations. WordPress users can take help of the following step-by-step guide to effortlessly create their own directory website:
1. Select A Niche For Your Website:
The first step is to determine the kind of directory website you want to build. There is the option to create business directories which feature enterprises belonging to various industries. You can also choose to focus on a specific business sector like automobiles, education, real estate, etc. Some people create an online register of websites belonging to different categories. Online job boards targeting a specific geographical location or an industry are another popular option. Identify a niche you are familiar with and which requires such an interface. You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find out what people are searching for these days.
2. Choose A Domain And Web Hosting Service:
You must now choose a domain name and web hosting service for your website. A dedicated WordPress hosting service will be a better option than other agencies. Such companies provide you the option of installing the core files of the CMS in a single click. Switching to a dedicated service provider will also be suitable for people who are migrating an existing interface to WordPress. Compare the plans of different services and select one which matches your requirements and fits the budget. Install WordPress by using the single-click procedure and move ahead.
3. Install A Directory Website Theme:
It is now time to select a directory theme for your interface. Themes are pre-built templates with most of the essential features required for creating a website. There are numerous free as well as paid ready-made layouts built for specific industries, professions or general use. In this tutorial, we have chosen the Point Finder Directory Theme for demonstrating the process. You can select a layout according to your own specific requirements. Download the files of the chosen template on your system. Log on to the admin dashboard of your website and go to “Appearance> Themes”. Click the “Add New” option to search for available templates. In the image shown below, we have chosen the “Choose file” option to upload our theme to the website. Once the installation is complete, activate the layout by pressing the relevant button.
4. Add The Necessary Plugins:
The layout we are using will function properly only if some additional plugins are installed. However, the same may not be required for the template you are using. Even then you must know about some essential tools that are necessary for optimizing the performance of the interface. You will need plugins for adding contact forms, blocking spam, improving website SEO, and other purposes. In this step of our guide to create a WordPress directory website, we will add the necessary tools. Activating the Point Finder template will prompt an alert “Begin installing plugins”. Clicking it will take you to a screen similar to one shown in the below image.
Tick the boxes against each entry and install and activate all the tools.
5. Import The Theme’s Demo Content:
Most pre-made layouts come with demo content which can be imported in a single click. This helps in installing posts and pages and create the framework of the new interface. In our chosen theme, users are provided multiple options for importing demo material. They can opt to create a multidirectory with the readymade content or a specific directory focusing on real estate or car sales. Go to “PF Settings” in the menu and select the “Quick Settings” tab to make the selection.
6. Edit Directory Theme Pages:
You will now need to customize your theme pages. Visit the “Edit Page” screen by clicking the “Pages” option in the dashboard. The Visual Composer plugin is included in this theme which enables you to drag and drop elements. Users can also create new pages by clicking the “Add new” link.
7. Enter Custom Listing Information:
In the control panel, locate a custom post type named “Places”. Click on it to see all the demo listings content. You will need to replace this material with your custom listing information. Users can also select the listing category type for an entry and create new listings by clicking “Add New”.
8. Configure Theme Settings:
You will now have to configure some additional theme settings. Go to the website’s dashboard and select the “Options Panel” link under “PF Settings”. On this screen, you can upload a logo for your interface and also integrate a payment gateway account. Users can also customize the appearance of the interface according to their preferences.
Once you have configured all the settings, press the “Save Changes” button at the bottom of the screen. The process to build a directory website is complete. You must launch the interface in the actual user environment only after testing it comprehensively.
Conclusion:
This tutorial demonstrates a simple process to create a WordPress directory website. You can use this method to monetize your interface and generate additional income.
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