Local Directory Theme and Software

These are notes and impressions I have collected while in the process of building my local directory. The local directory will be built on the wordpress platform. Listings will be sold to local business owners. The online directory will then work in conjunction with our hyperlocal community newspaper LocalsGuide as well as our online website.

You can see samples and watch the process of the directory here. The total project time on the directory build and monetization should take about 4-6 months so if you are seeing this blog in it’s early stages, make sure to check back from time to time. Also if you are building, have build or monetized your own local directory post a comment below. I would love to know what platform you are using and how it is working.

Here is the Main LocalsGuide Website which links to the project:
http://www.Ashland.Oregon.LocalsGuide.com

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Click the Shop Local Directory in the Left Menu Top to access the directory.

EDirectory.com ——————————————

This is not a wordpress theme but it was worth considering:

Web: http://www.edirectory.com/
Demo: http://www.demodirectory.com/

Cost: $99/month +

Pros: Ready To Go, Support

Cons: Monthly Fee or High Front End cost to pay out before you even start making money.
Secondly there are no sample sites which are successful which is a red flag to me and finally support forum posts are limitted. Last but not least this is not wordpress platform.

Directory Press ————————————————–

This directory theme for WordPress looks good, but when you start to look at all the sample sites that are listed you start to see many projects which are not successful. When I am looking to buy a directory theme or script I want to see some money being made by the people running them. Not 10 or 15 listings, dead links and failed projects.

Web: http://www.directorypress.net
Demo: http://www.directorypress.net/directory-template/
Cost: $199 – On Sale $79

Pros: Nice Themes, Good Concepts
Cons: Poor Samples and Failed Projects
NOTE: This was the best customer sample: http://kitsapyellowpages.com/

DEMO VIDEO

Business Directory Plugin —————————————————–

You can find this business directory plugin at wordpress.org
My immediate hit is that this is way to simple, not capable of any high level management, billing, scaling. Move on.

Demo: http://demoblog.listpipe.com/

Woo Themes Listings ——————————————————

I own a copy of listings and really like all themes that WOO makes. They are a really good company and build high level themes. I have been considering using Listings to build my directory but shy away from the customization side of things. I simply don’t have the time, then again… we shall see!

Website: WooThemes.com
Cost: About $200

Pros: These guys make good themes.. things that work and last.
Cons: Setup and Customization Time

Listings Video:

Good Samples:

http://ocautocoupons.com/
http://ocautocoupons.com/auto-repair-location/huntington-beach/

More posts coming Soon Please Post Below