What is a directory website? It’s a collection of data divided into specific categories, topics, subjects. They can concern niche issues, or cover a very specific niche connected with local activity for example. Building a directory listings site is actually quite simple. We’ve prepared a tutorial article, where you can learn step by step about all required actions to create a professional directory website.
What are the benefits of creating a directory site?
Are you looking to make some extra money? Creating an online business based on the directory listings site can a be a great idea. Directory website doesn’t have to be limited to a personal entrepreneur activity. It suits well for company websites as well - instead of presenting the products listings just place company’s employees or business conferences and training sessions for your clients.
It is a project that can be finished without a large financial investment and it's possible to achieve the financial goals in several ways.
There are possible ways to generate earnings using:
- Paid listings at your website - monetize your business, make money from users - charge their listings.
- Featured listings at your website - offer a special, features listings option allowing to draw extra attention from visitors.
- Paid membership - demand a monthly or annual membership fee.
- Advertisement - sell ad spaces for banners, text links etc.
What would business directory type you like to create?
As we mentioned earlier, there are no limits with a directory website. Let’s see some interesting types of web directories build with Joomla!
Business type websites is a great choice for sites of lawyers, car repair, and different services. Coupons type websites is a site with coupons: daily deals from various fields and specialties.
Real estate or car dealers from real estate or vehicles category - the great way to present items for sale.
Create a portal with job listings from a specific city or region.
Create a directory website with Joomla
To ease the task, it’s good to think about the complete, cheap and functional solution to create a professional business directory website. We suggest taking a look at ready Joomla classified ads template.
If you want to launch a classified ads website, we have a some Joomla classifieds template examples for you. They have modern designs, come with amazing features, flexible options, are highly customizable, flexible and multipurpose.
It’s crucial to mention that each template from Joomla-Monster contains a quickstart package that allows to quickly install the exact copy of a template's demo website ( (including configured extensions, custom content etc.)
We encourage to check the rich collection of Classifieds & Advertisement Joomla templates where you can find many themes for different directory purposes.
Demo sites examples
Browse classifieds website templates
The most important features of functional directory website
Quality over quantity
The website can not only be a huge set of ads. This is, of course, nothing wrong but before we build a big database with thousands of products it is required that the presentation of each of them reach the greatest possible level. Reliable and quality information should be the basis of each listing item. Remember that the first impression counts!
Search options
The fully functional directory website need to include advanced search functionality that allows visitors look for a specific listing. This is a particularly crucial task when the website contain a lot of information then it is easy to find what you are looking for. The filter should include features like search by location, by a category and more.
Front-end submission
Modern directory websites include a submission form. Thanks to this feature, website’s registered users can easily submit their own listing. This results in a positive effect on both sides - the business owner can submit their own listing including the content their find essential and you do not need to spend time doing it yourself. Your workload is smaller and you are able to generate earnings by charging users for submitting their listings. Front-end submission forms are especially useful because users can register at the site and you do not have to give anyone the access to the Joomla administrator area.
Advanced payment system
Another important feature is the full integration of the website and the payment system. This means that all payments are processed properly and are fully controlled by the site owner. Modern Joomla templates offer full integration with PayPal, bank transfer and many other popular payment plugins allowing to collect payments.
You are ready to run your own directory site!
Directory websites give an enormous range of possibilities. Thanks to the best professional Joomla directory templates, creating the directory website is an easy task. Take your chance and generate many earnings launching your online business.