Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order is a specialized add-on that enables manual sorting of directory categories through a simple numeric input field. This extension replaces the default alphabetical sorting with a user-defined sequence. It provides a straightforward way to prioritize specific listings or industries within a larger directory structure.
WPExclusive members get access to Custom Category Order as part of a full plugin and theme library, with plans starting from $9.99/month. See the full Connections collection →
What Is Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order?
Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order is developed by Connections and is a directory plugin extension for WordPress. It belongs to the directory category on WPExclusive, alongside other tools for professional listing management.
This extension solves the limitation of forced alphabetical category lists by allowing admins to assign specific weights to each term. It is designed for site owners who need to highlight featured categories or organize business types logically rather than alphabetically.
Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order Features
The feature set is built around providing granular control over the visual hierarchy of your directory categories.
Numeric Ordering System
Custom Category Order adds a simple input field where you can enter a specific order number for every category. The field accepts any positive number, with 0 serving as the default setting for no custom order. Users familiar with the standard WordPress page order field will find this implementation identical in logic and execution. This allows for precise placement of every entry within the directory hierarchy.
Hierarchical Relationship Support
The extension fully respects the parent and child relationships inherent in the directory structure. If top-level categories are ordered 1, 2, and 3, the children within those categories can be ordered independently (e.g., 1 through 6) without breaking the established parent sequence. Any categories left without a specific order number will automatically follow the ordered items in their default alphabetical state.
Admin View Integration
To assist with management, the extension adds a new column to the admin category table. This column displays the current order value for every category at a glance, eliminating the need to click into individual terms to verify their position. It provides a clear overview of the sorting logic applied across the entire directory.
Pricing
Check current pricing on the Custom Category Order sales page, or access it through a WPExclusive membership which includes the full library of directory extensions.
| Plan | Price | Sites | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Site | Standard Retail | 1 Site | Individual Add-on |
| WPExclusive Membership | From $9.99/month | Unlimited | Custom Category Order + full library |
For developers managing multiple sites, a WPExclusive membership covers Custom Category Order plus hundreds of other plugins and themes, providing a more cost-effective solution than individual licenses.
Latest Version
The current version is 1.1.2. This update introduced tweaks to remove deprecated PHP functions and added German translations. WPExclusive updates plugin files promptly after each new release from the developer.
How to Install
- Download the Custom Category Order .zip from your WPExclusive member account
- In WordPress: Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Select the .zip and click Install Now → Activate
- Navigate to Connections → Categories in your WordPress dashboard
- Edit any category and look for the “Order” input field to begin custom sorting
Use Cases
Featured Industry Highlighting
In a saturated directory, users can use the extension to place high-value or featured industries at the top of the list. By assigning these a low number like 1 or 2, they remain fixed above other categories regardless of their name, improving internal directory networking and visibility.
Logical Department Sorting
Internal corporate directories often require categories to follow an organizational chart rather than an alphabet. Custom Category Order allows admins to sort departments such as “Executive” first and “Support” last to reflect the company structure accurately.
Agencies and Developers Managing Multiple Client Sites
Developers who build directories for diverse clients can use a single WPExclusive membership to manage sorting requirements across all installations. This eliminates the need for repeated license renewals for a lightweight but essential sorting utility.
vs Alternatives
| Feature | Custom Category Order | Enhanced Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Sorting Method | Manual Numeric | Visual Enhancements |
| Parent/Child Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Starting Price | Premium | Premium |
| Available on WPExclusive | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Browse the full directory plugins on WPExclusive →
Pros and Cons
✅ Strengths
- Direct integration with the native WordPress page-order logic
- Displays current order values in the primary admin table for easy management
- Maintains parent and child nesting relationships during reordering
⚠️ Limitations
- Requires manual entry of order numbers rather than a drag-and-drop interface
- Does not offer automatic sorting based on popularity or entry count
- Developer auto-updates require an active license key. WPExclusive publishes updates manually when new versions are released.
Is Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order GPL Licensed?
Yes. Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which is the same license that governs WordPress itself. GPL gives any user the legal right to use, study, share, and redistribute the software. This is the legal framework that makes WPExclusive’s membership model possible.
WPExclusive distributes 100% original, unmodified files, the same release the developer publishes. No injected code, no alterations, and no security risks.
Get Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order on WPExclusive
WPExclusive membership starts at $9.99/month, $87/year, or $149 lifetime, giving you Custom Category Order plus every plugin and theme in the library, on unlimited sites.
Explore the full Connections collection → or browse all WordPress plugins →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order do?
Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order is a directory management tool used to manually define the sequence of categories. It replaces alphabetical sorting with a numeric priority system. This allows site owners to position specific business categories at the top of their directory lists.
Is Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order free?
The extension is a premium add-on for the Connections plugin. Via WPExclusive, it is included in monthly plans starting from $9.99.
What is the latest version of Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order?
The current stable version is 1.1.2. The plugin is actively maintained, and WPExclusive members always receive the most current release as soon as it is verified.
How much does Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order cost?
Retail cost varies based on vendor licensing. Via WPExclusive, it is included in plans from $9.99/month, which includes unlimited site usage.
Is it legal to use Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order via WPExclusive?
The plugin is GPL licensed, which explicitly permits redistribution. WPExclusive provides original, unmodified files, fully within GPL terms.
What are the best alternatives to Connections Business Directory Extension Custom Category Order?
The primary alternative is Enhanced Categories for the same directory ecosystem. This and other directory tools are available on WPExclusive within the same membership membership.
