Directorist is an award-winning business directory plugin for WordPress with over 20,000 active users worldwide. It enables site owners to create, manage, and monetize various listing types including restaurants, real estate, and service providers. The plugin focuses on scalability and professional directory management through its modular framework.
WPExclusive members get access to Directorist as part of a full plugin and theme library — plans from $9.99/month. See the full Directorist Extensions collection →
What Is Directorist?
Directorist is developed by Directorist Extensions and is a directory plugin for WordPress. It is recognized as a leading solution for building fat-free, high-quality websites for listing businesses and classified ads. It belongs to the directory category on WPExclusive, alongside other tools for professional resource management.
Many directory solutions suffer from scattered settings and performance bloat. Directorist provides a cohesive environment that integrates with major page builders to let you launch regional job boards, travel guides, or local business lists within a short timeframe.
Directorist Features
The feature set is built around a multi-directory architecture that allows for managing different listing types under one roof.
Multi-Directory and Form Builder
Directorist enables the creation of multiple directories on a single site effortlessly. It features an advanced custom form builder that gives you granular control over personalized listings. You can define specific fields for different categories, ensuring that a real estate listing has different data points than a restaurant entry.
Advanced Booking and Search
The plugin includes a booking system for service or event-oriented businesses. This covers restaurant reservations, doctor appointments, and hotel rentals with full scheduling functionality. Search results are refined through Ajax filtering, radius distance search, and 14 different filter widgets to help users find geolocation-based data quickly.
Monetization and AI Integration
Users can generate revenue through paid listings, featured entries, subscriptions, and even a claim-a-listing fee. Directorist AI serves as a smart assistant to help generate business listings and local guides with minimal manual input. The plugin also supports converting your directory into a native mobile app for better engagement.
Pricing
Check current pricing on the Directorist sales page — WPExclusive members access it as part of their plan.
| Plan | Price | Sites | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPExclusive Membership | From $9.99/month | Unlimited | Directorist + full library |
For developers managing multiple sites, a WPExclusive membership covers Directorist plus hundreds of other plugins and themes — usually less than one premium license.
Latest Version
The plugin receives regular updates to ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress releases and page builders. WPExclusive updates plugin files promptly after each release.
How to Install
- Download the Directorist .zip from your WPExclusive member account
- In WordPress: Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Select the .zip and click Install Now → Activate
- Navigate to the Directorist menu in your dashboard to run the setup wizard
- Configure your first directory type and listing categories
Use Cases
Local Business and Service Directories
Build a curated list for your city including cafes, salons, and supermarkets. By using the directory functionalities, you can connect local talent and service providers with customers through a professional interface.
Real Estate and Classified Ads Platforms
Launch a platform for selling or renting properties, complete with agents and buyers as different user roles. The multi-directory feature allows you to separate commercial properties from residential listings within the same WordPress installation.
Agencies and Developers Managing Multiple Client Sites
Agencies can deploy robust directory sites for diverse niches without purchasing separate licenses for every project. A WPExclusive membership provides the flexibility to test and launch multiple directories at a fixed cost.
vs Alternatives
| Feature | Directorist | HivePress | GeoDirectory |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Assistant | ✅ Included | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Multi-Directory Search | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| 30+ Extensions | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Available on WPExclusive | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Browse the full directory plugins on WPExclusive →
Pros and Cons
✅ Strengths
- Offers an unique AI-powered assistant for faster listing generation
- Native mobile app compatibility for reaching users on the go
- Includes a drag-and-drop form builder for full listing customization
⚠️ Limitations
- The deep feature set can lead to a learning curve for complete beginners
- Developer auto-updates require an active license key. WPExclusive publishes updates manually when new versions are released.
Is Directorist GPL Licensed?
Yes. Directorist is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) — 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, no security risks.
Get Directorist on WPExclusive
WPExclusive membership starts at $9.99/month, $87/year, or $149 lifetime — giving you Directorist plus every plugin and theme in the library, on unlimited sites.
Explore the full Directorist Extensions collection → or browse all WordPress plugins →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Directorist do?
Directorist is a directory plugin used to create professional listing websites for businesses, real estate, and classifieds. It provides a modular framework to manage monetization, search filters, and bookings in one place.
Is Directorist free?
The plugin offers a free core version, while premium functionalities and 30+ extensions require a paid license. Via WPExclusive, all features are accessible within membership plans starting at $9.99/month.
What is the latest version of Directorist?
The plugin is actively maintained — WPExclusive members always receive the most current release as soon as it is verified.
How much does Directorist cost?
Retail pricing varies based on extension bundles. Via WPExclusive, it is included in plans from $9.99/month, which includes unlimited site usage.
Is it legal to use Directorist 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 Directorist?
HivePress and GeoDirectory are the main competitors. Both offer powerful listing management, and all are available on WPExclusive within the same membership.
