Learn to Create a Directory Site Using Elementor in 2025

Creating a website has never been easier, thanks to WordPress. And when you throw Elementor into the mix, things get even more exciting! This powerful page builder makes WordPress design a breeze while giving you full control over customizations with its handy widgets and features. 

So, what about creating a directory site using Elementor? That’s what we’re here to talk about! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to build your very own directory website with Elementor in 2025.

Ready? Let’s jump right in!

How to Easily Build a Directory Site with Elementor?

Suppose you’re considering building a directory site with Elementor. In that case, you might have come across recommendations like using the Custom Post Type UI, Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), and Elementor Custom Skin plugins.

These tools can work well for simple directory projects, but their limitations might make you pause if you’re aiming for something more robust.

What’s the Alternative?

For a directory site with advanced functionality and scalability, consider pairing Elementor with a dedicated directory plugin, such as:

• GeoDirectory: A feature-rich plugin for building scalable, location-based directories.
• Directorist: Offers front-end submissions, advanced search, and monetization options.
• Business Directory Plugin: Ideal for simpler directories with some monetization capabilities. 

These plugins integrate seamlessly with Elementor, allowing you to maintain design flexibility while adding powerful directory-specific features.

Learn: How to Rank Plugins and Themes to the Top in WordPress Directory

Why Use Elementor in Your Directory Site?

Elementor shines when it comes to design. Whether you’re customizing the layout of your listings, creating interactive map pages, or enhancing your site with beautiful call-to-action sections, Elementor makes it easy.

Its drag-and-drop interface, widget flexibility, and responsive controls allow you to craft a visually stunning directory that stands out.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Define Your Requirements: List the features you want—basic or advanced.
2. Set Up Plugins: Install Elementor, along with your chosen directory plugin (GeoDirectory, Directorist, or others).
3. Create Custom Post Types: Use a tool like CPT UI for tailored listing types, if needed.
4. Design Your Pages: Build stunning Listing and category pages using Elementor’s drag-and-drop builder.
5. Add Functionality: Configure advanced search filters, monetization options, and front-end submission forms.
6. Test and Launch: Ensure your site is responsive on all devices, fast, and ready for users.

With this approach, you can create a directory site that not only looks amazing but also meets the needs of your audience—whether it’s a local business directory, job board, or event listing platform.

Further reading: Ultimate Guide to Online Directory Website Business Model

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Directory Website with Elementor

Creating a directory website can seem overwhelming, but with Elementor, the Hello Theme, and GeoDirectory, you’ll be amazed at how simple and fun the process is. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, from installing plugins to designing a professional-looking site.

By the end, you’ll have a directory with unlimited listings, custom fields, proximity search, user reviews, and a front-end submission form—all without spending a dime on themes or plugins. Let’s get started:

Install and Set Up the Hello Theme

First, you need a solid foundation for your directory site. The Hello Theme by Elementor is lightweight, fast, and designed specifically for Elementor users. Here’s how to get it:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Appearance > Themes in the left menu.
3. Click the Add New button at the top.
4. Search for “Hello Theme” in the search bar.
5. When it appears, click Install and then Activate.

That’s it! You now have a super-light theme that’s ready to pair with Elementor for full design flexibility.

Also know about: Best Elementor Themes for WordPress

Install the Elementor Plugin

Next up is Elementor, the heart of your website design. This free plugin makes creating stunning pages as easy as dragging and dropping.

1. From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
2. Type “Elementor” into the search bar.
3. Click Install and then Activate.

After activation, you’ll see an Elementor setup wizard. Feel free to skip it for now—we’ll configure everything step by step. Now, you’re ready to start designing your directory pages!

Further reading: Best Elementor Landing Page Templates

Install the GeoDirectory Plugin

GeoDirectory is the key to turning your WordPress site into a fully functional directory. It handles all the complex features like listings, maps, reviews, and more. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Go to Plugins > Add New on your dashboard.
2. Search for “GeoDirectory” in the plugin directory.
3. Click Install and then Activate.

GeoDirectory will add a new menu to your dashboard. This is where you’ll manage all your directory settings and listings.

Get Started With GeoDirectory Today

Complete the GeoDirectory Setup Wizard

Now that GeoDirectory is installed, you’ll see a setup wizard. This step ensures your directory is configured correctly and ready for action.

Choose a Mapping System

The wizard will ask you to choose between Google Maps and OpenStreetMap. Google Maps offers more features but requires an API key, while OpenStreetMap is free and easy to set up.

• If you choose Google Maps:
  1. Click the Generate key and follow the instructions to create an API key in your Google Cloud account.
  2. Enable billing (don’t worry—Google offers $200/month in free credit, which covers most directories).
  3. For security reasons, restrict the key to your site’s URL.

Learn: How to Integrate Third-Party APIs in WordPress

Set the Default City

Next, you’ll set a default city for your directory. Since we’re building a directory for Philadelphia in this tutorial, we’ll use that. However, you can choose any city you want. If you want to manage listings for multiple cities, GeoDirectory’s Location Manager add-on can help.

Add Extra Features

At this step, GeoDirectory lets you add extra plugins to enhance your site:

• UsersWP: Allows user registration and profiles.
• WPForms: Adds a contact form for each Listing.

Try WPForms Here

Add Dummy Data

GeoDirectory offers dummy listings and categories to help you visualize your site. Adding this data can give you a clear idea of how your directory will look once it’s live. You can always replace these placeholders later with your real content.

Explore: ListingPro Vs MyListing – Which is the Best Directory WordPress Theme?

Design Your Directory with Elementor

Now comes the fun part—designing your website! With Elementor, you can create beautiful, user-friendly pages without any coding. 

Create a Homepage

1. Go to Pages > Add New and name your page “Home.”
2. Click Edit with Elementor to start designing.
3. Drag and drop widgets to add a search bar, featured listings, and a call-to-action section.
4. Save your changes and set this page as your homepage under Settings > Reading.

Customize the Navigation Menu

Your visitors need a way to navigate your site. Let’s set up a menu:

1. Go to Appearance > Menus.
2. Create a new menu and add links to key pages like Home, Listings, and Add Listing.
3. Save the menu and assign it to the primary menu location.

Read: How to Fix WordPress Navigation Menu Appearing Under Admin Bar

Design the Listings Page

1. Create a page for your listings and edit it with Elementor.
2. Add a widget or shortcode from GeoDirectory to display listings.
3. Customize the layout to include filters for category, location, or rating.

Design the Single Listing Page

1. Use Elementor to create a visually appealing template for individual listings.
2. Include essential details like address, contact information, reviews, and an interactive map.

Final Touches

You’re almost there! Here’s how to wrap up your directory site:

• Test your site to make sure it’s mobile-friendly and fast.
• Add real data to replace dummy listings.
• Enable front-end submission so users can add their own listings.
• Set up user reviews to make your directory more engaging.

Further reading: Best Elementor SaaS WordPress Themes

Congratulations!

You’ve just built a directory website using Elementor, the Hello Theme, and GeoDirectory—all free resources! From here, you can expand your site with premium plugins or add-ons, but for now, enjoy your fully functional, professional-looking directory. Whether you’re building for a city, a niche, or something else entirely, you’re ready to launch. 

Adding Premium Features to Your Elementor Directory Website

Once your directory website is up and running, why stop at the basics? By adding premium features, you can enhance your site’s functionality and create new ways to earn revenue. 

Adding premium features isn’t just about making more money (although that’s a big plus!). 

It’s about giving your users—both visitors and businesses—a more valuable, engaging experience. Whether it’s through paid listings, claim options, or advertising, these enhancements can turn your simple directory into a powerful, profitable platform.

Here’s how you can take your Elementor directory to the next level:

Offer Paid Listings

One of the easiest ways to monetize your directory is by introducing paid listing options. With the GeoDirectory Listing Price Manager add-on, you can:

• Set Pricing Plans: Create multiple tiers, from free to premium, offering extra perks to paying businesses.
• Customize Features for Each Tier:
  • Free users can upload fewer images or tags, while premium users get more flexibility.
  • Enable or restrict custom fields, like additional contact details or promotional links, based on the plan.
  • Allow premium listings to include longer descriptions or appear at the top of search results.

This approach not only generates revenue but also gives businesses a clear reason to upgrade their listings.

Enable Claim Listings

If you’ve already added businesses to your directory, the claim listing feature can be a game-changer. It allows business owners to take control of their listings. Here’s how it works:

• Invite Businesses to Claim: Send out notifications encouraging owners to claim and personalize their listings.
• Monetize the Process: Offer the claim feature for free or require an upgrade to a paid plan before ownership is transferred.
• Boost Engagement: When business owners can update their own listings, it keeps your directory accurate and dynamic.

This feature is perfect if you’re starting with a pre-populated directory, and it can help strengthen relationships with businesses on your platform.

Explore: Best Real Estate Directory Templates

Add Advertising Options

Advertising is a tried-and-true way to generate income from your directory. Here’s what you can do:

• Sell Ad Spaces: Place banners on high-traffic pages like the homepage or category pages.
• Feature Listings as Ads: Let businesses pay to appear above organic search results.
• Partner with Ad Networks: Integrate platforms like Google AdSense to fill ad spaces automatically if you don’t have direct advertisers yet.

Even if your directory is new, you can start small and scale as your traffic grows.

Read: Best WordPress Plugins for Successful Affiliate Marketers

Explore Other Monetization Ideas

Directories are incredibly versatile, and you’re not limited to just paid listings or ads. Here are some other creative ways to monetize your site:

• Event Listings: Allow businesses or organizations to promote events and sell tickets directly through your site.
• Discount Coupons: Partner with local businesses to share exclusive deals, generating income through commissions or flat fees.
• Create a Marketplace: Transform your directory into a niche marketplace for handcrafted items, local services, or specialized products.

These options let you tailor your directory to your audience’s needs while opening up diverse revenue streams.

Also Explore: Types of Revenue Models for Digital Agencies

Wrapping Up

Building a directory site with Elementor in 2025 is easier than ever. With Elementor’s user-friendly design tools and powerful plugins like GeoDirectory, you can create a professional and functional directory website that fits your needs.

Now it’s your turn to bring your vision to life! Follow these steps, get creative, and build a directory site that helps your users and grows with your goals. With Elementor, the possibilities are endless!