Build one complete journey before inviting publishers
NexDirectory requires WordPress 6.0 or later and PHP 7.4 or later. The Free plugin includes unlimited listings and submissions, the setup wizard, demo content, four starter blueprints, standard discovery pages and the member dashboard. Pro is supplied separately for custom fields and filters, AI, paid workflows, deeper analytics, scoped teams, the Event Web App and white-label controls.
Activation is the starting point
A usable directory also needs connected archive, map, submission, workspace, account and sign-in pages. Finish by testing the complete journey with a normal member account.
Prepare WordPress and a safe test environment
Confirm the WordPress and PHP versions, create a current backup and test on staging before changing a live directory. The packaged plugin is ready to activate through WordPress without a separate build step.
Decide whether the site is user-generated or run by one organisation. User-Generated mode lets permitted members submit through moderation. Single-Organisation mode restricts creation to administrators and suits a single operator.
Use the wizard to create a coherent starting point
After activation, open NexDirectory → Onboarding Wizard. Choose the site profile and operating mode, then create the recommended pages. Use demo content on staging when you want to see a complete example before entering your own listings.
If you prefer to build pages yourself, place the matching NexDirectory shortcode on each WordPress Page and paste its full address into Settings → General → Routing & Page URLs. The displayed page and the connected route must match.
Create useful terms before inviting submissions
NexDirectory registers Type, Mode, Tag, and Price Range taxonomies. Create a small, intentional term set that matches how visitors search. For example, an events site may use Type for Conference or Workshop, Mode for In Person or Online, Tags for topics, and Price Range for Free or Paid.
Avoid hundreds of empty terms. Start with the smallest vocabulary that supports archive and map filters, submit-form choices, and meaningful landing pages. You can add custom taxonomies later when a distinct classification truly deserves its own field.
Set up a directory you can test
Check the site and take a backup
Confirm WordPress 6.0+ and PHP 7.4+, update the backup, and use staging when the directory is already live.
Install Free and run the wizard
Activate NexDirectory, choose Events, Directory, Job Board or Marketplace, then select the publishing mode. Add the separate Pro plugin only when your plan requires its features.
Create and connect the core pages
Create the archive, map, submission, workspace, account and sign-in pages. Open each one and verify its address under Routing & Page URLs.
Prepare useful choices
Add a concise set of Types, Modes, Tags and Price Ranges, then configure the map, submission safeguards, email verification, roles and moderation policy.
Test as a real member
Register a test account, submit a listing, review it in moderation, publish it, find it in search and on the map, then confirm the owner can edit it from the dashboard.
Launch-readiness checklist
- WordPress 6.0+ and PHP 7.4+ confirmed
- Current site backup exists
- One site profile is selected
- Operating mode is selected
- Archive, map, submit, workspace, and account routes work
- Core taxonomy terms are available
- A pending submission was moderated successfully
- Diagnostics has no unresolved must-fix item
Questions you may have
Why were no pages created when I activated NexDirectory?
Open the Onboarding Wizard and use its page-creation step, or create the pages manually and connect their addresses under Routing & Page URLs.
Does NexDirectory need Elementor?
No. Shortcodes work in regular WordPress Pages. When Elementor is active, NexDirectory also exposes its shortcodes as widgets with styling controls.
Do I need an external map account immediately?
OpenStreetMap is available as a provider. Mapbox and Google tiles require their relevant credentials. Any map or geocoding provider may receive visitor request data when used, so review its terms and privacy policy.
Should I add demo content to a live site?
Use demo content on staging or a disposable test site. It is designed to show a complete example and may add sample listings, images, terms and settings that you do not want visitors to see.
Do I need Pro to publish a directory?
No. Free includes unlimited listings and submissions, standard filters, maps, calendars, moderation, claims, messages, RSVPs, waitlists and the responsive member experience. Pro adds custom fields, AI, paid tickets and boosts, deeper analytics, scoped teams and white-label controls.