Directories that scale,
convert, and earn.
We build custom directory platforms with real claim flows, subscription billing, and owner self-service — on a stack you fully own. Built for operators who outgrew the off-the-shelf options.
Why most directory builds fail.
Every directory project lands in one of three ditches. Off-the-shelf SaaS platforms look generic and rank poorly. WordPress plugins fall over the moment payment flows get complex. Page builders can't handle product logic at all.
Generic SaaS platforms
Locked-in templates, slow performance, $300–800 per year in fees, and no ownership of your own data. Hard to differentiate from every other site running the same platform.
Directory plugins
Cheap to install, painful to extend. Limited payment integrations, fragile claim flows, and constant compatibility issues with the rest of your WordPress stack.
Page-builder sites
Look polished, can't handle real product logic. Subscriptions, webhooks, and owner permissions aren't part of the page-builder vocabulary.
Full directory platforms, end to end.
Three audiences. Three sets of features. One cohesive platform that scales from launch to thousands of listings.
For the public
Fast, search-friendly listings with rich filtering and discovery built for how visitors actually search.
- Category, location & tag filtering
- AJAX search with instant results
- Map integration & rich listings
- Schema markup for local SEO
- Editorial content alongside listings
For business owners
Self-service ownership with verification flows, payment processing, and a dashboard that scales.
- Verified claim & ownership flows
- Stripe subscription billing
- Free + paid tier monetization
- Owner dashboard with content management
- Customer portal for self-service billing
For operators
Admin tooling that turns claim requests into revenue without a five-step manual process per listing.
- Funnel-tracking custom post types
- One-click invite actions
- Real-time webhook lifecycle handling
- Transactional email infrastructure
- Bulk import & categorization tools
Directories we've built.
A selection of community and business directories we've shipped — across motorcycles, martial arts, hockey, and association management.
SoFlo Motorcycles
Custom WordPress business directory with subscription monetization, claim verification, and full Stripe payment lifecycle. 🔗 soflomotorcycles.com At a Glance Type Local business…
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BJJ Bloodline
BJJ Bloodline Client: BJJ Bloodline Live site: bjjbloodline.com Year: 2026 Scope: Brand positioning · UX strategy · Custom WordPress theme · Application…
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SoFlo Hockey
SoFlo Hockey was created to fill a gap in the South Florida hockey community — a central hub where players could find…
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APPA
APPA required a robust digital platform that could handle the complexity of a modern educational ecosystem — selling courses, managing subscriptions and…
View ProjectWhy we don't use directory plugins.
For a small one-off site, a directory plugin can work. For anything you plan to grow, monetize, or own long-term, custom is the right call. Here's the trade-off.
Fast to install. Painful to grow with.
- $300–$800/yr in license fees, ongoing
- Limited payment provider support
- Generic visual design — hard to differentiate
- Locked into the plugin's data model
- Slower performance from feature bloat
- Updates can break customizations
Built for you. Owned by you.
- One-time build cost, no recurring fees
- Stripe, Square, or any processor — your choice
- Distinct visual identity and brand
- Data model designed around your business
- Tight, focused codebase — faster everywhere
- Full ownership of every line of code
From concept to launch.
Most of our directory builds ship in 6–10 weeks from kickoff. Here's how the work breaks down.
Discovery
Audit the market, define the tier model, map the funnel from public listing to paid customer.
Architecture
Data model, post types, taxonomies, payment integration plan, deliverability stack.
Build
Custom theme, claim flows, payment lifecycle, owner dashboard, admin tooling.
Data & Launch
Bulk import existing listings, set up SEO, run end-to-end tests, go live.
Iterate
Post-launch support, feature additions, and onboarding the first wave of business owners.
Common questions.
What does a directory build typically cost?
Most custom directory builds fall between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on scope. Factors that drive cost include the number of integrations (payments, third-party APIs, CRM tools), the complexity of the tier model, the volume of initial data, and any custom integrations with existing systems.
How long does it take from kickoff to launch?
Six to ten weeks for most projects. Faster is possible for simpler scopes. Complex builds with multiple integrations, large data imports, or unusual payment requirements can run longer. We share a detailed timeline as part of the proposal.
Who owns the code when the project is done?
You do. Every project we deliver is built as a custom WordPress theme with no licensing fees, no vendor lock-in, and no SaaS subscriptions beyond standard hosting and processor fees. If you ever want to move to a different developer, you can.
What hosting do you recommend?
We typically deploy on Pressable, WP Engine, or Kinsta for managed WordPress hosting. Hosting costs run $20–$50/month for most directory projects, scaling up with traffic. We can also deploy to your existing hosting environment if you have a preferred provider.
Do you offer ongoing support after launch?
Yes. We offer monthly support retainers for updates, feature additions, and operational support. Most clients keep a small retainer in place for the first 6–12 months post-launch to handle refinements and new feature requests as the platform grows.
Can you migrate an existing directory to a custom build?
Yes. We've migrated listings from directory plugins, scraped data from existing platforms, and imported data from third-party sources like Google Places. Migration is part of most projects.