Frequently Asked Questions

eDirectory is specialized online directory software for building and monetizing business directories, local search sites, membership directories, and niche marketplaces. It provides a complete platform with a front-end website, admin panel, monetization tools, SEO features, and native mobile apps, available as a cloud-based service or as a self-hosted license with source code access.

eDirectory is built for directory projects where the directory itself is an important part of the business or community. Typical customers include:

• Entrepreneurs launching local guides or niche B2B directories
• Associations, chambers of commerce, and membership organizations
• Publishers and media companies adding directory revenue to their portfolio
• Digital agencies building white-label directory projects for clients

WordPress is a general-purpose CMS that can be extended with themes and plugins. eDirectory is a dedicated directory platform built from the ground up for directories and membership communities. Key differences include:

• Integrated platform: Listings, memberships, ads, classifieds, events, deals, and mobile apps in one system
• Built-in monetization: Multiple revenue streams without stitching together multiple plugins
• Scalability: Designed to handle growing content and traffic as a long-term business
• Support and roadmap: A dedicated team focused only on directory use cases

In summary, eDirectory is usually a better long-term fit for serious, revenue-generating directory businesses.

You can choose between:

• Cloud-based plans – Hosted and managed by eDirectory. We take care of infrastructure, updates, backups, and basic security hardening.
• Self-hosted source license – You host eDirectory on your own server or dedicated environment and receive access to the PHP source code for deeper customization and integration.

Yes. Many clients start with a cloud-based plan to validate their business model and later migrate to a self-hosted license when they want more control, custom development, or specific hosting requirements. Our team can assist with planning and executing that migration.

For cloud-based plans, the subscription typically includes:

• Hosting and server maintenance
• Access to the eDirectory software and admin panel
• Platform updates and new features released during your subscription
• Technical support for the core software
• Regular backups and basic security monitoring

Exact inclusions can vary by plan level, so always check the current pricing page for details.

If you cancel a cloud subscription:

• Your site and data remain accessible until the end of the billing period.
• After that, the hosted instance is deactivated and is no longer publicly available.

If you plan to move to a self-hosted license or another solution, you can export your data before cancellation. Our team can advise on migration options.

eDirectory can manage:

• Business or member listings
• Categories and locations
• Events and calendars
• Classifieds and job posts
• Deals, coupons, and offers
• Articles and blog posts
• Banners and sponsorship ads
• Reviews and ratings

You can also define custom fields and layouts for listings to fit your niche.

eDirectory includes multiple built-in monetization options, such as:

• Paid listing plans (recurring or one-time)
• Featured listings and priority placement
• Banner ads and sponsored content
• Membership subscriptions
• Classifieds, deals, and event listings

You can mix and match these revenue streams and adjust pricing as your directory grows.

Yes. eDirectory provides:

• A modern, responsive front-end with configurable widgets and layouts
• Design settings for colors, logos, typography, and blocks
• Support for custom CSS and template overrides

For deeper or unique designs, our in-house customization team or your own developers can implement advanced changes.

eDirectory offers integration options and APIs (depending on version and plan) to connect with:

• CRMs and marketing tools
• External websites and apps

If you have specific integration needs, our team can review your requirements and suggest the best approach, including custom development if needed.

Yes. eDirectory is designed to support SEO best practices for directory sites, including:

• SEO-friendly URLs for categories, locations, and listings
• Meta title and description configuration
• Structured content and internal linking through listings, categories, and related items
• Control over indexation of certain pages (depending on configuration)

Your ranking will still depend on your content, competition, and overall SEO strategy, but the platform provides a solid technical foundation.

Yes. eDirectory was built around location-based directories and local search. You can:

• Organize content by country, state, city, neighborhood, or custom regions
• Use location-based search and filtering
• Create local guide–style directories or global multi-region directories

This structure helps search engines and AI systems understand the geographic focus of your directory.

Newer versions of eDirectory include AI-powered tools to help:

• Generate or refine listing descriptions, categories, and content
• Suggest relevant categories or locations
• Assist admins with content creation inside the platform

AI tools are designed to save time and improve content quality, while still giving you full control over what is published.

You own the content and data you enter into your directory, including listings, member information, and other business data. eDirectory provides the software and infrastructure (for cloud plans), but the directory content is yours.

Yes. eDirectory includes import tools to bring in listings and other data from CSV files (and other supported formats). For complex migrations from legacy systems or custom platforms, our team can help assess the best strategy, which may include custom migration services.

Yes. You can export listings and other key data from eDirectory. For specific compliance or migration requirements, you can contact support to understand what is possible for your particular setup.

Support typically includes:

• Help with using the eDirectory admin panel and built-in features
• Troubleshooting issues with the core software
• Guidance on configuration and best practices

Support does not usually include custom coding for your server, third-party plugins, or advanced custom development. Those needs can be handled through our professional services.

Yes. We offer onboarding and implementation services to help you:

• Configure your directory structure (categories, locations, listing types)
• Set up plans and pricing
• Adjust basic branding and layout
• Understand key features and workflows

This can significantly shorten your time-to-launch and reduce trial-and-error.

Yes. Our in-house customization team can work on:

• Custom features and modules
• Design and UX changes
• API integrations and workflows
• Advanced reporting or dashboards

Projects can be scoped as fixed-bid or time-and-materials, depending on complexity.

Self-hosted installations require a compatible server environment (typically Linux, Apache or Nginx, PHP, and a supported database). Detailed system requirements and recommended configurations are provided in our documentation and can be reviewed with your hosting provider or technical team.

For cloud-based plans, we handle:

• Server-level security hardening
• Regular software updates
• Backups and basic monitoring

For self-hosted licenses, you (or your hosting provider) are responsible for server security and applying software updates that we make available. We strongly recommend keeping your installation up to date to benefit from new features, performance improvements, and security patches.

Yes. eDirectory is used by clients running large directories with significant traffic and content volumes. For high-traffic or enterprise scenarios, we recommend:

• Proper hosting (cloud or dedicated)
• Caching and performance tuning
• Ongoing monitoring

Our team can advise on architecture and best practices as your directory grows.