10 Real Directory Website Examples Built With Directorist (And How You Can Build Yours Too)

If you’re planning to build a directory website, the smartest way to start is by studying real directory website examples — the kind of live, working platforms that already attract users, generate listings, and earn consistent revenue. Before choosing a design, a plugin, or even a niche, seeing how real websites structure their layouts, search filters, categories, and user flow gives you a massive competitive advantage.

And there’s a reason this approach works so well.

Think about how we make decisions in everyday life — we compare products, check reviews, browse examples, and cross-check options before committing to anything important. So why not do the same when creating a directory website, especially when it can become a profitable, long-term digital business?

As James Clear famously said, “The best way to learn is by observing what works.”

That’s exactly what this guide helps you do.
We’ve curated a directory website showcase featuring 10 real websites built with Directorist, a powerful WordPress directory plugin. These examples span multiple industries — real estate, tourism, food, legal services, local businesses, classifieds, and more — giving you a clear picture of what modern directory website designs look like in the real world.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• Real directory website examples powered by Directorist
• What makes these directory layouts effective
• How each website uses custom fields, maps, filters, and monetization
• Why Directorist is an ideal tool for building a website with a WordPress directory plugin
• Practical steps so you can build a similar directory website in your niche

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, designer, developer, or agency, these live examples will help you understand what works — and more importantly, how you can use the same structure to build your own high-performing directory website.

Ready to explore the 10 real directory website designs built with Directorist — and learn how to build yours?

Let’s begin.

Why are we Showcasing Real Directory Websites?

Before starting to create a directory website, seeing real examples is one of the smartest steps. Directory platforms come in many shapes and niches, and the best way to understand what actually works is by studying real websites already attracting users, generating listings, listing management and earning revenue. This directory website showcase gives you clarity, inspiration, and a practical benchmark — something you can’t get from feature lists or plugin documentation alone.

Below are the key reasons why we’re providing real directory examples.

Social Proof for New Entrepreneurs

When you’re launching a directory website, you may go back and forth. Real directory websites act as powerful social proof — showing that everyday entrepreneurs, local businesses, agencies, and communities are already using tools like Directorist to build successful platforms. Seeing real outcomes removes uncertainty and demonstrates what’s possible, even without a large budget or complex technical skills.

Understand What Real Success Looks Like

Not every directory succeeds, and not every design converts. Studying the best directory websites helps you understand what a successful directory website truly looks like. This real-world insight is far more valuable than theoretical advice.

Clear Visual Examples Boost Creativity & Niche Selection

If you’re still figuring out your niche — real estate, services, tourism, events, local businesses, classifieds, or micro-communities — visual examples can spark ideas instantly. When you look at actual directory website examples, you naturally start imagining possibilities for your own niche.

Real examples help you answer:

• What niche could I enter?
• What type of design fits my audience?
• What features would they expect?
• How should my listings look?

Visualization fuels creativity — and helps you pick a niche with confidence.

Helps You Avoid Common Design & UX Mistakes

Poor user experience is one of the biggest reasons directory websites fail.

Real examples show you what to avoid, such as:

• Overwhelming navigation
• Confusing layouts
• Weak filtering options
• Misplaced search bars
• Poor mobile optimization
• Unclear call-to-actions

By observing real websites, you can instantly identify best practices — and prevent costly redesigns later.

See How Directorist Works in Real-World Scenarios

Feature lists tell you what a plugin can do.

Real websites show you what it can actually do.

Seeing how designers, agencies, and entrepreneurs use Directorist in real-world settings gives you a practical understanding of:

• How advanced search filters improve UX
• How custom fields enhance niche-specific listings
• How maps and geolocation support local businesses
• How memberships and paid listings generate revenue
• How design choices impact conversions

You will get a clear picture of how Directorist performs beyond demos and documentation — and how you can leverage the same tools to create directory website designs.

10 Real Directory Website Examples Built With Directorist

Example – 1. Brown & Co Marbella (Real Estate Directory)

Brown & Co Marbella is a beautifully organized real estate directory. It is a Spain-based directory that offers an easy way for users to buy, sell, or rent homes, apartments, and commercial spaces. The site features powerful search filters, custom property fields, map-based browsing, and clean listing layouts. These features help visitors to find exactly what they’re looking for. In addition to integrated inquiry forms, image galleries, pricing details, and location tools, this directory delivers everything a modern real estate platform needs.

Example – 2. Globe Infinite (Multi-Directory Platform)

Globe Infinite is a fast-growing multi-directory platform built with Directorist, designed to connect users with premium concierge, travel, transport, and lifestyle services across the globe. Backed by a long-established network of trusted associates, the platform brings together secure transport options, luxury accommodation, tailored excursions, punctual service providers, and safety-focused solutions. With its global reach and bespoke approach, Globe Infinite delivers high-quality services that traditional directories can’t match, making it a powerful example of how Directorist can support dynamic, multi-industry directory businesses.

Example – 3. HealthOrbit (Global Health Tourism Directory)

HealthOrbit is a global health tourism directory that connects patients with qualified health professionals and medical experts worldwide. Through a vetted network of licensed doctors and clinics, the platform makes it easy to get expert medical advice, second opinions, or full medical consultations — anytime, anywhere. Whether you need a second opinion, international treatment options, or to explore cost-effective healthcare abroad, HealthOrbit simplifies the process. Users can easily contact providers via email to receive detailed information and cost estimates, making the decision-making transparent and trusted. HealthOrbit stands as a reliable bridge between patients and global medical practitioners, opening possibilities for safe, well-guided, and accessible health-tourism journeys.

Example – 4. Tanai Link (Thailand’s Leading Online Legal Service Directory)

Tanai Link is a nationwide legal service directory designed to connect people with trusted lawyers and law firms across Thailand. Serving as a neutral, independent platform—not a law firm itself—Tanai Link acts as a dedicated medium for promoting legal services and making it easier for individuals and businesses to find the right legal professionals for their needs. With its growing network and expanding reach, Tanai Link is positioned to become Thailand’s leading online lawyer directory.

Example – 5. Vermont Camp & School Finder (Directory for Camps and Educational Programs)

Vermont Camp & School Finder is a dedicated directory designed to help families discover the best camps, schools, and youth programs across Vermont. From summer camps and outdoor adventure programs to private schools and specialized learning centers, the platform brings all opportunities together in one easy-to-navigate place. With detailed listings, program descriptions, age groups, activities, and location filters, it’s simple for parents to compare options and find the perfect fit for their children.

Example – 6. Locate Barbados (Community Focused Directory)

Locate Barbados is a versatile, community-focused directory built with Directorist, offering an easy way to discover businesses, services, jobs, and real estate listings across Barbados. The platform organizes everything into clear categories, helping users quickly find local providers, professional services, restaurants, rentals, and more. With map-based browsing, intuitive search tools, and user-friendly listing layouts, Locate Barbados delivers a smooth experience for anyone looking to connect with trusted businesses or explore opportunities on the island. It’s a strong example of how a multi-category directory can support both locals and visitors through one centralized platform.

Example – 7. Aspire Realities (Indian Real Estate Directory)

Aspire Realities is an India-based real estate directory built with Directorist, offering a curated selection of premium residential and commercial properties for buyers, renters, and investors. The platform is gaining strong traction thanks to its clean interface, detailed listings, front end submission process and user-friendly search experience. From modern apartments to luxury villas and investment-ready properties, Aspire Realities makes it easy for users to explore opportunities with clear specifications, high-quality visuals, and intuitive location-based filtering.

For entrepreneurs planning to launch a real estate directory of their own, Aspire Realities serves as an excellent model—showing how a well-structured, professionally designed directory can attract users and build trust in a competitive market.

Example – 8. Taste of Kansai (Food, Culture & Lifestyle Directory)

Taste of Kansai is a beautifully curated directory built with Directorist, showcasing the best food spots, cafés, cultural experiences, shops, and hidden gems across the Kansai region of Japan. Designed with a clean and editorial aesthetic, the platform helps locals and visitors discover authentic restaurants, artisanal shops, and unique lifestyle destinations through carefully written reviews, detailed listings, and rich photography. With category-based browsing and easy navigation, Taste of Kansai delivers a smooth and inspiring discovery experience. It’s a standout example of how a niche directory — especially in travel, food, and culture — can thrive when powered by thoughtful curation and a strong directory framework.

Example – 9. Come y Bebe en Puerto Rico — Culinary & Food Directory

Come y Bebe en Puerto Rico is a food and dining directory that helps locals and travelers discover the best eateries, cafés, bars, food trucks, and gastronomic spots across the island. The platform features hundreds of listings — from restaurants and brunch cafés to pizzerias, kiosks, and dessert shops — organized with intuitive categories, map-based search, filters, and user-friendly navigation. Come y Bebe en Puerto Rico offers a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide to Puerto Rico’s culinary landscape, making it an excellent example of how a niche directory built with a WordPress listing system can serve a community’s needs and tastes.

Example – 10. Thess Guide (City & Business Directory)

Thess Guide is a comprehensive online directory that maps the best of the Greek cities of Thessaloniki and Halkidiki — from businesses, services, and restaurants to cultural spots, accommodation, medical centers, and local landmarks. The platform organizes listings in clear categories like dining, entertainment, professional services, healthcare, lodging, and tourism, making it easy for local residents and visitors alike to discover trusted businesses and essential services. With an intuitive search interface, map-based browsing, and up-to-date listings, Thess Guide serves as a go-to directory for exploring all the offerings of the region. It’s a great example of a well-structured directory site that can help communities and travelers navigate the urban and regional landscape efficiently.

Want to Build These Types of Directory Websites? Here Are the Tools You Need

1 .Directorist Core Plugin (Free)

2. Directorist Themes (3 Most Used themes)

• dClassified
• OneListing Pro
• dHotels

3. Must-Have Extensions for Replicating These Designs

• Booking
• Analytics
• Review & Rating
• Ads Manager
• Claim Listing
• WooCommerce Integration
• Multi-directory
• Universal Search

4: Page Builders Supported

• Elementor
• Gutenberg
• Divi

How to Build a Beautiful Directory Website With Directorist

Here is a quick breakdown of creating a directory website with Directorist.

Step 1 — Pick a Niche With Strong Demand

Step 2 — Choose a Directorist Theme or Starter Template

Step 3 — Install Directorist + Required Extensions

Step 4 — Add Custom Fields for Your Niche

Step 5 — Customize Search Filters & Maps

Step 6 — Add Monetization Options

Step 7 — Launch & Promote Your Directory

To get a detailed instruction, follow this guidebook – “How to Create a Directory Website“

Bonus: 10+ Unique & Popular Directory Website Ideas You Can Build

• Agency Marketplace
• specialized Aircraft directories
• AI Tools
• Animal Law
• API Directory
• Classified ads
• B2B
• Biotech
• Boarding School listings
• Salon directory
• Car Parts
• Business Service
• Babysitter
• conferences
• Marriage service directory, etc.

If you have any unique directory ideas, drop them in the comment section below.

Let’s Start Your Directory Business Today

The directory business continues to be one of the most profitable online opportunities—whether you’re targeting local services, travel, education, real estate, health, or niche communities. The real directory website examples you’ve just explored show that you don’t need a huge team, advanced technical skills, or a massive budget to build something impactful. What you do need is the right foundation and your dedication with the right tool. 

That’s where Directorist goes with you hand to hand. 

With its directory advanced options, scalable architecture, custom fields, advanced search tools, monetization options, and wide theme/extension ecosystem, Directorist gives you everything you need to create a directory website along with the power of Directorist AI that not only looks great but functions smoothly as it grows. 

If you’ve been considering launching your own directory—now is the perfect time. Learn from these directory website examples, get inspired, and start building a directory that can serve your community, attract users, and even generate steady income over time.

Ready to take the next step?

👉 Try Directorist Free
👉 Join the Directorist Community
👉 Submit Your Website to Be Featured Next

Start today—your directory could be the next success story featured in our directory website showcase.