To build an event directory website with WordPress, you just need several things \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- WordPress latest version<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A niche-specific domain ( Namecheap<\/a>, GoDaddy<\/a>, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A reliable hosting ( Bluehost<\/a>, Hostinger<\/a>, Cloudways<\/a>, etc)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A WordPress directory plugin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A WordPress theme<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To keep this tutorial more clear and concise, we cut down this basic requirement section, you can learn each topic in a detail from our detailed guide – Ultimate Guide to Create a Directory Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/07\/Directorist-Banner-1-1024x332.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow to Create an Event Directory Site?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Assuming you already have a WordPress website set up following our comprehensive guide, Now, let’s follow these steps to create your event directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Install & activate WordPress Directory Plugin<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In this tutorial we’ll use one the most popular WordPress Directory Plugin called Directorist<\/strong>. It over 20,000 users worldwide and an impressive customer rating of 4.7 out of 5. It comes up with lots of useful and required features that are more than enough to start a online event directory business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCheck Out Directorist’s Features<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTo install Directorist, navigate to\u00a0the\u00a0WP Admin Dashboard > Plugins > Add New > Search for the keyword \u2018Directorist\u2019 >\u00a0Hit the \u201cInstall Now\u201d button.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/05\/Install-Directorist-Manually-scaled.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNext, activate and configure the setup wizard for a fresh start. For optimal configuration, we recommend visiting the Directorist official documentation<\/a> to tailor the settings to your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Install a Directory Theme<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Directorist is compatible with all WordPress themes, allowing you to select any theme you prefer. However, opting for a directory-specific theme can enhance your website’s overall look and feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To do this, we are using the One Listing Pro<\/a> theme<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you get the theme, navigate to the WP Admin Dashboard > Appearance > Themes > Add New<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/07\/Download-onlisting-pro-wordpress-directory-theme-scaled.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/07\/upload-onelisting-pro-wordpress-diretory-theme-1024x231.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThen click on\u00a0Upload Theme > Choose File and select the zip file > Install Now<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, activate <\/strong>the theme to take an effect<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon installing the theme, you will see some plugins and tools suggested to install. So, make sure you have installed all the suggested ones so that the theme works perfectly fine. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/07\/reruired-extentions-scaled.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Create Categories & Tags for Event Directory Website<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An event directory website must be user-friendly in a way that visitors can find their listing item in the flash of an eye. Upon creating relevant categories like Holidays, Business, Education or Health & Wellness, your event directory website can suggest related listings according to the visitors\u2019 choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To this end, you need to create a set of relevant categories and tags. In the Directorist menu, you will find both of these items where (category) you can also add images, assign the category to a parent one, give a description, add icons & colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To do so, you just need to go to the\u00a0Directorist > Categories > Fill out the fields > Hit the \u201cAdd New Category\u201d button<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/03\/add-categories-scaled.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSimilarly, you can add tags so that Directorist can show the relevant listing item to the visitors. You can do it from\u00a0Directorist > Tags > Enter Credentials > Add New Tag<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/03\/Add-tag-scaled.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nStep 4: How to Add New Locations on Your Event Directory Website<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Just like adding categories or tags adding locations helps the users find the desired event listing from event organizers or event service providers. To add locations, you have to go to the\u00a0Directorist > Locations > Enter credentials (name, description, directory type, etc.) > Hit the Add New Location<\/strong>\u00a0button.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/03\/add-location-scaled.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nStep 5: Include Front-End Submission Form<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You have to add a Submission Form in your event directory website so that event organizers or event service providers can add or submit their business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To add a submission form to your event directory website, navigate to the\u00a0WP Admin Dashboard > Directorist > Directory Builder > Add Listing Form <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use Preset or Custom fields to customize your submission form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/03\/dresturant-add-listing-form-1024x448.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHowever, the event organizers or event service providers will add or submit the majority of the listings. One thing you can do is to check from “All Listings” whether the listings violate your community standard or not. And, you can charge money for every listing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To add listings, event organizers or event service providers need to have a registration with your site.\u00a0 After the registration is done, they can freely add more listings from the \u201cAdd listings<\/strong>\u201d option through the submission form or you can turn on guest listing option that doesn’t require any registration<\/strong>.\u00a0 You can check the progress whether the submission is okay or not.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also add listing manually by following: Directorist > Add New Listing > Enter Credentials<\/strong><\/strong> > Publish<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/Manually-Add-listing-1024x335.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 5: Set Up Search and Filters<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For providing a great experience to the visitors, fast and advance search and filter system must for directory website. Directorist offers advanced filter & search form builder that lets users search listings based on large number criteria like custom fields, tags, price range, and so on.\u00a0If you’ve multi directory, Directorist Universal Search<\/strong><\/a> is a great tool that pull listings and categories from every active directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To setup search and filter: Directorist > Directory Builder > Search Form > Use “Form Fields”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/07\/search-filter-1024x365.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep – 6: Turn on Monetization Feature<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Earning revenue from a directory website should be a primary objective for any directory website owner. Using Directorist, you can monetize your event directory website through various methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Charge for listings (Free)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Featured listings (Free)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allow businesses to claim listings (Premium)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Charge for viewing private listings (Premium)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allow private\/sponsored advertising (premium)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Charge for membership (Premium)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sell business leads (Premium)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Promote affiliate products (Premium)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allow sponsored articles\/guest posting (Premium)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bookings & appointment (Premium)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Paid ad placement (Premium)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Directorist supports both online and offline method to receive payments. To add your bank account details, navigate to the\u00a0WP Admin Dashboard > Directory Listings > Settings > Monetization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/monetization-feature-1024x447.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWith Directorist, you can enjoy both online and offline payment method for FREE! You can setup offline bank transfer method to receive payments by navigating to the\u00a0WP Admin Dashboard > Directory Listings > Settings > Monetization > Offline Gateways Settings > Insert your details > Save changes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should remember that this payment gateway needs some manual action to complete an order. After getting a notification of an order using this offline payment gateway, you should check your bank if the money is deposited into your account. Then you should change the order status manually from the \u201cOrder History\u201d submenu.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For online payment method you can use PayPal for Free! For this, you have setup the gateway system through a extensions called PayPal Payment Gateway<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also offer more freedom to your users to choose their preferred payment method by using premium extensions Directorist Authorize Payment Gateway<\/a> and Stripe Payment Gateway<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step-7: Set Up Your Homepage<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your homepage is the place where it create the first impression about your directory business on visitors mind. With the directorist niche based theme, your directory website’s structure already organized. You have to update the homepage with images, color, logo, fonts that aligns with your brand. You can edit existing homepage or add a new page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To add a new homepage: WP Dashboard > Pages > Add New Page.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/07\/add-new-page-1024x137.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDirectorist supports both Gutenberg and Elementor.<\/strong> With Directorist’s customized blocks and shortcodes<\/a>, you can easily organize your homepage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/07\/edit-new-page-1024x436.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/08\/3-elementor-widgets-1024x514.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter finishing the edit, publish it. Don’t forget to set the new page as default homepage from Settings > Reading > A Static Page > Select Your Page<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/07\/setting-up-homepage-1024x370.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPro Tip:<\/strong> For more customization like color, logo, favicon navigate to WP Dashboard > Appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/07\/advance-customization-1024x421.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep-8: Publish You Directory Website<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
At this stage, you’ve completed the setup process. Make sure to check major options like filter, form submission, review system. We suggest to cross check with this guide to avoid common mistakes<\/a> that most directory owners do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After all the cross check done, Publish your directory website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extending Functionalities of a WordPress Directory Website for Events<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Earlier, we finished building the basic event directory website for WordPress. Now, if you want to extend the functionalities of your directory website, then you can move easily with Directorist\u2019s advanced features and extensions.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, you want to allow the listing owners to set different event fees for their listings so that their users can have different options to choose from. To set this feature, you can add this feature to your event directory website using the Pricing Plans<\/a> extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again, you can allow directory website users to compare listings just by adding Compare Listings<\/a> to your existing event directory website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To add the extension, go to the\u00a0WP-Admin Dashboard \u279d Plugins \u279d Add New \u279d Upload Plugin \u279d and upload the Extension ZIP file and Activate it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBrowse All Extensions <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Directorist](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/05\/Directorist-Affiliate-2.gif\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFinal Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We believe that this tutorial helped to create an event directory website successfully. To add more functionality and get more potentiality, explore these recommended sources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 10 Checklist Before Building A WordPress Business Directory Website<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 10 Real Directory Website Examples Built With Directorist (And How You Can Build Yours Too)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 10+ Incredible Features You Might Have Missed in Directorist<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you liked our posts, don\u2019t forget to subscribe to our blog so that we can notify you once any post is published. Directorist is now on <\/a>Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and LinkedIn<\/a>! You can also join the Directorist Community<\/a> for sharing your thoughts and experiences relating to the directory niche. Come and join us to see what we\u2019re up to.<\/p>\n\n\n
- 10 Real Directory Website Examples Built With Directorist (And How You Can Build Yours Too)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A reliable hosting ( Bluehost<\/a>, Hostinger<\/a>, Cloudways<\/a>, etc)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2023\/03\/directorist_ads_banner-1.gif\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"