So, without further ado, let’s dig deeper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Requirements<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTo build a staff directory website with WordPress, you need some basic requirements \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Domain and Hositng<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A WordPress website and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A WordPress directory plugin, Directorist<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
We have discussed how to choose the requirements for creating a directory website in our detailed guide – Ultimate Guide to Create a Directory Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Choose Directorist?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Directorist](\"https:\/\/wpwax.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Directorist-1-1024x332.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDirectorist is a popular\u00a0directory website builder plugin<\/a>\u00a0that has\u00a0more than 20,000 users<\/strong>\u00a0from around the world with a\u00a04.7\u00a0<\/strong>customer rating out of\u00a05<\/strong>. It comes with the following benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\nFeatures include<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Compatible with all themes including popular ones such as Avada, Divi, Astra, and OceanWP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- CSV Import\/Export (listing, category, location, tag, media, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Highly optimized and rocket-fast performance to ensure scalability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 25+ Elementor Page Builder widgets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gutenberg support and 16+ Gutenberg blocks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Advanced search filters with custom filter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Front-end and Back-end listing submission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Front-end user dashboard to manage listings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Open Street Map and Google Map Integration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Unlimited custom fields on the listing form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 100% responsive and modern-day design.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- WooCommerce multi-vendor plugin compatible [Exclusive].<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Built-in SEO optimization system as well as Yoast SEO compatibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Personalize the directory using a wide range of shortcodes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- GDPR compliant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ajax-powered listing and review submission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Listing owner contact form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bulk or individual user announcement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Listing image slider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Listing and Review submission without login (Guest Submission).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Listing reviews and ratings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Google reCAPTCHA<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Custom sidebar for single listing page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Custom user Registration and Login.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- New, Popular, Featured, and Open\/Close badges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create an Unlimited listing based on location and category.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- List and grid view for categories, locations, and listings pages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Translate to any language effortlessly using the Loco Translate plugin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sustainable for long-term use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Updated regularly for flawless operation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- And many more!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Premium features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- comes with a flutter-based native mobile app<\/strong>, compatible with both Android & iOS<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- integration with GamiPress, Elementor Page Builder, Oxygen Builder, MailChimp, Google reCaptcha, BuddyBoss, BuddyPress, etc.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- integration with popular payment gateways such as Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- niche-based theme<\/strong>s (dPlace, dClassified, dHotels, dRestaurant, dLawyers, OneListing Pro, dDoctors, dRealEstate, dCar, dList, dService, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- monetization with regular subscription plans<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- monetization with WooCommerce Pricing Plans<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- monetization with Rank Featured Listing<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coupon creation<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- and many more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
See all the premium features from this link<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you want to pick the best directory website builder to create a staff directory site, Directorist is unparalleled. We believe this directory builder tool will be the perfect one to know how to start a directory website for staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Build a Staff Directory Website with Less Effort<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAssuming your WordPress website is already set up and operational, you only need to follow these steps to create a staff directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Install & activate Directorist<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNavigate to the WP Admin Dashboard > Plugins > Add New > Search for the keyword \u2018directorist\u2019 > Hit the \u201cInstall Now\u201d button (as indicated with arrows).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/05\/Install-Directorist-Manually-1024x359.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNext up, you need to activate and configure the setup wizard to make a fresh start. We recommend you to visit the official documentation<\/a> so that you can configure it perfectly or the way you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 2: Install a directory theme<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDirectorist is compatible with all popular WordPress themes, so you can choose any theme you like. However, selecting a directory-specific theme can significantly enhance your website\u2019s overall appearance and functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To do this, we’ll use dList<\/a>. It supports Elementor and Gutenberg so that can easily edit with drag and drop feature. It also includes includes guest submission, pricing plans, claim listing, private content, advanced search, modern user dashboard, built-in SEO system, maps, custom fields, social login, translation and GDPR ready, WooCommerce and RTL Support and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGet dList<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nOnce you get the theme, navigate to the WP Admin Dashboard > Appearance > Themes > Add New<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Installing](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/10\/2-installing-onelisting-1024x433.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThen click on\u00a0Upload Theme > Choose File and select the theme file > Install Now<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2024\/05\/upload-dlist-wordpress-diretory-theme-1024x207.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNow, activate <\/strong>the theme to take an effect:<\/p>\n\n\n\nUpon 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. So, we recommend you hit the \u201cBegin Installing Plugins<\/strong>\u201d option to install them all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/01\/dreal-estate-extensions-1024x235.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Create categories & tags for your website<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA directory website must be user-friendly in a way that visitors can find their listing item in a flash of an eye. Upon creating relevant categories, Directorist 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-1024x447.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-1024x268.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 4: Add a Staff Listing Submissions Form <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA submission form helps to collect more data and lessen repetitive tasks. You can easily add a submission form by following Directorist > Directory Builder > Add Listing Form.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can use “Form Fields” to customize your form as you preferred. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/04\/add-listing-form-dlist-1024x403.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can add a registration process before submitting any information or can use “guest submission” feature that doesn’t require any registration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note that, if you have enabled the moderation for add listings, you have to check the submitted listings and approve them from your dashboard from “WP dashboard > All Listings”<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMeanwhile, you can also add listings to your staff directory website by manually, navigate to the\u00a0WP Admin Dashboard > Directory Listings > Add New Listing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMost staff listings will be added or submitted by company owners. You can review these listings to ensure they adhere to your community standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To add staff, company owners need to have a registration with your site. After the registration, they can freely add more staff from the \u201cAdd Listings<\/strong>\u201d option. You can check the progress whether the submission is okay or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 5: Monetizing your staff directory website<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMonetizing is what makes your directory website lucrative. With Directorist, you can monetize your staff directory website in many ways:<\/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
- Paid ad placement (Premium)<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To learn more about monetization, read this guide – How to Monetize a Directory Listing Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 6: Adding payment gateway<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTo receive payment, you need payment gateway. Directorist supports both online and offline transfer method to receive payments. To add your bank account details, navigate to the\u00a0WP Admin Dashboard > Directory Listings > Settings > Monetization > Offline Gateways Settings > Insert your details > Save changes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Set](\"https:\/\/directorist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/03\/adding-bank-transfer-1-1024x599.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNote about Bank Transfer Gateway:<\/strong><\/p>\n\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><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Apart from the offline Bank transfer method, Directorist also supports online payment gateways like\u00a0Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.net<\/strong>. With PayPal Payment Gateway<\/a> extension, you can setup your online payment gateway.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRelated Post: How to Add Payment Gateways to Monetize Your Directory Website<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 7: Final Check and Publish<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nUpon successful setup, ensure a final check before the website goes live. Optimize your homepage, brand color, logo and other settings. Make sure that submission forms are working properly. After checking all the requirements, publish your directory website. We recommend to crosscheck by following this guide: Mistakes to Avoid While Building Your Online Directory<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWrapping up<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCreating a staff directory website can be straightforward, especially with tools like Directorist. Start by understanding what your team needs, and then use Directorist to set up a directory that’s easy to use and navigate. Its features make it simple to add search functions and filters, so everyone can quickly find the information they need. Keep the directory updated regularly to ensure accuracy. By following these steps and utilizing Directorist, you can build a directory<\/a> that helps your team stay connected and informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf 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
We have discussed how to choose the requirements for creating a directory website in our detailed guide – Ultimate Guide to Create a Directory Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Directorist is a popular\u00a0directory website builder plugin<\/a>\u00a0that has\u00a0more than 20,000 users<\/strong>\u00a0from around the world with a\u00a04.7\u00a0<\/strong>customer rating out of\u00a05<\/strong>. It comes with the following benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Features include<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Premium features include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n See all the premium features from this link<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to pick the best directory website builder to create a staff directory site, Directorist is unparalleled. We believe this directory builder tool will be the perfect one to know how to start a directory website for staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Assuming your WordPress website is already set up and operational, you only need to follow these steps to create a staff directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Navigate to the WP Admin Dashboard > Plugins > Add New > Search for the keyword \u2018directorist\u2019 > Hit the \u201cInstall Now\u201d button (as indicated with arrows).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Next up, you need to activate and configure the setup wizard to make a fresh start. We recommend you to visit the official documentation<\/a> so that you can configure it perfectly or the way you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Directorist is compatible with all popular WordPress themes, so you can choose any theme you like. However, selecting a directory-specific theme can significantly enhance your website\u2019s overall appearance and functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To do this, we’ll use dList<\/a>. It supports Elementor and Gutenberg so that can easily edit with drag and drop feature. It also includes includes guest submission, pricing plans, claim listing, private content, advanced search, modern user dashboard, built-in SEO system, maps, custom fields, social login, translation and GDPR ready, WooCommerce and RTL Support and much more.<\/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 Then click on\u00a0Upload Theme > Choose File and select the theme file > Install Now<\/strong>.<\/p>\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. So, we recommend you hit the \u201cBegin Installing Plugins<\/strong>\u201d option to install them all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n And that\u2019s it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A directory website must be user-friendly in a way that visitors can find their listing item in a flash of an eye. Upon creating relevant categories, Directorist 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 Similarly, 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 A submission form helps to collect more data and lessen repetitive tasks. You can easily add a submission form by following Directorist > Directory Builder > Add Listing Form.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use “Form Fields” to customize your form as you preferred. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can add a registration process before submitting any information or can use “guest submission” feature that doesn’t require any registration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that, if you have enabled the moderation for add listings, you have to check the submitted listings and approve them from your dashboard from “WP dashboard > All Listings”<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, you can also add listings to your staff directory website by manually, navigate to the\u00a0WP Admin Dashboard > Directory Listings > Add New Listing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most staff listings will be added or submitted by company owners. You can review these listings to ensure they adhere to your community standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To add staff, company owners need to have a registration with your site. After the registration, they can freely add more staff from the \u201cAdd Listings<\/strong>\u201d option. You can check the progress whether the submission is okay or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Monetizing is what makes your directory website lucrative. With Directorist, you can monetize your staff directory website in many ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about monetization, read this guide – How to Monetize a Directory Listing Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To receive payment, you need payment gateway. Directorist supports both online and offline transfer method to receive payments. To add your bank account details, navigate to the\u00a0WP Admin Dashboard > Directory Listings > Settings > Monetization > Offline Gateways Settings > Insert your details > Save changes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n Note about Bank Transfer Gateway:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from the offline Bank transfer method, Directorist also supports online payment gateways like\u00a0Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.net<\/strong>. With PayPal Payment Gateway<\/a> extension, you can setup your online payment gateway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Post: How to Add Payment Gateways to Monetize Your Directory Website<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Upon successful setup, ensure a final check before the website goes live. Optimize your homepage, brand color, logo and other settings. Make sure that submission forms are working properly. After checking all the requirements, publish your directory website. We recommend to crosscheck by following this guide: Mistakes to Avoid While Building Your Online Directory<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Creating a staff directory website can be straightforward, especially with tools like Directorist. Start by understanding what your team needs, and then use Directorist to set up a directory that’s easy to use and navigate. Its features make it simple to add search functions and filters, so everyone can quickly find the information they need. Keep the directory updated regularly to ensure accuracy. By following these steps and utilizing Directorist, you can build a directory<\/a> that helps your team stay connected and informed.<\/p>\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\nWhy Choose Directorist?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
How to Build a Staff Directory Website with Less Effort<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Install & activate Directorist<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nStep 2: Install a directory theme<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nStep 3: Create categories & tags for your website<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 4: Add a Staff Listing Submissions Form <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 5: Monetizing your staff directory website<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Step 6: Adding payment gateway<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Step 7: Final Check and Publish<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wrapping up<\/span><\/h2>\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":"