8 Awesome Directory Website Builders in 2026

One of the big reasons people join membership programs is to find a community — and what better way to create connections than by building an online member directory?

Don’t be daunted by the idea of building a website — the right directory website builder can make it easy!

There are a lot of options out there, so we’ve made you a list of our 8 favorite directory website builders for 2025.

Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of having a directory website and how to choose the right software for your organization’s needs:

What is a Directory Website?

Think of directory websites as a specialized online catalog. It offers a list of links to external websites and resources that connect back to a shared topic.

For example:

A member directory provides a place where members of an organization can network.
A business directory helps people find relevant businesses that can meet their needs.
A job directory connects employers with job hunters.

All of these directory examples could be useful for any membership organization — talk about a major perk for becoming a member!

Back in the day, many directories were on paper, but thanks to online directory software, people can now find what they’re looking for with the click of a button. The best directory website builder should have you set up in a matter of hours. Who doesn’t love some convenience?

Why Your Organization Needs a Membership Directory

As we briefly mentioned, directories add value to your membership program — but a membership directory, specifically, goes above and beyond!

Create Value for Your Members

Members are members because they care about your mission. Why wouldn’t they want to connect with others who feel the same? A luncheon or event offers a couple of hours to network, but a membership directory makes the perk last year-round!

Build Credibility for Your Organization

A membership directory doesn’t just help your members out—it also gives your organization a boost of credibility. Think of it this way: if everyone’s gathering at your water cooler, you’ve got to know what you’re talking about! And when people get useful news and updates from your directory, they’ll always consider your organization as a trusted source of industry content.

Build Website Authority Through Backlinking

Where there’s a link, there’s a way. If you’re just dipping your toes into the world of search engine optimization, or SEO, you should know that Google LOVES a backlink. By linking to credible external websites, you make your website look more valuable. It’s important to evaluate your SEO when considering backlinks.

This means your website will rank higher on all sorts of search engines, getting you more organic traffic. It’s essential to build trust with search engines, just like you do with your supporters!

What to Include in Your Website’s Directory

Curious about how to build a directory website that has all the information you need?

Here are the essentials:

Business name
Address and phone number
Opening hours
Membership directory photos and images
Video
A comprehensive description
Categories
A map listing
Reviews
Social links

If you’re looking for some solid website directory examples, check out these 5 options built using the WildApricot member directory template.

As the number one membership management software, WildApricot’s website builder has a directory template included to keep everything in one place.

Start a free trial of WildApricot today. Click here

What to Look For in a Directory Website Builder

Building a directory website shouldn’t be a chore! Your individual directory will depend on the needs of your organization, but there are a few must-haves to keep in mind.

The best directory website builder should include:

✅ Simple setup	You shouldn’t have to learn to be a web designer to build your online directory. A directory is meant to make your life easier, not harder.
✅ No coding needed	Build a website that looks good and works well without technical expertise, and without hiring an expensive website developer. Choose from a variety of website themes with many ways to make it your own.
✅ Preset essential pages	Imagine if you had to create a search page from scratch! There are some things that every directory needs — your website builder should take those into account from the start.
✅ Plugins and integrations	On the other hand, there are some specific needs you’ll find you have. A wide range of plugins and integrations will help you customize your directory.
✅ Easy system management	Keep in mind that your team will be doing administrative work on the backend. Your directory website builder should run smoothly on both the front and backend.
✅ Monetization	You might want to charge members for access to your directory. Ensuring it includes a built-in payment processing will make it easy to pay and get paid!
✅ SEO readiness	If your page is search engine optimized, or SEO optimized, both on- and off-page, it’ll be much easier to get clicks and track results. Look for a website builder that supports meta descriptions, image optimization and more.
✅ Reliable support	When you have questions about your online directory software (and it’s okay to have questions!), you don’t want to have to go hunting for help. The right directory website builder will come with a helpful and easy-to-reach support team.

Whether you choose to go with a paid or free directory website builder, don’t compromise on the essentials! Having these elements in place from the start will save you stress in the long run.

8 Powerful Directory Website Builders

A quick Google search will show you that there are tons of tech options for building directory websites. To save you some time, we’ve gathered our 8 favorites. Check out the features, pricing and subscription plans to see which one is best for your organization!

1. WildApricot

Best for small membership organizations

WildApricot Website Directory Builder Software

WildApricot is the #1 membership management software for small associations, nonprofits, clubs, state and local chapter organizations. Along with features like a website builder, a member database, and event management tools, we also have an easy-to-use member directory gadget! It’s the ideal choice if you’re looking for tools to manage your membership as a whole rather than just creating a directory.

We’ve also shown exactly how to create a directory in WildApricot later on in this post — skip there now if you want to get started!

Features We Love

Drag-and-drop website builder
Customizable directory settings
Secure payment processing
Members-only areas
Free set-up guide
Integrations with WordPress and more

Pricing

60-day free trial, and then plans starting at $63/month.

2. MemberClicks

Best for medium-sized membership organizations

MemberClicks is a cloud-based membership software for associations, chambers of commerce and other member-based organizations. Its powerful features help you automate tasks, boost engagement, generate revenue and connect with your members in one central platform.

Both MC Professional and MC Trade help you easily set up business or individual member directories! This is definitely the best directory website builder for associations.

Features We Love

Built-in reports
Automated accounting tools
Job board
Personalized member profiles
Conference app

Pricing

Book a demo to see MemberClicks in action and get a quote.

3. Brilliant Directories

Best for member directories

Brilliant Directories is used by over 10,000 organizations, making it one of the most popular directory website builders out there. Its software supports member management, payment processing, SEO tools, website support and, most importantly, TONS of directory options.

Features We Love

Manages 100,000 members
Unlimited categories
Unlimited admin accounts
App-Ready for Android & iOS
Tons of themes
Source code access

Pricing

Free demo and 7-day free trial.

Monthly Plan: $145/month
Yearly Plan: $950/year
Lifetime Plan: $1,450

Additional add-ons are also available for purchase.

4. DirectoryEngine

Best for member payment options

If you want to build a directory website with WordPress, DirectoryEngine is a great option! This WordPress theme is highly customizable, and lets you make money by charging for listing submissions and ad space.

Features We Love

Built-in content blocks and widgets for front-end customization
Multiple payment plans for users
Local payment gateways
Super SEO-friendly
12 months of free updates and support included

Pricing

One-time payment of $89, with higher prices for more extensions. Demo available.

5. ListingProWP

Best for easy plugins

Another way to build a directory website with WordPress is by using ListingProWP! This theme is an end-to-end directory website builder that requires zero paid plugins. Plus, it’s super quick and easy to set up.

Features We Love

Easy set up
Highly advanced search system with live suggestions
Instant filtering options
Form builder
Ad management

Pricing

One time payment of $69.

6. Appy Pie

Best for affordability

If you’re looking to try something a little different, Appy Pie is an app builder that can be used for making a directory website. It’s simple to use, and can be launched in three simple steps: name the website, create the main pages and go live! It’s also one of the most affordable options on this list.

Features We Love

Very mobile friendly
Drag-and-drop interface—no coding required!
Responsive support team
SEO features
Many integrations

Pricing

Basic plan starts at $16/month.

7. Glue Up

Best for member engagement

Glue Up knows and loves associations, nonprofits, and chambers. It’s a platform that got its start offering event management technology before becoming a full-blown engagement platform. And maybe the coolest thing about Glue Up? Its platform is powered by AI and uses the data you already collect from members to help make membership management easier

Features We Love

Customizable search and filter
AI-powered CRM
Speed networking
Multi-chapter management
WordPress and social media integrations

Pricing

Pricing starts as low as $2,500 per year. Contact their sales team to get a quote.

8. GoClixy

Best for business directories

GoClixy is a business directory script you can easily add to your organization’s websites. Not only is it easy to set up and super SEO-friendly, but it also comes with an admin panel to customize your website with only a few clicks.

Features We Love

Responsive CSS design
Banner and adsense advertisements
Membership tiers
Supports multiple languages
Rewards for member referrals

Pricing

Starts with a one-time payment of $199 (they frequently offer discounts down to $89!). Demo available upon request, plus free first-time installation.

How to Make Your Directory Website in 5 Steps

Ready to get started? Here’s how to launch your directory website builder in 5 easy steps!

1. Choose Your Directory Niche

One key part of building a directory website is choosing your niche. Consider: do you want a space that’s for a specific industry, or based around a central location? Do you want it to be a members-only exclusive?

While it’s not so different learning how to build a business directory website versus a membership website, the needs for each site might be different. For example, an association membership directory might benefit from having search options for both organizations and individuals.

2. Plan Your Web and Listing Structure

Before you build a directory website, take some time to visualize what you want the final product to look like. Try drawing a wireframe (or using a wireframe app!) for both the site and the individual listings. Knowing your wants and needs will help you choose the best directory website builder for you.

Your website can either be simple or offer more complex features at different subscription plans. Just be sure it includes those must-have elements we mentioned earlier so Google doesn’t ignore you! The heftier a listing is, the more findable it’ll be for users and search engines.

3. Prep Your Brand Materials

Branding branding branding! When users visit your directory, they should immediately know that it’s YOURS.

Your online directory branding should include:

A directory name that’s tied to your organization
Your organization’s logo
A consistent color scheme & fonts

Keep the niche front and center. When people go to your directory, they should immediately know what it’s useful for and what makes it special!

4. Pick a Platform

Once you’ve got a solid idea of your wants and needs, it’s time to choose your directory website builder. Keep an eye out for platforms that offer demos or free trials—actually giving software a test drive is the best way to see how it feels.

Better yet, shop around and try a few platforms out. It always helps to know your options!

(Psst—we shared 8 of our favorite examples above, along with the features and perks of each!)

5. Build your website

This one’s pretty self-explanatory: build a directory website! Use your platform’s support features if you get stuck, and check in with other team members about how it’s looking along the way. Factor some troubleshooting time into your planning, and run the final product by your board of directors before you go live.

Create a Directory Website in 7 Steps with WildApricot

The best part about WildApricot’s website building software is how user-friendly it is! You don’t need coding experience to build, edit and customize your site – simply drag and drop elements onto any page. Plus we have tons of templates to choose from to get you started.

To build your new directory:

1.) In the main admin home page, navigate toAdmin > Website > Site pages.

2.) If you’re looking to house your directory on a new page, select Add page. If you already have an existing page, simply click Edit.

3.) On the left side panel click the Gadgets icon to display the list of available gadgets.

4.) Drag the Member Directory Gadget from the list and drop it where you want your directory to appear on the page. You can insert it into a section within a layout, or above or below a layout.

5.) Once your member directory gadget is in the perfect place, hover your cursor over it and click the Settings icon.

6.) Gadget Settings will be on the left side panel. Here you can customize your member directory settings like which members to show, search and filter options and the layout of your directory.

7.) Click Save to save the changes to the page.

6 Directory Website Examples to Inspire You

All of these directories were built with WildApricot’s software! Each highlights some of the customizations you can make to your directory, allowing you to showcase your organization’s branding and personality!

The Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce

Prince George’s Senior Provider Network (PGSPN)

The Evergreen Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce of Ladonia

Ambitious Women of Color Association

How to Build a Directory Website You’re Proud Of

Having an online directory is a fantastic way to add value to your membership program and build legitimacy for your organization. We hope this list has got you feeling ready to take the leap with your directory website builder!

And hey, if you’re looking for a little more support, sign up for a 60-day free trial with WildApricot. We’ll help you get your directory set up in no time, and show you everything else our membership management software can do for your organization!