Choosing Directory Software

Before selecting a directory script, it's best to spend a little time planning how your directory will function and look.  Planning for Success will help you define the features and functions a directory script must include in order to meet your needs.

Once you've defined the contents of your directory, you're ready to select your script.  But Google the phrase "directory script" and you'll get 288,000 results, plus a ton of ads.  With so many options, how will you know which one to choose? Mistakes can be costly – many directory scripts do not support easy template changes, easy migration to new software, or easy customization.  And many providers don't offer refunds.

Obviously you can rule out any script that doesn't have the features you want. Beyond that, the most important factors to consider are hosting requirements and usability.

 

Hosting Requirements  

If you already have a hosting provider, check that the script will work with that host's servers and database options. Some directory scripts only work on certain configurations.

Most scripts require PHP and MySQL, but some have a very limited range of compatibility so make sure you understand the requirements. If you make a mistake here, it's likely to cost you as most sellers don't give refunds.

If you don't yet have a webhost, make a note of the directory script's requirements and make sure you can find hosting that will run it before committing yourself to that script.
 

Usability

Usability refers ease of setup, use and quality of technical support.  If you're relatively new to websites and/or directories it's best to avoid scripts that require any code tweaking. All the scripts we’ve seen claim to be easy to use, but quite a few seem to require some code tweaking to run properly or to customize. Check the user forums to see how often and why code changes are suggested.

Look for 'point & click' usability, a detailed product manual and excellent technical support. Free installation is even better.

 

Don't stop there…

More questions that may influence your decision:
 

  • Will the script 'stand alone' or will you need to buy additional software to make it work?
  • How difficult will it be to get the look you want? Can you easily change the look of the 'front end'? Does the script come with changeable templates? If not, are third-party templates available for the current version of the script? Or will you have to pay for customization?
  • Can you import and export data files? You'll need this for backups and for transferring files to another host or directory script if necessary.
     
  • Does the script come with a ready-made category file? Zip code file? If so, you'll save a huge amount of time in setting up your directory.
  • Does the script support your desired language? For example, if your directory listings are in Spain, does the script come with a Spanish front end and back end? Some scripts support multiple languages on the front end (user side) only.
     
  • Can you get a refund if necessary? (Most often, the answer will be “no”.)
     
  • How many domains can you run the directory software on? How difficult will it be to change domains?
     
  • How much technical support can you count on? How good is it?
     
  • Is there a user discussion forum? Is there a tech support forum or knowledge base?
     
  • How difficult will it be to switch to a different directory script if you need to?
  • Will you have access to the source code?
     
  • Can you use your own web host? Some of the most robust scripts are hosted solutions.
     
  • Last but not least, does the price fit your budget? Don't forget to include the script itself, any add-ons or additional modules you'll need, premium support and programming assistance if you need it.

 

Did we miss something? Feel free to add your own selection tips in the comments!