LeaveWP
Build Guide

Build a Directory Website Without WordPress

WordPress directory plugins are the worst offenders for bloat — they load scripts on every page even when the directory is on one page. Build a directory that's fast everywhere.

Start Building
The Old Way

The WordPress Approach

Required Plugins

1GeoDirectory ($199-399/year) — location-based directory
2Business Directory Plugin ($199-499/year) — business listings
3JetEngine + Crocoblock ($199/year) — Elementor-based directory
4Listing Pro Theme ($69 one-time + hosting) — directory theme
5Connections Business Directory (free/$59/year) — basic directory

Limitations

Map scripts (Google Maps JS) loaded on every page, not just directory pages
Search uses SQL LIKE queries — painfully slow with 1,000+ listings
Listing submission forms rely on WordPress user system with poor UX
Schema markup for local businesses requires yet another plugin
Mobile filtering and map experience is sluggish with heavy plugin JavaScript

Typical Cost

$200-500/year in plugins + $30-50/month hosting for database-heavy queries

The Modern Way

The Modern Approach

Next.js + Payload CMS + Algolia + Mapbox

Payload CMS stores listings with custom fields for location, categories, and contact info. Algolia handles instant geosearch. Mapbox renders interactive maps only on directory pages — not site-wide.

Instant search with geo-radius filtering — "restaurants within 5 miles"
Map only loads on pages that need it, keeping the rest of your site fast
Each listing generates a unique, SEO-optimized page
User-submitted listings with admin approval workflow
LocalBusiness schema markup auto-generated from listing data

WordPress vs. Modern Stack

WordPress

  • Map scripts (Google Maps JS) loaded on every page, not just directory pages
  • Search uses SQL LIKE queries — painfully slow with 1,000+ listings
  • Listing submission forms rely on WordPress user system with poor UX
  • Schema markup for local businesses requires yet another plugin
  • $200-500/year in plugins + $30-50/month hosting for database-heavy queries

Modern Stack

  • Instant search with geo-radius filtering — "restaurants within 5 miles"
  • Map only loads on pages that need it, keeping the rest of your site fast
  • Each listing generates a unique, SEO-optimized page
  • User-submitted listings with admin approval workflow
  • LocalBusiness schema markup auto-generated from listing data

Recommended Tools

Payload CMS

Listing management with custom fields, categories, and approval workflow

Free (self-hosted) or $50/month cloud

Algolia

Instant geo-search with faceted filtering

Free up to 10,000 requests/month

Mapbox

Interactive maps with custom markers and clustering

Free up to 50,000 map loads/month

Cloudinary

Image hosting and optimization for listing photos

Free up to 25,000 transformations/month

Vercel

Hosting with ISR for new listings

Free hobby tier, $20/month pro

Step-by-Step Build Guide

1

Set up Payload CMS with a Listings collection including fields for name, category, location (lat/lng), description, contact, and images

2

Build the Next.js directory frontend with a map view, list view, and individual listing pages

3

Integrate Algolia with geo-search for location-based filtering and facets for category, rating, and price range

4

Add Mapbox GL for the interactive map with marker clustering for dense areas

5

Create a listing submission form with Payload's draft/published workflow for admin approval

6

Add LocalBusiness schema markup to each listing page and generate a sitemap for all listings

7

Deploy to Vercel and set up ISR so approved listings appear within minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I handle thousands of listings without slow page loads?
Algolia indexes all your listings for instant search. Individual listing pages are statically generated via ISR. The map only loads on the directory page, not site-wide. This architecture handles 100,000+ listings easily.
How do I let users submit listings?
Build a submission form that creates draft listings in Payload CMS. Admins review and approve via the Payload admin panel. Approved listings trigger an ISR revalidation to go live on the site.
Can I charge for premium listings?
Yes. Add a Stripe integration for paid listing tiers — free basic listings and paid featured/premium listings with better placement and more photos. This is the standard directory monetization model.

Related Build Guides

Job Board

Without WordPress

Review/Rating Site

Without WordPress

Real Estate Listing Site

Without WordPress

Multi-Vendor Marketplace

Without WordPress

Explore related guides

Migrate WordPress → Next.jsComplete guide
Best CMS for SaaSTop picks
Leave Your WordPress Host15 hosting guides

Directory Website Guides

In-depth guides and tutorials to help with your migration

comparison

Best Website Builders for Small Business: Beyond WordPress

Compare the best website builders for small businesses. From Squarespace to Wix to modern alternatives—find the right fit.

13 min readcomparison

15 Best WordPress Alternatives in 2026: Complete Guide

Explore the top WordPress alternatives for blogs, portfolios, e-commerce, and business sites. From static site generators to no-code platforms.

14 min readcomparison

WordPress vs Webflow in 2026: Complete Comparison for Business Owners

Choosing between WordPress and Webflow? We compare pricing, ease of use, performance, SEO, and more to help you make the right decision.

15 min read

Ready to Build Your Directory Website?

Skip the plugin bloat. Build with modern tools or migrate your existing WordPress site.

Migrate Existing SiteBrowse Migration Guides