Choose directory software
You have decided to set up a directory, now you need to decide which software to use to implement it. There are several very good directory scripts available, often free or at low cost. Before you select one there are a few things to consider:
- How much computer programming knowledge is needed to install and use the software?
- How simple and intuitive is the user interface?
- How simple and intuitive is the admin interface?
- Do you want to write your own template, order one specifically written for you, or choose from available free templates?
- Has the software got an active support forum that appears helpful and ready to answer questions (spend a while at the forums before choosing, it will be clear pretty quickly whether problems are being solved efficiently)?
- Is there sufficient flexibility in the pricing options and periods you can set in the directory?
There are some great free templates around, although the best tend to get a bit over-used. Make sure your directory software will have the flexibility you need for your own project. Do try and have your own look to your directory - it is a bit boring when they all look the same, and you want to try and stand out from the hundreds of others.
Pretty much all directory software will require that your site is hosted with PHP/MySQL access. This is normal for most hosts, especially Linux, but not all. Free hosts in particular often have restricted capabilities. For other system requirements, check the individual websites shown below.
I am not going to tell you which directory software you should choose - that depends on your requirements as above, and will inevitably be different for different people and different needs.
If you have done a reasonable amount of site submissions you will know the ‘house look’ for these different directory scripts, and probably already have a personal preference. And most important - I have used two of these scripts, but not the other two, so I can’t comment on them. If and when I start another directory I’ll probably try a third. They are all pretty darn good!
Important note: directories levy an additional charge if you want to remove the link to the directory software company from the bottom of each page. Do NOT remove this link without making this payment. First, it’s unethical, and second when you try and promote the directory someone will notice and you’ll be very embarrassed. The link is part of the reason why companies provide free / cheap software in the first place. Often the same will apply to the creator of the template you use.
Enough lecturing, the main contenders are:
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With free and paid (currently $49) versions and some nice templates to choose from, on the same site.
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With free and paid (currently $60, enables the copyright link to be removed) versions. Easy to use and setup, less templates than some, but easily modifiable CSS file.
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This is currently a very popular directory software, both in its free (version 2) and paid (version 3, $25 or $75 if link is removed) versions. Version 3 has more features. Access to the version 3 forum is an extra $10 so you won’t be able to visit beforehand, but whenever I have had queries they have been answered very quickly.
Lots of templates, both free and paid, are available.
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www.indexscript.com/download.php
Nice looking, free directory software, or $30 if you want to remove the link. Usually modified by the simple to follow CSS file.
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Final comment: if I have missed any other directory scripts, please let me know and I’ll add them in. Just because I don’t know about them doesn’t mean they are no good!
Next episode coming soon…choosing your categories.