There are a million and one reasons to build out a directory, listing, or database website. From industry associations to realtors to local business owners, being able to organize and display information for your customers and users can make for a very useful website.
WordPress is an open source and comprehensive web development software solution that makes it simple and easy to design and publish personal websites or blogs. Moreover, WordPress has been developed by volunteers and its capabilities can be easily extended with the help of a wide array of community created and supported plug-ins. In the technical sense, a WordPress theme is a collection of files that are responsible for the appearance of the website. These include code files, style sheets, and graphics files. In a simpler term, a WordPress theme is a collection of design elements that affect the visual appearance of your website, including colors, layouts, sizes, etc.
- Pinegrow WP - Web Editor with WordPress Theme Builder. A desktop HTML editor with support for Bootstrap, Foundation and other frameworks that lets you visually build WordPress themes and convert static HTML websites to WordPress themes.
- ITheme2 is a revamp of iTheme that was originally released by Nick La. Now with the Themify framework, it is even better and have more options. It is the perfect theme for technology & Mac related blogs. It uses media queries to target different displays such as desktop, notebook, iPhone, iPad.
- MAC - Beautiful, Full-Screen WordPress Theme. The MAC theme features a grid-based homepage where each of the thumbnails leads to a striking full-screen individual photo. This pro WP theme is perfect for photographers and coded with the best SEO optimization practices in mind for 2020.
While there many ways to build different websites (bank, home care, government, etc.) with templates, you are likely here looking specifically for WordPress themes that specifically organize listing and directory information.
Themes are one of the “killer” features of using WordPress to power your website. Unlike drag and drop website builders , you start with a defined, beautiful template with built-in features. While some themes come with feature overkill (or a blank slate), there is a whole universe of themes customized for every type of website imaginable.
In fact, there are hundreds and hundreds of “off-the-shelf” WordPress themes for directories, listings, and databases that have stunning design and amazing functionality – like bulk editing, user submissions, and templated listing pages.
And, even better, WordPress themes are (supposed to be) open-source & GPL licensed so you gain access to a wide community of resources and help…which means you’ll never be left high and dry by a design firm. Some require a learning curve, and some are super-simple, but all have the versatility for a firm that wants an active online presence.
Here are the 9+ Best WordPress Themes for Directories, Listings, and Databases (+3 frameworks) curated from marketplaces and theme sellers around the Internet.
BusinessFinder+
BusinessFinder is a multi-lingual ready directory theme. It’s responsive with modern layouts and simple data input. Check out BusinessFinder+ here.
Themes For Wordpress Free Download
Directory
Directory is a free WordPress theme, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for a solid foundation to build up from – it was built just for directories/databases and online portals. The backend is easy to work with, and all the design features are wonderfully flexible – you can make the site look just like you want it. Check out Directory here.
Directory+
Directory+ is a premium, responsive WordPress theme. It’s probably the most comprehensive of all the themes on this list. The authors added a whole bunch of great features to a previously strong theme – and this theme was built specifically with portals and directories in mind. It’s design is classy & intuitive, and creates a great experience for your visitors. Check out Directory+ here.
Explorable
Explorable is a wonderful WordPress theme to use for your directory or database. It’s a free and responsive theme, and it’s incredibly flexible. It has a tool that allows you to create location based listings, and all of it’s design features can be customized to your website vision. Check out Explorable here.
Free Desktop Themes For Mac
Javo Directory
Javo Directory is an action-packed responsive, premium theme that carries some great qualities. Everything in it’s design is customizable, all the way down to the listing page and rating system. Plus, it’s PayPal-integrated if that’s a bonus that you’re looking for. It’s design is modern and upbeat. Check out Javo Directory here.
Jobify
Jobify has the classiest feel of all the themes on this list. This premium theme is fully responsive, and offers a great foundation for your database or directory site with all the bells and whistles. It’s original intent is for job boards, but since it’s flexible, it could easily be conformed to your needs. Check out Jobify here.
JobsFinder
JobsFinder is a full-featured job portal WordPress theme. It has a strong focus on fully-integrated features (including things like contact forms, maps, etc) to help you build a visually stunning jobs database/directory. Check out JobsFinder here.
JobTheme
Themes For Wordpress Free
JobTheme is another full-featured job portal WordPress theme. It has a flat design, but integrates a host of features directly into the theme for a straightforward creation of a visually stunning jobs database / directory. Check out JobTheme here.
TrimTheme
TrimTheme is a free, responsive WordPress theme that any minimalist will love. It’s clean and flexible, and is honestly a breath of fresh air. It’s flexible when it comes to all the design features, and has a very lightweight design – which means speed. Check out TrimTheme here.
Genesis Framework by StudioPress
A theme framework is a single theme with consistent, rich functionality that allows simple design changes across a range of themes. The Genesis is one of the oldest (and most cutting edge) theme frameworks in WordPress-land. Their theme has tons of well-documented features and “hooks” where you can implement infinite versatility for you or your clients.
StudioPress also has plenty of “plug and play” child themes for Genesis with several business-specific child themes that you can install out of the box. Check out Genesis by StudioPress here.
Elegant Themes Framework
Like Genesis by StudioPress, Elegant Themes is a large, established themes maker with their own theme framework. They also have a deep theme “club” where you get unlimited access to themes to download, try and swap out at-will. They are a great choice for a growing business that wants lots of versatile choices. Check out Elegant Themes here.
JetPack Themes
JetPack is the “Swiss Army Knife” plugin / add-on for WordPress. Unlike pure play theme providers, JetPack provides security & backup services for your website in addition to a plethora of useful tools for your website. But they also bundle access to a huge marketplace of premium themes that you can not only trust, but also feel confident in using since they provide in-WordPress customer support. Check out JetPack’s theme bundles here.
Next Steps
Using WordPress Themes is one of the best options out there for creating a directory, listing, or database website. Always be sure to use themes with high coding standards, and remember that a good theme is flexible and works well with other plugins.
If you’re considering creating a website with WordPress from scratch, here are some detailed guides on how to choose a theme, how to set up your website, how to choose your hosting company, and how to get started with WordPress.