Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory, Listings & Classified Ads

Reviewers keep praising the support team for fast, detailed replies and even custom feature work, with one long dissent calling the design flexibility oversold.

How well this listing is tuned to rank in WordPress.org search, on the factors an owner controls. Not popularity, optimization.

Directory searches this plugin turns up in, and which way each one is moving. WordPress.org publishes no history of search positions, so this starts the day we first tracked a keyword and never backfills.

wp.org is where the directory puts the plugin for that search. On merit is where it would sit if results were ranked on rating, support and updates, without the install boost. The last column is how far the wp.org position moved, from our first reading in the last 90 days to the latest.

467 searches this plugin appeared in over the last 90 days, 20 listed. 381 left out as unrelated or noise (years, numbers, stray words).

Directory rank vs rivals

wp.org popularity rank over time · higher is better · when a rival's line climbs above yours, they've overtaken you

How often this plugin actually ships. A steady rhythm is the maintenance signal a single "last updated" date can't show.

Share of active installs on each version of this plugin. Green is the current release; a big slice on older versions is a user base that has stopped updating.

Crossed into this band 19 months ago; the previous band took 3 years to cross, which places it about 51% of the way through.

1. ★★★★★ gotdonkeys

   4mo ago

   I started a directory website in 1999 if Directorist had been around then life would have sure been easier the last 25+years I stuck with a theme provider that gave no actual support and updates, and were few and far between maybe once every 2 years and all the support was on a  forum page that you had to keep your annual subscription active to have access to, so when I started looking for a solution for a directory theme I was running. I was fortunate enough to find Directorist I tried their free version that they offer to everyone and I could see right away that I wanted to step up and get all of the app extensions that they offer so on day two I subscribed to the “Agency” plan which is very reasonably priced Now my website is up and running with the new theme and all of the great extensions that are offered from Directorist but the real reason why anyone should even consider Directorist is there support team from day one they have been so helpful and answered any questions I had, and fixed any problems within hours of me submitting an help ticket  Or using the support team live chat

   Read on wp.org ↗
2. ★★★★★ headingwest

   5mo ago

   This is a great plugin that made my customer very happy. Support also assisted when I wanted to change the font size on the “SOLD” badge plus other support queries. So good to get actual support. Can’t recommend them highly enough.

   Read on wp.org ↗
3. ★★★★★ tabecu

   5mo ago

   Sorry for my english 😀 Guys! You’re amazing! You have help me several times, include you improved the plugin just because I need it on my website. Thank u a lot!

   Read on wp.org ↗
4. ★★★★★ lookingforhelp1

   5mo ago

   I have dealt with several WordPress plugin support staff and none of them compare to the detailed answers I get form Directorist Tech Support. When I send in a question, they generally send back 4-5 paragraphs detailing exactly how to address my question. I am very thankful the time they have saved me from researching endlessly, like I am forced to do with other plugin tech support, and we all know time is money. Thank you again to the Tech Support staff at Directorist!

   Read on wp.org ↗
5. ★★★★★ AnitaSmithers

   5mo ago

   I’ve been using Directorist for over a year. During that time there have been several important upgrades to the software. But to me, more notably, even better upgrades to Support and the assistance it lends. My directory is not a standard directory and I’ve wanted to build in some unusual capabilities. Support has helped me do those different kinds of things and my site is not only running very well, but it runs fast, too.

   Read on wp.org ↗
6. ★★★★★ Daniel

   5mo ago

   After searching weeks for a business directory solution, I finally came across Directorist. I downloaded the free version, got used to the workings on the backend, and started my business directory. This plugin is clean, bug-free, and easy to use. What stands out for me and puts this plugin above the rest is their modern outlook on directories, they write blogs on how you can make your directory successful, and they offer some great extensions. To top it all off, they are an amazing team and offer great customer service, they truly listen to their customers. If you are looking for a directory solution, you have just found it. This topic was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Daniel.

   Read on wp.org ↗
7. ★★★★★ justbrowzin

   5mo ago

   i just started using this plugin on my website, there was a feature i needed but wasn’t available so i contacted the company and they added that custom feature for me. Amazing custom experience , i would recommend for any one

   Read on wp.org ↗
8. ★★★★★ Rex Jones

   5mo ago

   I wanted to love Directorist. I really did. I spent the better part of 2023 through 2025 building a tourism directory on this plugin, and at every stage of that process, Directorist found a new and creative way to make me regret the decision. Let me be specific, because vague complaints help nobody. The design flexibility is a lie. Not a misunderstanding, not a matter of expectations. A lie. The marketing says customizable. The reality is that colors and styles are hardcoded into the plugin so deeply that changing something as basic as a listing card layout requires you to write custom CSS overrides on top of inline styles that the plugin injects whether you asked for them or not. You are not designing your directory. You are negotiating with someone else’s design, and they are not interested in compromise. The WordPress integration, which should be the entire point of being a WordPress plugin, is somehow the weakest part of the product. I lost count of how many times a perfectly normal WordPress theme or plugin would break the moment Directorist entered the room, like a guest who shows up to a dinner party and immediately picks a fight with the furniture. Custom code adjustments were not optional. They were a requirement just to get the thing to sit cleanly inside a standard WordPress installation. That is not a plugin. That is a second job. And then there are the major updates. This is where Directorist goes from frustrating to genuinely disrespectful of your time. I would spend weeks getting layouts right, working around the design limitations, writing custom code to patch the integration problems, and then a major update would roll through and flatten everything I had built like it had never existed. Not small regressions. Catastrophic, start-over-from-scratch destruction of work that represented real hours and real money. The kind of update that makes you sit at your desk and stare at your screen for a full minute before you can even begin to process what just happened. I tried to make this work for two years because switching platforms is painful and I kept believing the next version would be the one that finally respected the investment I had already made. It never was. Every major release was a coin flip between “minor annoyance” and “your site looks like it was assembled by someone who has never seen your site.” I eventually built my own directory system from scratch. Not because I wanted to. Because Directorist made it the only rational option. The fact that building an entire custom platform was less painful than continuing to use this plugin tells you everything this review cannot. If you are evaluating directory plugins right now, please hear me when I say this: the demo looks great, the feature list sounds impressive, and none of that matters once you start building something real on top of it. You will spend more time fighting Directorist than building your directory. That is not a tools problem. That is a product philosophy problem. And after two years, I am not convinced they know the difference. This topic was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by Rex Jones.

   Read on wp.org ↗

Recent releases and news for this plugin

1. — Version 8.8.7 Improved – FormGent email notifications now include the Directorist listing owner as a recipient. (#2916) Security – Hardened custom file uploads with capability checks, guest token validation, file field validation, and 8.8.7
2. — Version 8.8.6 Improved – Improved frontend performance by loading listing owner dashboard assets only on dashboard pages. 8.8.6
3. — Version 8.8.5 Improved – Settings panel search experience. (#2902) – Web push notification controls in the settings panel. (#2902) Fixed – Mobile dashboard sidebar and profile loader behavior. (#2904) – Single listing back button tap 8.8.5
4. — Version 8.8.4 Security – Fixed REST listing status update authorization to prevent unauthenticated status changes and restrict updates to permitted Directorist listings. (#2908) 8.8.4
5. — Version 8.8.3 Fixed – Security issue. (#2896) – SEO term warnings on taxonomy archives. (#2895) 8.8.3
6. — Version 8.8.2 Improved – Redesigned settings panel UX with refined navigation, section layouts, field controls, and responsive styling. (#2878) Fixed – PayPal extension download link in the setup wizard to install the latest compatibl 8.8.2

All 33 disclosed vulnerabilities are patched in the current version (8.10.7). Sites still on an older version should update.

1. Patched Medium · 6.4 Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory, Listings & Classified Ads <= 8.10.2.1 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via 'phone' Listing Field ↗
   2026-10-13 CVE-2026-100185 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation Affects <= 8.10.2.1 Patched in 8.10.3
2. Patched High · 8.1 Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory, Listings & Classified Ads <= 8.10.2.1 - Missing Authorization to Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary Listing Deletion via 'listing_id' Parameter ↗
   2026-10-13 CVE-2026-17092 Missing Authorization Affects <= 8.10.2.1 Patched in 8.10.3
3. Patched Medium · 4.3 Directorist <= 8.9.4 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Insecure Direct Object Reference ↗
   2026-09-21 CVE-2026-84150 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key Affects <= 8.9.4 Patched in 8.9.5
4. Patched Medium · 4.3 Directorist 3.1.0 - 8.9.4 - Missing Authorization ↗
   2026-09-21 CVE-2026-84098 Incorrect Authorization Affects 3.1.0 - 8.9.4 Patched in 8.9.5
5. Patched Medium · 5.3 Directorist 8.1 - 8.9.4 - Unauthenticated Information Exposure ↗
   2026-09-21 CVE-2026-84026 Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor Affects 8.1 - 8.9.4 Patched in 8.9.5
6. Patched Medium · 4.3 Directorist 8.9.1 - 8.9.4 - Missing Authorization ↗
   2026-09-21 CVE-2026-84027 Missing Authorization Affects 8.9.1 - 8.9.4 Patched in 8.9.5
7. Patched Medium · 6.4 Directorist <= 8.9.4 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Server-Side Request Forgery ↗
   2026-09-21 CVE-2026-84046 Server-Side Request Forgery Affects <= 8.9.4 Patched in 8.9.5
8. Patched Medium · 4.3 Directorist 8.5 - 8.9.4 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Insecure Direct Object Reference ↗
   2026-09-21 CVE-2026-77766 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key Affects 8.5 - 8.9.4 Patched in 8.9.5
9. Patched Medium · 4.3 Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory, Listings & Classified Ads < 8.9 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Insecure Direct Object Reference ↗
   2026-09-04 CVE-2026-84066 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key Affects < 8.9 Patched in 8.9
10. Patched Medium · 4.3 Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory, Listings & Classified Ads 8.5 - 8.9.2 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary Image Move ↗
    2026-08-28 CVE-2026-77757 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory Affects 8.5 - 8.9.2 Patched in 8.9.3
11. Patched High · 7.5 Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory, Listings & Classified Ads <= 8.8.2 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) PHP Object Injection ↗
    2026-07-09 CVE-2026-59518 Deserialization of Untrusted Data Affects <= 8.8.2 Patched in 8.8.3
12. Patched Medium · 5.3 Directorist <= 8.5.10 - Missing Authorization ↗
    2026-02-22 CVE-2026-39509 Missing Authorization Affects <= 8.5.10 Patched in 8.6.1
13. Patched Medium · 4.3 Directorist <= 8.6.6 - Missing Authorization ↗
    2026-01-27 CVE-2025-68069 Missing Authorization Affects <= 8.6.6 Patched in 8.6.7
14. Patched Medium · 5.8 Directorist <= 8.6.6 - Unauthenticated Open Redirect ↗
    2025-12-15 CVE-2025-64250 URL Redirection to Untrusted Site Affects <= 8.6.6 Patched in 8.6.7
15. Patched Medium · 6.5 Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory Plugin with Classified Ads Listings <= 8.5.2 - Missing Authorization to Authenticated (Subscriber+) Data Export and Slug Update ↗
    2025-11-18 CVE-2025-12174 Missing Authorization Affects <= 8.5.2 Patched in 8.5.3
16. Patched High · 8.1 Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory Plugin with Classified Ads Listings <= 8.4.8 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary File Move ↗
    2025-10-24 CVE-2025-10488 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory Affects <= 8.4.8 Patched in 8.4.9
17. Patched Medium · 5.3 Directorist <= 8.2 - Missing Authorization to Unauthenticated Arbitrary Post Publishing ↗
    2025-03-24 CVE-2025-2224 Missing Authorization Affects <= 8.2 Patched in 8.3
18. Patched High · 8.1 Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory Plugin with Classified Ads Listings <= 8.1 - Privilege Escalation and Account Takeover via Weak OTP ↗
    2025-02-27 CVE-2025-1570 Weak Password Recovery Mechanism for Forgotten Password Affects <= 8.1 Patched in 8.2
19. Patched Medium · 5.3 Directorist – AI-Powered WordPress Business Directory Plugin with Classified Ads Listings <= 8.0.12 - Unauthenticated User Information Exposure ↗
    2025-01-31 CVE-2024-12041 Exposure of Private Personal Information to an Unauthorized Actor Affects <= 8.0.12 Patched in 8.1
20. Patched Medium · 5.3 Directorist <= 7.8.6 - Missing Authorization ↗
    2024-04-29 CVE-2024-33929 Missing Authorization Affects <= 7.8.6 Patched in 7.9.0
21. Patched Medium · 5.3 Directorist <= 7.8.4 - Missing Authorization to Unauthenticated Settings Change ↗
    2024-02-12 CVE-2024-1322 Missing Authorization Affects <= 7.8.4 Patched in 7.8.5
22. Patched Low · 3.8 Directorist <= 7.7.1 - CSV Injection ↗
    2023-09-05 CVE-2023-41798 Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File Affects <= 7.7.1 Patched in 7.7.2
23. Patched High · 8.8 Directorist <= 7.5.4 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary User Password Reset to Privilege Escalation ↗
    2023-06-01 CVE-2023-1888 Improper Input Validation Affects <= 7.5.4 Patched in 7.5.5
24. Patched Medium · 6.5 Directorist <= 7.5.4 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Insecure Direct Object Reference to Arbitrary Post Deletion in listing_task ↗
    2023-06-01 CVE-2023-1889 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key Affects <= 7.5.4 Patched in 7.5.5
25. Patched High · 7.2 Directorist <= 7.5.3 - Authenticated (Administrator+) Local File Inclusion ↗
    2023-05-10 CVE-2023-2252 Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program Affects <= 7.5.3 Patched in 7.5.4
26. Patched Medium · 4.3 Appsero <= 1.2.1 - Missing Authorization ↗
    2022-12-16 Missing Authorization Affects <= 7.7.1 Patched in 7.7.2
27. Patched Medium · 4.3 Appsero <= 1.2.0 - Cross-Site Request Forgery ↗
    2022-12-14 CVE-2022-47150 Cross-Site Request Forgery Affects <= 7.7.1 Patched in 7.7.2
28. Patched Medium · 4.3 Directorist <= 7.4.3 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Sensitive Information Disclosure ↗
    2022-11-28 CVE-2022-3961 Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor Affects <= 7.4.3 Patched in 7.4.4
29. Patched High · 8.8 Directorist <= 7.4.2.1 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Insecure Direct Object Reference to Arbitrary User Password Change ↗
    2022-11-21 CVE-2022-3930 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key Affects <= 7.4.2.1 Patched in 7.4.2.2
30. Patched High · 7.5 Directorist <= 7.3.0 - Sensitive Information Disclosure ↗
    2022-08-10 CVE-2022-2376 Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor Affects <= 7.3.0 Patched in 7.3.1
31. Patched Medium · 6.3 Directorist – WordPress Business Directory Plugin with Classified Ads Listings <= 7.2.3 - Missing Authorization ↗
    2022-07-26 CVE-2022-2377 Missing Authorization Affects <= 7.2.3 Patched in 7.3.0
32. Patched High · 7.2 Directorist <= 7.2.2 - Authenticated (Admin+) Arbitrary File Upload ↗
    2022-07-18 CVE-2022-2046 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type Affects <= 7.2.2 Patched in 7.2.3
33. Patched High · 8.8 Directorist <= 7.0.6.1 - Cross-Site Request Forgery to Arbitrary File Upload ↗
    2021-11-16 CVE-2021-24981 Cross-Site Request Forgery Affects <= 7.0.6.1 Patched in 7.0.6.2

Translated into 21 languages, 0 at 90% or more

Whether ChatGPT and Claude name this plugin when asked the category question, and whether the readme gives them something to quote.

Not measured yet for this plugin’s topics. Its tracked searches are not among the measured topics. See the topics measured so far.

Growth timeline

Install-tier crossings we have observed, and how long each tier took to outgrow

1. 2025-04-22 10K+ → 20K+ up after 1103 days in tier
2. 2022-04-15 9K+ → 10K+ up after 26 days in tier
3. 2022-03-20 8K+ → 9K+ up after 190 days in tier
4. 2021-09-11 10K+ → 8K+ down after 32 days in tier
5. 2021-08-10 6K+ → 10K+ up after 272 days in tier
6. 2020-11-11 4K+ → 6K+ up after 200 days in tier
7. 2020-04-25 3K+ → 4K+ up after 194 days in tier
8. 2019-10-14 2K+ → 3K+ up

Competes with

The plugins that solve the same job, ranked by shared tags then reach, closest match first. The letter on the right is each plugin's health grade (A best, F worst).

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Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory, Listings & Classified Ads: 20K+ active installs, 4.6★ (698 reviews). Plugin Pulse (WP Mayor), as of 2026-11-02. https://plugins.wpmayor.com/plugin/directorist