Business Directory Lite – Documentation

A modern, flexible, and lightweight directory plugin for WordPress.

1. Overview

Business Directory Lite is a fast and flexible WordPress directory plugin designed for agencies, communities, chambers, and service professionals who need a clean and easy way to publish directory listings.

Key capabilities:

  • Custom post type for business listings
  • Search & filter tools
  • List, Card, Full & Map views
  • Leaflet-powered maps (no API key required)
  • Logo upload
  • CSV Import
  • Fully responsive, theme-friendly
  • Seamless upgrade path to Business Directory Pro

2. Core Features

  • Custom Post Type: business_listing
  • Leaflet.js maps for the archive and single listings
  • Search by keyword, city, and state
  • Modern frontend templates
  • CSV importer with optional auto-geocoding
  • Logo upload support
  • Lifetime updates – no recurring fees

3. Installation

Install via WordPress

  1. Go to Plugins → Add New
  2. Search for Business Directory Lite
  3. Click Install → Activate

Manual Install

  1. Upload the plugin folder to /wp-content/plugins/
  2. Activate through the Plugins menu

Your directory will be available at:
/business-directory/

4. Creating Listings

  1. Go to Business Directory → Add New
  2. Enter your listing details:
    • Title
    • Description
    • Address
    • City, State, ZIP
    • Phone
    • Website
    • Logo
  3. Publish your listing

A map will appear automatically when coordinates are available.

5. Listing Field Reference

Business Directory Lite stores listing data using stable bd_ meta keys:

Field Meta Key
Address bd_address
City bd_city
State bd_state
ZIP bd_zip
Phone bd_phone
Website bd_website
Latitude bd_latitude
Longitude bd_longitude
Logo bd_logo_id

These are the same keys used in Business Directory Pro — ensuring seamless upgrades.

6. Maps

Archive Map

Displayed on /business-directory/ and shows all listings with coordinates.

Single Listing Map

Automatically displays below listing details using Leaflet + OpenStreetMap.

Map Requirements

  • No API key required
  • Coordinates must be present
  • Works globally

7. CSV Import

Navigate to Business Directory → CSV Import.

Required CSV columns:

title, description, address, city, state, zip, phone, website, lat, lng

If lat/lng are missing, enable auto-geocoding (requires OpenCage API key).

8. Settings

Located under Business Directory → Settings:

  • Default view (List / Card / Full / Map)
  • Auto-geocoding toggle
  • OpenCage API key
  • Display options

9. Customizing Templates

Template Overrides

You may override any frontend template by copying it into your theme.

Single Listing Template Override:

/wp-content/plugins/business-directory-lite/templates/single-business_listing.php
→
/wp-content/themes/your-theme/business-directory/single-business_listing.php

Archive Template Override:

archive-business_listing.php
→
your-theme/business-directory/archive-business_listing.php

10. Shortcodes

  • Full Directory:
    [business_directory]
  • Search Box:
    [business_directory_search]
  • Single Listing:
    [business_listing id="123"]

11. Troubleshooting

Map Not Showing

  • Latitude & longitude are missing
  • Auto-geocoding disabled
  • Conflict with lazy-loading scripts

Logo Not Displaying

  • Ensure bd_logo_id is saved

Listings Not Appearing

  • Go to Settings → Permalinks and click Save

CSV Import Issues

  • Ensure file is UTF-8
  • Check required columns

12. Upgrading to Pro

Business Directory Pro includes:

  • Advanced filters
  • Ratings & reviews
  • Claim listing functionality
  • Additional templates
  • Frontend submission
  • Category enhancements
  • More powerful CSV tools

No migration required.
Lite and Pro use the same post type and the same meta keys.

13. Support

Need help? Contact:

Email: rudym@web-search-pros.com