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Is a Directory WP Theme necessary?

by CleanMountainLiving
1 replies
I've seen a couple of threads recently, and actually asked myself a few months ago, about wordpress directory themes.

But, you can do the same thing with really any theme, right?

Just have categories on your home page, linking to the pages that are set up for the local businesses.

So, you have newyorkrestaurants dot com, then have categories set up for Italian, Chinese, Mexican, French, American, etc, and then under each category build a page for your "clients".

It seems like, when constructed properly, this framework would benefit both your main site, and each individual page, from an SEO standpoint.

And, you could certainly develop a template for each client page...1 picture, a google map, phone number, menu (or whatever), etc.

Am I over simplifying? Or, do the directory themes really provide that much benefit in ease of use? SEO?

G
#directory #theme
  • Profile picture of the author Russell Hall
    Originally Posted by CleanMountainLiving View Post

    I've seen a couple of threads recently, and actually asked myself a few months ago, about wordpress directory themes.

    But, you can do the same thing with really any theme, right?

    Just have categories on your home page, linking to the pages that are set up for the local businesses.

    So, you have newyorkrestaurants dot com, then have categories set up for Italian, Chinese, Mexican, French, American, etc, and then under each category build a page for your "clients".

    It seems like, when constructed properly, this framework would benefit both your main site, and each individual page, from an SEO standpoint.

    And, you could certainly develop a template for each client page...1 picture, a google map, phone number, menu (or whatever), etc.

    Am I over simplifying? Or, do the directory themes really provide that much benefit in ease of use? SEO?

    G
    In theory and principle you're right. You can take any WordPress theme and set it up as you've indicated.

    Having said that,... there's a huge difference bewteen setting up a site that theoretically works to a structure and one that is easy for the site visitor to navigate and is attractive enough for them to revisit.
    Also,.. you need to look at it from the client's perspective. Are you creating a site that they see as being attractive from a design perspective? One which they'd like to have their business associated with? Is it prestigious or stylish enough? etc etc.
    My advice is to go with a commercial theme by a proven developer that provides theme support. Don't quibble at paying $40 to $100 for any proven directory theme because all the hard work is already done for you and you'll save a truckload of time and headaches trying to reinvent the wheel.

    Cheers,
    Russ :-)
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    Mvlti svnt vocati, pavci vero electi - Many are called [but] few are chosen

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