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Overview

Creating a directory with DirectoryEasy is simple and straightforward. In just three steps—choose language, choose type, and complete the form—you’ll have a fully functional directory ready to customize and launch.

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Getting Started

After you sign in to DirectoryEasy, navigate to: 
https://directoryeasy.com/client/directories/new
You can create either a Standard (product/service-oriented) or Business (location-oriented) directory. Don’t worry—you can customize all fields later regardless of which type you choose.

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Required Fields

Before you begin, know that only these fields are required to create your directory:

Name

Your directory’s public name

Tagline

Short descriptive line for marketing

Subdomain

Your DirectoryEasy subdomain

Categories

At least one category with one subcategory
Everything else is optional and can be configured now or later!

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Three-Step Creation Process

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Step 1: Choose a Language

Select the language for your directory interface and content.

Multilingual Support

DirectoryEasy supports 22+ languages, making it easy to create directories for any global audience.Popular languages include: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, and many more.
Choose the primary language of your target audience. You can enable additional languages later through the Languages tab.

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Step 2: Choose a Directory Type

Pick the directory type that best matches your use case:
Product/Service-OrientedPerfect for directories focusing on:
  • SaaS products
  • Digital tools
  • Software services
  • Online platforms
  • Tech products
Default enabled fields:
  • Logo
  • Pricing information (lowestPrice, pricingModel)
  • Demo link
  • Coupons and offers
Default disabled fields:
  • Operating hours
  • Business phone
  • Location map
Don’t stress about this choice! You can customize which fields are enabled or disabled later in the Fields tab. This just sets convenient defaults.

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Step 3: Complete the Configuration Form

The creation form is organized into tabs for clean configuration. You can return and edit any setting after creation.

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Configuration Tabs

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General Tab

Configure your directory’s basic information and appearance.
Your directory’s public name that appears everywhere.Examples: “SaaS Directory”, “NYC Restaurant Guide”, “Tech Tools Hub”
Short descriptive line shown in hero and marketing areas.Examples:
  • “Discover the best SaaS tools”
  • “Your guide to NYC dining”
  • “Find your next favorite tool”
Longer introductory text that appears below the tagline.Example: “Browse hundreds of verified tools, compare features, and find the perfect solution for your needs.”
Customize the text for:
  • Add Listing button: Default “Add Listing” or customize to “Submit Your Business”, “List Your Tool”, etc.
  • Newsletter button: Default “Subscribe” or customize to fit your style
Add an optional call-to-action button in your hero section:
  • Button Text: What the button says
  • Button Link: Where it leads
Use cases: “Get Started”, “Learn More”, “Browse Premium”, “Join Now”
Upload visual assets for your directory:
  • Logo: Your brand logo (appears in header/footer)
  • Favicon: Small icon for browser tabs
  • Hero Image: Large background image for your homepage hero section
Toggle your directory’s visibility:
  • Active: Directory is live and accessible
  • Inactive: Directory is hidden (useful during setup or maintenance)

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SEO Tab

Optimize your directory for search engines and social sharing.
1

SEO Title

The title that appears in search engine results and browser tabs.Best practice: Keep it under 60 characters, include your main keyword.
2

SEO Description

The description that appears in search engine results.Best practice: 150-160 characters, compelling and keyword-rich.
3

SEO Keywords

Comma-separated keywords relevant to your directory.Example: “saas tools, software directory, business tools, productivity apps”
4

SEO Image

The Open Graph image used when your directory is shared on social media.Recommended size: 1200x630 pixels
Good SEO settings are crucial for organic traffic. Take time to craft compelling, keyword-optimized titles and descriptions.

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Social Tab

Connect your social media profiles to display throughout your directory.

Supported Platforms

Add profile links for any of these platforms:Popular: Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTubeTech/Community: GitHub, Discord, Reddit, Medium, TelegramVisual: TikTok, Pinterest, SnapchatThese links may display in your footer or header depending on your selected theme.

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Domain Tab

Configure your directory’s web address.
Your free DirectoryEasy subdomain: your-directory.directoryeasy.netRequirements:
  • Lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only
  • Must be unique across DirectoryEasy
  • Can be disabled later if using custom domain only
Examples:
  • saas-tools.directoryeasy.net
  • nyc-restaurants.directoryeasy.net
  • tech-directory.directoryeasy.net
Important: Custom domains can only be added after directory creation. DNS changes may take time to propagate globally.

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Fields Tab

Control which listing fields are enabled and required for submissions.
This directly controls:
  • What submitters must provide in the listing form
  • What’s validated during CSV import (required fields must be mapped)

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Always Required Fields

Core Fields

  • Name: Listing title (always required)
  • Categories: At least one category selection (always required)

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Optional Standard Fields

Toggle these on/off based on your directory type:
FieldStandard DefaultBusiness DefaultUse Case
Logo✓ Enabled✗ DisabledProduct/brand identity
Lowest Price✓ Enabled✗ DisabledPricing information
Pricing Model✓ Enabled✗ DisabledSubscription/one-time/free
Demo Link✓ Enabled✗ DisabledTry before you buy
Coupons✓ Enabled✗ DisabledDiscount codes
Operating Hours✗ Disabled✓ EnabledBusiness schedules
Business Phone✗ Disabled✓ EnabledContact number
Location Map✗ Disabled✓ EnabledPhysical location
You can change any of these settings later. The directory type just sets convenient defaults for your use case.

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Custom Fields

Extend Your Fields

Add custom fields from Customization → Custom Fields in the sidebar:Examples: Color, Size, Year Founded, Team Size, Country, IndustryEach custom field can be:
  • Marked as required or optional
  • Different field types (text, number, select, etc.)
  • Appears as custom_<fieldName> in CSV imports

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Categories Tab

Build your directory’s category structure with drag-and-drop ease.
1

Create Categories

Add top-level categories that organize your directory.Examples: “Project Management”, “Marketing Tools”, “Restaurants”, “Retail”
2

Add Subcategories

Each category must have at least one subcategory.Examples:
  • Project Management → Task Management, Team Collaboration, Time Tracking
  • Restaurants → Italian, Mexican, Japanese, American
3

Arrange with Drag & Drop

Reorder categories and subcategories by dragging them into your preferred order.
Cannot create directory without categories! You must have:
  • At least one category
  • Each category must have at least one subcategory

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Category Matching Mode

Choose how multiple category selections work:
Show listings that match any selected category.Example: Selecting “Italian” OR “Mexican” shows all Italian restaurants plus all Mexican restaurants.Best for: Broader searches, more results

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Pages Tab

Create custom pages for your directory.

Custom Content Pages

Add pages like:
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Pricing
  • How It Works
  • Careers/Hiring
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
Features:
  • Rich markdown editor for content
  • Save as draft or publish immediately
  • Fully customizable content
Depending on your plan, there may be limits to the number of custom pages you can create.
Manage your header navigation links.
Keep your navigation clean and focused—typically 4-7 main links work best for user experience.
Configure your directory’s footer appearance and content.
Customize your copyright notice.Example: ”© 2024 YourDirectory. All rights reserved.”
Choose which elements to show:
  • Contact information
  • Category links
  • Recent listings
  • Social media links

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Languages Tab

Enable internationalization for a global audience.
1

Enable Internationalization

Toggle on multi-language support for your directory.
2

Set Default Locale

Choose the primary language that users see by default.
3

Add Available Locales

Select which additional languages users can switch to.

Global Reach

Offering multiple languages can significantly expand your directory’s reach and user base. DirectoryEasy makes internationalization seamless.

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Creating Your Directory

Once you’ve configured all tabs:
1

Review Your Settings

Double-check that all required fields are filled, especially:
  • Name, Tagline, Subdomain
  • At least one category with subcategories
2

Click Submit

Submit your directory for creation.
3

Wait for Processing

DirectoryEasy creates your directory (typically takes seconds).
4

Access Your Directory

Once created, you can immediately access and start customizing your new directory!
Congratulations! Your directory is now live. You can continue customizing, add listings, and configure advanced features.

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Post-Creation Steps

After creating your directory, consider these next steps:

Design Customization

Customize colors, themes, and visual appearance

Advanced Customization

Add custom sections, scripts, and terminology

Configure Email

Set up email notifications for listings

Miscellaneous Settings

Configure features, verification, and display options

Tags & Monetization

Set up subscription plans and pricing

Automation

Configure automated publishing and featured listings

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Tips and Troubleshooting

Solution: Check the Categories tab first. Make sure you’ve:
  • Created at least one category
  • Added at least one subcategory to that category
This is the most common reason forms don’t submit.
Solution:
  1. Create the directory with a subdomain first
  2. After creation, go to domain settings
  3. Add your custom domain
  4. Complete DNS verification
  5. Wait for SSL provisioning (5-15 minutes)
Custom domains cannot be added during initial creation.
Solution: Choose the directory type closest to your use case. Remember:
  • Standard = Products/Services/Digital
  • Business = Physical locations/Local businesses
You can customize all fields later, so this isn’t a permanent decision!
Solution: All settings can be edited after creation! Navigate to your directory’s settings panel and modify any tab you need.
Solution: Subdomains must be unique across all DirectoryEasy users. Try:
  • Adding numbers (tech-tools-2024)
  • Adding your niche (saas-tools-directory)
  • Using hyphens differently (tech-tools-hub)

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Best Practices

Plan Your Categories

Think through your category structure before creating. Well-organized categories improve user experience.

Optimize for SEO

Invest time in writing good SEO titles and descriptions. This pays dividends in organic traffic.

Start Simple

Don’t enable every field and feature at once. Start lean and add complexity as needed.

Think Mobile-First

Most users will browse on mobile. Choose clear, readable designs and concise text.

Test Everything

After creation, test your directory from a visitor’s perspective. Submit a test listing, browse categories, etc.

Use Good Images

High-quality logos, favicons, and hero images create professional first impressions.

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Quick Reference

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Minimum Requirements Checklist

  • Name entered
  • Tagline written
  • Subdomain chosen (and available)
  • At least one category created
  • Each category has at least one subcategory
  • Directory type selected (Standard or Business)
  • Language chosen
  • Subheading for better context
  • SEO title, description, and image
  • Logo and favicon uploaded
  • Hero image added
  • Social media profiles linked
  • Footer configured
  • Navigation links organized

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What’s Next?

Now that you’ve created your directory, you’re ready to:
  1. Customize the design to match your brand
  2. Add your first listings to populate the directory
  3. Configure email notifications to keep users informed
  4. Set up monetization with subscription plans
  5. Enable automation for hands-off management

Ready to Launch?

With your directory created, you’re well on your way to building a successful platform. Follow the post-creation guides to customize and optimize your directory for success!