Every membership organization can benefit from having a member directory—but it sure comes with a lot of information to juggle! That’s why online directory software is just what you need to keep up with member data without sending your admin team in circles.

We know a client who runs an entire 2,000-member online business all by herself in her spare time. How does she manage all that labor? 

She leaves most of the work up to her online directory software!

With this software in place, all of her members and listings are easily managed in one place. This makes it easy to help her members network, update their information and boost her business’s credibility.

Here’s what you need to know about online membership directory software—and our top picks!

What is Online Directory Software?

Directory software is a tool for building and managing any sort of online directory or listing website. It’s typically used by nonprofits, clubs, associations, chambers of commerce or any other organization that has a membership base.

Common features usually include detailed contact listings, member listings, map views, classifieds, events, articles, photo galleries and more! Not bad, right?

If you run an organization with a membership base, online membership directory software can provide you with:

• An all-in-one payment processor to accept and manage online payments
• An easy way to create, update and delete your online listings
• Easy ways for members to join your organization online
• An automatically updated contact database
• Email and newsletter templates to send to your contacts
• Website hosting and professionally designed website templates

Many of these tools also come with a mobile app to manage your directory on the go.

The best membership directory software makes your directory easy for your members to navigate and stress-free for your team on the back-end!

Try the Top Online Directory Software for Memberships for Free

According to Capterra, WildApricot is the #1 membership management software tool on the market!

Thousands of directory-based websites use WildApricot for managing their contacts, listings and memberships. That’s why over 20,000 organizations use us to manage their member listings every day.

Our features include:

• A drag and drop website builder
• A built-in emailing system (newsletters, anyone?)
• A mobile app
• A member directory
• A members-only area
• Automated member payments and renewals
• And more!

In just an afternoon you can have a full member directory setup on your brand new website, complete with a contact database, event listings and automated payments.

Pricing starts at just $48/month, and comes with a 60-day free trial. Plus, if you have any questions, we offer free support!

Click here to start your free trial of WildApricot.

“Members can self manage accounts. Automatic upgrades and easy to manage Web content. Automatic billing through predefined time periods etc. Ease of use. We were up and running in a few weeks. Data import was easy as well.”

– John Shakour, Laurelwood Swim Club

11 Powerful Online Directory Software Options

If you’d like to compare more options for online directory software tools, there are dozens of choices that are perfect for any type of organization,

We’ve made a list of our top picks (sorted alphabetically!) which includes cost and the highlights of each tool’s major features so you can focus on the solutions that suit your needs.

Here are 11 more online directory software options to consider:

1) 360Directories

360Directories is a tool that can be used by consumers, businesses and large-scale organizations. This software is especially targeted for chambers of commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) and other organizations with both businesses and individuals as members.

Why This Online Membership Directory Software Stands Out

• Print and mobile coupons
• Community event calendars
• Local job postings
• Site contests

360Directories also comes with a free demo.

Pricing: Available upon request

2) Brilliant Directories

Brilliant Directories is one of the most popular directory software options used by over 10,000 organizations. Its software aims to streamline all aspects of your membership website or association.

Why This Online Directory Software Stands Out

• Member management
• Payment processing
• Email marketing
• Lead-gen tools
• SEO tools
• Student, nonprofit and military discounts available

They have a free demo available upon request! DIY Setup is free, or you can get support assistance for $450.

Pricing: Starts at $150/month, with additional add-ons available for purchase. There is also a 7-day free trial.

3) Bitrix24

Bitrix24 is a robust employee management software with a social intranet network. With a flat rate for many features, it eliminates the need to be subscribed to a bunch of different SaaS solutions.

Why This Online Directory Tool Stands Out

• Activity streams
• Badges
• Announcements
• Photo galleries
• Workflows

Pricing: Free basic plan, and then pricing starts at $39/month.

4) DirectoryEngine

DirectoryEngine is a WordPress theme for building a highly-customized directory website. You can make money from your website by charging for listing submissions and offering ad space. 

Why This Online Directory Tool Stands Out

• Local payment gateways available
• Front-end customization with built-in content blocks & widgets
• SEO-friendly directory website structure
• 12 months of free updates and support

DirectoryEngine has a demo available on-demand if you want to see how this WordPress theme works for your organization.

Pricing: One-time payment of $89.

5) edirectory

edirectory is an all-in-one tool which empowers users to publish a variety of directory-based websites that help maximize advertising revenue.

Why This Online Membership Directory Software Stands Out

• A full mod-store
• Elaborate search functionality
• Advanced SEO reporting
• Fully customizable platform
• Mobile app

eDirectory has a demo available upon request.

Pricing: Starts at $99/month.

6) ezydir

ezydir is a robust directory software with multi-language support for businesses in the automobile, real estate, healthcare and other industries.

Why This Online Directory Software Stands Out

• Mobile apps
• Video galleries
• Maps geolocation
• Super and sponsor management
• Bulk import and export

Ezydir’s demo is available upon request, and has multiple pricing options.

Pricing: A downloadable version which you own can be accessed for a one-time payment of $1200. Otherwise, a hosted cloud-based version starts at $99/month.

7) GoClixy

GoClixy offers a business directory script which can be added to your website. It can help you create different membership plans, upload your logo and be online within minutes!

Why This Online Membership Directory Software Stands Out

• Free mobile app
• Featured listings
• Banner and adsense advertisements
• Membership plans

GoClixy has a demo available upon request, and comes with free first-time installation.

Pricing: Starts at a one-time payment of $149.

8) MarketGrabber

MarketGrabber offers a robust directory management software perfect for a number of niches including job boards, classifieds, events, real estate, auto/vehicle and horse listings.

Why This Online Directory Tool Stands Out

• Featured listings
• Unlimited categories
• Ad view counters
• Search engine optimization

Features can vary depending on your organization’s specific needs and you can get a demo available upon request. Plus, you can access enhanced design services (including 2 hours of support) from $199.

Pricing: One-time payment of $499.

9) OwnLocal

OwnLocal specializes in the processing, distribution and reporting of your directories. Their platform can help you with localized SEO and moving an offline directory (like newspaper listings) online.

Why This Online Directory Software Stands Out

• Search engine optimized
• Landing page creation
• Profiles updated from print ads

A demo from OwnLocal is available upon request.

Pricing: Available upon request.

10) Workfolio Directory

Workfolio Directory is an advanced, award-winning directory software. It is used by Fortune 500 enterprises, consulting firms, associations, universities, hospitals, law firms and government agencies all over the world. A great option for an established organization with a large membership!

Why This Online Directory Tool Stands Out

• Unlimited custom fields
• Profile templates
• Multiple profile variants
• Visibility controls

A free demo is available by request

Pricing: Free trial and then $250/month.

11) Templatic directory 

Templatic Directory is a WordPress theme software that can help you create, manage and monetize a directory site for whatever purpose you need. Its many tools allow you to make a detailed, customizable directory that best suits your membership base.

Why This Online Directory Tool Stands Out

• Bulk import/export data
• Search+ advanced form
• Easy user management
• Many directory child theme templates
• 30+ advanced paid directory extensions

Templatic Directory as a demo available on demand.

Pricing: Starts at $89. You can also contact Templatic to learn more about the Club price which gives you access to 90+ templatic themes.

We hope this list helps you determine the best directory website software for you! 

Choosing Your Perfect Online Directory Software

Member directories are a must-have for any membership organization, and getting set up with an online directory software is the key to making that tool really shine! As you explore your options, be sure to choose the one you think can do more for your organization with the least work.

Psst—we know we mentioned ourselves earlier, but WildApricot IS Capterra’s top choice for member management software.

Sign up for your 60-day free trial and start building the member directory of your dreams!

Additional Resources:

• The 22 Features Every Top Nonprofit Website Has
• 12 Practical Ways To Engage and Retain Members in Today’s World
• Why Your Association Needs an Online Membership Directory
• How to Add Value Through Your Membership Directory