Before the internet, a directory was a big book with a list of names, companies, and products that were updated yearly or quarterly.
Today directories are very different and far more useful, allowing organizations to network and build connections, legitimize their business, and grow their visibility. Unsurprisingly, many membership management platforms today include them as part of their platform.
Read on to learn more about the rise of online directory software, how it can benefit you, and the nine best online directory software providers you can use.
The rise of online directory software
Thanks to technology, directories look very different today. Where a physical directory was only as up-to-date as the day it was published, an online directory is:
- Easy to update
- Searchable
- Saveable
- Environmentally friendly
For membership-based organizations like chambers of commerce and associations, the versatility of an online directory and the many other benefits (discussed next) make directories an invaluable tool.
That’s why many membership management software platforms have online digital directory systems built in.
Benefits of having an online directory
One of the main benefits of having an online directory is how versatile it is. No matter the structure of your organization, this tool has something to offer. Let’s explore the difference between how a chamber versus an association can use a directory.
A chamber of commerce can use a business directory to:
- Host advertising space for businesses
- Help communities get to know local businesses
- Grow visibility for up-and-coming local businesses
A chamber’s directory is like one big meet-and-greet! Anyone who’s curious about a business can get information on it quickly and accessibly.
How Associations and Chambers Use Online Directory Software
An online directory does more than display names and contact information, it connects people and keeps your community active. When your directory integrates with your membership database, it becomes a powerful engagement and administrative tool for both your team and your members.
For associations, an online directory helps:
- Strengthen professional networks by connecting members with shared industries or goals
- Highlight credentials and certifications to improve member credibility
- Support job seekers and employers by listing career opportunities
- Encourage collaboration by showcasing committees, interest groups, or local chapters
(If you want to see how deeply your members are actually engaging with your organization, you might also benefit from a Customer Relationship Management system!)
For chambers of commerce, directories can:
- Spotlight local businesses to boost visibility and community trust
- Offer paid advertising or featured listings for additional non-dues revenue
- Create a go-to hub for residents to discover and support local companies
And for internal users, the benefits go even further:
- Reduce administrative time by automatically syncing member information with your AMS or CRM
- Keep member data accurate and searchable with real-time updates
- Provide valuable insights into member engagement and visibility metrics
With modern directory software, organizations can deliver networking and exposure opportunities around the clock—without the added time or cost of managing print publications or manual updates.
How to Choose the Right Online Directory Software
Choosing the best online directory software depends on your organization’s goals, size and tech ecosystem. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Integration Capabilities: Ensure your directory connects seamlessly with your membership management system, CRM or AMS for real-time updates.
- Ease of Use: Look for tools with intuitive dashboards and self-service options for both admins and members.
- Customization: Your directory should reflect your organization’s brand and structure—look for flexible templates and listing layouts.
- Scalability: Choose software that can grow with you, whether you’re adding new member tiers or expanding your community reach.
- Pricing Model: Review pricing carefully. Some tools charge by listing volume or offer tiers based on features.
- Support and Training: Responsive customer support and strong onboarding resources are essential for smooth adoption.
Taking time to evaluate these factors will ensure your directory software enhances your membership experience.
The 9 best online directory software options
In order to choose your ideal online directory software, consider the needs of your organization. Here are 10 of the best options of software for building an online directory.
1. MemberClicks
The MemberClicks all-in-one solution helps your association or chamber engage your members and increase revenue. Use powerful features to save time, grow your membership, increase revenue, improve communication, build your community, and understand your members.
Both MC Professional and MC Trade let you set up business or individual member directories. There are also connection membership management and AMS tools, which help lighten your workload.
Best for: Associations and chambers of commerce looking for an all-in-one AMS with built-in directory features.
Pricing: Available upon request.
2. WildApricot: top online directory software for nonprofit memberships
WildApricot, trusted by more than 32,000 organizations, is an affordable cloud-based software for small associations, nonprofits, and state and local chapter organizations. Manage membership, website, events, and more all in one place.
Best for: Small nonprofits and community groups seeking affordable, cloud-based member management.
Pricing: 100 contacts paid plans start at $56/month. Free trial available.
3. Brilliant Directories
Brilliant Directories offers an affordable, all-in-one member management solution to streamline all aspects of your membership website or association. You can sync your data with more than 5,000 third-party apps online.
Best for: Organizations that want advanced customization and monetization features.
Pricing: Plans start at $145/month.
4. Raklet
Raklet is an all-in-one membership software that allows you to engage with your community and grow and monetize your audience through memberships, newsletters and other digital tools. Raklet also integrates with more than 4,000 apps online.
Best for: Communities looking for digital engagement tools beyond just directories.
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $49/month.
5. 360Directories
360Directories is an online visual directory software for media groups, civic organizations, and communities. The software provides administrative and marketing tools for business owners and a community portal for entrepreneurs, media companies and civic groups.
Best for: Media groups and civic organizations managing large community listings.
Pricing: Licenses start at $150/month plus a setup fee.
6. ListingProWP
ListingProWP is an end-to-end directory website builder & listing solution for WordPress with no extra paid plugins required.
The plugin’s top features include: search and filter, form builder, multi-criteria ratings, inbox, ad management, appointment booking, events, coupons, and admin dashboards.
Best for: WordPress users building a fully branded directory site.
Pricing: One-time license fee of $69.
7. MarketGrabber
MarketGrabber is an online directory management system that helps users create business directories, generate SEO-friendly URLs, manage featured ads and more.
Best for: Businesses seeking SEO-friendly directory and ad management tools.
Pricing: Starts at $499 (one-time license).
8. IdealDirectories
IdealDirectories is a directory management solution that helps users launch business directories and coupon websites to promote local businesses.
Best for: Local organizations creating coupon or business directories.
Pricing: Starts at $159/month.
9. phpListings
phpListings.com is a complete business directory website solution. It includes all the tools to run a profitable directory:
- An intuitive and user-friendly search facility
- Administrator and member panels
- A monetization facility that supports automated invoicing
The directory software is suitable for business listings, events, places, classifieds, job postings, property listings, blogs, and offers.
Best for: Developers or organizations needing flexible, self-hosted directory control.
Pricing: Starts at $99 (one-time license).
Choosing the perfect online directory software for your Association, chamber, or nonprofit
You don’t need to feel overwhelmed when choosing a member directory software. After all, you know the needs of your organization. Simply go with the software that best matches those needs. Ideally, you’ll also want one that’s designed for your industry and can scale with you.
WildApricot and MemberClicks are two top choices:
- MemberClicks is ideal for professional and trade associations or chambers that need robust AMS features alongside their directory.
- WildApricot is great for smaller nonprofits and community groups looking for flexibility and simplicity.
Book a MemberClicks demo or start a free WildApricot trial to see how online directories can help your members connect and grow.
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