I've followed this group for awhile, because I have created a lot of business directories outside of Drupal, and have wondered if it could be done easier and quicker within Drupal and it's vast amount of contrib modules. Well, I think it can, now that I do 90% of website development work in Drupal.
A lot of people have been calling for a business directory module, but I personally don't think that a module is the way to go about it. A directory is more of a site recipe, and I was wondering if anyone was willing to contribute ideas about contrib modules that they have used to build their directories (Location, CCK, Profiles, Taxonomy Modules). It could also be possible to construct a business directory module, but this may be re-implementing a lot of functionality that already exists.
The thing is that there are so many different ways to build a directory, that it would be hard to nail down a specific implementation that meets everyone's needs. But, we could probably come up with a good starting point that would account for large world-wide directories, as well as regional directories, as well as niche directories.
I think an install profile would be the most beneficial, and maybe we could hammer one out by having people suggest ideas about what a directory should do for them.
Comments
I agree - a business
I agree - a business directory module is unnecessary. If you'd asked me a few weeks ago I'd have fiercely disagreed with you. I tore out large tufts of hair beating the directory I had in mind into shape. But having done it, I appreciate the absence of a dedicated module for the same reasons you outline. The concept is so hazy. No-one seems to agree on what a business directory actually is. Each one is uniquely adapted to the requirements of its parent site - and under the circumstances it's hard to see how any module could be sufficiently versatile to please.
The kit is mostly there. The index can be intractable if you need a hierarchy. Views has a problem even with the simplest index, throwing up duplicate taxonomy terms in node types views. Buidling it as a taxonomy view gets past it, but this then limits the scope of any attachment views which would display entries beneath. I worked around it with panels and separate views, but this seemed an inelegant hack. I found sorting out payment, recurring payment and entry expiry similarly tricky.
But returning to the point - perhaps the need here isn't so much for a module, but prescriptions for different forms of business directories.
I totally agree!
Let it begin!
Count me in!
I just got a client who needs a business directory, and I figured I could piece it together with all the mods. Here's are the specific functions that we are looking for.
When signing up for an account, the user would enter all the following information with some drop down generated content for the categories:
Categorized business - High Level: Lawyers, plumbers, mechanics, etc.
Categorized business - detailed level: criminal lawyers, commercial plumbers, etc.
Busines Name
Address, Phone, city, etc.
website
Premium members could upload photographs and have advertising options.
All the above fields would be search by categories, such as by city, zipcode, type of business, etc. In addition, there would be a navigation on the home page with the high level categories.
Search results would display content in a list and eventually a google map with Sponsored Search results at the top (paid members).
Visitors would then be able to rate the businesses and leave comments about their services.
Those are the specs I have so far. I have downloaded the CCK and View Mods so far. Let's see where those lead me. I will post updates as I have them. If you have any suggestions as to other mods I may need, please let me know. I will be looking into the Location and Profiles as well.
Thanks,
Sol
For the subcategories...
you might find this article useful. I know that others have lost many hours trying to figure out subcats - and the solution turns out to be straightforward.
lm_paypal
I'm building a similar directory. The lm_paypal module is coming in handy for selling enhanced directory listings on a subscription basis.
Paypal for subscriptions
Awesome thanks! I actually have that installed on another site. Thanks for the help!
Mods for Business Directory
I am going to keep a list of the mods used for the directory for future use. I know I will need it again soon, so hopefully this will help others as well.
Once the site is up and running, I will post it for your review. Thanks!
Change ownership of content
I am brainstorming what to do with a directory that would have a lot of content/nodes imported into it.
Any thoughts on how I would set up a system (modules that I should use?) where someone could browse the directory, find their free listing and claim the listing during a registration process?
As part of the process the ownership would have to change from the user that imported all of the content to the new registered user or a user that registered previously but hadn't claimed a listing.
I've changed strategy a bit.
I've changed strategy a bit. I discovered there is a user import module that can create user accounts that will also match up to data imported using the node import format. There is also a shared mail module that allows you to use the same email address with multiple user accounts (this way you can get around the unique email address per account requirement).
Next step: lm_paypal subscriptions and also rules (and maybe something else) to setup the claiming process.
Thanks!
The import user module might be a great help indeed. I'll give it a try and see if I can use it to link up to the data nodes which was my biggest obstacle. If it works, I'll add it to my list of modules. This project is driving me nuts! I need to finish it this weekend and I am so overwhelmed. Will keep you updated on the progress. Once it is done I will post a link.
Thanks,
Sol
For importing the data I have
For importing the data I have an excel spreadsheet with the data and the username. I used user import to import/create the usernames (and also the role), then used node import to import the data. When using node import, map the fields in the spreadsheet to the appropriate fields for the node (in my case a custom cck), make sure to map the username field from the spreadsheet to the author/owner field for the node. This is how the user and the node are tied together.
How can I help
What is the best way to help?
Has there been any progress toward an install profile.
I know people will have differing general requirements but a starting point seems to be a profile.
Has any work been done towards this.
DG
Install Profile
Hi DG,
By install profile, do you mean a profile when the businesses sign up and enter their info? I think that would be crucial to the site. I would think it would need to be linked to the Paypal subscription module somehow where the user can opt to enter a free listing or paid listing. What do you think?
I was thinking of a collected
I was thinking of a collected set of configured modules to acheieve a directory framework along the lines of the profile install for acquia.
Directory Update
Although I did not build the original Business directory mentioned above, I ended up building a online video directory. It is similar but some of the scope changed.
Here is the example of the site: http://bestspotintown.com
Here are the mods I used:
SEO Checklist
Ad
CCK including location and video embed
Calendar
Date
Date Repeat
LM Paypal for future subscriptions
Gmap
SimpleNews and SimpleNews Register
BitsonTheRun Media (video player )
Nodewords (for SEO)
Page Title
Pathauto
jQuery update and plugins
Views
Fivestar and voting
XML sitemap
Obviously SEO is crucial to the site's success so we have tried to implement everything possible to generate keywords and content as appropriate. Let us know what you think. We would love to hear feedback!
Business Directory Group Status?
Hi everyone:
Just checking on the status of this group. I see that there is conversation here regarding preference for custom dev over trying to create a module for this.
Why not a module? I know that everyone has different needs, but modules all have to start somewhere and serve an interest. They can then fork from that interest or be adapted for different needs.
I have a client we are getting ready to build a business directory for using CCK, Views and im_paypal, as well as some SEO stuff. The goal is to make it so that the client enters the categories and can move a category up or down the tree. For example, you would be able to set the main category by city, state, region or country, but if you want to set by category type, you can set a master category, sub-categories, and then use the location categories underneath. It's all about sorting the directory listings by location or by type.
I don't see why a module wouldn't be advisable here. There a many people who want plug-and-play solutions and don't have the dollars or time to develop themselves.
Thoughts?
Tony Z.
Business Directory
I'd love to see a business directory initiative similar to whats going on at openpublishapp.com. But it would take someone with deep pockets to get it rolling on a similar level.
There are many modules described herein that would do this. Template's and a front end design would be the next issue.
.
I don't think there's anything wrong with making a module for it, especially one that made heavy use of features, maybe an install profile or something. It's just a heck of a lot of work and easier to make something custom for your site than something generic enough to give back.
Michelle
I think Michelle is right,
I think Michelle is right, the issue is that every directory has very different needs. It's not easy to make a one-size-fits-all module. We are developing some of our own directory sites at the moment and we are thinking of using Features heavily. Maybe we can get them to a level of polish that we can contribute something back to the community. No promises, but we'll try. :)
-Daniel
Adulmec
Sample directory sites
Can we start a list of live sites using drupal for a business directory? It would be cool to see samples and understand which modules were used in development.
Start?
Why not just add on to the existing one? http://groups.drupal.org/node/12523
Michelle
Here is my directory site
I developed this site: www.findinjp.com. It's an online directory of pretty much everything in Japan, focusing on restaurant businesses as well as bars, doctor offices, etc.
The only problem I am having now is how to create a drill down browse-able section on the site. If anyone can help me with this, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks!