SFR Directory Category Display
Automatically displays category descriptions, images, and subcategories for Directorist, Business Directory Plugin, and GeoDirectory.
Consider an alternative
SFR Directory Category Display shows warning signs in 2026 — compare the alternatives below before installing. It runs on 10+ sites and was last updated 8 months ago, and scores 38/100 on our health check.
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.9 (latest is 7.1)
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & support
Daily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where SFR Directory Category Disp… stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| business directory | >100 |
| category | >100 |
| directorist | #21 |
| geodirectory | #29 |
Version adoption
Share of active sites per release.
About SFR Directory Category Display
From the official readme · v5.1.6Description
Professional Category Display – Free
SFR Directory Category Display solves a common issue with popular directory plugins: category descriptions, images, and subcategories added in the admin area don’t appear on the front end. This leaves category pages looking incomplete and provides a poor user experience.
Perfect for Directorist, GeoDirectory, and Business Directory Plugin users who want professional category pages without expensive premium subscriptions.
Why Category Pages Matter
Category pages are often the first impression visitors have of your directory. Rich descriptions, images, and subcategory navigation help users understand your content structure and find what they need faster.
Improve your directory with:
-
Better SEO through rich category content
-
Improved user engagement and navigation
-
Professional category presentation
-
Clear content hierarchy
Free Forever
Professional category display shouldn’t require expensive subscriptions. SFR Directory Category Display gives you real value at no cost:
-
FREE Version – Full category description display, images, subcategories, SEO analysis
-
Pro Version – Optional upgrade for shortcodes, advanced analytics, animations, custom styling (from £7/year), Lifetime Licence available too.
Multi-Platform Support
Compatible with three major directory platforms:
-
Directorist – Full integration with free and Pro versions
-
GeoDirectory – Complete compatibility
-
Business Directory Plugin – Full support
The plugin automatically detects which directory platform you’re using and displays category content accordingly. No configuration needed.
Supported Directory Plugins
- Directorist – Display categories, tags, and locations
- GeoDirectory – Show category descriptions and images
- Business Directory Plugin – Display category content and subcategories
Key Features
Automatic Category Display
-
Category descriptions appear automatically on front end
-
Tag descriptions displayed on tag pages
-
Location descriptions supported (Directorist)
-
Works with your existing theme
-
No configuration required
Image & Visual Display
-
Category images displayed when available
-
Subcategory listings with icons
-
Grid and list layout options
-
Theme-friendly styling
SEO & Analytics
-
Basic SEO scoring and content quality analysis
-
Completion tracking for categories and tags
-
Analytics dashboard in admin
-
Content improvement insights
Support From Richard Toolkit
-
Launch companion dashboards for Map and Analytics plugins
-
Quick access to other SFR plugins
-
Direct links to free website tools directory
-
Seamless ecosystem integration
Privacy-Focused
-
All functionality runs locally on your WordPress installation
-
No external API calls or data sharing
-
No user data collection
-
Lightweight and cache-friendly
External Services
This plugin does not connect to any external services. All functionality runs entirely on your WordPress installation.
Privacy
This plugin does not collect, store, or transmit any user data. All functionality runs locally on your WordPress installation.
Additional Info
The Complete Directory Toolkit
SFR Directory Category Display is part of an integrated three-plugin ecosystem:
-
SFR Directory Category Display – Optimise category presentation
-
SFR Directory Map – Visualise geographic distribution
-
SFR Directory Analytics – Understand what’s performing
Use them together for comprehensive directory management across Directorist, GeoDirectory, and Business Directory platforms.
Why Choose SFR Directory Category Display?
Category pages are often the first impression visitors have of your directory. Rich descriptions, images, and subcategory navigation help users understand your content structure and find what they need faster.
Whether you’re running a business directory, classifieds site, or local listings portal – better category pages improve SEO, user engagement, and overall directory quality.
Get Started Today
-
Install the free plugin
-
Category descriptions display automatically
-
Customise layout and styling as needed
No configuration required. Better category pages instantly.
Documentation & Support
Other SFR Directory Plugins
-
SFR Directory Map – Geographic visualisation
-
SFR Directory Analytics – Track listing performance
Made with ❤️ by directory owners, for directory owners
Installation
- Upload the plugin files to
/wp-content/plugins/sfr-directory-category-display/or install through the WordPress admin. - Activate the plugin through the Plugins screen.
- Ensure you have one of these plugins installed: Directorist, Business Directory Plugin, or GeoDirectory.
- Visit any category page to see descriptions automatically displayed.
- Optionally configure settings under the plugin admin menu.
Frequently asked questions
Which directory plugins are supported?
SFR Directory Category Display works with: Directorist (free and Pro versions) GeoDirectory (free and premium versions) Business Directory Plugin (free and premium versions) The plugin automatically detects which platform you’re using.
Does this work with all themes?
Yes, the plugin includes theme-friendly styling that adapts to your theme’s design automatically. The styling is designed to work seamlessly with most WordPress themes without requiring additional customisation.
Is this plugin compatible with the premium versions of the supported directories?
This plugin has been tested for compatibility with the free versions of Directorist, Business Directory Plugin, and GeoDirectory. It may work with their premium versions, but this has not yet been formally tested.
Will this slow down my website?
No. The plugin is lightweight and only loads on category pages where needed. It uses WordPress best practices and has minimal performance impact.
Do I need to configure anything?
The plugin works automatically after activation. Optional settings are available in the admin menu for layout and display customisation, but no configuration is required for basic functionality.
Does it work with tags?
Yes, the plugin displays tag descriptions on tag pages just like category descriptions. Location descriptions are also supported for Directorist.
Can I customize the styling?
Yes, basic styling options are included free. The plugin includes layout options (grid and list views) and theme-friendly styling. Advanced customisation options including custom CSS and color controls are available in the Pro version.
What happens if I deactivate the plugin?
When you deactivate the plugin, category descriptions will no longer be displayed on the frontend, but all plugin settings and data are preserved. When you reactivate the plugin, everything will work exactly as before. Plugin data is only removed when you completely delete the plugin from your site.
Does it work with custom taxonomies?
Currently, the plugin works with the standard category and tag taxonomies of the supported directory plugins. Directorist location taxonomy is also supported. Custom taxonomies are not yet supported.
Can I exclude certain categories?
No, the plugin currently displays descriptions for all categories that have them. Category exclusion is not available in this version.
Does this work with Directorist Pro?
Yes! SFR Directory Category Display is compatible with Directorist (both free and Pro versions). The plugin detects Directorist automatically and works with both legacy archive systems and native WordPress taxonomy pages (Directorist 8.5+).
Does this work with multiple directory plugins at once?
The plugin automatically detects which directory plugin you’re using. If you have multiple directory plugins active, it will work with the first one it detects. For best results, use one primary directory plugin.
Where do I get support?
Free version users: Post in the WordPress.org support forum Pro version users: Priority email support Critical issues: We aim to release fixes within 48 hours
Is there a Pro/Premium version available?
Yes! SFR Directory Category Display Pro is available with additional features including: Shortcode support for category descriptions Advanced SEO analytics and reporting Subcategory animations Custom CSS editor Priority support Multi-site licenses Affordable Pricing 5 sites: £7/year (~$9) Lifetime: £9 one-time (~$12) 30-day money-back guarantee Learn more about Pro →
How do I upgrade to Pro?
Continue using the free version as long as you like When you need Pro features (shortcodes, advanced analytics, animations), visit our website Purchase a license (£7/year or £9 lifetime for 5 sites) Install Pro version alongside (or replace) free version Activate with your license key 30-day money-back guarantee on all Pro purchases.
What if I switch directory platforms?
Your category descriptions and settings stay with you. SFR works across Directorist, GeoDirectory, and Business Directory Plugin, so switching platforms doesn’t mean losing your content or learning a new tool.
What if I find a bug or compatibility issue?
We actively maintain this plugin and respond quickly to issues: Free version users: Post in the WordPress.org support forum Pro version users: Priority email support Critical issues: We aim to release fixes within 48 hours We test with the major directory platforms, but if you encounter an edge case we haven’t seen, we’ll work with you to resolve it quickly.
Who built this?
Richard Jemmett – WordPress developer with 25+ years web development experience. Co-founded iFootpath (acquired by AllTrails in 2019). Runs multiple successful directory businesses and uses these tools daily. Support From Richard specialises in directory enhancement plugins. Learn more →
Changelog
Fixes PHP 8.1+ compatibility warnings. Safe to update - no action required.
5.1.6
- Fix: Added safe color sanitization to prevent PHP 8.1+ deprecation warnings when color options are empty or null
- Fix: Resolved “preg_match(): Passing null to parameter” warnings when saving settings with empty color values
- Technical: Improved compatibility with PHP 8.1+ by handling null values in color option sanitization callbacks
5.1.5
- Enhancement: Added Pro link click tracking for marketing analytics (WordPress.org compliant, anonymized data)
- Update: WordPress 6.9 compatibility
- Fix: Improved Pro upgrade link tracking across admin notices, settings pages, and feature gates
5.1.4
- Feature: Added Pro upgrade notice that appears after 7 days of plugin usage, helping users discover Pro features including shortcodes, advanced analytics, animations, and custom styling.
- Enhancement: Notice includes two dismissal options – permanent dismissal or 15-day temporary dismissal.
- Enhancement: Activation date tracking added to enable time-based notice display.
- Fix: Minor code improvements and security enhancements.
5.1.3
- Enhancement: The Support From Richard Toolkit now appears directly on the Settings & Help screen (
admin.php?page=sfr-directory-category-display-admin) so admins can access companion dashboards without leaving the main configuration page. - Fix: Updated the uninstall routine and analytics templates with prefixed variables and WordPress metadata helpers to clear the remaining Plugin Check warnings.
5.1.2
- Feature: Added the Support From Richard Toolkit card inside the Documentation screen so site owners can jump directly to companion plugin dashboards, free downloads, and Pro upgrades.
- Enhancement: Added a new teal/amber CTA promoting the Support From Richard tools directory for quick access to free auditing resources.
5.1.1
- Fix: Removed decorative 60px accent line on subcategories section that appeared as thick/bold on left side
- Fix: Removed excessive border-left styling from category description containers
- Enhancement: Cleaner, more uniform horizontal line styling between description and subcategories
- Enhancement: Added inline CSS override to ensure immediate visual consistency
Screenshots
For developers
Is this your plugin? Show off the numbers.
Add a live badge to your site, docs or GitHub README. It updates on its own — no account needed.
Best SFR Directory Category Display alternatives
All business directory plugins →
FAQ
SFR Directory Category Display: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 27, 2026
Is SFR Directory Category Display free?
Yes. SFR Directory Category Display is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is SFR Directory Category Display safe to use in 2026?
SFR Directory Category Display shows warning signs in 2026 — compare the alternatives below before installing. It runs on 10+ sites and was last updated 8 months ago, and scores 38/100 on our health check.
How many websites use SFR Directory Category Display?
SFR Directory Category Display is active on 10+ WordPress websites and has been downloaded 735 times since it launched in October 2025. It was downloaded 50 times in the last 30 days.
Does SFR Directory Category Display work with WordPress 7.1?
SFR Directory Category Display is officially tested up to WordPress 6.9.9, while the latest release is 7.1.2. It may still work, but try it on a staging site first.
What PHP version does SFR Directory Category Display need?
SFR Directory Category Display requires PHP 7.4 or higher. Most hosts run PHP 8.x today, so it works on any modern WordPress hosting.
When was SFR Directory Category Display last updated?
The latest version, 5.1.6, was released on January 18, 2026 (8 months ago).
Who makes SFR Directory Category Display?
SFR Directory Category Display is developed and maintained by SupportFromRichard.
What are the best alternatives to SFR Directory Category Display?
The most popular alternatives to SFR Directory Category Display are Directorist: AI-Powered Bus… (20K+ installs), GeoDirectory (10K+ installs) and HivePress (10K+ installs).
Powered by PageForge
Want thousands of pages that rank like these? Build them in an afternoon.
This directory runs on the same engine as PageForge. Turn any spreadsheet, CSV or API into thousands of fast, SEO-ready WordPress pages — with schema, internal links and AI-written copy baked in.
- CSV, Google Sheets & API data sources
- AI content, schema & internal links per page
- Works with Elementor, Gutenberg, Yoast & Rank Math
- Free on WordPress.org — no credit card
