The MediaOS Business Directory tool lets you create and manage directories right on your website. It's a great way to showcase local businesses, members, or partners — all powered through your MediaOS system.
Requirements to Use the Business Directory #
To use the Business Directory, you’ll need to ensure your MediaOS account is properly set up. This feature requires an active MediaOS subscription that includes access to the Business Directory. Additionally, Website Integration must be enabled within your MediaOS platform before you can begin.
Note: If you're not sure whether your account includes these features, reach out to your account manager.
Setting Up Your Business Directory #
Taking the time to set your Business Directory up correctly from the start—like categories, contact info, and display preferences—ensures that it will run smoothly and look professional. A well-structured directory not only saves you time later, it also creates a better experience for your readers and advertisers. Here's what you need to do right off the bat:
User Permissions #
To access and manage the Business Directory, your user profile must include Webmaster permissions. Start by navigating to the Users page in your MediaOS platform, then click Edit next to your name. On the edit screen, confirm that the Webmaster checkbox is selected. Once you’ve verified this setting, be sure to save your changes.
Tip: Only users with Webmaster access can manage directory settings and content.
Navigating to the Directory #
Once your permissions are set, you can access the Business Directory from the Websites section of your MediaOS platform. Begin by navigating to the Websites tab, then select Directory from the left-hand menu. This will display a list of all active directories linked to your account. From this view, you can manage existing directories or create new ones as needed.
Creating a Business Directory #
Creating a business directory allows you to centralize key information, enhance user experience, and increase engagement. To get started, click on the Websites tab in the left-hand menu, then select Directory from the top navigation. In the dropdown that appears, choose +Manage Directories. A pop-up window will prompt you to name your new directory—enter a clear, descriptive name to proceed.
Note: If you’re managing a single brand, one directory may be sufficient. If you oversee multiple brands, setting up separate directories allows for better organization and user experience.
Tip: Choose a directory name that clearly reflects its purpose or brand identity to make navigation intuitive for users.
Separate Directories vs Sections #
Understanding how to organize your directory content is essential for creating a user-friendly experience. A Separate Directory is best suited for content that must remain entirely distinct—for instance, if you're managing one directory for medical professionals and another for retail partners. This approach allows each directory to have its own branding, unique URL, and customized access settings. On the other hand, Structured Sections within a single directory are ideal when you want to keep all content under one umbrella while maintaining clear internal organization. You can define categories such as Dining, Health, or Shopping, and use subcategories to further refine each area based on specific topics.
Tip: If your content or audience has zero overlap and needs their own structure and visibility rules, create separate directories. For related content that benefits from being centralized, structured sections are the way to go.
Creating Categories #
Categories make it easier for users to navigate your directory by organizing listings under clear, high-level topics or themes. To add a new category, click + Add Category. When the pop-up appears, enter a descriptive Category Name, such as Dining, Music, or Shopping. You can also click Category Image to upload a visual that represents the category and enhances the browsing experience.
Note: Use high-quality images that visually support the category. MediaOS auto-optimizes them, and may add styling like shadows for better readability.
Click Save to finalize the category. Repeat as needed to add more.
Adding Subcategories and Structuring Further #
You can create additional layers to help users dive deeper into topics. Just be careful not to go overboard with it!
To Add Subcategories: #
To add subcategories, navigate to any main category and click + Add Category beneath it. Enter the name of your subcategory—such as Italian, Mexican, or Asian under a main category like Food—and then click Save to finalize the addition. This layered structure helps users explore more specific content within broader themes.
Structuring Further: #
To create additional structure within your directory, click on an existing subcategory—such as Asian—then select Add Sub Category. Enter the name for this more detailed level, like Thai or Chinese, and click Save to apply the change. This allows for deeper navigation and more precise organization within your content.
Editing Business Directories #
Once a listing is created, keeping it updated is essential to maintaining accurate and helpful information for your audience. Whether a business has changed its hours, added new services, or updated branding elements, editing existing listings ensures your directory stays fresh and useful.
There are two main ways to edit a listing, depending on whether you're accessing it from the Directory or from the Account level.
Option 1: Edit via Directory Listings #
To edit a listing using the Directory Listings view, begin by navigating to the Websites tab and selecting Directory from the left-hand menu. Then click on Listings from the submenu. Use the Filter icon (magnifying glass) to search through submitted listings. Once you find the listing you want to update, click Review.
If the listing hasn’t been reviewed yet, you’ll have the option to Approve or Reject it. For listings that have already been approved, you’ll see options to View or Modify. From the modification screen, you can update several fields, including the Business Name (which should be clear and unique to support auto-linking), Category Assignments (you can change the primary category or adjust secondary ones), Images (such as the Cover Image or Logo Image to reflect branding updates), Contact Details (including Website and Business Email), and the Listing Description (which should always reflect current services, hours, and promotional details).
Tip: Keep your listings clean and professional. Avoid cluttered images or outdated info—consistency makes your directory more trustworthy and visually appealing.
Option 2: Edit via the Account Profile #
If you’re a Sales Rep managing a submitted or existing listing, you can also access it directly through the Account profile. Start by navigating to the Accounts tab, then click View next to the account you want to manage. On the right side of the account profile page, locate the Business Profiles section and click to expand it. Select the Title of the listing you wish to edit—this will open the listing in edit mode, where you can make changes just as you would through the Directory Listings view.
If you'd like to give your advertiser access to manage the listing themselves, click on Directory Manage Profile: [Directory Name] to generate a direct, shareable link tied to that specific business profile.
Once you’ve completed your updates, click Save Changes at the bottom of the listing. The changes will be submitted for review if necessary, and the updated listing will appear in your live directory.
Note: If you don’t see the updated listing immediately, refresh the page or check your directory's cache settings in WordPress.
Managing Directories #
To manage your directories, use the Manage Directories dropdown to view all directories linked to your account. For each directory listed, click Edit to open its settings. From there, you can update the Directory Name—for example, “Business Directory”—and specify a Custom URL where the directory will be hosted on your website. This allows you to tailor each directory's presentation and web address to match your brand and organizational structure.
Warning: The URL must be accurate in order for the directory to display properly on your website.
Adding a Business Profile to Your Directory #
Adding a business profile to your Business Directory is an excellent way to promote local businesses, sponsors, or advertisers while offering readers a helpful, centralized resource. This strategy strengthens community connections, increases visibility for your partners, and can even unlock new revenue streams. To create a new business listing, begin by clicking the Members tab in the left-hand menu. On the next screen, select Business Directory from the available options, then click Add Your Business in the top right corner.
A pop-up will appear prompting you to enter the Title of the business profile. From there, choose the Primary Directory using the dropdown menu located beneath the title field. Next, select the Primary Category for the listing, followed by up to ten additional categories by clicking on the available options. This ensures the listing is both accurately classified and easily discoverable by users browsing your directory.
Note: When you select a category, its related subcategories will automatically populate.
Next, you’ll upload the images that will visually represent the business profile. Click Upload Cover Image to add a banner image that will appear at the top of the listing, and then click Upload Logo Image to include the business’s logo. After the visuals are in place, fill in the remaining details by adding the Website and Business Email. Once all required fields are complete, click Submit for Approval to send the listing for review. Once submitted and reviewed, your profile will appear in the selected directory.
Embedding the Directory in WordPress #
Once your categories and structure are ready, it's time to publish your directory on your website.
You’ll need the MediaOS WordPress plugin installed first. Learn how to install the WordPress plugin.
To embed your Business Directory on a webpage, start by navigating to the Business Directory page and clicking Embed in Website. In the pop-up window that appears, click to Copy the Embed Code. Then, paste this code into the WordPress page where you want the directory to display. Once added, the directory will be live and fully functional on your site.
Auto-Linked Listings to Accounts #
MediaOS includes a powerful auto-linking feature that helps increase visibility for businesses in your directory by linking their names in content directly to their profiles. This happens automatically each week — but there are a few important guidelines to follow to ensure this works smoothly:
Step One: Understand the Auto-Linking Feature #
Each week, the MediaOS system scans your articles and other content for business name mentions. When it finds a match, it automatically links the business name to its directory profile. This keeps your site interconnected and saves you time from manual linking.
Step Two: Ensure the Business Name is Unique #
Auto-linking only functions correctly when the business name is distinctive and not a common dictionary word. For example, a business named Cake will not auto-link because the term is too generic. However, a name like Sweet Treats Bakery will auto-link successfully due to its specificity. Using unique, descriptive names helps prevent false matches and ensures clarity throughout your content.
Step Three: Maintain Proper Spacing Around the Name #
The auto-linking system looks for clean, standalone instances of business names. To ensure it recognizes a name correctly, make sure it appears with clear spacing — like this: "We visited Sweet Treats Bakery last weekend."
Avoid placing names next to symbols or inside formatting that might break recognition.
Step Four: Monitor Weekly Auto-Linking Reports #
MediaOS performs weekly scans to automatically link qualifying business names across your content. To ensure auto-linking continues to work as expected, review your auto-linking reports each week and confirm that business names are linking correctly. If a name isn’t linking, check that it meets the recommended guidelines—specifically, that it's unique and not a common dictionary word.
Best Practices #
To maximize the impact of your Business Directory, follow a few key best practices. Ensure that all business names and URLs are clear, descriptive, and consistent with your brand identity. If you’re managing different categories or partner types, consider creating separate directories to maintain organization and avoid overlap. It's also important to review your directories regularly to keep listings accurate, relevant, and up to date.
Example Use Cases #
The Business Directory is a versatile tool used by clients in a variety of ways. Many use it to promote members of a local chamber of commerce, helping to strengthen community ties and visibility. Others showcase vendors or sponsors tied to specific events, creating a central resource for attendees and participants. It’s also commonly used to highlight partner businesses across different service categories, making it easier for audiences to discover relevant offerings.
