Business Directory Overview

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 #

Before you begin, make sure you have the right setup in place. To use the Business Directory, you'll need two things:

1. A MediaOS subscription that includes the Business Directory functionality.
2. Website Integration enabled inside your MediaOS platform.

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 edit your Business Directory, your user profile must include Webmaster permissions.

• Go to the Users page.
• Click Edit next to your name.
• Make sure the Webmaster checkbox is selected.
• Save your changes.

Tip: Only users with Webmaster access can manage directory settings and content.

Navigating to the Directory #

Once your permissions are in place, you’ll access the Directory from the Websites section. To find your directory:

• Navigate to the Websites tab.
• Click on Directory in the left-hand menu.

You'll see a list of all active directories connected to your MediaOS account. From here, you can either manage existing directories of create new ones.

Creating a Business Directory #

Setting up a business directory helps centralize information, improve user experience, and drive engagement. Follow these steps to create your directory:

1. Click on the Websites tab in the left-hand menu.
2. Select Directory from the top menu.
3. In the dropdown, choose +Manage Directories.
4. In the pop-up that appears, name your new directory.

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 key to building a user-friendly experience.

• Separate Directory is ideal for content that needs to be kept completely distinct. For example, if you're running one directory for medical professionals and another for retail partners, each should be built as a separate directory. This setup allows for separate branding, URLs, and access controls.
• Structured Sections within a single directory are best when you want everything under one umbrella but still need clear organization. You can create categories like Dining, Health, or Shopping, and then use subcategories to drill down into more 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 help users quickly navigate through the directory. These are the high-level topics or themes your listings will fall under. To add categories:

• Click + Add Category.
• In the pop-up, enter your Category Name (e.g., Dining, Music, Shopping).
• Click Category Image to upload a visual.

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: #

• Under any main category, click + Add Category.
• Name your Subcategory (e.g., under Food: Italian, Mexican, Asian).
• Click Save.

Structuring Further: #

• Click on the subcategory (e.g., Asian).
• Click Add Sub Category.
• Name this deeper level (e.g., Thai, Chinese).
• Click Save.

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 #

• Navigate to the Websites tab.
• Click Directory from the left-hand menu.
• Select Listings from the submenu.
• Use the Filter icon (magnifying glass) to search through submitted listings.
• Once you've located the listing you want to edit, click Review.

From here, you'll be able to:

• Approve or Reject the listing if it hasn’t yet been reviewed.
• If the listing has already been approved, you'll see options to View or Modify it.

You can now make updates to the following fields:

• Business Name – Be sure it's clear and unique to support auto-linking.
• Category Assignments – You can change the primary category or add/remove secondary ones.
• Images – Update the Cover Image or Logo Image to reflect branding changes.
• Contact Details – Revise the Website, Business Email, or other key fields.
• Listing Description – Make sure the text reflects the most current services, hours, and promotional information.

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 reviewing a submitted or existing listing, you can also access it through the Account:

• Navigate to the Accounts tab.
• Click View next to the account you need to manage.
• On the right side of the account profile page, find the Business Profiles section.
• Click to expand Business Profiles.
• Select the Title of the listing you want to edit.

This will open the listing in edit mode, where you can make updates just like in Option 1.

Note: To copy a direct link for your advertiser to manage the listing themselves, click on Directory Manage Profile: [Directory Name]. This generates a sharable link tied to that specific business profile.

Once your edits are complete:

• Click Save Changes at the bottom of the listing.
• The update will be reviewed (if applicable), and the listing will be refreshed 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 #

Use the Manage Directories dropdown to view all directories associated with your account. For each directory:

• Click Edit to open and adjust its settings.
• Enter a Directory Name (e.g., "Business Directory").
• Add a Custom URL where the directory will live on your website.

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 helps promote local businesses, sponsors, or advertisers while giving your readers a valuable resource. It’s a great way to build community connections, drive visibility for partners, and even open up new revenue opportunities. To add a business listing:

• Click on the Members tab in the left-hand menu.
• Choose Business Directory from the options on the next screen.
• Click Add Your Business in the top right corner.
• In the pop-up that appears, enter the Title of your business profile.
• Select the Primary Directory from the dropdown menu under the Title section.
• Choose the Primary Category in the next dropdown menu.
• Choose up to 10 additional categories by clicking the options listed.

Note: When you select a category, its related subcategories will automatically populate.

Next, you’ll upload images:

• Click Upload Cover Image to add a visual banner to your listing.
• Click Upload Logo Image to add your business logo.

Finally, provide the following details:

• Add your Website and Business Email.
• Click Submit for Approval.

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:

• On the Business Directory page, click Embed in Website.
• In the pop-up, click to Copy the Embed Code.
• Paste this code into the WordPress page where you want the directory to appear.

And that's it! Your Business Directory is now live and ready for listings.

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 works if the business name is distinctive and not a common dictionary word.

• Non-linkable example: A business named Cake will not auto-link.
• Linkable example: A business named Sweet Treats Bakery will auto-link because it’s more specific.

Unique names help prevent false matches and confusion in 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 runs weekly scans and links qualifying business names automatically. To keep everything working as expected:

• Review your auto-linking reports each week.
• Confirm that business names in your content are linking properly.
• If a name doesn’t link, double-check that it follows the above guidelines.

Best Practices #

To get the most out of your Business Directory:

• Keep names and URLs clear and consistent with your brand.
• Create separate directories if you manage different categories or partner types.
• Regularly review your directories to keep listings up to date.

Example Use Cases #

Clients commonly use the Business Directory to:

• Promote local chamber of commerce members.
• Showcase vendors or sponsors for an event.
• Highlight partner businesses in different service categories.