[Resolved] WordPress Directory

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[peterD-11]

Tell us what you are trying to do?

I'd like to build a directory of local health related services for my area of south west London.

Patients will be able to locate local MSK health services (GP, charities, fitness classes etc) by their geo-location or body part(perhaps like a hotspot on a graphic) There will be about 60 to 90 services in the ‘Directory’.

1. Is it possible to show results as bubbles on a search map of London?

2. Can I add custom taxonomy for locations (service type, body parts etc)?

3. Does Toolset integrate reasonably well with the latest version of Divi (Elegant themes) or can you recommend another theme?

4. Is it possible to format the search results page so that listings are grouped by type (a 'primary' type)?
That would really useful for clarity of results.

Is there any documentation that you are following?
I found this link: https://toolset.com/learn/build-directory-classifieds-sites-using-toolset/

Is there a similar example that we can see?
Sorry - but its really similar to a 'Find a restaurant' in a city guide I guess.

What is the link to your site?
Only on paper at the moment.

[Christian Cox]

1. Is it possible to show results as bubbles on a search map of London?
Yes, you can definitely show results on a search map of London. You can see a similar example implemented on our real estate reference site. I have a temporary demo set up here for now: https://christiancox-22119-rel-1.discover-wp.com/map-search/
If you'd like to see how this is created, feel free to sign up for a free account at discover-wp.com where you can create your own sandbox using our reference sites.

2. Can I add custom taxonomy for locations (service type, body parts etc)?
Yes you can create custom taxonomies with Types, and assign those to different custom post types.

3. Does Toolset integrate reasonably well with the latest version of Divi (Elegant themes) or can you recommend another theme?
There are several compatibility issues with Divi 4, and we currently recommend you stick with Divi 3: https://toolset.com/documentation/recommended-themes/toolset-divi-integration/
Other than Divi, we have a few recommended themes documented here:
https://toolset.com/documentation/recommended-themes/

4. Is it possible to format the search results page so that listings are grouped by type (a 'primary' type)?
That would really useful for clarity of results.
It's possible to use different color markers on the map to indicate different types, but grouping the text listings by type may or may not be possible. Basically it depends on what you mean by "Type". If you're talking about post types, then yes you could theoretically use multiple Views to group the listing results, one for each post type. You would still display the markers all on the same map. AJAX is not supported in this case, search filters will require a full page refresh, and pagination is not supported.

If you're talking about grouping by taxonomy term, this is rather complex and would require some custom code using our APIs and custom shortcodes.

Let me know if you have questions about this and I'll try to provide additional feedback.

[peterD-11]

Thanks Christian

Your answer to my #1 and #2 above - great thanks.

Re: #3 Divi 4 issues - OK understood.
I note your recommend themes here:
https://toolset.com/documentation/recommended-themes/

Do you think Elementor is as 'Custom Types ready' as these six themes?

Re: #4 search results
Your link like a good match for what I would like to achieve
hidden link

Is this the best place to start to achieve the above?
https://toolset.com/documentation/user-guides/using-toolset-with-elementor-page-builder/

Thanks for your help.

[peterD-11]

Hi Christian

Additional question.

If I used Toolset Forms to create questionnaires or feedback for visitors would I be able to export the form's entries in .csv file?

Thanks

[Shane]

Hi Peter,

Christian is currently on Holiday today but will be back tomorrow to continue this ticket with you.

However regarding your your Forms input, you are able to export the post type that the form populates. This will in tern allow you to export all your form entries.

You will need to use some type of csv exporter plugin like the one below.
https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-all-export/

Thanks,
Shane

[Christian Cox]

Do you think Elementor is as 'Custom Types ready' as these six themes?
Elementor's page builder has some existing integration with Toolset (like simple dynamic content from Types fields), but there are significant limitations as well. In general I would say "no", simply because there is so much more you can do with Elementor than a basic theme.

Is this the best place to start to achieve the above?
If you want to use Elementor, I definitely recommend reading this documentation. Then I would look at the discover-wp.com site to see how this search was put together. Then you can fill in the gaps by reading documentation about how Views works, and how to display information on maps.
https://toolset.com/documentation/user-guides/digging-into-view-outputs/
https://toolset.com/documentation/user-guides/display-on-google-maps/

[peterD-11]

Thanks

Its been really interesting learning more about Toolset.

I have another website that wishes to list three different types of Events > retreats, workshops and talks.

It would seem that on the one hand Toolset would be good for this as I could create a Custom Post Type for each with maybe a fourth one for 'Speakers' who would feature at workshops and retreats and link them together somehow.

But one the other I have read a support post or two that says Toolset isn't really designed to be an 'Events Calendar'.

I guess my question is what essential thing does an events plugin do that Toolset isn't designed to achieve?

[Christian Cox]

I guess my question is what essential thing does an events plugin do that Toolset isn't designed to achieve?
A few things you would find missing in Toolset:
- Calendar display for Views
- Ability to handle repeating Event schedules
- Calendar integrations
- Scheduled Email notifications to Event members

Feel free to open a separate ticket to discuss more details about this, it's really enough for a separate discussion. Thanks!

[peterD-11]

Thanks Christian

Sorry to return to ground covered but I've been very impressed by how quickly I can wireframe (and design) a site in Divi.

I understand you have recommended themes.

Am I correct in thinking that whilst recommended themes make it easier to control and integrate Toolset I could achieve the same in Divi (or Elementor) with some extra effort?

Thanks

[Christian Cox]

No, that is not entirely accurate. As mentioned earlier there are limitations to Divi Integration and Elementor Integration that cannot be overcome with some extra effort, they simply aren't possible. Comparing these systems to other recommended themes isn't really analogous, because those themes don't have built-in page builders. Also it is possible to use Elementor alongside a recommended theme...they aren't mutually exclusive.

[peterD-11]

Thank you for your patience Christian.
You've been really generous with your time.

You say "it is possible to use Elementor alongside a recommended theme...they aren't mutually exclusive".

This sounds like an interesting option for me. I know this isn't really your area of specialism but are you saying I could use Elementor and say Genesis together? Perhaps I have misunderstood.

I'd like to get to place where I can harness the full power of Toolset within a custom theme (as my design requirement is not met with an 'business sector ready' theme) that is flexible and fast to develop with. Why that's not too much to ask is it? 😉

I've built with Genesis child themes and they are nice and solid but it takes me time to break free of the page templates - due to my own limitations of course.

[Christian Cox]

I know this isn't really your area of specialism but are you saying I could use Elementor and say Genesis together?
I'm not the best source of information about individual theme/plugin compatibility. You should speak to the Genesis support team, or Elementor support team to determine their level of integration. This document does not recommend Genesis: https://docs.elementor.com/article/78-themes
This article seems to indicate they are a perfect match: https://pagebuilderswp.com/best-page-builders-genesis/

[peterD-11]

I see. Christian.

I obviously need to better understand Elementor and how it can work with Toolset's recommended themes.

[Christian Cox]

Great, feel free to open new tickets if you'd like to discuss any individual issues you're having implementing Toolset with a specific theme or page builder or other plugin.