I’m building a U.S.-wide directory called ShopStateMade.com, which helps shoppers discover products made in their state and find the shops that carry them. The directory will include makers, retailers, and events, with both free and paid listing tiers.
I’m looking for an experienced GeoDirectory developer who can help architect and configure the core foundation correctly from the start. I will be managing the content, design refinements, and long-term maintenance myself—but I need a specialist to set up the structural and technical pieces.
Scope of Work:
1. Environment Setup
Install & configure WordPress, Elementor Pro, and GeoDirectory
Recommended plugins for performance, security, and backups
Setup staging environment (if needed)
2. GeoDirectory Architecture
Configure Location Manager for all 50 states
Set up custom post types / taxonomies for:
Products
Makers / Manufacturers
Retail Shops
Events
Create necessary relationships (e.g., shop > products carried, maker > products created)
3. Listing Forms & Custom Fields
Build submission forms for makers, shops, and events
Add appropriate custom fields (product categories, state selection, store type, website, social links, etc.)
Ensure clean search/filter structure
4. Templates Using Elementor
Archive templates (search results, state pages)
Single listing templates (shops, makers, products, events)
Clean, modern card layouts that I can adjust later
5. Monetization Setup
Configure paid tiers (advanced / premium listings)
Stripe or PayPal integration
Featured placements / highlighted listings
6. Documentation & Walkthrough
Provide a short Loom video walkthrough
Provide a simple reference doc on how to edit templates, add fields, manage listings, etc.
What I’m Looking For:
Someone with direct experience building GeoDirectory sites
Must be comfortable with Elementor theme builder
Someone who understands directory information architecture
Clear communicator who can help me ensure everything is structured correctly for long-term scalability
Ability to recommend best practices for performance and SEO for large directories
Deliverables:
Fully framed directory structure
All CPTs, fields, templates, and payment tiers working
A clean backend setup that I can confidently build on
Guidance on any limitations, plugin recommendations, or future improvements
Timeline:
Flexible, but ideally Phase 1 completed within 2–4 weeks.
Budget:
Open to hourly or fixed price after discussing scope. Please include:
Relevant past GeoDirectory projects
Estimated hours or recommended approach
Your availability and preferred communication style
Next Step:
Please reply with:
A short intro
Links to previous directory projects
Your thoughts on the best way to structure a multi-state product + shop directory
I’m ready to begin as soon as I find the right expert.
Sarah Mueller
