How to Configure Location Settings

Introduction

Accurate location settings are essential for a user-friendly and efficient eDirectory website. By correctly configuring these settings, you ensure precise address display for listings, enable effective visitor location detection, and provide relevant nearby results. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to optimize your location settings, improving navigation and overall usability for your site visitors.

Step 1: Accessing Language & Geography Settings

Log in to your eDirectory admin panel.
Navigate to the "Settings" tab.
Click on "Language & Geography."

Step 2: Enabling Visitor Location Detection and Nearby Results

Enable Locations:
- Check the box labeled "Enable usage of locations for this site."
Visitor Location Detection:
- To automatically fill the "Where" search field based on visitor location, check "Enable Visitor Location Detection."
- Click "Save Changes."
Nearby Results:
- To display listings based on user proximity, check "Enable Nearby Results."
- Enter your Google API Key.
- Specify the default search radius.
- For Google API Key activation details, refer to: How to Activate Google Maps and Nearby Results APIs.

Step 3: Choosing Locations for Use and Configuring Location Hierarchy

Define Geographical Levels:
- In the "Choose the Locations You Want to Use" section, select the desired geographical levels for your site.
- eDirectory supports a hierarchical structure:
  - Level 1: Country (e.g., United States, Brazil)
  - Level 2: Region (e.g., North, South)
  - Level 3: State (e.g., Florida, Texas)
  - Level 4: City (e.g., New York, Orlando)
  - Level 5: Neighborhood (e.g., SoHo, Chinatown)

Note: By default, "Country," "State," and "City" levels are enabled upon eDirectory purchase.

Modify Location Settings:
- Enable or disable levels using the "Enable" checkbox.
- Customize display names (singular and plural).
- Set a default location (or leave as "No default").
- Highlight featured locations using the "Featured" checkbox.

Disabling/Enabling Locations:
- Uncheck to disable; re-enable only if no listings, events, or classifieds exist.
Display Names:
- Customize labels for location fields (singular/plural).

Default Location and Show Default:
- Setting a default restricts listings to that location.
- "Show Default" is automatically checked when a default is selected.

Backend:

Frontend:

Featured Locations:
- Featured locations appear in the "Browse by location" widget. (See: Browse by Location and Category Widgets).

Backend:

Frontend:

Step 4: Adding Additional Location Data

After configuring settings, add location data. Refer to: Adding Additional Locations to Your eDirectory Site.

Conclusion

Properly configuring location settings is vital for enhancing user experience and search functionality on your eDirectory website. By following this guide, you ensure accurate address display, effective location detection, and relevant nearby results. This leads to improved usability and credibility. For further assistance, please contact the eDirectory support team.