Pick Connections Business Directory only if you already run it and need time to plan a move; it is not available for new installs from WordPress.org. Pick Smart Directory Pro for a new build or a migration, with CSV import, an email-verified claim flow, and a theme and plugin delivered together.
WordPress.org closed Connections Business Directory on January 23, 2025, giving the reason as “Security Issue”. The vendor site at connections-pro.com still presents the product for sale.
What is Connections Business Directory?
Connections Business Directory is one of the longest-running WordPress directory plugins. It powered staff directories, address books, business directories, and member directories.
The free core lived on WordPress.org and the developer sells premium extensions from connections-pro.com. Extension prices are not shown on the vendor homepage.
WordPress.org closed the plugin on January 23, 2025 and lists the reason only as “Security Issue”, with no CVE named. The vendor website is still live, but the plugin is not available through the standard WordPress.org channel.
Connections Business Directory pros and cons
- Long-running plugin with a loyal user base
- Strong fit for non-business directories: staff lists, member rosters, contact databases
- Vendor site still sells the product and its extensions
- Closed on WordPress.org since January 23, 2025 for a “Security Issue”
- No claim listing or AI features listed
- No evidence of a new WordPress.org release after the closure
Who should pick which
Stay on Connections only while you plan a migration from an existing site. Check the vendor site for its current release status first.
Pick Smart Directory Pro for a new business directory or a move off Connections. CSV import with AI column mapping and duplicate skipping brings your listings across.
Frequently asked questions
What is Connections Business Directory?
Connections Business Directory is a long-running WordPress directory plugin that WordPress.org closed on January 23, 2025, citing a “Security Issue”.
How much does Connections Business Directory cost?
The core was free on WordPress.org before closure. Premium extensions are sold at connections-pro.com; see the vendor site for prices.
Is Connections Business Directory actively maintained in 2026?
The vendor site still presents it as sold and updated, but the WordPress.org listing remains closed. Check the vendor changelog before relying on it.
Why was Connections closed on WordPress.org?
WordPress.org lists the reason as “Security Issue” and names no CVE.
Who is Connections Business Directory for?
Existing users keeping a live site running while they plan a migration.
Who should avoid Connections Business Directory?
Anyone starting a new directory who wants to install from WordPress.org.
Is Connections Business Directory better than Smart Directory Pro?
For new builds, no. Smart Directory Pro is $99 to $399 per year on an annual licence, ships theme and plugin together, and includes AI semantic search on every tier, plus an AI SEO audit and 5 AI content tools from Pro.
Is Connections Business Directory worth it in 2026?
Not for a new build while the WordPress.org listing is closed.
Connections Business Directory vs Smart Directory Pro
For new builds, this comparison is short. Connections is closed on WordPress.org for a security issue.
Smart Directory Pro is a maintained theme-plus-plugin product at $99 Basic, $199 Pro, and $399 Agency per year. If you already run Connections on a live site, plan a migration.
SDP imports listings from CSV with AI column mapping. See the migration paths in the directory plugin comparison, or see Smart Directory Pro running on a live directory.
See it in action
These short clips show how a migration into Smart Directory Pro works and how owners then claim their listings.
The bottom line
Connections Business Directory had a long run and a loyal user base. The WordPress.org closure in January 2025 changed its position.
The listing is still closed. For any site that needs to pass a security review or ship a fresh build, pick a product available through normal channels.
If you already use it, migrate sooner rather than later.
