City Guide v2 and Extension Plugins

Author: Categories: AitThemes News
Updated: September 6, 2018
City Guide v2 and Extension Plugins
46

Hey guys,

Thank you all for choosing our City Guide WordPress Theme for your website. Our goal is to give you the best directory theme on the market. We plan to develop new features that you will be able to use on your site and make it really unique for you and your clients. Our company also run a small directory website since 2005 now so we know what is important and what we always wanted. In 2013 we’ve developed our very first directory theme, since then we’ve released 2 more themes on our previous framework. City Guide is a brand new successor based on our newer theme framework. Every single line of code is completely rewritten that includes HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP and also plugins.

Our previous themes are also composed of plugins. If you wish to create a good directory site, you need WPML plugin, Extension plugin, Directions plugin. Import and Export plugins are also important for site maintenance.

To separate different features into plugins was our plan from the very beginning. We knew that rebuilding all the features and make them available in City Guide will take long time, that’s why 5 of our developers were dedicated to build this theme since July this year. We’ve managed to redevelop almost everything we currently have in our older directory themes only in 5 months time which is a great achievement and I’m very happy that we made it.

The current City Guide version includes many improvements that are free of charge. I’d only mention most significant and visible ones:

  • Social icons to single page
  • Enhanced Street View map control
  • Enhancements to the map element
  • Enhanced Megamenu settings
  • Updated Portfolio element
  • Import from particular page in Page Builder
  • Over 200 Google Fonts
  • 3 new languages: Brazilian Portuguese, Albanian, Bulgarian
  • Packages support
  • Bank transfer gateway
  • Enhanced Log in widget
  • Items widget
  • Many other speed improvements
  • Compatibility fixes for upcoming WordPress 4.1+

We plan to add the following features directly into the theme:

  • Ajax search
  • Other usability improvements

The following features are or will be available as plugins available for purchase for a small fee:

  • Reviews
  • Easy Admin
  • Import & Export plugin
  • Paypal payments
  • Get Directions plugin
  • Claim listing plugin
  • Events
  • Connection to WooCommerce
  • More payment gateways based on customer demand
  • Analytics for directory users

We also plan to create Migration plugin from Directory and Business Finder that will be available free of charge.

Price of the theme is the same as other “simpler” themes we have in our Club even though it already includes way way more features and took us many times longer to create it. This lower price is making the theme more affordable for everybody that would like to create a simple directory website and don’t need all additional features.

If somebody is going to create an advanced directory site, they can extend it with additional plugins. Price for plugins are set very reasonably, if we compare it to WooCommerce extensions for example. You don’t need to order these changes from a local developer or do then on your own, all plugins are fully supported by us and are tested on our theme. Most importantly if you’re running a global portal, all plugins and also City Guide theme itself are fully translated into 21 languages. You don’t need to do the translation on your own or get it translated for your international clients. We saved you both time and money! 🙂

Looking back I agree that we should write the price of additional plugins from the very beginning. This communication misunderstanding would not happen. I hope you understand it.

I’d like to wish you good luck with your directory business, many customers and visitors. Directory sites are great way to earn with Google Adsense or by offering subscriptions. Possibilities and endless and we’d like to help you with that. City Guide is not just a theme, it’s a full business you can run for a couple of dollars! 🙂

We’re also planning to create more and dedicated directory themes. All plugins will be compatible with all directory themes. That means you don’t need to purchase them separately for each theme or site you’re running.

Have a great day,
Martin

About Martin Kotys

CEO & Founder of AitThemes. Martin has 14 years experience in web industry. Has masters degree in IT. Experienced Web developer, Linux and Database Admin.

Comments (46)

  1. Bob
    Reply ↓

    hello Martin,
    I can not find information about the individual plugins from your company. how they work, what can be imported, please provide a description for each plugin.How it will works with plugins with updates and will it be subscription for plugins like for themes? I did not want to buy something that was not described how it works.
    Bob

    1. Martin Kotys
      Reply ↓

      Hey Bob,

      we’re currently building these pages. All information about plugins will go public this week. Everything will be also translated to all languages. Plugins are currently available if you log in to our system. You can purchase them and start using straight away. We wanted to release v2 and plugins as soon as possible 🙂 The only thing that is missing are presentation pages. Thanks.

  2. Pieter
    Reply ↓

    Thanks Guys,
    Hope you will make it even better in future!

    I think plugin price is indeed not bad 🙂

    I have a question you said:
    The following features are or will be available as plugins available for purchase for a small fee:
    EVENTS

    Where is that plugin ? Can’t see it in login area

    1. Martin Kotys
      Reply ↓

      Thanks Pieter for your message. Events plugin is not yet finished. We’d like to make it universal, it’ll work in all our themes. In City Guide you and also business owners will be able to add events on the map and also their item page. This plugin should be available in January.

  3. Martin
    Reply ↓

    Hi Martin,

    when do you think the following features will be added:

    1.) Import of the “Business Finder” Items?
    2.) Route planner

    Will those features be addes as updates or as plug-ins?

    Regards
    Tom

    1. Martin Kotys
      Reply ↓

      Hi Martin,

      Thank you for your message. We’d like to release Migration plugin from Directory/Business Finder themes this week. Get directions plugin will be available in January.

      Take care,
      Martin

  5. Tom
    Reply ↓

    Hello Martin,
    Only for clarification for all some was buying Version 1.0 of CityGuide. Some you know that no one be warned that we have to buy plugins for the futures( like csv import) we expect to get with version 2 and 3.
    Can you as CEO of AIT Themes confirm that we don’t get this plugins gratis or with discount?
    kindly
    Tom

    1. Martin Kotys
      Reply ↓

      Hi Tom,

      As I’ve written in my post above, some of the features come included in the theme to keep the theme price low and some of the features are made as plugins. Plugins are priced very reasonably comparing to other plugin extensions on the market that cost tens and hundreds of dollars.

      Thanks,
      Martin

  7. TomTom
    Reply ↓

    Hi Martin,

    I’m really sorry for kicking off such a big discussion.
    Actually I only wanted to know what your future plans are. So that I’m able to make my own plans.

    The error in information could, in my opinion, have been solved in a better way. At least for those users who’ve been going with you since the directory theme and extra switched over. Even if they can’t edit the old projects because the import of the old data is not possible yet.

    BUT I must comlipment you! You noticed how users modified the themes (directory & business finder) to make them fit to personal requirements and which wishes and suggestions were made. And you managed to put those features and many more together in just one theme. In such a great way that there are no problems occuring. That means you’d already tested a lot!

    Huge comliment to your planners and programmers!

    And kudos to Ivan, Zoli and the others of the support team! I personally have two companies, a marketing agency and a picture agency. So have a lot to do whith support forums. But the fast and really friendly way how users get answers and solutions in your forum is really special! You’re doing a great job! Many thanks for that! THANK YOU!

    I wish you marry Christmas and the best possible start to the next year!

    Best wishes,
    TomTom

  8. Bill K
    Reply ↓

    Hi Martin,

    Can you comment on the Analytics plugin timetable? This is crucial– and a dealbreaker for my client until it is available.
    Thanks,
    Bill

    1. Martin Kotys
      Reply ↓

      Hi Bill,

      Thanks for your message. We’ll start working on Analytics plugin after we finish Migration, Get Directions and Events plugins. I think we might start working on Analytics plugin in 6-8 weeks time.

      Martin

  9. Julien
    Reply ↓

    Hello,
    I’ve bought this theme in the early days. I’m not using it because I’ve been waiting for the features announced in V2 and V3 !
    That’s only why I bought this theme ! V1 out of the box didn’t suit my desire.
    So now I learn that most of the features I’m waiting for are paid plugins !!
    I’m really bothered with this. It seams that I have been “caught”. I’ve read your explations, but it is not convincing, sorry !

  10. Karthikeyan
    Reply ↓

    I thought of buying the business directory theme which has things that I want for my new web site. I came across the city guide and after seeing this blog, I am confused on which one to buy.

    I have few questions to you.

    (a) I liked the side kick styled search criteria shown on top of the map in the home page of business directory. It is possible to bring it in City Guide.

    (b) I liked the rating stars shown in the map upon clicking a particular icon in the map. Is it possible to get it in city guide if I buy the rating and review plugin

    (c) I am not convinced on charging separately for easy admin.

    (d) I heard that you will be introducing event features. It is charged separately as a plugin or will it be part of city guide.

    (e) Will updates to directory and business directory will cease because of this city guide. Because on the way you are charging for city guide, it seems that you will not provide any future update for directory and business directory.

    1. Martin Kotys
      Reply ↓

      Hey, Thanks for your message. Please check my comments below:

      a) Search bar is currently styled under the map, you can put it on the top with some custom css changes if you like.
      b) Sorry this is not possible by default
      c) If you don’t need to use Easy Admin plugin, you don’t need to purchase it. It’s just $15 which is nothing comparing to bespoke development or custom built solution.
      d) Event plugin will be sold separately.
      e) We currently don’t plan to add any new features to Business Finder and Directory themes other than bug fixes. There’re no paid updates on themeforest and we don’t have available resources to develop new features free of charge.

      There are 2 brand new directory themes under development that will have the same base as City Guide. You can look forward to them, themes should be available in about 2 months 🙂

      Have a great day,
      Martin

    1. Martin Kotys
      Reply ↓

      Hi,

      Events element is there from the beginning. It’s included in the theme. We will be working on Events plugin that will have more enhanced functionality. This plugin will be available for purchase from our website or free of charge for all Premium membership customers.

      Thanks,
      Martin

  12. Ivan
    Reply ↓

    Hello guys i found your theme by lucky searching for directory themes. im thinking to migrate from templatic directory\’s theme cuz their themes are so HEAVY WEIGHT
    i like ur theme but templatic have a tons of options that u dont 🙁 also plugins like tabs manager will be great , advertisement manager, and so on.. payment options (for SMS will be VERY ACCEPTED EVERYWHERE) I want that plugin/option for payments in Bulgaria for each posting of listing

    1. Martin Kotys
      Reply ↓

      Hey Ivan,

      Thanks for your message. We plan to create various different plugins that will people to create unique directory websites. We currently have 2 more directory themes under development – Event Guide and Food Guide. Both themes will include unique functionality as extension plugins. We have 4 developers dedicated to these new themes and features. We’ll do our best to finish everything as soon as we can 🙂

      Have a great day,
      Martin

    2. chris
      Reply ↓

      Ivan,

      I’m curious, did you decide to stay with Templatic or switch to AIT Themes? Are you happy with your decision? I agree with what you are saying, Templatic seems to have more features (payment options, ad manager, etc) but I’ve heard it’s really buggy and hard to work with. Just curious where you ended-up. Thanx!

  13. Hubert
    Reply ↓

    Hi,

    I monitor City Guide for a while and I just saw that you were going to improve the events function with optional Advanced Version … Very good idea!

    On an item, it will be possible to make a connection with an event? And have a widget or shortcode on page items with a view of events? And vice versa, on the event page a link to the item! So a complete connection between …

    Can you give a little more information on the features you\’ll fit in?

    Thx

    1. Martin Kotys
      Reply ↓

      Hi Hubert,

      Thanks for your message. Registered users will be able to administer both items and their events. So basically you’ll be able to add your Restaurant or Pub and then add concerts or other events that you host there.

      Martin

  14. Hubert
    Reply ↓

    Sorry, another question … is it possible to create custom fields on items ?

    Because i would like to modify the template header for items and add an overlay image with logo like on this screenshot http://s421594468.onlinehome.fr/images/CityGuide-items.jpg

  15. Bill J
    Reply ↓

    Hi-
    I will be building a restaurant directory. At the moment I would build it with the city guide theme and utilize the event plugin for special offers. I see that you are building a food guide directory (based on the city guide) which is slated for March introduction?
    Should I wait until the food directory comes out or proceed with the city guide now?
    Would the build be easier with the food guide- re functionality/plugins etc.- or stick with the city guide and migrate to the food guide later?

    Thanks,
    Bill

    1. Martin Kotys
      Reply ↓

      Hi Bill,

      Thank you for your message. We’re currently working on two new themes Food Guide and Event Guide. We plan to add there some pretty nice features, all wrapped to completely modern and unique designs 🙂 These themes should be available in about 2 months time. You can start working with City Guide theme and then make a switch to Food or Even guide in the future. Themes will be compatible 🙂

      Have a great day,
      Martin

  16. Santi
    Reply ↓

    Hi can I change the custom post type name “Item” to other, I would like that in my website they could be named “Teams”.

    Thanks a lot

    1. Zlatko
      Reply ↓

      Hi Santi, you can do that by modification in the file. Our support will be happy to navigate you and give more details how to do that. Thank you

  17. Rachel
    Reply ↓

    Hi,
    is there any User guide / Guideline for this theme?
    I’m looking for help to know how to work on this theme.

    Thanks!

    1. Zlatko
      Reply ↓

      Hello,
      thanks for the question, please find City Guide documentation at: https://www.ait-themes.club/documentation/
      Have a nice day,
      Zlatko

  18. Rachel
    Reply ↓

    Hi, is there user guide or guideline documentation for City Guide theme?
    I am looking for help on how to work on this theme.

    1. Zlatko
      Reply ↓

      Hello,
      yes, please have a look at https://www.ait-themes.club/documentation/ and scroll down to find City Guide.
      Have a nice day,
      Zlatko.

  19. James
    Reply ↓

    Hi,

    a)
    How compatible will this theme be with Advanced Custom Fields plugin which we make heavy use of for modifications of themes please?

    b)
    Also is there a list of known plugins that are Not compatible with this theme?

    c)
    If I wanted to use my own event manager plugin, will this be doable?

    d)
    Is there an advertising module built into this theme?

    e)
    Is there a subscription module built into this theme that allows for people to subscribe on a monthly basis for additional services?

    Many thanks.

    1. Zlatko
      Reply ↓

      Hello,
      thanks for your questions.
      Answers to a) b) and c): we have no tested the other plugins. Anyhow, the main rule is if 3rd party plugin comes supported and kept up-to-date there is no problem with compatibility. All that you need is to make some CSS customization.
      d) Advertising module is available at: https://www.ait-themes.club/wordpress-plugins/announcements-bar/ or at: http://preview.ait-themes.club/index.php?d=d&o=l&t=cityguide -> main menu -> elements -> advertisements
      e) Please have a look at some samples of price table element at: http://preview.ait-themes.club/index.php?d=d&o=l&t=cityguide -> main menu -> elements -> price table

      Have a nice day, Zlatko.

  20. Lee
    Reply ↓

    Love the look of this theme looks amazing but just have a couple of questions.

    1. can you set custom fields in the backend?

    2. Are all the colours customisable?

    3. Are they categories for the directory listings separate to the blog categories?

    Many thanks
    Lee

    1. Zlatko
      Reply ↓

      Hello,
      thanks for interesting in our products:
      1) yes, please have a look at docs: https://www.ait-themes.club/doc/admin-side-of-item-extension-plugin/
      2) yes, you can set up any part of website through theme option: https://www.ait-themes.club/doc/theme-options/
      3) yes, you can use event the same names. How to assign items to a category: https://www.ait-themes.club/doc/assign-items-to-categories-and-locations/

      Thank You for Interest in our product and hope the answer was sufficient.
      Kind regards,
      Zlatko

  21. Sarah
    Reply ↓

    Hi,
    I just curious is it possible to combine City Guide (as my main domain) & Event Guide (as my sub domain) with the same database for my member?

    Example: similiar like Envato for codecanyon – themeforest – etc.

    1. Zlatko
      Reply ↓

      Hi Sarah,

      yes, ti is possible. It uses the same database, but once you decide to use current users you need to install a 3rd party plugin. We have no experiences with it neither no feedback from our clients, therefore i can not recommend you a specific one.

      Kind regards,
      Zlatko.

  22. salomon
    Reply ↓

    I feel very sad…. I pay 40 dollars for the import export plug in in your site and then found out that I could by for 15 in theme forest. I feel cheated and I think it is not fear!
    I wish you contact me regarding this.

    1. Zlatko
      Reply ↓

      Hello Salomon,
      thanks for contacting us. You have purchased the right product, please do not worry about it. The plugin sold by Envato group on codecanyon is not compatible with City Guide (Directory+, Event Guide). Please have a look at plugin presentation in detail.
      Best regards,
      Zlatko

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