How to Create a Searchable Directory from Google Sheets

Already managing data in Google Sheets? You can turn it into a searchable, filterable directory on your website and keep it in sync automatically. Update the spreadsheet, your directory updates too.

Before You Start

You'll need an EmbedDirectory account to create and embed a searchable directory from your Google Sheets data. Set up in minutes, no coding required.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Google Sheet

Make sure your spreadsheet is structured for a clean import:

1. Column headers in the first row (Name, Address, Phone, Category, etc.)
2. One row per listing
3. Include a Name column (required)
4. For multiple tags or categories, separate with commas: Coffee, Breakfast, Wifi

Example:

Make sure the sheet is shared or accessible so EmbedDirectory can read it.

Step 2: Set Up Your Directory Fields

Before connecting your sheet, define the fields your directory will display. These are what your spreadsheet columns will map to.

1. In your dashboard, go to Listing Fields
2. Add fields that match your spreadsheet columns (links, phone numbers, categories, images, etc.)

For details, see Custom Fields.

Step 3: Connect Your Google Sheet

1. Go to Data Sync
2. Click Add Sync Source
3. Give it a name (e.g., "Main Directory Sheet")
4. Paste the URL of your Google Sheet
5. EmbedDirectory will read the sheet and display your columns

Step 4: Map Columns to Fields

Match each spreadsheet column to a directory field:

• Name → your listing name column (required)
• Address → your address column (for map placement)
• Description → your description column
• Custom fields → match to the appropriate columns
• Skip → for columns you don't need

A preview updates as you map, so you can verify everything looks right.

Step 5: Set Your Sync Schedule

Choose how often your directory pulls updates from the sheet:

• Hourly - data that changes throughout the day
• Daily - good default for most directories
• Weekly - data that doesn't change often
• Monthly - mostly static data

Each sync checks for new, updated, and removed rows, then updates your directory to match.

Step 6: Save and Sync

Click Save, then run an initial sync to populate your directory. Check the sync log to confirm everything imported correctly.

From here, your directory stays in sync automatically. Add a row, edit a value, or delete a listing from the sheet, and it's reflected at the next scheduled sync.

Open Data Sync →