RE: Possible to set a default radius i.e. 5? I note that a search for the exact zipcode of my one test entry fails, but succeeds if I select any radius.
The default radius is already set to 5.1 (you can actually see this in the web address bar after clicking search). The center of the radius is determined by Google, so even within the same zip code, you can be outside the search radius, which is likely why the single test entry does not appear when selecting the 5mi or 10mi radius options, only 15mi and greater.
RE: Many of the contractors provide services in multiple states – not with physical addresses in most cases. There are work crews of painters for example who may cover 3 states or 20 states or all of USA.
The best solution is to create a Regions or Areas of Service parent category and add, as children categories, the areas/regions you would like the user to be able to filter by. I would suggest setting this category parent to display as a checklist so the user can choose multiple areas/regions.
I hope this helps; please let me know.
Thanks you. The import/export tools made that painless. Two thumbs up.
Good to hear!
I did take another quick look at the directory page.
You should use only a single instance of the shortcode, not two.