Submit Locations lets visitors (or members) submit new locations from the front end through customizable forms — tabs, fields, taxonomies, uploads, reCAPTCHA, and optional moderation before pins go live.
This is an Ultimate module. Enable under Ultimate Modules.
Enable
- Ultimate Modules → Submit Locations → Enable
- Open the Submit Locations admin UI (forms under Progress Map)
- Create and configure a form
- Embed its shortcode on a page
Create a form
- Add a new submission form.
- Connect it to the post type used for map locations.
- Configure default tabs (and add your own).
- Set status for newly submitted locations (e.g. pending review vs publish).
- Save.
Tabs
- Add new tabs for logical groups (Location, Details, Media, Contact)
- Change tab display order
- Edit default tabs instead of inventing parallel structures
Keep the first tab focused on address / map pinpoint so geocoding happens early.
Fields
- Add custom fields matching data you show on the map / infoboxes
- Add taxonomies (category checklists/dropdowns)
- Only ask for what you will actually display or filter later
Uploads
Allow image (and other file) uploads when listings need photos. Limit file size/types at the WordPress and form level to protect the server.
reCAPTCHA
Protect public forms with reCAPTCHA to reduce spam submissions. Configure keys as required by the module/settings and your Google reCAPTCHA console.
Moderation / review before publish
For quality directories:
- Set new submissions to pending (or a custom moderated status your query allows).
- Review entries in wp-admin.
- Confirm coordinates are valid.
- Publish — the location appears on maps whose query includes that status/type.
Never point a public map query at pending posts unless you intentionally want unpublished pins visible.
Display the form
Shortcode
[cspmsl_form id="FORM_ID"]
Put the form on a “Add your business” or “Submit a place” page. Replace FORM_ID with the real form ID.
Emails after submit
You can notify admins (or the submitter) after a successful submission — see module tutorials / notification settings in your build. Always test email delivery on staging (wp_mail / SMTP plugin).
Translation
WPML or PoEdit for labels, buttons, and messages.
Security & privacy checklist
- reCAPTCHA on public forms
- Moderate before publish when UGC quality matters
- Limit upload MIME types and sizes
- Don’t request sensitive data you don’t need
- GDPR: link privacy policy near the form; only store consented data
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Check |
|---|---|
| Shortcode inert | Module disabled |
| Submissions missing coordinates | Users skipped map/geocode step; make it required |
| Pins don’t appear | Status not included in map query; cache |
| Spam | Enable reCAPTCHA; pending status |
| Upload fails | Server limits (upload_max_filesize), permissions |
| Conflict | Standalone Submit Locations plugin still active |
Related
- Add locations (admin-side equivalent)
- Connect post types
- Query settings for what goes public
