Webinar Wednesday 130 – February 23, 2022

Add-On: Member Credits System (00:02:20)

• The Member Credits System add-on is now officially released, allowing users to manually add credits to their members, which can be used towards their next purchase on the website (00:02:37).
• This add-on provides an alternative to cash back refunds, enabling users to give their members website credits instead, which can be a more beneficial option for both parties (00:02:43).
• A short video is available to demonstrate how the Member Credits System add-on works, and users are encouraged to share their experiences and feedback on the add-on (00:02:54).
• Some users, such as Stephen, have been looking forward to using the Member Credits System add-on and have suggested various ways to utilize it, including selling larger amounts of credits at a discounted price (00:03:23).
• The add-on offers multiple use cases, and the community is excited to explore its potential and come up with innovative ways to use it, such as offering $70 worth of credit for $50 (00:03:37).
• The Member Credits System add-on can be used to sell items on the website at prices such as $299, $399, or $499, and users can offer larger amounts of credits to incentivize customers to make larger purchases (00:03:42).

Webhooks: When Member’s Plan Changed or Cancelled (00:04:03)

• The ability to send data into platforms such as Zapier, Pably, or Integrately using web hooks has been released, with two new web hooks being slowly released, allowing for more integration options (00:04:03).
• When a member changes their plan or upgrades or downgrades from within their member dashboard, a web hook event can be triggered, and this can also be triggered if a member cancels their plan from inside their member dashboard (00:04:18).
• The web hook events can be found in the developer hub, where there are now a good number of different web hook events that can be triggered and turned on, including forms that are submitted and the newest ones, which are when a member’s plan is changed or a member’s plan is cancelled from inside their member dashboard (00:04:39).
• The web hook events for plan changes or cancellations can be enabled and then synced with Zapier and any other third-party application that is used, allowing for automated data transfer and integration (00:05:03).
• When a member changes their plan, the available plans for upgrade or downgrade are determined by the membership plan settings, and this change can trigger a web hook event, which can also be triggered when a member cancels their account by going to manage account and clicking on close my account (00:05:23).
• By default, the admin is always notified of these events, but with the web hook integration, the data can also be synced into Zapier or another tool, allowing for further automation and integration (00:05:57).

Forms: Alternate Field Label Based On Display Views (00:06:09)

• The form manager is a feature that allows editing of forms, and a new suggestion is being implemented to have an alternate field label based on the display views, which was suggested in a previous webinar (00:06:09).
• This new feature will enable the creation of two different labels for the same field, one for the input view when a member is filling out the form and another for the display view when the information is shown on their public profile page (00:06:31).
• For example, a field asking for a member’s favorite color can have one label for the member to input their answer and a different label on their public profile page, such as “Member’s Favorite Color”, to provide a more polished display of the information (00:06:43).
• The implementation of this feature is planned for the near future, allowing for more flexibility and customization in the form manager (00:07:05).

Forms: New Field Type – “Price Input Field” (00:07:06)

• A new form field type called “Price Input Field” is available, which can be used when creating a form (00:07:06).
• The “Price Input Field” will match the currency format on the site, allowing users to input prices in the correct format (00:07:19).
• When using the “Price Input Field”, the currency format will be consistent with the website’s format, making it easier for users to input prices (00:07:21).
• The “Price Input Field” is an addition to the existing field types, which include single line text input, multi-line text input, check boxes, and select drop downs (00:07:10).
• The purpose of the “Price Input Field” is to allow users to input a price for something, following the currency format of the website (00:07:25).

Add-On: File Uploads for Forms (00:07:33)

• A new add-on is being developed, which has been undergoing quality assurance testing due to numerous security considerations that need to be addressed (00:07:33).
• The add-on will provide the ability to upload files with forms, allowing users to add images or PDFs when filling out a form on a website, whether it is a custom form or a default form that has been edited (00:07:38).
• The file upload feature will be a field type that can be added to forms, and the primary focus is on ensuring that the feature is safe and secure for websites (00:07:52).
• The development of the add-on is ongoing, with an emphasis on prioritizing the security and safety of the websites where the feature will be implemented (00:08:01).

Admin: Search Members Who Have Credits (00:08:03)

• The member credit system add-on is being released, and it includes a feature to search members who have a positive balance of credits on the website (00:08:04).
• This feature will be available on the search members page in the admin area, where users can search under transaction types and select the option to search members who have credits available (00:08:15).
• Once this feature is released, users will be able to create smart lists or get an idea of how many members have credits on their site by using the search function (00:08:26).
• The ability to search members who have credits will allow administrators to easily identify and manage members with a positive credit balance, and this feature is expected to be released soon (00:08:28).
• The search function will provide a way to filter members based on their credit status, enabling administrators to make informed decisions and take actions accordingly (00:08:31).
• The release of this feature is part of the phase two items for the member credit system add-on, which includes several updates and improvements to be released in the coming months (00:08:08).

Webhook: When One-Time Purchases Completed (00:08:48)

• A new web hook event is being introduced, which is triggered when one-time purchases are completed on the site (00:08:48).
• This event occurs when a member purchases a single item, such as a lead, a paper post, or a digital product, and it can trigger a web hook event (00:08:51).
• The triggered web hook event can be sent to solutions like Zapier, allowing for further automation and integration with other tools (00:09:01).

Security, Small Patches & More! (00:09:09)

• Lots of small patches, security updates, stability, and speed improvements are coming down the line, with many of these updates starting with the letter “s” and including other features, all of which are based on user suggestions, (00:09:10)
• Many of the upcoming updates are a result of user feedback, which is provided through emails to the support team or posts in the Facebook group, and this feedback is appreciated as it helps shape the platform to be better for everyone, (00:09:18)
• A user named Ryan had a question or comment about the new and upcoming features, and was given the opportunity to speak by having his mic unmuted, allowing him to ask his question or share his thoughts with the group, (00:09:30)

What data is sent with the webhook when a member changes their plan? (00:09:46)

• When a member changes their plan, the webhook sends several pieces of data, including the member’s information, such as their user ID and email address, as well as details about their previous and new membership plans, at (00:10:12).
• The data sent with the webhook includes the subscription ID and name, the price and cycle of the previous plan, and whether it was free or paid, providing a comprehensive overview of the membership plan change, at (00:10:27).
• The webhook also sends information about the new plan, including whether it is free or paid, the price, cycle, subscription ID, and name of the subscription plan, allowing for robust tracking of membership plan updates, at (00:10:35).
• The data sent with the webhook is robust and includes all the necessary information to track changes to a member’s plan, including the member’s user ID, email address, and details about both the previous and new plans, at (00:10:46).

Showcase 25+ Company Stats & Data to Boost Your Website’s Credibility (00:11:03)

• The tip of the week is about showcasing 25 and more company stats and data to boost a website’s credibility, which is expected to be useful for everyone, regardless of their website’s stage (00:11:03).
• The topic of credibility has been discussed in previous webinars, but primarily focused on established websites, making it challenging for new websites to establish trust with their users (00:11:22).
• Brand new websites often struggle to showcase credibility and establish trust with their visitors, making this presentation particularly useful for them (00:11:31).
• The presentation aims to provide useful information for the majority of website owners, whether they have an existing website or are just starting a new one (00:11:42).
• Ideas have been categorized based on the stage of the website, providing relevant information for website owners at different stages of development (00:11:53).

Why is Credibility Important? (00:11:59)

• Credibility is important because it directly impacts the bottom line of an organization, affecting its ability to sell memberships, generate leads, and sell content, with the first question website visitors have in mind being whether they can trust the organization (00:11:59).
• The credibility of a brand has a major role in all aspects of a website, including selling memberships, generating leads, and selling content, making it essential to create a trustworthy website where users feel comfortable doing business and entering their credit card information (00:12:06).
• Establishing credibility involves showing website visitors that the business or organization is trustworthy by demonstrating its growth, progression, and development, which in turn increases the perceived value and potential benefits that people can gain from joining the organization (00:12:12).
• Credibility plays a crucial role in making website visitors feel comfortable enough to join the website, do business, and enter their credit card information, which is why it is essential to answer the question of trust with a definite yes (00:12:17).
• Increasing credibility helps to enhance the perceived value or potential experience that people can gain from joining an organization, which is why it is vital to create a website that showcases the organization’s Trust (social science) and credibility (00:12:27).
• The overall goal is to create a website that shows the organization can be trusted, which involves demonstrating its credibility and trustworthiness to website visitors, thereby increasing the chances of selling memberships, generating leads, and selling content (00:12:30).

4 Types of Credibility (00:13:37)

• Credibility is perceived trustworthiness and expertise, and there are four types of credibility, including presumed, reputed, surface, and earned credibility, which are all important for a website to establish trust with its visitors (00:13:37).
• Presumed credibility is based on general assumptions, such as having a company email address on the website’s domain or a non-profit having a dot org domain, which can affect how credible a website appears to be (00:14:25).
• Reputed credibility comes from being endorsed or recommended by an authority figure or someone with a high level of credibility within the target industry or niche, such as Oprah’s book club or the New York Times best sellers list (00:14:51).
• Surface credibility is based on first impressions of a website, including its messaging, organization, and quality of images, with a well-designed website appearing more credible than a poorly designed one (00:15:35).
• Earned credibility is built over time through users’ experiences with a website, such as having a phenomenal experience, quickly solving problems, and delivering benefits, which can lead to increased trust and credibility (00:15:55).
• These types of credibility do not happen in a step-by-step process, but rather all at the same time, with presumed credibility being affected by the domain name, reputed credibility being influenced by referrals or endorsements, surface credibility being impacted by the website’s design, and earned credibility being built through user experiences (00:16:43).
• Understanding these types of credibility is important for making changes and updates to a website, including the language used and the overall user experience, in order to establish and maintain trust with visitors and prospective members (00:16:34).

Brand New Websites Can Share… (00:18:25)

• For new websites with limited data, listing basic information can help increase credibility, such as a physical street address, which lets people know that there is a physical presence behind the website, even if it’s just a PO box (00:18:54).
• Having a highly visible phone number can also increase Trust (social science), as it gives visitors a sense of security and allows them to contact a real person if they have a problem (00:19:14).
• Embedding a live chat for visitors can provide an additional way for people to connect with a real person and get help with questions or concerns (00:19:29).
• Displaying professional affiliations and memberships, such as associations or groups related to the niche or target industry, can also increase credibility (00:19:44).
• Putting a face to the business by including a headshot, message from the founder, and information about team members can help visitors form a connection with a person rather than just a website (00:20:11).
• Listing the year the website was established or the combined years of experience of the team can also demonstrate credibility, especially if the website is new (00:20:51).
• Telling the story of the website and its founders on the about page can provide additional context and help visitors understand the mission and values of the business (00:21:40).
• Highlighting any news or press coverage can further establish the website’s credibility and reputation (00:21:49).
• To establish credibility, websites can list logos of News media or blogs that have written about them, even if it’s a paid press release, and link to the article, which helps to build trust with potential members (00:21:51).
• Replying to reviews, whether positive or negative, shows that there is someone behind the website who cares, and it’s essential to respond sincerely to both types of reviews (00:22:23).
• Offering a satisfaction guarantee, such as a no-questions-asked refund, can help to get people signed up on the website initially, especially if there are no free options available (00:22:42).
• Sharing values and commitment on the about page helps people connect with the person behind the website, rather than just a faceless website, and can be an effective way to build an emotional connection with visitors (00:23:07).
• The primary goal for brand new websites is to connect with people emotionally, as they don’t have hard numbers or statistics to back up their claims, and this can be achieved by establishing a mission, cause, or commitment that resonates with the target audience (00:23:56).
• Creating an emotional connection with visitors can be done by sharing the story behind the website, the people involved, and what makes the website unique, which can help to build trust and loyalty with potential members (00:24:12).
• Finding and sharing the hidden gems or intangible things that make a company or brand awesome can help to differentiate the website from others and create a unique identity (00:23:35).

KPIs for Established Websites to Share (00:24:31)

• Key performance indicators (Performance indicator) for established websites include the total number of registered users, daily or monthly website visitors, total email subscribers, and total page views, which can be shared with website visitors to demonstrate credibility and authority (00:24:33).
• Sharing statistics such as average profile views, number of monthly searches, and social media followers can persuade website visitors to sign up and create a listing, as it shows that existing listings are getting traffic and traction (00:25:51).
• Including numbers such as total leads matched and revenue generated from leads distributed to members can add to the sense of credibility and trust, as it shows that members are benefiting from their membership (00:26:27).
• User-generated content statistics, such as views on member-published content and total website comments, can also be shared to demonstrate interaction within the community (00:27:04).
• User testimonials, especially with photos of the members, can go a long way in establishing credibility and allowing new visitors to connect with actual people (00:27:32).
• Endorsements from industry leaders and displaying awards, badges, and accolades can also add to the reputation and credibility of the website (00:27:58).
• These Performance indicator can be used to create a media kit for potential advertisers, which can help determine the price for advertising on the site based on the website’s demographics and activity (00:28:51).

Let’s See Some Examples (00:29:17)

• The demo site has examples of key performance indicators and items that can be viewed on a website, including general single elements and previous pages from other webinars, which can be stacked on the same page or sprinkled around the website, such as on the homepage or about us page (00:29:19).
• The examples on the demo site include quick stats and numbers, a simple testimonial with a photo of an actual person, a section listing news websites that the website might have been listed on, a newsletter call-to-action, and a message from the founder with a photo (00:29:27).
• The elements on the demo site were made quickly with standard draggable content blocks in the webpage editor, and can be used to share information with website visitors, such as stats and numbers, testimonials, and news listings (00:30:22).
• The demo site also includes a newsletter call-to-action that mixes emotional connection with data, and a message from the founder that lets people know who’s behind the website and organization, with links to a mission page and a team page (00:31:27).
• The examples on the demo site can be used to give website visitors an emotional message and draw them deeper into the company’s commitment, mission, and team, with calls to action and links to other pages (00:32:27).
• The demo site is an example of how to display key performance indicators and items on a website, and can be used as a starting point for creating a website that showcases a company’s information and mission (00:29:31).
• Website owners have control over their site and can choose which statistics to display, allowing them to pick and choose what presents best to visitors, and sometimes using percentages instead of solid numbers, such as month-over-month growth of members, to present data (00:32:50).
• Customizing default draggable content blocks can make a layout stand out, and adding videos, such as a video testimonial or a video of the organization’s leader speaking, can add credibility to a page, as seen in the example of a teams page (00:33:25).
• Including information about an organization’s core values and beliefs, as well as a call to action, can help connect with visitors on an emotional level and encourage them to join, and using phrases like “join 30,000 other professionals” can be effective (00:34:14).
• New websites can add elements such as a mission statement, high-quality images, and a way to contact the business to establish credibility and connect with visitors, and it’s essential to give people an experience and something to rally behind, rather than just asking them to join a directory (00:35:21).
• Adding elements like raw stats or emotional connections to a site can help establish a brand, and listing ways to contact the business can help establish credibility and show that there are people behind a brand, which is essential for building trust with visitors (00:36:01).
• Using a mix of statistics and emotional connections can help create a compelling website that attracts visitors and encourages them to join, and it’s crucial to make visitors feel like they are connecting with people rather than just reading text and looking at generic images (00:36:21).
• The discussion is open to questions and showcasing of statistics or details to help establish credibility with visitors, with the option to use the “raise your hand” feature to unmute the microphone and take questions (00:36:26).
• Rich, also known as Mutual Mike, is participating in the discussion and has expressed enthusiasm for the credits feature, finding it phenomenal and unparalleled in other directory or membership platforms (00:36:51).
• The credits feature is considered to have endless possibilities, with various widgets, plugins, and VIP add-ons, and Rich has already experienced great success with it, looking forward to utilizing it more (00:37:00).
• The credits feature is seen as a valuable tool, with Rich praising its uniqueness and the potential it offers, and is excited to explore its full potential and continue using it (00:37:10).
• The conversation is interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and share their experiences, with Jason engaging with Rich and acknowledging his positive feedback about the credits feature (00:36:48).

Showing random members on the homepage to build credibility with new visitors (00:37:21)

• The feature of displaying members on the home page in a random order is utilized to enhance visibility, which contributes to building credibility with new visitors (00:37:22).
• The random order feature is appreciated because it makes the display of recent members on the home page fun and dynamic, keeping it fresh for visitors who do not see the same image every time (00:37:40).
• The home page showcases a selection of members in a random order, with around 24 members displayed out of thousands, ensuring that the content appears fresh and new to visitors every time they load the page (00:37:57).
• The display of members on the home page includes testimonials, providing social proof and further enhancing the credibility of the platform (00:37:54).

Suggestion to show view count on posts (00:38:05)

• The idea of showing the view count on posts is discussed, where members can see how many views their posts have received, similar to YouTube, and this feature can be turned on or off, with the suggestion first mentioned at (00:38:06).
• The profile analytics add-on tracks how many profile views a member has received or how many post views they’ve received, and it shows that data to the member in their member dashboard, but it would be beneficial to display this information on the website itself, as noted at (00:38:45).
• To make this feature more effective, it’s suggested that there could be a setting to hide the view count if it’s below a certain threshold, such as 10 or 25 views, to avoid showing low view counts, with this idea first introduced at (00:39:54).
• The data for view counts is already stored in the database with the profile analytics add-on, so displaying it on the public site would be a matter of bringing this data to the detail page, as explained at (00:40:37).
• The ability to show view counts could enhance the user experience, making it similar to other platforms where users can see how many views a post has received, with this comparison made at (00:38:24).
• The suggestion to show view counts is considered a great idea, and it’s noted that some plugins allow for spoofing the starting number of views to make the post look more popular, with this example given at (00:39:37).
• The directory software has various add-ons and features, including video, article, podcast, and photo postings, making it a robust platform, and adding the view count feature could further improve it, as described at (00:40:14).

Feedback on Member Credits System add-on (00:40:48)

• The member credits system add-on has received positive feedback, with one member joining as a “rock star” and automatically receiving $50 in their account, while another member who experienced a glitch with calendly was given $25 in their account (00:40:48).
• The system allows for remedying shortcomings or roadblocks by giving members a handful of credits, making everything better, and it is easy to understand as it uses actual dollars instead of points (00:41:19).
• The member credits system is flexible, as seen in a Zoom call where it was announced that anybody who joins today would receive a certain number of dollars in their account, and this feature is phenomenal (00:41:24).
• There are more features coming down the line for the member credits system, and feedback is appreciated, with a discussion taking place with a friend, George, who was asked to unmute their microphone (00:41:47).
• The use of actual dollars in the member credits system, rather than points, makes it easier for members to understand the value of their credits, and it has been used to provide incentives, such as loading a certain number of dollars into new members’ accounts (00:41:28).

Send copy of new member sign up email to website admin? (00:41:54)

• An experiment was conducted where one person subscribed to a general free site, but the email to activate the account was not received, prompting the consideration of emailing the support team to check the deliverability status for that member (00:41:55).
• In the membership plan settings, there is an option to send a copy of the sign-up email to the default website address, which is typically the website owner, allowing them to be notified when new signups occur (00:42:32).
• If the website owner is receiving the sign-up email, it is likely because this option is enabled in the settings, and it provides an opportunity to reach out to the new member and offer assistance if needed (00:42:48).
• The support team can be contacted to check the email deliverability to an individual email address if issues arise, and they can provide help with resolving any problems (00:43:17).
• Establishing a relationship with new members is important, and the website owner can use the sign-up email notification to initiate contact and provide support if necessary (00:43:03).
• The support team is available to help with any issues, including email deliverability, and can be contacted for assistance, as mentioned in response to a question from George (00:43:21).

Adding a WhatsApp link to a members profile page? (00:43:39)

• The process of adding a WhatsApp link to a member’s profile page is straightforward, and the goal is to have it separate from social icons, similar to a phone number, but as a web address (00:43:44).
• To accomplish this, the site in question is d2l-global.com, and the task involves using the form manager and a membership plan that includes this feature, such as the Illinois Trail Shuttle (00:44:06).
• The form that needs to be edited is the one connected to the membership plan, and it can be found in the additional details or content section, where the WhatsApp link can be added as a website URL (00:44:30).
• The display settings for the WhatsApp link need to be checked to ensure it appears on the profile page, and the input view should be set to “on” to make it visible (00:44:50).
• Once the WhatsApp link is added and the display settings are configured, it should be visible on the member’s profile page, as demonstrated with the example of the Illinois Trail Shuttle (00:45:20).
• The WhatsApp link appears as “Click to talk” on the profile page, and it can be tested to ensure it is working correctly (00:45:29).

Suggestion to use a “virtual address” to add credibility (00:45:39)

• The concept of credibility is important, and one way to establish credibility is by using a virtual address, which can be obtained by paying for it on various websites (00:45:40).
• A virtual address provides a real physical address, complete with a picture of the building, but does not require the user to have an actual office at that location (00:45:45).
• The virtual address allows users to receive mail and packages, adding to the credibility of their business or operation, even if they do not have a physical presence at that address (00:45:52).
• There are multiple sites that offer virtual address services, making it accessible for individuals to obtain a virtual address and enhance their credibility (00:45:49).

How to advertise a phone number without needing to answer calls? (00:46:01)

• To advertise a phone number without needing to answer calls, one option is to ask people to leave a message and then respond back to them, or use an answering service with a live operator, which can be pricier, (00:46:02).
• Another option is to get an 800 number, which can be obtained from places like grasshopper.com, and set up a greeting where people can leave a message, with the possibility of connecting it to a Google Voice number to receive text messages and emails of the voicemails, (00:46:41).
• Using an 800 number can make a business appear more credible and bigger than it actually is, and it is relatively affordable, with prices starting at around $26 per month, (00:46:50).
• If someone leaves a message, it is generally expected that they will receive a call back, especially if they have a valid question, but there are also options like live chat that can provide more anonymity and flexibility, (00:47:21).
• Live chat tools can allow people to leave messages when the business is not online, and this can be a good alternative to having a phone number, especially if the business does not want to have to call people back, (00:48:21).
• Ultimately, the choice of how to handle phone calls and messages will depend on the business model and what works best for the company, (00:48:50).

Upgrading FontAwesome icons and footer social buttons? (00:49:00)

• The discussion involves upgrading Font Awesome icons to the latest version, with the current version being four, and the possibility of upgrading to version five or six, which would require registering the domain due to licensing restrictions (00:49:05).
• The latest versions of FontAwesome icons can be used on the site by registering the domain and adding the necessary code in the design settings, allowing for the use of new icons and features (00:49:45).
• The conversation also touches on social share icons in the footer, with the possibility of adding new icons such as TikTok and Snapchat, and using tools like AddThis and ShareThis to print icons for social media accounts (00:51:30).
• An example of a site with upgraded FontAwesome icons and social share icons is barendclub.com, which demonstrates the use of new icons and features, including a widget that updates automatically with new member joins (00:50:18).
• The idea of creating a widget that can be used to display the total member count on the site is discussed, with the possibility of using a text label to display the count, making it portable and easy to use (00:51:00).
• The site barendclub.com also features hours of operation, which was coded manually, but could potentially be done in a different way, and serves as an example of the possibilities for customization and design on the platform (00:52:34).

Suggestion to get a phone number from GoDaddy (00:53:02)

• To obtain a phone number, particularly an 800 number, GoDaddy is a suggested option as they offer cheaper 800 numbers and the ability to choose a specific area code through their Smartline service (00:53:08).
• The process of getting an 800 number for a business can be explored through GoDaddy’s Smartline, and there are numerous other options available by searching online for “get an 800 number” (00:53:30).
• Brian shared information about getting an 800 number, and his contribution, along with others, provided valuable updates and tips for improving and adding to the software (00:53:40).
• For those who did not have their questions answered during the webinar, it is recommended to join the Facebook group to continue the conversation, accessible through brilliantdirectories.com/forward slash facebook (00:54:10).
• The webinar concluded with an invitation to the next webinar in two weeks, expressing gratitude to participants and the entire Brilliant Directories family for their involvement (00:54:22).