Webinar Wednesday 145 – October 26, 2022

Checkouts: Better Settings to Include Sidebars on Sign Up Pages (00:03:19)

• The new settings related to sign up or checkout pages allow users to include a sidebar on the sign up page when someone is trying to join a membership plan, with a couple of new design options available (00:03:22).
• By default, sign up pages are just the sign up forms, but users can add a sidebar to these pages, which can be used to add motivational or confidence booster images, images of accepted credit cards, links to other membership plans, or contact information for support (00:03:29).
• Sidebars on sign up pages can be enabled in the design settings, where users can choose the sidebar alignment, with options including left slim, left wide, right slim, right wide, or do not display, and these settings can be applied globally to all membership plans (00:04:55).
• Users can also customize the sidebar for a specific membership plan by editing the plan and selecting the desired sidebar from the sidebar manager, with options to choose the sidebar’s position, design, and width (00:05:32).
• The sidebar can be created in the toolbox, and then selected for a specific membership plan, allowing users to display different sidebars for different plans, with the option to use the default settings or customize them (00:05:51).
• The design settings for the sidebar can be overridden for a specific membership plan, allowing users to choose a different sidebar position, such as left wide or right slim, and save the changes to see the updated sidebar on the sign up page (00:06:09).

Social: Add Your Website’s TikTok, SnapChat & WhatsApp to General Settings (00:06:37)

• Members can add their TikTok, Snapchat, and WhatsApp profiles to their profiles, and website administrators can also add these social media platforms to their website’s general settings (00:06:37).
• The ability to add TikTok, Snapchat, and WhatsApp to the website’s general settings is located in the settings and general settings section, specifically in the social media tab (00:06:58).
• In the social media tab, administrators can add their company’s social media profiles, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, in addition to the new options for TikTok, Snapchat, and WhatsApp (00:07:09).
• To add these new social media platforms, administrators would simply enter the full URL for their profiles on these platforms (00:07:18).
• Once added, the social media profiles will be displayed in the website’s footer, where they will be dynamically generated (00:07:20).
• The display of TikTok, Snapchat, and WhatsApp profiles in the footer is straightforward and self-explanatory, allowing visitors to easily access these social media platforms (00:07:33).

Posts: Add “Table of Contents” Links within Blog Article Posts, etc. (00:07:34)

• The ability to add ID tags to section titles of web pages has been shared previously, and this feature is now enabled for the front end when creating blog post articles, allowing users to create a Table of contents that links to specific sections of the content (00:07:36).
• This feature enables the creation of links that link to specific section titles or heading titles of a blog post, making it easier for users to navigate longer blog articles and also beneficial for SEO as search engines can better understand the content (00:07:58).
• To achieve this, users can edit a blog article, scroll down to the editor, and create a table of contents with section titles, which are headings, and then highlight the text and turn it into a title heading by clicking on the backwards paragraph icon and choosing a heading option (00:09:30).
• Users can then right-click on the heading and give it an ID tag, which should be a single string of text without spaces, and save the changes, allowing them to link to the section with the ID tag (00:10:21).
• To link to an ID tag on the same page, users can create a link using a hashtag followed by the ID name of the title, and then insert the link and save the changes, enabling the creation of a table of contents that links to specific sections of the content (00:11:02).
• This feature has been requested in the Facebook group and is now available, making it easier for users to organize content on their site and providing a better experience for their audience (00:11:30).

Search: Display Members of a Membership Plan on Same Page (00:11:40)

• To display members of a membership plan on the same page, it is possible to create a search result page that only shows members of a specific membership plan, such as “Membership Plan One” or “Premium Members, and add custom content to that page (00:11:40).
• The process involves going to the finance tab and membership plans, editing the desired membership plan, and accessing the search visibility tab to create a custom URL for the membership plan’s search results page (00:12:55).
• A custom URL can be created for the membership plan, such as “special members,” and this URL can be used to access a search page that displays all the active members of the membership plan (00:13:36).
• To achieve this, the link to the page created in the membership plan settings should be copied and used to create a new web page with the exact same URL in the web page builder (00:14:09).
• The page type should be set to “member search results” so that it knows to fetch the results for the URL, which will be the members of the membership plan (00:14:47).
• Custom content, such as a title and headings, can be added to the page to make the members feel special and highlight their membership (00:15:07).
• Additional features, such as enabling the hero section, can be used to customize the page and make it more engaging for the members (00:15:10).

Domain Manager: Updated Look for More Data & Settings – SPF & DKIM Sender Authentication (improve email deliverability) (00:15:30)

• A new domain manager is being introduced, which will provide a updated look, more data metrics, and settings to improve email deliverability, and is expected to be released next week (00:15:30).
• The current domain manager method has been in use for years and allows users to connect their custom URL to their membership websites by entering their new domain name and confirming it (00:16:03).
• The new domain manager will fetch data about the domain, including the registrar, domain expiration date, and connection method used, and will display alerts if the domain is about to expire or if there are issues with the connection (00:16:26).
• The new domain manager will also provide information about the SSL certificate, including its validity and protection status, and will allow users to disable or re-enable it if issues arise (00:17:10).
• The new domain manager will include settings to improve email deliverability, specifically SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and sender authentication, which help prevent spoofing and ensure that emails are sent from authorized sources (00:17:43).
• The SPF record and sender authentication will be displayed in the new domain manager, and users will be able to click on buttons to self-fix issues and repair problems in under 60 seconds (00:18:19).
• The new domain manager is expected to help with email deliverability and other issues related to domain management, and may include additional tabs and metrics in the future (00:19:06).

API/Zapier: Update Member Records & Import Member Leads into BD Website (00:19:27)

• The Zapier API update is nearing completion, which will enable the updating of member records (00:19:27)
• This update will also allow for the importation of member leads into the BD website (00:19:30)
• The Zapier API update, including the ability to update member records and import member leads into the BD website, is expected to be released soon (00:19:33)

Translate: Ability to Set Default Text Labels in Spanish (00:19:37)

• The ability to translate default text labels, starting with Spanish language, is expected to be released next week, allowing users to easily translate their sites (00:19:37).
• Currently, translating text labels requires a manual process of going through each label individually, but the new update will introduce libraries of text labels in different languages, including Spanish, French language, and German language, based on popularity and necessity (00:19:40).
• The update will enable users to change all their default text labels with just one click, and it will also include the translation of default email templates, allowing for the translation of a site’s essential language with a single click (00:19:50).
• The translation libraries will be created based on the popularity and necessity of languages, with Spanish being the first language to be released, followed by French, German, and other languages (00:19:53).
• The new feature will simplify the process of translating a site’s default text labels and email templates, making it easier for users to manage their site’s language settings (00:20:01).

Coupon Codes: Create Coupon Codes for Leads, Digital Products & More (00:20:15)

• Coupon codes can be created for one-time purchases, such as leads and digital products, in addition to member sign-ups and upgrades, with the goal of providing more incentives for members to make purchases through the website (00:20:17).
• The user interface for creating coupon codes is being developed to include options for choosing whether the coupon code is for sign-ups, upgrades, new sign-ups only, lead purchases, digital products, or pay per post, with corresponding tabs and selection options (00:20:43).
• The coupon code creation process involves entering the coupon code name and selecting the applicable membership plans, with the option to choose specific plans or leave it open to all plans (00:20:52).
• The system will allow for the creation of coupon codes that can be used for digital products, with a list of published digital products to choose from, as well as for pay per post and lead purchases (00:21:56).
• The development of this feature is ongoing, with a goal to release it before the end of the year, although it is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution to get it right the first time (00:22:27).
• The new coupon code system will provide a wealth of functionality for website owners, enabling them to offer more targeted and flexible discounts and promotions to their members (00:22:15).

Tons More: Speed, security, quality-of-life features & exciting new releases on the way! (00:22:42)

• The discussion covers various updates, including tons more speed and security updates across the entire network, with appreciation expressed for suggestions and support from users (00:22:42).
• A pause is taken to allow users to raise their hands and ask questions about the new features or coming soon features, specifically about the updates (00:22:57).
• A user, Olga, is given the opportunity to ask a question, and after a brief technical issue, she is able to comment and express her happiness about the ability to apply coupons to digital products, which was something she had been wanting (00:23:16).
• Olga thanks the team for implementing the feature to apply coupons to digital products, which she had been dreaming about, and is thrilled to see it become a reality (00:23:26).
• The conversation is open for users to ask questions and provide feedback on the updates, with the host encouraging users to participate and share their thoughts (00:23:04).

Suggestion for live preview when editing forms, sidebars, web pages, etc. (00:23:37)

• A suggestion has been made to introduce a live preview feature when editing forms, sidebars, and web pages, which would allow users to see the changes they make in real-time without having to click the “View” button, making the creation process easier (00:23:38).
• The ability to customize forms and see the changes as they are made has been appreciated, and it is hoped that this feature can be extended to the creation of normal pages, which would make a significant difference in the user experience (00:23:52).
• The suggestion includes the idea of having a “preview” button that would open a pop-out or pop-up window, allowing users to preview the changes they have made and then close the window, which would streamline the editing process (00:24:52).
• Olga is credited with making this suggestion, which is considered valid and appreciated, highlighting the importance of user feedback in improving the platform (00:25:09).
• The discussion involves multiple participants, including Olga and Stephen, who are acknowledged for their contributions to the conversation (00:25:14).

Can an automated email be sent to members reminding them to complete their profiles? (00:25:24)

• An automated email can be sent to members reminding them to complete their profiles, and the frequency of the email can be controlled by the admin, (00:25:24).
• To achieve this, a smart list can be created to search for members with incomplete profiles, and this list can be used to send a reminder email to these members, (00:26:10).
• The smart list is dynamic, meaning that members will move in and out of the list as they complete or fail to complete their profiles, and the list will fluctuate in size accordingly, (00:28:25).
• The email can be sent using a workflow in Zapier, which can be triggered by the smart list, and the email template can be customized to include instructions on how to complete the required fields of the profile, (00:27:27).
• Once a smart list is created, it does not need to be recreated every time the email is sent, as it will automatically update to include only the members who currently meet the criteria, (00:28:06).
• The smart list can be used to send emails in bulk, and the frequency of the email can be controlled by the admin, such as sending a reminder email once a month, (00:27:14).
• The current workflow may not be the exact solution, but it is a close Approximation, and updates are being built to improve the workflows, (00:28:56).

The Real Secret for Growing Your Membership Business (00:29:13)

• The tip of the week is a segment that normally showcases a specific feature of the platform and how to leverage it to grow the community or utilize it to maximum capabilities (00:29:17).
• This week’s tip of the week is different, as it takes a step away from working on the website’s features and instead focuses on how to grow the membership business (00:29:38).
• The discussion on business growth is intended to be helpful for everyone watching, whether they have a brand new membership or directory site, or one that has been around for a while (00:29:59).
• The goal is to provide a different perspective on ways to improve the website and its management (00:30:10).
• David and Jason were discussing business growth earlier in the week and decided to create a presentation that would help site owners improve their membership business (00:29:29).

Why Do Businesses Fail? (00:30:18)

• Two-thirds of businesses make it to two years, but after five years, only half of the businesses are able to stick around, and after 10 years, less than a third of businesses are able to make it that long (00:30:20)
• A common reason for business failure is that entrepreneurs, especially those trying to do everything on their own, can become consumed by day-to-day operations and daily tasks, leading to a lack of time invested in growing the business (00:30:50)
• The lack of time invested in growing the business can eventually lead to stagnation and decay, which is why it is essential for businesses to make sure they are one of the 30 percent that makes it 10 years and longer (00:31:30)
• Many people starting a membership community or directory website do not initially realize that they are starting a business, and adopting a business mindset is crucial for ensuring the longevity of the project and the business itself (00:32:05)
• It is essential to work on day-to-day tasks, but also to take a step back, plan, and make a roadmap for sustaining and growing the business to avoid getting stuck on the “hamster wheel” (00:32:25)
• Having a plan and roadmap in place can help prolong the life of the business and ensure its success, which will be covered in more detail in the week’s tip of the week spot (00:32:41)

Working “IN” vs. Working “ON” Your Business (00:32:52)

• Working “in” the business refers to the execution and management of day-to-day tasks, which are necessary for the business to continue operating, whereas working “on” the business involves focusing on the big picture, vision, and strategy, such as thinking about how operations can be made more efficient and what new things the business can do to improve (00:32:58).
• In a large organization, C-suite executives, such as the Chief Operations Officer, typically work “on” the business, spending more time thinking about strategy and improvement, rather than doing day-to-day tasks (00:33:34).
• Even as a solopreneur, it is essential to set aside time to work “on” the business, focusing on the big picture and strategy, to avoid losing sight of the overall goals and vision for the business (00:34:04).
• Time management is critical in balancing day-to-day tasks with working “on” the business, and prioritizing and diversifying tasks can help achieve this balance (00:35:06).
• As businesses grow and owners get older, they need to adapt their approach to time management, recognizing that they cannot do every job on their own and must learn to prioritize and balance their tasks (00:34:59).
• Working “on” the business involves thinking about what can be done differently, what new things the business can do, and what tasks can be stripped away that are not necessary, to continue growing and improving the business (00:33:51).

Working “IN” Your Business (00:35:33)

• Working in a business is almost entirely about time management, and it is essential to identify how time is being spent on various tasks, such as daily administrative work, delivering services, and marketing, to free up time for focusing on big picture things (00:35:33).
• The type of business, such as a membership or directory website, determines the daily tasks that need to be accomplished, and additional services or features provided to members can also impact these tasks (00:35:56).
• It is crucial to stay focused on the big picture and not get caught up in minor details, such as small features of a website, as this can hinder growth and progress (00:36:17).
• Daily tasks, including delivering services, administrative work, and marketing, are essential but time-consuming, and time management tips can help free up time to focus on more important aspects of the business (00:36:56).
• To avoid getting stuck on minor details, it is recommended to take things to 80% completion and then let them be, rather than striving for perfection, which can be an enemy of progress (00:37:49).
• Using email templates and automating certain tasks can help streamline processes and save time, allowing for more focus on growth and progress (00:38:34).
• It is essential to recognize when to stop working on a specific task and move on to other aspects of the business to avoid getting stuck on the “hamster wheel” and to allow for growth and progress (00:38:51).

Working “ON” Your Business (00:39:18)

• Working on a business involves big picture tasks such as strategic planning, goal setting, research and development, learning and education, which are essential to achieve success and avoid flailing about in day-to-day tasks (00:39:19).
• Research and development can help implement new tools or processes to make day-to-day tasks more efficient and free up time, allowing for more focus on growing the business (00:39:35).
• Learning and education are crucial for business growth, especially when wearing multiple hats, and spending time to learn about specific areas such as marketing or online ads can be beneficial (00:39:47).
• Finding new partnerships and collaborating with like-minded people can help grow the business, and speaking with mentors can provide valuable insights and resources (00:40:41).
• Creating efficiencies is also an important aspect of working on a business, such as setting up auto-reply emails, support centers, or documentation centers to operate more lean and efficiently (00:41:56).
• Working on a business is not just about growth, but also about finding ways to create efficiencies, save money, and bring more traffic to the site, which can ultimately help the business succeed (00:41:28).
• Investing time in setting up efficiencies can free up time in the future, allowing for more focus on growth and development, and is essential for long-term success (00:42:40).

Balance & Perspective (00:42:49)

• Balance and perspective are crucial for a business to succeed, as focusing solely on work can lead to neglect of other important aspects, and conversely, focusing too much on the business can cause disconnection from customers and their needs (00:42:52).
• Working in the business has several benefits, including understanding customer needs, identifying what makes customers happy or unhappy, and providing top-tier service, which helps to stand out from competitors and leave a positive impression on members (00:43:15).
• Working in the business also allows for keeping a finger on the pulse of the business, identifying what works and what doesn’t, and making improvements to daily tasks and efficiency, which is essential, especially in the early stages of a business (00:44:11).
• Over time, it’s necessary to dedicate time to working on the business, which involves developing a clear vision, investing in personal growth, and learning about new strategies and efficiencies to implement (00:44:57).
• Working on the business enables taking a step back to reevaluate products and services, ensuring they remain relevant and valuable to the target audience, and making adjustments as needed to stay competitive and meet changing trends (00:45:41).
• Periodically taking a step back with an open mind and fresh eyes is essential to evaluate performance, assess the messaging and features of the business, and make necessary changes to maintain a strong connection with customers and stay on track with business goals (00:46:28).
• The concept that 80 percent of results come from 20 percent of activity is crucial, and identifying this efficient activity is key to allocating resources effectively, but this requires taking a step back to evaluate everything (00:46:49).
• To determine what is working and what is not, it is essential to put something out, let it be, and gather data to review its performance, rather than constantly working on it and not giving it a chance to breathe on its own (00:47:29).
• Letting something ride out for a period of time, to a good enough point, allows for review and potential improvement after a break, during which time other parts of the business can be grown and made awesome (00:47:55).
• Solopreneurs or smaller teams should focus on shifting from task to task, pumping out small amounts of awesomeness, and then circling back to the beginning to repeat the process, ensuring continuous growth and improvement (00:48:18).
• Taking breaks from tasks and coming back to them later enables the review of their performance, identification of areas for improvement, and allocation of resources to what is working, ultimately leading to a more efficient and effective business (00:48:30).

How Solopreneurs Can Work “ON” the Business (00:48:36)

• As a solopreneur, managing a membership website or directory website can be challenging, especially when trying to balance daily tasks and thinking about the big picture, so it’s essential to allocate time effectively (00:48:37).
• A decent rule of thumb is to spend 15-20% of the time currently spent on daily tasks on working on the business, thinking about the big picture, and looking for ways to automate tasks or outsource mundane tasks like content creation (00:49:10).
• Outsourcing tasks like content creation can be done through websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer, which can be a cost-effective option (00:49:55).
• Alternatively, solopreneurs can spend a few hours on the weekend creating content to share throughout the week, allowing them to focus on more important tasks during the week (00:50:11).
• Periodically taking a step back to review the business or website with fresh eyes and an open mind can help identify areas for improvement and allow for adjustments to be made, such as changing messaging or verbiage to better communicate with members or the target audience (00:50:25).
• Asking customers or members for ideas for improvements can provide valuable insights, and solopreneurs can also ask for feedback on specific features or services to determine their effectiveness (00:51:06).
• Finding ways to differentiate the business or community from competitors, such as focusing on customer service or community aspect, can be an effective strategy (00:51:48).
• Networking with other professionals in the industry can also be beneficial for growing the community and improving the business (00:52:25).
• Collaborating with others in the same industry or a supplementary industry can be beneficial, as it allows for mutual support and can help find time and energy to grow a membership business (00:52:30).
• Spending a small amount of time, such as 10 minutes a week, to look for potential collaborators or opportunities can be a good use of extra time and may lead to mutually beneficial partnerships (00:52:54).
• Taking a step back to think about the business or community as a whole, rather than just focusing on features, can help website owners and membership website owners figure out how to move forward and grow the community or find efficiencies (00:53:18).
• The discussion highlights the importance of finding ways to work together with others, whether in the same industry or a supplementary one, to achieve common goals and support each other’s growth (00:52:48).
• The session will now move on to a question-and-answer segment, where participants can raise their hands and have their questions answered, with the goal of helping with their membership website or business development (BD) website (00:53:42).
• A participant, Steven, had his hand raised and will be unmuted to ask his question, and the session will do its best to address as many questions as possible (00:54:00).

Discovering what customers want and providing that to them (00:54:06)

• Discovering what customers want and providing that to them is a crucial aspect of growing a membership business, and it is easier said than done (00:54:06)
• Steve Jobs’ advice is to always start with the customer and then work backwards, figuring out what the customer wants and creating a product that suits their needs (00:54:21)
• This approach involves working backwards to create a product that meets the customer’s demands, rather than creating a product and then trying to convince the customer that they need it (00:54:28)

What was the journey like when starting Brilliant Directories? (00:54:40)

• The journey to creating a successful membership business took several years, with the founders starting out by creating directory sites for finding muralists, mural artists, and interior designers in 2009 (00:55:16).
• The founders, Matthew and his co-founder, initially created a platform to manage their two directories under one interface, which eventually became the underlying code for what is now Brilliant Directories (00:55:35).
• The platform was initially used for the founders’ own directory websites, but they soon realized that other people wanted to use it for their own directory ideas, leading to a shift in focus towards developing the platform for others (00:56:09).
• The decision to focus on the platform, rather than the individual directories, was made after about three years, in 2012, and from there, the founders worked on building the platform into what it is today (00:57:06).
• The early stages of developing the platform involved taking feedback from early adopters and implementing their suggestions to keep them happy and retain them as users (00:57:52).
• The journey to success was not without road bumps, but the founders persevered and were able to build a successful membership business with tens of thousands of users around the world (00:56:44).
• The importance of user feedback is highlighted, as it provides essential information on what needs to be built into a platform, and every user is important, but at a certain point, it’s critical to start saying no to feature requests due to limited resources (00:58:11).
• As a product grows and enters the mass market, it’s necessary to prioritize feature requests and decide what’s the best use of resources to help the most people in the community (00:58:34).
• A suggestion is made for a future webinar on how to get funding, such as seed funding, which could be a valuable topic for discussion (00:59:02).
• The conversation takes a brief detour to discuss the background of Brilliant Directories, with a mention of a saying about looking back on how far one has come (00:59:22).
• The webinar comes to a close, with an invitation for attendees to join the Facebook group for further discussion and to ask any remaining questions, and a reminder to subscribe to the YouTube channel for updates on new videos (00:59:45).
• The next webinar is announced to take place in two weeks, with expectations of sharing more updates, and a giveaway is planned for webinar 150, with a call to join the Facebook group for more information (01:00:03).
• The webinar concludes with a thank you message from the Brilliant Directories family, wishing attendees a great day and a brilliant week, and inviting them to the next webinar (01:00:34).