Webinar Wednesday 188 – October 9, 2024

Brilliant Directories Mobile App (00:01:56)

• The Brilliant Directories mobile app is available for download in the Apple and Google stores, and can also be accessed through brilliandirectories.com (00:01:56).
• The app is currently undergoing updates, including the ability to remember login information, so users don’t have to log in every time, and live push notifications for new payments and member sign-ups (00:02:07).
• The app is free for users with a Brilliant Directories site, and allows them to view statistics on their website (00:02:23).
• The Brilliant Directories community is active in providing ideas and suggestions, which are used to push new updates every week (00:02:40).
• Webinar Wednesday is a platform where updates and tips are shared to help users grow their community, increase revenue, and improve their website’s design and navigation (00:02:44).
• The webinar aims to cover a multitude of topics and will have time for a Q&A session to address any questions or concerns users may have about their Brilliant Directories site (00:03:03).

SORT MEMBERS: In the admin, order members by revenue & credits (00:03:25)

• Issues in the admin area have been fixed, allowing for smoother sorting of members by revenue and credits (00:03:25).
• The member dashboard now has a search function that enables users to conduct searches for specific members and sort them by revenue or credits (00:03:42).
• The sort function, located on the right-hand side of the member dashboard, allows users to sort members by the amount of revenue they have generated on the website (00:03:49).
• Members can be sorted by revenue, with the top-generating members appearing at the top of the list, allowing users to identify and reward their most valuable members (00:03:53).
• The Member Credit system allows users to gift or grant credits to members, which can be used towards purchases on the site, and members can be sorted by the number of credits they have available (00:04:05).
• Sorting members by credits enables users to see which members have the most or least credits available, allowing for targeted rewards or promotions (00:04:12).
• The most useful sort function is likely the “most Revenue” option, which allows users to identify their top-contributing members and foster relationships with them (00:04:23).
• The sort function can be used to do something special for top members, reach out to them, and continue to build relationships with them (00:04:31).

FILE UPLOADS: Fixes for better support of PDFs and other files in listings (00:04:39)

• The file uploads feature for forms allows users to add a file upload field to forms built in the platform, enabling users to upload files such as driver’s licenses, resumes, or brochures. (00:04:39)
• This feature was previously working on forms for landing pages but had some issues when used in the member dashboard, which have now been smoothed out. (00:05:04)
• The updates provide better support for PDFs and other files in the account, allowing users to add multiple types of files that can be uploaded to the member dashboard. (00:05:19)
• Users can now ask for multiple forms of files to be uploaded for listings, and these files can be set to be admin-only or public on the site. (00:05:40)
• Admin-only files can be uploaded and only viewed by the admin, while public files can be made available for visitors to view. (00:05:49)

BUSINESS DATA: Fixed issue for international searches showing 0 results (00:06:00)

• An issue with the import business data tool has been resolved, specifically related to international searches that were incorrectly showing zero results despite the presence of actual results (00:06:01).
• The issue affected searches in various countries, including Australia, where a search for a beach town, possibly Camria, would yield no results (00:06:05).
• The problem has been fixed by the team, and users should now be able to see results for international business or restaurant searches if there are indeed businesses in those categories (00:06:18).
• The resolution of this issue should improve the overall functionality of the import business data tool for users conducting international searches (00:06:28).

EDIT URLs: Customize default member dashboard URLs “Member Dashboard URL” (00:06:35)

• The Member Dashboard URL feature allows editing of default member dashboard URLs, which is useful for websites with translations in languages other than English (00:06:36).
• The Member Dashboard has pre-built web pages, and most of them are accessible after members log into their accounts, with the ability to edit more of the URLs (00:06:38).
• A new feature is coming for the upgrade page, which will cover 100% of the default URLs, although a couple might be missing (00:06:54).
• The Advanced Settings section allows users to translate URLs for international or alternate language websites, which can be found by searching for “member dashboard URL” (00:07:17).
• There are around 20-24 URLs that can be edited, which are just slugs that appear after the forward slash in the member’s dashboard URL (00:07:32).
• Users can edit the translated language of these URLs, but it’s recommended to stick with plain text and avoid using emojis and special characters (00:08:08).
• The Advanced Settings section will be reorganized in the coming months with tabs and sections to make it easier to find specific settings (00:08:28).
• For now, users can still search for what they need and edit it in the Advanced Settings section (00:08:39).

FLOWMATTIC: New integration solution similar to Zapier & Pabbly (soon) (00:08:44)

• FLOWMATTIC is a new integration solution similar to Zapier and Pabbly, allowing users to connect their website data with other platforms (00:08:44).
• The FLOWMATTIC team is working on building an integration with BD, which was mentioned a few weeks ago, and is expected to be completed within a month (00:09:03).
• Many users have been requesting this integration, both in the Facebook group and through support team messages (00:09:12).
• Zapier is becoming expensive for smaller sites, especially with tasks and workflows, making alternative tools like Pabbly and FLOWMATTIC more viable options (00:09:19).
• FLOWMATTIC will provide users with more options for integration platforms that fit their size, budget, and needs (00:09:31).
• More information on the FLOWMATTIC integration will be shared as updates become available (00:09:40).

EMAILS: New draggable content blocks for building better newsletters (soon) (00:09:46)

• New draggable content blocks are being developed to make designing email newsletters easier, with an expected release in October (00:09:46).
• The new content blocks will include a header, hero, call-to-action (CTA), footer, and additional core body content blocks for email newsletters (00:09:57).
• These new features aim to enhance the overall design and functionality of email newsletters (00:10:02).

TRANSLATIONS: More languages added for text label translations (soon) (00:10:05)

• The current supported languages for translating the entire front end of a site with one click are English, Spanish, German, and French (00:10:10).
• There are plans to add more languages, with a short list of popular ones that have been requested, and a system is being created to add lots of languages to satisfy everyone’s needs moving forward (00:10:22).
• The goal is to support more languages in both October and November (00:10:06).
• A question and comment session was offered, and a participant named Teresa raised her hand to ask a question or make a comment (00:10:52).

With the recent update on the Business Data, can files such as Driver’s License and other Documents be uploaded separately? (00:10:59)

• The recent update on Business Data allows for the possibility of uploading files such as a driver’s license and other documents separately for member listings (00:11:00).
• Notaries, for instance, have credentials that need to be made available for potential clients to check before hiring, and these files can be uploaded through the file uploads feature (00:11:13).
• The file uploads feature can be used to store public credentials like a notary license, making it a perfect use case for this feature (00:11:37).
• All Business Directory sites have an individual upload for CV or brochure in their additional listing details, but the add-on is necessary for adding additional uploads (00:11:59).
• The add-on is particularly useful for adding forms on landing pages, and there is a video and documentation available that explains the settings and features in more detail (00:12:08).
• Notaries can upload their credentials, such as their license, through the file uploads feature, making it easily accessible for potential clients (00:12:36).

Can I transfer the whole old site to my current site? (00:12:54)

• It is possible to transfer an entire old site to a current site, and the BD team can assist with this process, especially when only certain portions of the site need to be transferred, or to avoid duplicating billing and other elements (00:12:56).
• To clone a site, a link to “Clone my site” can be used, which is found under “Additional Services”, and the coupon code “vip3” can be applied to reduce the cost (00:13:22).
• The BD team will work with the site owner to clone the site, and the support team will be available to help with any issues that may arise, with the option to mention “Jason sent you” for assistance (00:13:37).
• Cloning a site can be beneficial when the new site has more add-ons included, making it a good option to retire the old site and transfer the content to the new one (00:13:47).

“Best Of” Lists & Articles – AI Marketing Strategy to Attract Members and Increase Visibility (00:14:20)

• Creating “best of” articles and lists for a blog section of a website can be achieved with the help of Chat GPT, allowing for the construction of articles that feature a handful of handpicked business members. (00:14:21)
• These “best of” lists and articles can be more useful than individual Spotlight articles, which were previously discussed in tips of the week, and can feature and shed light on multiple business members at once. (00:14:47)
• The goal is to provide a deep dive on how to utilize Chat GPT to quickly and efficiently generate these articles for a website, without going too in depth on informational slides. (00:15:06)
• Chat GPT can be used to help generate these articles, and it’s also possible to get creative with the process, making it a fun task. (00:15:27)
• A link to a Google doc with Chat GPT prompts will be provided, allowing users to copy and paste the prompts and edit them as needed to generate their own “best of” articles and lists. (00:15:33)
• Examples of “best of” articles and lists will be shown to illustrate exactly what can be achieved with this strategy, which can be used to attract members and increase visibility. (00:15:48)

What Are “Best Of” Lists? (00:15:56)

• “Best Of” lists are curated articles featuring 3 to 10 businesses in a specific niche or industry, establishing a website as a trusted resource by showcasing expert recommendations (00:15:57).
• These lists can encourage user interaction and sharing, as featured businesses are likely to share the article on their social platforms and email lists, and general users may share it with others (00:16:53).
• “Best Of” lists provide an opportunity to attract new business members, as businesses may want to register on the site to be included in future lists, and offer an upsell opportunity for existing members (00:17:21).
• To maintain the trusted resource aspect, it’s recommended not to make “Best Of” lists entirely pay-to-play, but instead handpick the top businesses and offer one or two sponsored spots as an upsell to existing members (00:17:52).
• Examples of “Best Of” lists include articles such as “The top 10 best pizza restaurants in New York City”, which can feature 10 pizza restaurants listed in the directory (00:16:10).
• By publishing “Best Of” lists, a website can position itself as an expert in its field, with well-written content about each featured business (00:16:45).
• These lists can also be shared by users planning a trip or event, such as sharing a list of top pizza restaurants with friends or family traveling to New York City (00:17:10).

Sample “Best Of” Articles (00:18:19)

• Two sample “Best Of” articles were generated using a Chat GPT prompt, which can produce articles in just a couple of minutes, with one article featuring three Italian restaurants in London, England, and the other featuring financial advisors in the Bay Area, San Francisco (00:18:20).
• The articles include buttons at the end of each business listing, which can be customized to add logos or images, and link to the business’s profile page and category page, making them rich in topic, tone, internal linking, and SEO (00:18:59).
• The articles also include a call to action at the end, encouraging readers to have their business featured in the next article, which can be changed in the default prompt (00:19:42).
• Another example of a “Best Of” article is from the Instant Institute of Personal Trainers, which features the top 20 personal trainers in London, demonstrating the effectiveness of granular categories and location-based lists for SEO (00:20:40).
• A food blogger in Los Angeles created a list of the 16 best pizzerias in Orange County, showcasing a specific niche and location, and including snippets on each company and calls to action (00:21:17).
• The generated articles can be customized by adding images, beefing up the call to action, and making other changes to create a unique and engaging piece of content (00:21:57).
• The use of “Best Of” lists can help websites rank for specific categories and locations, especially when paired with granular categories and locations, and can be shared easily by readers (00:20:57).

Drive Traffic and Engagement (00:22:13)

• The primary benefits of “Best Of” articles include driving traffic and engagement on a website, as well as driving business registrations and potential upsells (00:22:14).
• The articles can improve search rankings due to internal linking, rich keywords, categories, and locations, depending on the keywords included and what people are searching for (00:22:31).
• Referral traffic can be generated when featured businesses share the article on their social platforms and email lists (00:22:49).
• Social sharing by businesses and general users can drive additional traffic to the website, with an example of an article receiving 404 shares on social media (00:23:18).
• User interaction can be encouraged through post comments, asking readers for suggestions on other businesses to include in the list, and using bookmark or favorites features (00:23:27).
• Including “Best Of” lists in scheduled content creation can encourage repeat visitors to return to the site to see which businesses will be featured next (00:23:48).
• The articles can help establish the website as a trusted resource in its niche or industry (00:24:07).
• “Best Of” articles have compounded benefits, including providing content, doing something for members, creating something to advertise or market, and generating word of mouth effect (00:24:14).
• The articles can also spark interest in businesses that are not listed, making them want to get visibility on the site (00:24:49).

Drive Business Registrations and Upsells (00:25:02)

• Creating “best of” lists on a website can drive business registrations and upsells by encouraging businesses that are not featured to register in hopes of being included in future lists (00:25:10).
• Featured businesses can be encouraged to claim and enhance their listings, adding content and boosting visibility, potentially leading to premium membership offerings (00:25:37).
• Existing business members can be offered premium upsell options to be included or highlighted in “best of” lists, but it’s recommended not to make the entire article “pay to play” (00:26:11).
• Businesses see value in standing out among competitors, especially if they see others being featured on the website, which can drive them to register and take action (00:26:44).
• The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a great driver to get people to take action and convert from visitors to listed members on the site (00:27:14).
• A video discussing 15 upsell ideas is available, which highlights the potential to offer more than just business listings and use them as a foot in the door for additional upsell opportunities (00:27:29).
• The video covers upsell ideas using built-in features and add-ons, and can help expand the range of services offered to businesses (00:27:39).
• A link to the video has been shared in the chat for everyone to access and learn more about upsell opportunities (00:28:01).

ChatGPT Article & Email Prompts (00:28:08)

• To create a “best of” article, a prompt can be used with Chat GPT, an AI tool that can assist with various tasks, including generating content. (00:28:08)
• The prompt should include parameters, criteria, and guardrails for the article, such as the title, topic, and category. (00:28:50)
• A simple title can be used initially, such as “Top Three Italian Restaurants in London,” which can be changed later to make it more captivating. (00:29:02)
• The category page URL should be provided, such as the search results page for Italian restaurants in London, to enable internal linking. (00:31:05)
• Three links to business listings on the site should be provided, preferably with members who have added information to their “About” section. (00:30:32)
• The links can be copied from the search results page by right-clicking and selecting “copy link.” (00:29:45)
• Chat GPT can fetch information from the listing pages, including the “About” section, to generate the article. (00:30:43)
• A join page URL can be added to drive traffic to a specific page, such as the default join page on BD sites. (00:31:29)
• Once the article is generated, it can be further edited and modified to make it more engaging and informative. (00:30:07)
• A category page can be shared to link back to the search results page, join page, and other relevant pages in an article, with the option to produce the article with HTML tags for p and h4S (subheadings) (00:31:55).
• To create a new article, go to the dashboard, click on web blog articles, and then click on new website blog article, where you can paste the generated code (00:32:26).
• It’s recommended to use the “copy code” button to copy the text, as it copies the text in a different way and allows for automatic formatting with headings and paragraphs (00:32:48).
• The generated article can be customized with stock photos, and the links and buttons are automatically formatted (00:33:25).
• The article includes a nice intro and ranks the items based on the input, with links to the profile page and other relevant pages (00:33:57).
• Internal linking is an important aspect of SEO, and the generated article includes links to the profile page, join page, and other relevant pages (00:34:27).
• The article can be edited and customized to fit the specific needs of the website, and the format is meant to be universal (00:34:47).
• A sample article was created for a website called banffmore.com, which is a travel and business guide for Canmore, and the article was generated based on the site’s categories and content (00:35:29).
• Creating a “best of” list article can be done by selecting a few options, copying their links, and pasting them into a template, which can then be used to generate the article content, including links and information about each option (00:36:28).
• The article can be customized by adding a title, image, and other details, such as logos and profiles, to make it more engaging and informative (00:38:22).
• Using a tool like Chacha bt4 can help to automate the process of creating the article by scanning the pages of the selected options and extracting relevant information (00:37:50).
• The generated article can be further customized by adding images, logos, and other details to make it more visually appealing (00:39:40).
• The article can also be optimized for SEO by creating a compelling title and meta description, which can be generated using a tool or written manually (00:40:22).
• The final article can be used to showcase businesses and provide value to readers, while also helping with retention and SEO (00:39:02).
• The article can be shared on social media and other platforms to drive traffic and engagement (00:40:40).
• Creating effective “best of” lists and articles can be achieved by using specific prompts to generate content, and including the article in a newsletter can help get picked up by Google (00:40:45).
• A social media post can be created from the article, and it’s essential to notify the featured businesses to share the article with their audiences, which can lead to word-of-mouth promotion (00:40:55).
• A prompt can be used to create a social media post that tags the featured businesses, and research is needed to find their social media handles (00:41:25).
• The social media post should include a good title, and tags can be added at the bottom, but it’s crucial to double-check the handles (00:41:45).
• If the businesses are real members on the site, an email can be sent manually to notify them of being featured in the article, and a prompt can be used to create an email template (00:42:00).
• The email template should encourage the businesses to share the article with their customers and social networks, and a link to the article can be included (00:42:19).
• The email template can be generated using a prompt, and it’s essential to include the link to the article and modify the text as needed (00:42:51).
• Using specific prompts can help create content for a multitude of marketing purposes, including SEO and content creation (00:43:03).
• When creating prompts, it’s essential to be literal and specific about what is wanted and not wanted, and guardrails can be set to avoid clichés, transitional phrases, and embellishments (00:43:34).
• The tone of the article should be kept straight, forward, and informative to create a professional tone, and avoid overly descriptive language (00:44:11).
• The process of creating “Best Of” lists and articles can be made fast and simple by using a GPT prompt, which can be edited to fit specific needs and limitations, and then shared on social platforms and with the businesses included in the article (00:44:31).
• The GPT prompt can be used to create the article itself, as well as follow-up prompts for sharing the article on social platforms and reaching out to the included businesses (00:44:39).
• After the article is created, it’s recommended to read it, add a personal touch, move text around, and add images to make it more engaging (00:45:12).
• The article can also include a call-to-action button and the phone number of the businesses, which can be fetched from their profiles (00:45:27).
• The process of creating “Best Of” lists and articles can be a great activity for solopreneurs, as it has compounded benefits, including lifting members up and potentially generating Word of Mouth advertising (00:46:11).
• The use of stock photos from BD can also be a convenient option for adding visuals to the article (00:45:51).
• The process can be made part of a regular routine, such as dedicating an hour a week to content creation (00:46:00).
• The Q&A session is an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, share their sites, and get help with any challenges they’re facing (00:46:31).

Is there a standard format for an RSS feed? (00:46:49)

• There is a standard format for an RSS feed, and there’s also an image RSS feed that allows adding the post’s image as the social media image. (00:46:54)
• To create an RSS URL for a site, an add-on can be used, which can then be used with RSS feeds or readers to aggregate data from the site. (00:47:04)
• The image RSS feed has an option to include or exclude the image, making it suitable for posting to social media. (00:47:36)
• Creating a blog functionality involves creating a few high-level categories and adding them to the menu structure, which is a simple process. (00:47:49)
• Each channel of content is its own post type, such as coupons, events, or blog articles, and can have its own categories. (00:48:19)
• Post categories can be customized, and cloning a post type allows creating a separate channel of content with its own categories. (00:49:07)
• Cloning a post type enables creating a new channel of content with its own categories, allowing for infinite expansion. (00:49:54)
• To add a new channel of content to the navigation structure, the URL needs to be updated, and the link can be added to the main menu using the menu manager. (00:50:11)

Is there any way to import blog posts to the platform, or is it just a matter of copy and paste? (00:51:08)

• It is possible to import blog posts to the platform, rather than just copying and pasting, by going to “Manage Posts” and clicking “Import posts via CSV” under “List Actions” (00:51:27).
• The import feature is commonly used when migrating from WordPress to BD, and it allows users to map the title, body, and URL of their blog posts (00:51:45).
• A sample template, such as an Excel sheet or CSV, is available to help with the import process, and can be accessed by clicking “View import guide” (00:51:56).
• The platform also allows users to export posts, making it possible to both import and export content (00:52:17).
• CSV templates are available to help with the mapping process, and can be accessed by clicking on the “Single CSV templates” link (00:52:30).
• The CSV templates provide a guide for mapping post title, post content, and other relevant information (00:52:38).

Member Video Meetings (00:52:49)

• Community members have experimented with or considered enabling video meetings among themselves through third-party integrations, with some wanting to replicate the model used by BetterHelp for psychology or therapist meetings (00:52:52).
• This can be achieved by embedding a third-party video meeting platform on a private page, allowing two members to join without requiring complex logistics (00:53:16).
• If implemented, the best third-party integration with BD would likely be used, rather than building the functionality from scratch due to its complexity and nuance (00:53:29).
• The idea of member video meetings is seen as a valuable feature, with some community members expressing interest in having this functionality (00:53:06).
• Michael had a great question about member video meetings, and the discussion was appreciated (00:53:44).

How to create a custom web page? (00:53:53)

• Creating a customized web page for digital products is possible by manually linking to specific pages and using the URL of the desired content (00:55:20).
• The digital products page has a search results page with all published posts, and users can change the look of this page by creating a new page and linking to it (00:54:41).
• Users can create a page, add it to the menu, and manually link to specific digital products by dragging and dropping images and adding URLs (00:55:24).
• Each page has a unique URL, which can be used to link to specific content, such as digital products (00:55:52).
• Users can create “landing pages” by grabbing the link of content, search results pages, or category pages and adding it to the main menu or landing pages (00:56:22).
• Users can override automated linking by manually linking to content and creating curated pages to upsell or push certain types of content (00:57:02).
• The process of creating customized web pages involves managing content, linking to content, and using search results pages to link to details (00:56:54).

How to include member credits when members pay for their monthly membership? (00:57:16)

• A feature to assign a number of member credits to a membership plan is being developed, where when a member’s recurring payment is successful, a web hook is created, allowing for the creation of a workflow to update and add credits to the member (00:57:17).
• The workflow can be set up to check for when a payment is processed, and then update the user by adding a certain amount of credit, which can be tied to a specific membership plan (00:58:00).
• The feature is expected to be rolled out by the end of October, and will provide the tools needed to automate the process of adding credits to members (00:58:36).
• Even before the new feature is rolled out, it is possible to reward members with credits for other actions they take on the site, such as making a post, using available web hooks (00:59:01).
• Web hooks can be used to automate the process of adding credits to members, and can be set up using tools like Zapier or P (01:00:21).
• The trigger for the web hook would be the action taken by the member, such as receiving a positive review or publishing a post, and the action would be to update the user by adding credits (01:00:43).
• The use of web hooks and workflows can help to automate the process of managing member credits, and can be used to incentivize members to take certain actions on the site (00:59:10).
• To create a “Best Of” list or article, one can use a web hook to capture data from a Brilliant Directories site, specifically when a member publishes a blog post, and then use that data to update the member’s information and add credits to their account (01:00:57).
• The process involves copying a URL provided by Brilliant Directories, pasting it into a Zapier workflow, and then setting up an action to update the user and add credits based on the data received from the web hook (01:01:04).
• The web hook sends information from the Brilliant Directories site, including the member’s ID, membership plan, and other metadata, which can be used to trigger various actions, such as updating the member’s credits or sending an email notification (01:02:02).
• To prevent double credits for resaving a post, one can add conditions to the workflow, such as checking the create date or using a filter to only continue with the workflow if certain conditions are met (01:03:36).
• The workflow can also be used to trigger other actions, such as sending an email to the member letting them know that they’ve received credits, by adding another step to the workflow (01:04:55).
• The web hook can also be used to capture data from recurring payments, including the member’s ID, amount, and membership plan, which can be used to update the member’s information and add credits to their account (01:03:47).
• Conditions can be added to the workflow to only continue with the workflow if certain conditions are met, such as checking the subscription ID or membership plan (01:04:04).
• The workflow can be used to update various platforms, including MailChimp, HubSpot, or GoHighLevel, with data sent from the Brilliant Directories site (01:04:36).
• It is possible to send emails to individuals after a specific action, and there are several methods to accomplish this, including connecting a Gmail account or using other email services (01:05:03).
• Notifying individuals that they have been featured in a “best of” list is crucial, as it creates stickiness and encourages them to share the content (01:05:25).
• The topic of “best of” lists and articles will likely be covered in a future webinar, and a previous webinar on the topic may be shared in the Facebook group (01:05:36).
• Viewers are encouraged to share their own “best of” articles and social posts in the next webinar, along with examples of how the individuals featured in the articles have shared them (01:05:55).
• The next webinar will take place in two weeks, and a replay will be posted in the Brilliant Directories Facebook group (01:06:07).
• The Brilliant Directories app is available for download, and viewers can find more information at brilliantdirectories.com (01:06:17).