Webinar Wednesday 192 – December 4, 2024

Cyber Week (00:01:46)

• The last day for Black Friday and Cyber deals is mentioned, and it is highly recommended to take advantage of these deals if not already done so (00:01:46).
• For those with ideas for 2025, it is suggested to take a moment to consider them now (00:02:00).
• Brilliant Directories’ Cyber deals can be found at brilliantdirectories.com, with a link to be dropped in the comments (00:02:04).
• Single site deals are available, as well as discounted VIP add-ons and instant business records, which can be spread across multiple sites (00:02:09).
• A 25 lifetime website bundle is available for agencies or power users, allowing them to take advantage of the deals for their goals (00:02:32).

BD Swag (00:02:47)

• A free swag giveaway is available for everyone watching the webinar, where they can go to shop.brillianddirectories.com and use the promo codes “blackfry” and “freeship” at checkout to get discounts and free shipping up to $30 worth of merchandise (00:02:47).
• The promo code “blackfry” will reduce the cost of the merchandise, while “freeship” will bring the shipping cost down to zero (00:02:59).
• The shop has various items such as coffee mugs, frosted glass, tumblers, fanny packs, Bluetooth speakers, apparel, and journaling materials, but the mouse pad is currently out of stock (00:03:17).
• The Bluetooth speaker is a popular item, being small and perfect for playing music while working (00:03:36).
• Everyone watching the webinar is invited to go to the shop and pick up some free swag (00:03:48).
• Webinar Wednesday is a time to share recent updates pushed into the Brilliant Directories platform, which are often based on user suggestions and feedback (00:03:58).
• The updates are aimed at helping users grow their community, increase traffic, convert website visitors into members, and identify new revenue opportunities (00:04:19).
• There will be a Q&A session to help users troubleshoot issues on their site and move forward (00:04:33).
• There are many updates, half of which are coming soon, but are considered important, especially as the year is ending (00:04:48).

LANGUAGES: Start your new site with 18 language options (more soon) (00:05:00)

• A new feature has been added that allows users to start their site in up to 18 different languages, with more languages coming soon (00:05:03).
• Users can choose one primary language, and 95% of the translation will be done automatically, eliminating the need to manually change 1,000 text labels (00:05:12).
• The available languages range from Arabic to the two types of Chinese language, and users can select their primary language, country, and time format in the localization settings (00:05:45).
• To translate a site, users can go to the localization settings, choose their primary country, time format, and language, and then save the changes (00:05:51).
• After translating the site, 90-99% of the content will be in the chosen language, but users will need to update their main menu, footer menu, post type names, and possibly other elements such as membership plan names (00:06:05).
• Users have the flexibility to translate and customize certain elements, such as post type names, which some users already change to suit their needs (00:06:17).
• With this feature, users can have their site translated into any of the available languages with just one click when starting out (00:06:41).

NEWSLETTERS: Export email stats with one click (soon) (00:06:47)

• A new feature is coming soon to the newsletters system, allowing users to export email stats as CSV files with one click (00:06:48).
• Currently, when sending an email, users receive stats on delivery, failures, opens, and clicks, and can create a smart list from this data (00:07:06).
• The new feature will enable users to export the list based on the delivered status, unopened, open, clicks, etc., making it easier to use the data in other CRMs or systems (00:07:25).
• This update will be helpful for email marketing, allowing users to export, import, and create more segmented lists on the fly (00:07:47).
• The feature is part of a handful of quality of life updates that will be released soon (00:06:58).

PAYMENTS: Razorpay to support payments in India (Dec. 15th) (00:07:53)

• A new payment gateway is scheduled to be released around December 15th, with the goal of supporting users in India, where there is currently a gap in payment options due to local market restrictions (00:07:54).
• The first payment gateway to be released is Razorpay, which will cater to the Indian market (00:08:01).
• Following the release of Razorpay, more payment gateways are planned, including Paystack, which will better serve users in Africa (00:08:11).
• The update will also involve changes to the code base, making it easier to add new gateways that integrate with Brilliant Directories (00:08:28).
• After the release of Razorpay and Paystack, it is expected that more payment gateways will be added based on demand and necessity (00:08:38).
• The release of these new payment gateways is expected to accelerate the addition of more gateways in 2025 (00:08:26).

AUTOMATIONS: New Zapier triggers when any new record is created (00:08:42)

• Zapier now has new triggers that allow users to start a workflow when any new record is created on their site, eliminating the need to rely on webhooks and providing more flexibility in automating tasks (00:08:50).
• Zapier is an integration tool that connects Brilliant Directories data with other platforms, such as CRMs, to create actions based on updated data (00:08:58).
• The new trigger event in Zapier allows users to select from various categories, including new users, form inquiries, posts, reviews, leads, and forms, without having to pin it to a specific field (00:09:20).
• This new feature is highly valuable as it allows users to access all the information and perform additional filtering later, such as checking if a new member is based on a certain membership plan or subscription (00:09:49).
• Users can now trigger actions for any new event without having to web hook their Brilliant Directories data into Zapier, making it easier to automate tasks (00:10:04).
• The use cases for this new feature will be covered in a future tip of the week (00:10:09).

REVISIONS: Auto-save and undo admin changes (soon) (00:10:13)

• Revisions will soon be available for editing the code base of post types, allowing users to revert changes if needed (00:10:14).
• The revision feature will store up to 50 different revisions historically, enabling users to load and compare previous versions (00:10:48).
• Users can revert to a specific revision by selecting the desired date, and then choose to save the changes or go back to the current version (00:10:54).
• The revision feature will initially be released for editing post types, and later expanded to other areas such as the webpage Builder, menus, and forms (00:11:22).
• The purpose of releasing the feature in a low-touch area first is to test it and ensure it works well before implementing it in other areas (00:11:24).
• The revision feature aims to prevent data loss in case of mistakes, allowing users to easily revert back to a previous version (00:11:37).

PUSH Alerts: For signups, admin changes, payments & more (soon) (00:11:42)

• Push alerts are being developed for mobile and browser notifications, with browser alerts expected to be released first (00:11:43).
• Browser alerts will allow users to receive notifications on their computer while working, including when a new member joins the site, staff members save changes, or a new payment is received (00:11:59).
• To receive browser alerts, users will need to subscribe to them for their site, and notifications will appear in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen (00:12:01).
• The push alerts feature will be extended to users of the Brilliant Directories app, allowing them to receive notifications on-the-go when new members join, new revenue comes in, and more (00:12:40).
• The push alerts feature is expected to be motivating and helpful, allowing users to stay up-to-date with their site’s activity without needing to constantly check the admin dashboard (00:12:29).

LOGINS: Show/hide toggle for password inputs (00:12:58)

• A new feature has been released on the login page, allowing members to show or hide their password input with a toggle, which is available for everyone and can be found on the password field of the login page (00:12:58).
• The show and hide toggle is represented by a lock icon, which can be clicked to switch between showing and hiding the password, making it easier for users to enter complicated passwords (00:13:28).
• The lock icon is a text label that can be edited, and users can search for “password icon label” in their text labels to find and customize it (00:14:21).
• Users can remove the icon by deleting it from the text label, or add additional text to provide more context, such as “hide” and “show” (00:14:32).
• Adding text to the password icon label can be helpful for audiences who may not be familiar with the icon or its function (00:14:50).
• The show and hide toggle feature is convenient and can make a website feel more developed (00:15:18).
• Push notifications for changes made to the password icon label will be throttled, but are currently displayed instantly for testing purposes (00:15:29).

TAGS: Smarter Zapier logic for member tags (00:15:36)

• There was a small issue when using Zapier to update member tags, where all existing tags would be deleted and new ones would be added, rather than allowing for individual tags to be added or removed. (00:15:37)
• This issue has been addressed, and a new feature will soon be available that provides more granular control over member tags, allowing for the specific addition or removal of individual tags. (00:15:42)
• The new feature is expected to be released soon, providing a more correct and efficient way to manage member tags through Zapier. (00:16:03)

DELETING: More options, extra confirmation & reassign posts (soon) (00:16:04)

• Deleting members will now have an extra confirmation step to prevent accidental deletions, and this feature is being added due to a high volume of tickets regarding accidental member deletions (00:16:06).
• When deleting a member, there will be options to reassign their posts, such as blog articles, to another member or the site administrator, allowing the content to be preserved (00:16:16).
• A mockup of the deletion process has been created, which includes a “delete member” option that requires a confirmation click, followed by additional options for handling sub-accounts and General Data Protection Regulation compliance (00:16:29).
• For GDPR compliance, there is an option to fully delete a member’s profile, images, and files from the website’s database (00:16:44).
• The reassignment of posts to a new owner will be available, providing more control over the deletion process and content management (00:16:52).
• After confirming the deletion, a “yes, continue” option will appear, and an additional confirmation step will be provided to ensure the action is intentional (00:16:59).

LEADS: Members set their own status & personal notes (soon) (00:17:12)

• Members will soon have the ability to set their own status for leads they receive, allowing them to track their progress and leave personal notes, making the lead interface more interactive (00:17:12).
• The status options will be customizable, with five text labels that can be changed, and will likely include options such as “Deal”, “Lost”, “In Progress”, “No Response”, or “Needs Contact or Follow-up” (00:17:53).
• Members will be able to filter their leads by status, enabling them to see the effectiveness of the site in terms of return on investment and getting clients (00:18:08).
• A personal note field will be added below each lead, allowing members to leave open-text notes, such as “Tried calling” or “Sent an email, no answer”, to keep track of their interactions with the lead (00:18:24).

PROFILES: Filter members who are missing photos/logos (soon) (00:18:41)

• A new filter is being added to the search members page in the admin area, allowing administrators to search for members who are missing profile photos or logos, or who have them, by selecting “image exists” or “is image missing” (00:18:50).
• This filter will enable administrators to create smart lists of members who are missing profile photos or logos and send them targeted emails, such as reminders to add profile photos to increase engagement on the site (00:19:02).
• The new filter will be located in the search members page and will allow administrators to select which images to filter by, providing a list of members who are missing the specified assets on their profile pages (00:19:10).
• The addition of this filter is part of a series of updates, but not all updates were covered in this discussion due to time constraints and the approaching year-end (00:19:24).

Does the Default Language override any settings? Can we test live? (00:19:37)

• The default language setting for text labels can be changed on a live site without permanently affecting the website, and changes can be reverted by selecting a different language. (00:19:37)
• To change the default language, simply choose the desired language, and the site’s text labels will be updated accordingly. (00:20:02)
• If a mistake is made, the default language can be changed back to the original language by selecting it again and saving the changes. (00:20:11)
• The default language setting is a one-time choice that determines the primary default text labels for the site. (00:20:25)
• Viewers can participate in the Q&A session by typing “question” in all caps to have their microphone unmuted and ask verbal questions. (00:20:40)
• The show and hide password icon can be customized by editing the text label, allowing users to choose a different icon if desired. (00:21:02)
• Users have control over the text labels and can make changes as needed, including customizing the show and hide password icon. (00:21:31)
• The Q&A session is open to all viewers, who can type their questions in the comments or request help with their site by having their microphone unmuted. (00:21:52)

Importing categories: Comedians, DUI Lawyers, etc. (00:22:16)

• Importing categories such as comedians, DUI lawyers, and videographers can be challenging as they are not traditional businesses with physical locations, but rather professions or careers (00:22:17).
• Using the business name search tool with partial matches can help find relevant results, such as searching for “comedian” to find businesses with the word “comedian” in their name (00:23:22).
• A search for “comedian” yielded 22 businesses with the word “comedian” in their name, including magicians and corporate entertainers (00:23:49).
• For DUI lawyers, searching by business name with partial matches, such as “DUI lawyer” or “DUI attorney”, can help find relevant results, with 116 and 79 businesses found respectively (00:24:23).
• Searching for videographers by business name with partial matches yielded 154 results, demonstrating the effectiveness of this search method for distinct professions (00:25:10).
• The business name search tool is particularly useful for finding specific types of businesses, but may not be as effective for more ambiguous search terms, such as “consulting” (00:25:23).
• The imported results for comedians included a mix of magicians, corporate entertainers, and comedians, highlighting the overlap between these professions (00:25:48).

Duplicate business names in Instant Business Data imports? (00:26:28)

• When importing business records, the business importer tool will not import the same record twice, with the same record being defined as the same address, so if searching for a business like McDonald’s, it will import multiple locations but skip duplicate records from the same address (00:26:42).
• Users can freely pull from categories and searches without worrying about importing duplicate records, as the system will skip records that have already been imported (00:27:04).
• If the same business name appears multiple times, it is likely due to different brick-and-mortar addresses, such as multiple Starbucks locations with the same name but different locations (00:27:25).
• The system allows users to select the next batch of search results and will automatically skip any duplicate records that have already been imported (00:27:12).
• This functionality helps users to continuously pull and import new business records without having to worry about duplicates (00:27:08).

Google Search Assist by location (00:27:41)

• A feature exists where a page can automatically show local businesses, similar to a Yellow Pages format, even if they haven’t been imported yet (00:27:43).
• This feature is not specific to the business import tool, but rather a search results page that displays local businesses in a format similar to Google listings (00:28:32).
• The feature is referred to as Google search assist, which enables search results to be displayed on a site even if the specific search term is not found on the site (00:29:15).
• Google search assist can be useful for users searching a site, as it provides them with relevant results even if the site doesn’t have any content related to the search term (00:29:41).
• The feature can be enabled or disabled in the site’s general settings under search settings (00:30:01).
• Disabling Google search assist will result in a “sorry, we didn’t find any results” message when searching for a term that is not on the site (00:30:17).
• It is possible to customize the search results page to make it seem like the site has content related to the search term, such as by adding a call to action or a video (00:30:24).
• The Google search assist feature may not be suitable for all types of sites, such as small associations, but may be useful for larger sites or those with a yellow pages format (00:30:46).
• The Google search assist feature is not city-specific, and will display results based on the user’s location (00:31:01).
• When searching online, the results may be influenced by the user’s location, which can be determined by their IP address or by typing in a specific location, and this can affect the relevance of the search results (00:31:27).
• If a user types in a keyword and a location, the search results will be pinned to that location, but if no location is specified, the results may be based on the user’s IP address or other factors (00:31:56).
• There is no way to force search results to be specific to a certain city without the user typing in that location, but it is possible to hard-code a location into a website’s code to achieve this (00:33:35).
• To hard-code a location, it is necessary to edit the website’s code and create a hidden field with a default value for the location, which can then be used to influence the search results (00:34:00).
• This method requires some technical knowledge and access to the website’s code, but it can be an effective way to ensure that search results are relevant to a specific location (00:34:10).
• By using this method, it is possible to create a website that provides location-specific search results without requiring the user to type in their location (00:34:43).
• For example, a website can be set up to provide search results for lawyers in a specific city, such as Long Beach, California, by hard-coding that location into the website’s code (00:34:50).
• A solution was provided for a problem with a location field in a form, where the location was hidden and defaulting to Long Beach, by editing the form field and adding code to set the value to Long Beach (00:35:10).
• The solution involved adding a short answer question to the location input field, setting the value to Long Beach, so it would always be Long Beach in that case (00:35:30).
• A viewer asked if the solution could be posted or sent via email, and it was provided in the chat and comments, with an invitation to ask for further assistance in the Facebook group if needed (00:35:53).
• The viewer, who has some experience with coding, was trying to figure out how to achieve the same result and found the solution helpful (00:35:45).

Better to do a directory in a small town or big city? (00:36:25)

• Starting a business directory or membership website in a smaller town is often more beneficial than in a large metropolis, as it is easier to rank and target a specific niche or industry in a smaller area (00:36:26).
• A website that tries to cater to every business and location in the world can be hard to convince people that it specializes in their needs, whereas a focused website can easily pitch to businesses and professionals in a specific region (00:36:48).
• Focusing on a smaller niche or industry paired with a specific region can make it easier to add prestige to the directory and make it seem like a legitimate resource for the target audience (00:37:01).
• Using a name that implies prestige, such as “the number one network,” can help to appeal to people’s egos and make them want to be part of the directory (00:37:12).
• Starting small and expanding later is a viable option, as it allows for growth and expansion into new areas while still maintaining a targeted approach (00:37:36).
• Finding a balance between a large and small target market is important, as too small of a market can limit the marketing pool, but a targeted niche and region can be beneficial for the website’s success (00:37:46).
• James’ question about whether to start a business directory in a small town or a large city highlights the importance of considering the target market and niche when creating a membership website (00:36:26).

Where to buy or sell BD websites? (00:38:02)

• There is no specific directory for buying or selling developed BD sites with or without cash flow, but some users have listed and purchased websites through the Facebook group, although it is non-promotional. (00:38:02)
• When selling websites, it’s essential to be cautious, and using dedicated platforms like Flippa is recommended for finding websites for sale, as they protect both the buyer and the seller through an escrow process. (00:38:36)
• These platforms provide a level of protection for both parties, especially when large amounts of cash are involved, and allow users to research the potential value of their site by seeing similar sites for sale. (00:38:50)
• Flippa is a popular website flipping platform where users can find the latest listings, subscribe to push notifications, and get an idea of the market value of their site. (00:39:21)
• Using a qualified source like Flippa is recommended to protect buyers and sellers through their processes, and there are a few other similar platforms available. (00:39:42)

Integrating with Google Jobs (00:39:58)

• Integrating with Google Jobs is not currently on the exact roadmap, but Google provides limited job and event feeds that can be used for integration (00:40:14).
• To integrate with Google Jobs, one can use tools like Zapier to ping an RSS feed for a job by category and location, and then create a job post on a Brilliant Directories website (00:41:10).
• The process involves finding an RSS feed of Google Jobs, which can be used to add jobs to a Brilliant Directories website (00:41:50).
• Clayton, a user, is interested in integrating Google Jobs into his job placement site and has considered using Google Jobs as a source for job listings (00:42:01).
• The discussion has sparked interest in exploring jobs and events data from Google, which could potentially be used to pull data and create job posts on Brilliant Directories websites (00:42:27).
• A possible solution for integrating Google Jobs is to use Zapier to create posts in Brilliant Directories for new items in an RSS feed (00:42:53).
• The conversation has led to a plan to further explore and potentially fast-track the jobs data and events data that can be offered to users (00:43:26).

SEO/ranking advantages for directory sites? (00:43:44)

• A directory site has SEO and ranking advantages due to user-generated content (UGC) created by members and visitors, such as business listings and reviews, which Google favors (00:44:04).
• A well-optimized directory site can rank for specific search queries, such as “doctors in Los Angeles,” and also help individual business listings rank for their names (00:44:51).
• As a directory site gains visibility, it can attract traffic from consumers seeking professionals, and this traffic can be monetized through ads or by funneling leads to professional members (00:45:14).
• The key to monetizing a directory site is to provide visibility and leads to professional members, who will pay for these services if the site is successful in generating prospects for their businesses (00:45:37).
• A directory site can accelerate SEO benefits due to the large number of pages being created and the user-generated content factor (00:45:48).
• To maximize SEO benefits, it’s essential to add high-quality content to the site, and the directory site will take care of the rest by optimizing default SEO settings and leveraging member-generated content (00:44:25).
• A directory site can help businesses and professionals gain visibility and attract leads by ranking their profiles in Google search results (00:45:09).

Starter template page (00:45:59)

• Denver is creating an FAQ page for his website members to understand how the site works, and is looking for a starter template to help him complete it (00:46:00).
• One approach to creating an FAQ page is to make a quick, simple screen recording that goes through the process of setting up a member profile and shows the features available to members, then embedding that video in the members’ dashboard (00:46:40).
• To simplify the FAQ page, it’s recommended to address the most common FAQs, such as how to log in, reset a password, and add a profile photo, and limit the number of FAQs to 10-20 (00:47:38).
• A YouTube video can be inserted at the top of the FAQ page to show members how to quickly sign up, log in, and update their listing, and encourage them to take other actions (00:48:21).
• At the bottom of the FAQ page, a call to action can be added, such as a link to the contact us form, to encourage members to reach out if they have more questions (00:48:57).
• The FAQ page can be created using the web page builder, and can include a title such as “FAQ: Learn about being a member” (00:47:22).
• The goal of the FAQ page is to present members with a helpful video, address common questions, and provide basic troubleshooting, and then direct them to the contact us form if they need further assistance (00:49:10).
• To create a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, it is suggested to simplify things and not overthink it, as trying to address every hypothetical situation can be debilitating, and instead aim for something 80% good and then move on to the next task (00:49:46).
• Adding custom content to the members’ dashboard can be done, and there is a tip of the week video explaining the process, which includes adding banners, things to do, and sharing company news or shoutouts (00:50:20).
• Custom content can be used to share a message of the week, giving members something to look forward to when they log in, and can be manually updated (00:51:13).
• Three ways to engage users inside their dashboard include adding custom content, such as banners and things to do, and sharing company news or shoutouts (00:50:40).

Tracking banner ad clicks and views for monetization (00:51:22)

• To track banner ad clicks and views for monetization purposes, tools like bit.ly or tiny URL can be used, as they are URL shorteners that allow for creating redirects and tracking link progress (00:51:27).
• These tools can help track clicks and other metrics, and there are many free options available, with some offering variations of free versions and nominal fees for upgraded features (00:52:04).
• Another option is using a banner ad management system like Ad Butler, which can track clicks, displays, impressions, and other higher-level metrics, but may be too costly or complex for some users (00:52:13).
• Ad Butler and similar systems can handle ad serving, track clicks and impressions, and provide more advanced features, but may be overkill for those just starting out (00:52:26).
• A simple link shortener that tracks clicks can be a better starting point, and there are many options available, including bit.ly, rebrandly, and tiny URL (00:52:42).
• These link shorteners often have free versions and can be used to track clicks and other metrics, making them a good place to start for those looking to track banner ad performance (00:53:22).

New features for the Web Page Editor in 2025? (00:53:27)

• A user named Roger inquired about adding features to the web page editor, specifically the ability to easily adjust the number of columns in a module without manually editing the HTML (00:53:28).
• Currently, users can delete columns in a module by clicking on the options and selecting the delete option, which will automatically adjust the remaining columns to split the space evenly (00:54:07).
• A potential future feature for the web page editor is the ability to insert a column and see the percentage of space it takes up, allowing users to easily create equal columns without needing to access the code view (00:54:26).
• Users can also add or delete rows in a module, and adjust the layout as needed (00:55:00).
• The web page editor will receive updates in the future to make it more intuitive, easier to use, and more fluid (00:55:11).

Importing local weather into BD sites (00:55:20)

• It is possible to import local weather from a city into a BD site using local weather widgets, which can be added to a custom widget on the site and placed in the footer or header (00:55:30).
• To find local weather widgets, users can search for “local weather widget” and add it to their site, with options available from providers like Google (00:55:40).
• When using local weather widgets, it’s essential to be cautious of their potential impact on site loading time, and users should opt for widgets that load relatively quickly (00:55:52).
• In addition to widgets, users can also embed weather sites that offer embed code, allowing for dynamic and ever-changing weather updates (00:56:07).
• Weather sites often provide embed code that can be copied and pasted into a BD site, making it easy to add dynamic weather updates (00:56:12).

Mailing addresses in transaction history downloads? (00:57:15)

• A feature request to include mailing addresses in the transaction history report download has been raised, and it is being looked into, with the goal of exporting the billing address on file for each member (00:57:16).
• The feature would allow users to export data from the transactions table, including the billing address, which is a common request from users (00:57:35).
• There is no update on the feature’s status yet, but it will be followed up on, and hopefully, there will be news on the next webinar (00:57:39).
• The next webinar will be in two weeks, on the 18th, and it may be the last webinar of the year, but there is a possibility of having one more webinar on a non-Wednesday day (00:58:03).
• The Brilliant Directories family appreciates user suggestions, ideas, and participation in the Facebook group and YouTube channel, which helps drive updates and improvements (00:57:55).
• The year is coming to an end, but the team is looking forward to being better and stronger in 2025 and wants users to be as well (00:58:38).