Webinar Wednesday 5 - When is the Right Time to Start Advertising
Feb 15, 2017
Webinar Wednesdays with Brilliant Directories: Insights and Strategies
Welcome to Webinar Wednesdays with Brilliant Directories! This weekly event is designed to provide valuable insights and support for directory and membership website owners. Each session aims to equip you with effective strategies and tools within a concise one-hour timeframe.
Well, I'd like to welcome everyone to webinar Wednesdays with Brilliant Directories.
For those of you joining for the first time, Webinar Wednesdays offers a comprehensive overview of topics relevant to your needs. We encourage participation in our Marketing Strategy Network on LinkedIn, a vibrant community of like-minded individuals eager to share knowledge and strategies. You can join at brilliantdirectories.com/linkedin, where you’ll find a supportive environment for asking questions and exchanging ideas.
Whether you're seeking advice on marketing your site or looking to leverage tools for diverse purposes, this platform is an excellent resource. Our goal is to foster an interactive community where learning from others' experiences enhances your directory website's success.
In this section, we dive into how we engage with our community during Webinar Wednesdays. Our primary aim is to provide support and answer questions within a one-hour timeframe. We welcome inquiries from both potential users curious about our platform and existing customers looking to maximize their use of the platform to achieve their goals.
To ensure fairness, we have a simple ground rule: each participant is allowed one question until everyone has had the opportunity to speak. This approach ensures that everyone gets a chance to engage, fostering an inclusive community atmosphere.
One of our recent initiatives was a LinkedIn contest where participants shared posts on LinkedIn. We are thrilled to announce that Carol Lawrence emerged as the winner! Carol, if you're tuning in today or watching a replay later, please contact us at support@brilliantdirectories.com to claim your prize.
Carol has won a Professional Website Setup Plan, valued at $950. This service is available for any website user, whether you are just starting or have been online for some time. Our setup services ensure your membership levels and other basic elements are configured effectively. Additionally, we provide training calls for personalized guidance on utilizing all the features of your directory website.
I always highly recommend joining our marketing strategy network in LinkedIn.
Engaging with our community not only allows us to provide immediate assistance but also helps us understand user needs better, fostering continuous improvement in our services.
Weekly Contests and Prizes
Welcome to this week’s exciting segment on our Weekly Contests and Prizes! We’re thrilled to announce an engaging contest designed to bring out the best in our community members. Whether you're a seasoned user or new to the Brilliant Directories platform, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your experience and insights.
This week's contest we have, you can create a sixty second video review.
For this week's challenge, we invite you to create a 60-second video review. It's simple! Use your smartphone or computer camera to record your thoughts. We want to hear why you chose Brilliant Directories, what your website does, and any tips you have for new users considering getting started.
Your video can include:
A brief introduction about yourself and your website.
Key features of Brilliant Directories that you utilize the most.
Tips or advice for new users starting out.
The goal is to gather authentic testimonials that highlight different user experiences and the versatility of our platform.
Prize Announcement
This week's winner is gonna get a website audit with myself.
The winner of this week’s contest will receive a comprehensive website audit—a $400 value! I will personally spend an hour with the winner on a phone call, reviewing their website. This session will focus on identifying challenges and providing recommendations tailored specifically for their site.
Possible discussion points during the audit could include:
Strategies for driving traffic to your website.
Techniques for generating leads for members.
Solutions for increasing conversions on pricing pages or upgrading memberships.
This session is designed as a strategy meeting aimed at aligning your website with your marketing objectives. It's about ensuring that your site is set up effectively to achieve your goals and apply successful strategies from others in similar industries.
To participate, simply send us your video before the next webinar session. We'll review all submissions and announce our favorite during next week's Webinar Wednesday!
New Features and Add-ons
In this week's update, we're excited to introduce an innovative add-on: the "Reply to Member Reviews" feature. This new tool is now available at a special sale price of $75, significantly discounted from the regular price of $197.
"We have a new add on, which is a reply to member reviews feature." "It's a very simple add on, but very effective and very powerful one as well."
The "Reply to Member Reviews" feature is designed to enhance member engagement by allowing users to respond directly to reviews on their profiles. This functionality not only enables members to address negative feedback by providing their side of the story but also allows them to appreciate positive reviews, fostering better relationships with their audience.
Demonstration and Benefits
To illustrate the feature, let's take a look at a sample website, eLawyersNow. On this platform, members can now respond directly to reviews posted by users. For instance, member Jason Moore can reply to reviews left for him, providing clarity or resolving any misunderstandings.
The benefits of this feature extend beyond member interaction. Importantly, it serves as an excellent tool for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). By allowing members to reply and add their own content, it creates more unique content for search engines to index. This additional content can enhance your site's visibility and ranking.
From the member's perspective, the process is seamless. Once logged in, they can see any pending reviews with options available for accepting or deleting them. Upon accepting a review, they gain access to a new interface that allows them to compose their response.
This simple yet powerful feature offers dual benefits: improving SEO through unique content addition and increasing engagement through direct interaction with reviewers. It's an essential tool for any directory looking to enhance its community interaction.
Addressing User Queries
In this session, we addressed some of the most pressing user queries, providing insights into ongoing improvements and upcoming features. One of the primary concerns raised was the ability to bulk upload photos to a photo album or classifieds listing. Users have experienced difficulties when trying to upload multiple photos simultaneously from smartphones and tablets. Rest assured, our development team is actively working on a solution to resolve this issue.
Another frequent request we’ve received is for permission roles for other admins working on your site. Users have expressed the need for creating restrictions for moderators or limiting access to certain sections of the backend administration area. This feature is currently in the quality assurance phase and should be available soon, allowing you more control over your site’s management.
We’re also excited to announce improvements in member search functionalities. The updated search console will soon enable you to search for members based on various criteria such as date range of sign-up, categories, and even by location—enhancing your ability to manage members effectively.
With this new feature, you can also export search results. Whether you need a list of all members named Jason or those who joined in February from a specific location like California, this tool will allow you to export these details into an Excel file effortlessly. This enhancement not only saves time but also provides valuable data for targeted marketing campaigns. For instance, exporting a list of free members can be used in email marketing campaigns via platforms like Mailchimp or for phone call follow-ups by your team.
The ability to filter and export member data directly from the admin interface without needing database access is a game-changer for our users, offering new opportunities in targeted email campaigns and personalized marketing strategies.
"You can even do by category... So I'm gonna do an email campaign... It's gonna get better conversions."
We encourage users who have additional questions or need further assistance with these features to reach out during our Webinar Wednesdays sessions or through our support channels.
In this section, we delve into the enhanced member search and export functionalities that have recently been introduced. These updates are designed to streamline how members manage and export their data, providing more control and flexibility.
New Updates to Member Search Functionality
The member search feature has been significantly improved to allow for more refined searches. Users can now search for members based on a variety of criteria, including the date range of when they signed up, categories they belong to, and their location. These enhancements make it easier for users to filter through large member databases and find specific members quickly.
"You can search members based on their date range of when they signed up."
Moreover, this enhanced functionality supports better user management by allowing site owners to target specific groups of members for community engagement or marketing purposes.
Exporting Search Results for Marketing Purposes
In addition to improved search capabilities, users now have the ability to export search results into an Excel file. This feature is particularly beneficial for marketing and outreach efforts. For example, if a user wants to create an email marketing campaign targeting all members who joined in a specific month or location, they can easily export this data and integrate it with email marketing platforms like Mailchimp.
"It's gonna get a better open rate."
The ability to export member data directly without needing database access is a significant advancement, providing users with the tools they need for effective data-driven marketing strategies. This functionality not only saves time but also enhances the precision of targeted campaigns.
These updates are part of our ongoing commitment to improving user experience by equipping site owners with advanced tools that support their business goals.
Marketing Strategies for Directory Websites
Marketing your directory website effectively can be the key to its success. One of the first questions that arises is when to begin advertising your directory to consumers. Should you wait until you've amassed a significant number of listings, or start right away?
In my opinion, you should start right away.
The consensus is to start marketing as soon as possible, even if your directory is in its early stages. Avoid the "coming soon" mentality and focus on providing a streamlined, simple offering. This approach not only helps in avoiding overwhelming yourself with a massive launch but also keeps your resources focused on the essentials.
Building Community and Engaging Early Users
Creating a sense of exclusivity for early users can be a powerful marketing tool. By launching an "early bird" campaign, you can make users feel special and encourage them to register their emails for updates.
You can make your first users feel special.
For example, if your directory focuses on beauty salons and supply chains targeted towards women of color—a vast industry with numerous opportunities—you can engage this audience by providing more than just directory listings. Write engaging blog posts on styling tips or beauty trends that align with their interests. This not only keeps them informed but also adds value beyond the directory itself.
Importance of Content Beyond the Directory Itself
To enrich user experience, offer additional content like newsletters or blog posts. Highlight tips or insights relevant to your audience’s interests. For instance, "Six Things You Didn’t Know About Maximizing Your Gel Nails" could attract readers and potential customers alike.
Encouraging newsletter sign-ups is another effective strategy. Use website sidebars effectively to gain subscribers who are interested in regular updates about new listings or industry news.
Start marketing right away by building my tribe, building my superfans.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Focused on Goals
Starting an online business comes with its set of challenges, including facing criticism from skeptics. However, staying focused on serving your target customers with quality content and meaningful offerings will attract loyal supporters who appreciate what you are doing.
In conclusion, begin marketing your directory website immediately by simplifying offerings initially and building engagement through valuable content beyond just listings. This foundation helps build a community that will support and promote your directory as it grows.
SEO Optimization Techniques
Effective SEO optimization is crucial for maximizing the visibility and reach of your directory website. This section explores key strategies and techniques to enhance your site's SEO, including the use of breadcrumbs, internal linking, and optimizing SEO settings within Brilliant Directories.
Using Breadcrumbs for SEO
Breadcrumbs play a significant role in enhancing your site's SEO. They create a clear path for both users and search engines to navigate your website. By implementing breadcrumbs, you establish a hierarchical structure that aids search engines like Google in crawling your site more efficiently.
Could you explain how to utilize the breadcrumbs and how it applies to SEO?
Breadcrumbs contribute to internal linking, making it easier for Google spiders to access various pages on your site. This internal linking not only helps in indexing more pages but also increases the chances of these pages appearing in search results. The more pages indexed, the more opportunities there are for users to find your site.
The Power of Internal Linking
Internal linking is a powerful SEO tool that guides search engines through your website's structure. By linking related content together, you provide a roadmap that helps search engines understand the context and relevance of each page. This is especially important for directory websites where related listings can be interconnected.
Incorporating related search modules in sidebars can further enhance internal linking. These modules direct Google spiders to additional pages within your website, similar to breadcrumbs, ensuring comprehensive indexing.
Optimizing Brilliant Directories for SEO
Brilliant Directories offers various settings that can be optimized for better SEO performance. Ensuring that critical keywords are strategically placed within your site's settings is essential. Focus on using specific keywords relevant to your site's focus—whether it's "Florida resident discounts" or another niche—providing clarity and improving ranking potential.
Incorporate industry-specific keywords in general settings like industry name and profession name fields within Brilliant Directories. These keywords serve as fallbacks when more specific terms are not available, ensuring consistent keyword presence across all relevant areas.
The more pages that show in Google search results, the more chances are your website will be found.
Overall, using these techniques will enhance the visibility of your directory website in search engine results pages (SERPs), driving more traffic and increasing user engagement.
Advanced Member Management
In this section, we delve into the intricacies of managing subaccounts and how this feature can significantly enhance the management of multiple listings within the same membership level.
A common question arises about streamlining membership levels with subaccounts: Is there an effortless way to set this up, or must a different membership level be created for each set of subaccounts? The answer lies in understanding the Multi Listing Manager.
One of our users inquired about setting up multiple subaccounts within a single membership level on their website, trolleylocal.com. They wanted to know if it was necessary to create distinct membership levels for varying numbers of subaccounts. The Multi Listing Manager offers a solution by allowing users to create additional members who maintain the same membership level as the master account.
I was just curious if there's some easy setting. The multi listing manager, basically you can create additional members who are at the same membership level as the as the master account.
Setting Up Subaccounts
To begin, navigate to your products and identify which ones can support subaccounts. With this add-on feature, you can determine how many accounts each tier can have. For instance, different pricing structures can be set for 1-5 accounts or 6-10 accounts. Setting a limit of ten allows members to post up to ten additional accounts.
Additionally, for those curious whether setting zero allows unlimited accounts: it does indeed signify unlimited access.
Practical Applications and Use Cases
The Multi Listing Manager is ideal for businesses with multiple locations or departments under one umbrella account. For example, a law firm could use this feature by having an administrator manage a master account and create individual subaccounts for each lawyer in the firm.
Subaccounts provide flexibility by allowing control over who has access and what they can manage. Some businesses prefer not granting access to individual franchises but maintaining control over all listings centrally.
Take Starbucks as an example; they might choose not to provide franchises with individual emails but still want centralized control over what is advertised on their listings.
In another scenario, restaurant owners with multiple outlets could efficiently manage their listings across all locations without signing up each one individually by using this multi-listing capability.
By understanding and utilizing these features, businesses can effectively manage diverse operations under one seamless platform.
Comparing Directory Platforms
When it comes to choosing a directory platform, a common question arises: Is Brilliant Directories superior to eDirectory? This is a crucial consideration for anyone embarking on a directory website project. Both platforms have their strengths, making them viable options depending on specific needs.
Brilliant Directories and eDirectory have been pivotal players in the industry for quite some time. eDirectory, in particular, has been around even longer than Brilliant Directories, garnering a strong reputation. However, one of the distinguishing factors that often comes up is usability.
Usability and Member Experience
Brilliant Directories is frequently praised for its ease of use. This user-friendly approach is advantageous not only for administrators but also for the members who join the sites built on this platform. The simplicity in creating profiles, adding logos, and navigating the site makes it particularly appealing.
"Brilliant directories is easier to use, you know, not only for the administrator but for their members."
The ease of use can significantly influence user engagement and satisfaction, which are critical components when launching a new website project. A platform that simplifies these processes can lead to better retention and growth.
SEO Optimization
In addition to usability, search engine optimization (SEO) is another area where Brilliant Directories excels. A well-optimized site can mean the difference between visibility and obscurity online. With examples like Bob’s site achieving impressive results shortly after going live, the SEO capabilities of Brilliant Directories are evident.
Having a website that is both easy to use and optimized for search engines presents major advantages when starting a new project. It’s about getting your site seen by potential users while ensuring they have an enjoyable experience once they arrive.
Conclusion: Appreciating Competition
While Brilliant Directories has its strengths in usability and SEO optimization, eDirectory also offers excellent features that should not be overlooked. The competition between these platforms drives innovation and improvement across the industry.
Ultimately, choosing between these platforms will depend on specific project needs and priorities. However, if ease of use and strong SEO are high on your list, Brilliant Directories might just be the right choice for you.
SEO Strategies for Competitive Markets
In today's highly competitive digital landscape, enhancing your website's search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial, especially for niche markets like vacation rentals and hotels. This section explores effective strategies to boost your SEO and improve your visibility, even when competing against industry giants like Priceline or Expedia.
How can I do a better job of SEOing my location pages? Google likes structure and hierarchy.
Understanding the Challenges of Competitive Markets
Cindy, a participant in our Webinar Wednesdays, exemplifies the challenges faced in competitive markets. Her website, "The Place Tuesday," focuses on vacation rentals and hotels. She aims to attract end users to book through her site by optimizing location pages for search engines like Google. With stiff competition from large-scale platforms, finding effective SEO strategies is paramount.
Customizing SEO Templates for Better Search Visibility
One powerful tool is the use of SEO templates for location-based pages. By creating templates that repeat across different locations, you can efficiently manage keywords without manually updating each page. For instance, using templates that incorporate both the city name and relevant keywords such as "hotels" or "vacation rentals" can optimize search results.
Cindy was advised to use city-specific keywords multiple times in her page titles and meta descriptions to improve visibility. For example, phrases like "Find Los Angeles hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in Los Angeles" can enhance keyword density without compromising user experience.
Importance of Keyword Selection and Page Optimization
Choosing the right keywords is critical. Cindy focuses on phrases such as "hotel in Dallas" or "vacation rental in Dallas," targeting users searching for accommodations in specific locations. Utilizing these keywords effectively across your site's pages ensures better alignment with user searches.
Furthermore, adjusting meta titles and descriptions to include a variety of related terms like "hotel deals" or "last-minute hotel" can attract a broader audience while improving search engine rankings.
Leveraging Structured Content for Better Rankings
Google's preference for structure and hierarchy means having both specific listing pages and broader search results pages can be beneficial. By maintaining unique content across these pages without duplication, you create a robust structure that Google favors when indexing your site.
In conclusion, by optimizing SEO templates, carefully selecting keywords, and maintaining structured content hierarchy, you can enhance your site's visibility even in competitive markets. This strategic approach not only improves rankings but also drives more traffic to your site.
Customizing Website Features
Customizing your website's features can significantly enhance user experience and improve functionality. This segment covers insights on how to effectively personalize your homepage and utilize tools for optimal design.
Enhancing Site Structure for Better SEO
A well-structured website is crucial for search engine optimization (SEO). Google can efficiently drill down and find information based on your site's hierarchy. Utilizing a sitemap ensures Google reads and optimizes all text on your site, enhancing visibility. This foundational setup is vital for improving how search engines perceive and rank your site.
Utilizing Custom Widgets for Dynamic Content
During our discussion, Blair shared his innovative approach to featuring artists daily on his website, The Stage. By embedding videos and customizing homepage text, Blair brought dynamic content to the forefront. However, he faced challenges with consistency in video size and editing capabilities.
To address these issues, creating a custom widget was recommended. A custom widget allows you to manage content effortlessly by embedding code directly into the widget. This method not only simplifies updates but also enhances the visual appeal by ensuring uniformity across different media types.
"What I would recommend doing is turning that into a custom widget."
The Power of Website Edit Sessions
For those who may not have coding expertise, Brilliant Directories offers website edit sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity to collaborate with experts who can refine your site's design through strategic coding enhancements, ensuring that your homepage stands out.
The process involves using tools like Bootstrap coding to adjust font sizes, colors, and media alignment—ultimately creating an aesthetically pleasing user interface that performs well across devices.
Mobile-Friendly Design Considerations
A key focus in customizing website features is ensuring mobile compatibility. Mobile-friendly designs are essential in today's digital landscape as they cater to users accessing sites from various devices.
By using custom widgets and strategic design techniques, you can enhance mobile responsiveness, making content accessible and interactive across all platforms.
In conclusion, customizing website features involves leveraging tools like custom widgets and engaging in professional edit sessions to achieve a cohesive and user-friendly design that meets both aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
As we wrap up another insightful session of Webinar Wednesdays, we want to express our gratitude for your participation and engagement. Today's session highlighted the exciting features and opportunities available to enhance your directory website.
One of the key takeaways is the "Reply to Member Reviews" feature, currently available at a promotional price of $75. This tool empowers your members to interact with reviews, thereby generating valuable content for your website. For more details, visit brilliantdirectories.com/promo.
We are also thrilled to announce this week's contest, encouraging you to create a 60-second video explaining why you chose Brilliant Directories. Share your website's purpose and tips for new users in this brief clip. Submit your video to reviews@brilliantdirectories.com for a chance to win a one-hour website audit with Patrick Brunel, ensuring your site is market-ready and optimized.
"The contest of the week, just create a sixty second video about why you chose Brilliant Directories."
We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to seeing you in our next session. Thank you for joining us today. It was delightful spending this time with you all. Until next week, take care!
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