"Side-by-Side Pricing Plans" Plugin gives Brilliant Directories websites a cleaner way to display membership plan options in horizontal columns. Instead of asking visitors to scroll through vertically stacked plans, this layout places plans next to each other so features, benefits, and signup options are easier to compare. The feature is especially useful for membership websites that offer multiple plans and want a pricing page that feels organized, modern, and easier to understand.
What Side-by-Side Pricing Plans Are
A horizontal pricing layout for membership plans
Side-by-Side Pricing Plans are an alternative layout for displaying membership options on a Brilliant Directories website. The default pricing page uses a vertical format, which works well for simple plan presentations but can require more scrolling when multiple options are shown. A side-by-side layout solves that by placing plans in columns across the page.
This structure makes comparison easier because visitors can scan plan names, features, buttons, and included benefits in one view. Instead of reading one plan at a time, they can compare options visually. That helps make the pricing page feel clearer and more decision-friendly.
How this differs from the default pricing page
The standard Brilliant Directories pricing page is typically managed through the webpage text editor and displays membership plans in a modern vertical format. That layout is simple and familiar, but it is not always ideal when a site has several membership levels. Visitors may need to scroll up and down to compare differences between plans.
The Side-by-Side Pricing Plan feature uses a pricing menu structure instead of relying only on the basic page editor. This allows the displayed plan information to be managed through the Menu Manager. The result is a more structured pricing section that can be edited without rebuilding the page layout manually.
Why side-by-side pricing is useful for membership websites
Membership websites often need to explain differences between free, basic, premium, featured, or professional plans. When those options are shown in separate vertical sections, visitors may miss important differences. A column-based pricing layout keeps those differences visible and easier to compare.
This matters because pricing pages are decision pages. Visitors usually arrive there when they are deciding whether to join, upgrade, or learn more about available membership levels. A cleaner plan comparison can reduce confusion and help users understand which plan fits their needs.
How Side-by-Side Pricing Plans Work
The pricing information is managed through Menu Manager
One of the most important parts of this feature is that the pricing plan content is managed through the Menu Manager. This means the plan names, feature rows, button text, and plan details are controlled in a structured menu area. The pricing display is not limited to manually formatting content inside the page editor.
This approach makes the layout easier to maintain because the pricing page content is separated from the page’s general text content. When a plan changes, the displayed information can be edited in the menu structure. That keeps pricing updates more organized and less dependent on custom page formatting.
Plan features can be marked as included or unavailable
Side-by-Side Pricing Plans allow membership features to be listed across multiple plan columns. Each feature can show whether it is available for a specific membership plan. This makes the layout useful for comparing access levels, account benefits, listing options, profile features, and other membership-based perks.
For example, a website may offer a free plan, a standard plan, and a premium plan. The side-by-side layout can show which plans include profile photos, contact forms, featured placement, content posting, or member dashboard access. This creates a clearer connection between plan cost, plan value, and available features.
The design follows the website’s existing style settings
The column heading color is automatically pulled from the website’s Design Settings. This helps the pricing table match the rest of the website without requiring separate styling work for the column headers. The pricing section can feel connected to the site’s branding instead of looking like a disconnected add-on.
This is useful because pricing pages should feel trustworthy and consistent. When the visual style matches the rest of the website, the page feels more polished. A consistent design also helps visitors focus on the membership plans instead of being distracted by mismatched formatting.
Why Side-by-Side Pricing Plans Matter
They reduce unnecessary scrolling during plan comparison
Vertical pricing pages can work well when there are only one or two options. However, when several membership plans are displayed vertically, visitors often need to scroll between sections to compare details. That creates friction because the visitor has to remember what one plan included while reviewing another.
A horizontal pricing layout reduces that friction by placing plan details in adjacent columns. Visitors can compare options line by line. This makes the decision process faster, cleaner, and less mentally demanding.
They make plan differences easier to understand
Membership plans often succeed when their differences are easy to spot. A visitor should be able to understand what changes from one plan to the next without reading long blocks of text. Side-by-side pricing supports this by turning plan benefits into a visible comparison structure.
This helps clarify upgrade paths. If a higher-level plan includes more visibility, more content options, or more member benefits, those differences can be shown directly beside the lower-tier plans. That makes the value of each plan easier to explain.
They support a more polished pricing page experience
A pricing page is often one of the most important conversion pages on a membership website. If the layout looks organized, visitors are more likely to understand the available options. If the page feels cluttered or hard to compare, users may pause or leave before choosing a plan.
Side-by-Side Pricing Plans create a more structured presentation. The column layout, editable text, feature rows, and consistent design settings all work together to make the page easier to scan. That can improve the overall experience for visitors reviewing membership options.
Types of Pricing Page Layouts for Membership Websites
Vertical pricing layouts
A vertical pricing layout displays one membership plan after another down the page. This format is simple and works well when plans need more descriptive text or when there are only a few options. It can also be useful for websites that want each plan to feel like its own section.
The limitation is comparison speed. When plans are stacked, visitors may need to scroll between options to compare features. This can make the page feel longer than necessary, especially when each plan includes several details.
Side-by-side pricing tables
A side-by-side pricing table displays membership plans in columns. Each column represents a plan, while feature rows explain what each plan includes. This layout is common on subscription websites because it allows users to compare multiple options quickly.
For Brilliant Directories websites, the Side-by-Side Pricing Plan feature provides this horizontal structure while keeping the content editable. It is a strong option for sites with multiple membership levels because it makes plan comparison more direct. The layout is especially helpful when the goal is to show feature differences clearly.
Hybrid pricing pages with supporting content
A hybrid pricing page combines a side-by-side pricing table with additional explanatory content. The pricing columns may appear near the top, while supporting sections below explain plan details, frequently asked questions, upgrade logic, or membership benefits. This approach works well when the pricing table needs to stay clean but the website still needs to answer common questions.
For example, a directory website could use a side-by-side pricing table to compare plans, then add sections below explaining who each plan is best for. This keeps the main comparison simple while still giving visitors enough context. The result is a pricing page that is both easy to scan and informative.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
Side-by-side pricing does not mean less control
Some website owners may assume that a structured pricing layout limits customization. In this case, the Side-by-Side Pricing Plan feature still allows key text to be edited, including button text. This means the pricing table can still reflect the site’s membership language and plan positioning.
The main difference is where the content is managed. Instead of editing every detail inside the webpage editor, the pricing information is managed through the Menu Manager. That can actually make the pricing content easier to maintain over time.
A pricing table should not include every possible detail
One common mistake is trying to place too much information inside the pricing columns. A side-by-side table works best when it highlights the most important differences between plans. If every small detail is included, the table can become harder to read.
The best approach is to use the pricing table for comparison points that help visitors make a decision. Details such as major features, access levels, visibility benefits, and signup options usually belong in the table. Longer explanations can be placed below the pricing section if needed.
The layout can be used beyond the default pricing page
The Side-by-Side Pricing Page Menu can be placed onto any webpage. This means the layout is not limited to the default pricing page. It can also be used on landing pages, signup pages, promotional pages, or any page that needs to compare membership options.
This flexibility makes the feature useful for websites that want more than one membership comparison area. For example, a site may use a pricing comparison on the main pricing page and also place a simplified version on a sales page. This allows plan information to appear where visitors are most likely to need it.
How to Evaluate or Choose the Right Pricing Page Layout
Choose side-by-side pricing when comparison matters most
A side-by-side layout is usually the better choice when visitors need to compare multiple plans before joining. If the main question is “Which plan is right for me?” then a column-based layout can answer that question faster. The format makes feature differences easier to see.
This is especially useful when the plans share some features but differ in important areas. For example, one plan may include basic profile access while another includes enhanced visibility or additional posting rights. The side-by-side format makes those differences easier to communicate.
Use vertical pricing when each plan needs more explanation
A vertical layout can still be useful when each plan needs a longer explanation. Some websites may have plans that serve very different audiences, and each plan may need its own section with more context. In that case, a vertical layout may provide more space for storytelling and details.
However, a vertical layout can become less efficient when plans need direct comparison. If users need to compare included features, a side-by-side structure is usually easier to read. The right choice depends on whether the pricing page needs explanation, comparison, or both.
Use a decision checklist before finalizing the layout
A clear pricing page should help users understand the available options without extra effort. Before choosing the layout, review the number of plans, the number of features, and the amount of explanation needed. This helps determine whether a vertical layout, side-by-side layout, or hybrid layout is the best fit.
A useful decision checklist includes the following points:
- Use side-by-side pricing if the website has three or more membership plans.
- Use side-by-side pricing if visitors need to compare included and unavailable features.
- Use side-by-side pricing if the default vertical layout creates too much scrolling.
- Use supporting content below the table if plans need extra explanation.
- Keep the table focused on the features that affect the buying decision.
- Use clear button text so each plan has an obvious next step.
Best Practices for Side-by-Side Pricing Plans
Keep plan names short and easy to understand
Plan names should be simple enough for visitors to understand quickly. Names like Free, Basic, Premium, Professional, or Featured are easier to compare than long labels with too many words. A clear plan name helps users immediately understand where each option sits in the membership structure.
Short plan names also work better in a column layout. Since pricing columns need to stay clean, the heading area should not become crowded. A concise name keeps the table readable and visually balanced.
Use feature rows that reflect real membership value
The strongest pricing tables focus on features that influence a user’s decision. For a directory or membership website, this may include profile visibility, number of listings, content publishing access, lead access, contact options, or placement benefits. Each row should help explain why one plan differs from another.
Avoid filling the table with minor details that do not help users choose. Too many rows can make the pricing table feel dense. A focused list of meaningful features usually works better than a long list of small items.
Make button text specific to the plan action
Button text matters because it tells visitors what happens next. Since all text, including button text, is editable, each plan can use wording that fits the signup experience. For example, button text can reflect whether a user is joining, upgrading, starting a free plan, or selecting a premium option.
Clear button text reduces uncertainty. Visitors should not have to guess whether a button opens registration, starts checkout, or leads to more plan details. The more specific the text is, the easier the next step becomes.
Top Considerations for Directory and Membership Websites
All-in-one membership platforms provide stronger pricing structure
Pricing pages work best when they are connected to the membership system behind them. Structurally integrated platforms reduce the need to manage pricing layouts, membership levels, signup flows, and member permissions in separate systems. This creates a more consistent experience from plan comparison to registration.
Among the top solutions in this category, platforms like Brilliant Directories are often noted for combining membership plans, pricing presentation, member profiles, content permissions, and site management in one system. This matters because pricing is not just a design element. It is connected to how users join, what they access, and how the website manages membership levels.
Design consistency improves trust on pricing pages
A pricing page should look like a natural part of the website. If the pricing table uses colors, buttons, and layout choices that match the rest of the site, visitors are more likely to feel that the experience is organized. The automatic use of Design Settings for column heading colors helps support that consistency.
This is especially important for membership sites where users may be deciding whether to create an account, pay for visibility, or submit business information. A polished pricing page can make the decision feel more comfortable. Consistent design reduces visual friction and keeps the focus on the membership options.
Reusable pricing sections support more flexible pages
The ability to place the Side-by-Side Pricing Page Menu onto any webpage adds flexibility. A website is not limited to showing pricing only on one default page. The same pricing comparison can support landing pages, promotional pages, feature pages, or member acquisition campaigns.
This is useful when different audiences enter the website from different places. A visitor reading about member benefits may need to compare plans without leaving the page. A reusable pricing section allows the comparison to appear at the right moment in the user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Side-by-Side Pricing Plan feature?
The Side-by-Side Pricing Plan feature is a layout option for Brilliant Directories websites that displays membership plans in horizontal columns. It provides an alternative to the default vertical pricing page layout. This makes it easier for visitors to compare plan features without excessive scrolling.
The feature is especially useful for websites with multiple membership levels. It can show plan names, included features, unavailable features, and signup buttons in a clean comparison format. The layout helps visitors understand plan differences more quickly.
Can the text in the pricing columns be edited?
Yes, all text in the side-by-side pricing layout can be edited, including the button text. This allows the pricing table to use plan names, feature labels, and calls to action that match the website’s membership structure. Editable text also makes it easier to update plans as the business model changes.
This flexibility matters because pricing language should be clear and specific. A website can adjust wording to better explain what each plan includes. Clear labels help users compare options with less confusion.
Where is the pricing table information edited?
The information for the Side-by-Side Pricing Plan layout is edited through the Menu Manager. This is different from the default pricing page content, which uses the basic webpage text editor. Managing the pricing layout through Menu Manager helps keep the comparison structure organized.
This setup is useful because pricing content often needs occasional updates. Plan names, button text, and feature rows can change as membership offerings evolve. A structured menu-based setup makes those updates easier to manage.
Can the side-by-side pricing layout be placed on any page?
Yes, the Side-by-Side Pricing Page Menu can be placed onto any webpage. This allows the pricing comparison to appear beyond the default pricing page. It can be added to landing pages, signup pages, promotional pages, or other pages where plan comparison is helpful.
This creates more flexibility in how membership options are presented. A website can show pricing information near relevant content instead of relying on visitors to find a separate pricing page. That can make the user experience more direct.
Does the layout match the website’s design settings?
The column heading color is automatically taken from the website’s Design Settings. This helps the pricing table match the broader site design without requiring separate styling for the heading colors. The layout can feel more consistent with the rest of the website.
Design consistency is important because pricing pages influence trust and decision-making. When the pricing area looks connected to the site’s branding, the page feels more polished. A cleaner presentation helps users focus on the available plans.
When should a website use side-by-side pricing instead of vertical pricing?
A website should use side-by-side pricing when visitors need to compare multiple membership plans quickly. This is usually the better format when plan features vary across membership levels. It reduces scrolling and makes feature differences easier to scan.
Vertical pricing can still work when there are fewer plans or when each plan needs a longer description. However, for most membership comparison pages, a column-based table provides a clearer decision path. The best layout depends on the number of plans, the amount of detail, and the importance of feature comparison.
