Webinar Wednesday 230 – August 26, 2026

Mobile App Features and Development

• Users can download the Brilliant Directories app from the Apple or Google Play stores to manage their sites. (00:02:09)
• Upcoming updates for the mobile app include real-time push notifications that alert users to new member sign-ups and revenue payments. (00:02:21)
• Development is in the early planning stages to integrate BD Butler into the mobile app, which would allow users to query information and perform simple administrative tasks, such as updating or adding member records, directly from their phones. (00:02:32)

Webinar Content and Q&A Strategy

• Webinar Wednesday content is frequently shaped by user feedback, support tickets, and suggestions shared within the community. (00:03:03)
• The webinar series covers strategies for increasing website traffic, converting visitors into members, and improving site navigation. (00:03:20)
• Attendees are invited to submit technical, strategy, or site-related questions throughout the webinar for a dedicated Q&A session, which includes a two to three-minute challenge to help resolve specific roadblocks (00:03:48).
• Potential issues addressed during the Q&A include domain name concerns, ineffective messaging, and site flow problems (00:04:03).

Promotional Offers and Merchandise

• A promotional offer is available at the Brilliant Directories shop, providing a $20 gift card through the use of the promo code "webinar230" and free shipping via the code "free ship" (00:04:19).
• The promo codes must be entered separately during the checkout process, and the free shipping offer applies to most, but not all, international locations (00:04:35).
• Available merchandise includes Bluetooth speakers, fanny packs, stickers, coffee mugs, gel mouse pads, hats, keychains, and gaming mouse pads (00:04:55).

BD Butler Capabilities and AI Credits

• BD Butler plans now feature monthly limits that refresh on the first of every month, with the option to purchase additional credits for design work or routine tasks (00:05:57).
• Users with the VIP add-ons club receive 100 AI credits, while those with enhanced hosting receive 50 AI credits, both of which refresh on the first of every month and aggregate with other included credits (00:06:21).
• Resources regarding the capabilities of BD Butler and AI credits, including instructional videos on creating routines, are available on the company blog (00:06:40).
• BD Butler is capable of performing tasks such as creating internal web pages, generating blog posts, updating members, and conducting research (00:07:05).
• A phase one method has been developed for using BD Butler to add custom content to a website's homepage, though further development is ongoing (00:07:23).

Homepage Design and Customization

• The homepage editing interface includes a dedicated tab with a top hero section that offers various point-and-click settings for elements like background images and colors (00:07:40).
• Additional homepage sections allow for streaming content such as blog articles or members, each featuring granular configuration options like subtitle text and item quantity limits (00:08:18).
• A workaround exists to incorporate custom design work from BD Butler onto the homepage despite the limitations of the standard drag-and-drop settings (00:08:34).
• To implement this, users must first enable the "Custom Content 1" section within the homepage settings and save the changes (00:08:57).
• The second step involves navigating to the web page builder to edit the homepage content, which corresponds to the data loaded into the "Custom Content 1" section (00:09:31).
• Users can prompt BD Butler to generate specific design elements, such as a compelling call-to-action (CTA) with icons, which will then populate the "Custom Content 1" area (00:09:52).
• Once BD Butler generates the content and the user saves the changes, refreshing the homepage will display the new design elements at the bottom of the streaming sections (00:10:42).
• This method allows for the integration of custom-designed banners or CTAs that link to specific destinations, such as a join page (00:11:06).
• Users may encounter issues on both the homepage and internal pages where content does not span the full width of the screen, a problem that can be addressed through specific adjustments (00:11:36).
• Users can enable a full-screen page width setting within the page options of the webpage builder to allow content to extend edge-to-edge on the homepage (00:11:55).

Email Rendering and Icon Library

• Improvements have been made to email rendering across the entire BD network, including Apple Mail, Gmail, and Outlook, to ensure emails display edge-to-edge without appearing squeezed (00:12:45).
• Technical adjustments were implemented to resolve issues where Outlook previously failed to support certain image file formats (00:12:51).
• A library of approximately 2,000 icons is now available for use in email templates, providing a more sophisticated alternative to emojis (00:13:33).
• Users can access these icons by requesting them through BD Butler, which can generate icons in three distinct styles: halo background, solid fill, and ring/outline design (00:13:55).
• BD Butler allows for customization of icon colors and layout configurations, such as changing from a stacked orientation to a three-card-in-a-row format (00:14:56).
• While there is no manual selection library for icons, users can instruct BD Butler to replace a specific icon with a different one from its internal library if they are dissatisfied with the initial selection (00:15:32).
• The icon library utilized by BD Butler consists of Bootstrap (front-end framework) icons (00:15:44).
• A new method has been developed to allow the use of approximately 2,000 icons within emails, supporting features like horizontal or vertical alignment and color customization (00:15:59).
• The BD Butler tool can automatically add social media links to the footer of emails, pulling from the general settings where users can store links for platforms such as Snapchat and LinkedIn (00:16:18).
• Users can provide specific instructions to BD Butler to modify email elements, such as changing the color of social media icons to black or requesting a flatter design (00:16:58).
• BD Butler is designed to handle iterative email edits, which helps ensure that emails render more effectively across platforms like Outlook, Gmail, and Apple (00:17:34).

Email Sequences and Admin Updates

• A sequence-based email system is currently in development, which will allow site owners to send a series of welcome emails to new users based on their chosen membership plan (00:17:53).
• The initial phase of the email sequence feature will allow users to set specific time intervals, such as minutes or days, between emails (00:18:07).
• Future iterations of the email sequence feature may expand to trigger emails based on other user actions, such as filling out forms or reaching specific milestones (00:18:18).
• The admin area is scheduled for a renovation in the coming months to provide a more modern design intended to improve workflows and overall usability (00:18:27).
• Front-end editing capabilities are being developed for BD Butler, which will allow users to make changes to live site pages or member profiles directly without needing to navigate back and forth to the admin area (00:18:38).

Advanced BD Butler Research and SEO Tools

• BD Butler now has the capability to search the web, enabling users to conduct competitor research or investigate trending topics within their specific niche (00:19:38).
• BD Butler can be used to enrich member records by searching the internet for social media links and other relevant information to automatically update member profiles (00:19:48).
• Butler can be utilized to search websites for thin pages or content that could benefit from search engine optimization (SEO) improvements. (00:20:12)
• The VIP Add-ons Club now includes 100 bonus AI credits for members. (00:20:32)

Email Strategy and Member Engagement

• Effective email strategy involves moving beyond one-way communication to foster ongoing engagement and deepen user connection to a brand. (00:20:46)
• Website owners can optimize their communication by customizing default email templates, regardless of whether they choose to use tools like Butler. (00:21:38)
• A common mistake in email marketing is treating emails as simple, one-purpose delivery vehicles rather than opportunities to strengthen relationships with members. (00:22:17)
• Every email should ideally perform three functions: delivering the expected information, providing additional value, and maintaining user engagement. (00:23:05)
• The first job of an email is to fulfill the recipient's primary expectation, such as providing a confirmation or welcome message upon joining a site. (00:23:14)
• The second job of an email is to offer something extra, such as a helpful resource, a motivational quote, or an offer of assistance, to provide value beyond the basic notification. (00:23:37)
• The third job of an email is to keep the recipient engaged and ensure the relationship with the brand continues to progress. (00:23:55)
• Emails should provide a clear reason for recipients to take action, such as visiting a website, replying to the message, or logging into an account (00:24:04).
• Beyond meeting the primary expectation of an email, providing extra value helps build momentum and fosters an ongoing relationship (00:24:22).
• Follow-up messages after a user submits a form should offer more than a simple confirmation; including encouraging language or additional resources helps users feel positive about their interaction (00:24:39).
• Engagement can be sustained by "daisy chaining" interactions, such as inviting users to join a social media group, read a blog, or download a free resource (00:24:55).
• Consistently sending useful emails—whether newsletters, welcome messages, or notifications—creates positive touch points that, over time, deepen a member's connection to a brand (00:25:39).
• Small, repeated interactions build familiarity and trust, which are essential for long-term member retention (00:26:20).
• Stronger relationships with members increase the likelihood of referrals to friends, family, and professional connections, ultimately leading to increased revenue (00:26:47).
• Every email should avoid ending the conversation; instead, it should provide helpful extras and a clear next action to keep the recipient engaged within the brand's ecosystem (00:27:05).
• Maintaining active communication is important because it prevents users from turning their attention to competitors (00:27:21).
• Welcome emails can be optimized by moving beyond simple sign-up confirmation to guide users on how to maximize site utility, such as by suggesting a quick win like uploading a profile photo (00:27:50).
• Building personal relationships with website members can be facilitated by providing a phone number for support and inviting users to reply to communications, which helps them complete their profiles (00:28:06).

Customizing Welcome Emails

• The default welcome email template in the BD admin area can be accessed and customized through the email templates section (00:28:40).
• Standard welcome emails typically include the website logo, the website name variable, and the user's username, while keeping the password obfuscated (00:29:09).
• Using AI tools like BD Butler can assist in drafting improved welcome emails by incorporating specific links, such as to a blog or a meeting booking page, and formatting content with card images and icons (00:29:34).
• While flashy, modern-looking emails are common, plain-text emails that appear to come directly from a website owner or community manager can feel more personal and less like a generic mass-market newsletter (00:30:17).
• Personal, "off-the-cuff" emails are distinct from designed, multi-section monthly newsletters, as they simulate a direct letter to the recipient (00:30:51).
• AI-generated email drafts can be refined by requesting specific stylistic changes, such as simplifying the layout, removing redundant icons, or ensuring call-to-action buttons use correct variables (00:31:08).
• Effective welcome emails often include clear sections for profile completion, login details, and additional resources like social media links or community guides (00:31:44).
• Iterative testing of email templates allows website owners to determine which formats and content strategies work best for their specific community (00:32:20).
• Every welcome email should accomplish three primary goals: verifying the user, delivering the expected confirmation that their account and profile have been created, and providing the user with something extra (00:32:39).
• Email communications can include links to additional information and a call to action (CTA) at the bottom to encourage members to book a brief phone call for profile assistance, which helps build trust and relationships. (00:32:50)
• A landing page can be generated to facilitate profile help requests, featuring a form for members to submit their information. (00:33:18)

Profile Completion and Engagement Reminders

• Webpage designs can move beyond standard templates by utilizing specific aesthetic styles, such as neo-brutalist design. (00:33:47)
• Profile completion reminders are designed to keep new members engaged shortly after they join. (00:34:22)
• The content of a profile completion reminder should explain the value of the membership and remind members of the specific problem the website helps them solve. (00:34:36)
• Proactive engagement is necessary for members who may have joined on a whim and are unsure how to proceed, as it provides them with quick, achievable wins to maintain momentum. (00:35:20)
• Website administrators can identify members who have not completed their profiles or who remain unverified by checking the "manage members" section on a weekly basis. (00:35:37)
• Weekly reminder emails can highlight the benefits of having an account and explain the importance of completing a profile. (00:36:16)
• Providing a screen recording that demonstrates how to set up a sample member profile can show users how quick and easy the process is. (00:36:37)
• Including a clear CTA for a brief welcome call allows administrators to directly ask members about their reasons for joining and what they hope to achieve. (00:37:02)
• Improving the new user experience can be achieved by sending profile completion reminder emails to members with incomplete profile data. (00:37:14)

Landing Pages and Member Management

• BD Butler can be utilized to generate landing pages for email calls-to-action, such as a page offering profile help, which can be designed in specific styles like Neo Brutalism. (00:37:31)
• Landing pages created by BD Butler can be further customized or edited using the standard webpage builder tool. (00:39:00)
• Webpages can be managed and sorted by their creation or update date within the webpage builder interface. (00:39:12)
• Members who have not completed their profiles can be identified by searching for those missing specific assets, such as profile photos or company logos, via the search members page. (00:39:41)
• A search for members missing profile images or company logos can be saved as a dynamic smart list. (00:40:26)
• Smart lists automatically update as new members join or as existing members complete their profiles, ensuring that targeted email blasts are sent only to the relevant group of users. (00:41:13)

Targeted Email Campaigns and Best Practices

• BD Butler can assist in drafting the content for profile completeness emails once the target audience has been identified. (00:41:23)
• Email campaigns can be used to target members who have not yet uploaded a profile photo by explaining the benefits of doing so and providing a direct link to their account home page (00:41:52).
• Automated tools can generate these emails in approximately 14 seconds, incorporating specific messaging such as "put a face to your fitness brand" to encourage profile completion (00:42:22).
• Adding a profile image is presented as a way to build trust faster, help members stand out in search results, and encourage more connections (00:42:40).
• When creating email links, directing members to specific pages—such as those for updating profile information, creating community articles, or posting photo albums—is an effective strategy (00:42:59).
• Email templates can be customized by centering the logo and including social media links at the bottom to improve professional appearance (00:43:34).
• While providing reasons for an action is beneficial, it is important to avoid "smothering" the primary call to action (CTA) with too much text (00:43:56).
• Placing the CTA button in the hero section (the top portion of an email or page) is recommended because some users do not scroll to the bottom, and higher placement increases the opportunity for clicks (00:44:35).
• Smart lists can be used to identify specific recipients, such as the 13 members identified as missing a logo image (00:45:11).
• The system automatically omits invalid email addresses from campaigns to prevent wasted emails and learns from previous delivery failures (00:45:20).
• Once a list is finalized, emails can be scheduled or sent immediately (00:45:31).
• Using icons in emails provides a more professional aesthetic compared to using emojis, which are considered more playful (00:45:47).

Activity Digests and Newsletter Strategies

• Weekly activity digests are a strategy used to maintain community engagement (00:46:02).
• The frequency of email newsletters should be determined by the nature of the website, the community, and the expectations of the audience to avoid excessive messaging that leads to unsubscribes (00:46:14).
• Activity digest emails, whether sent weekly, monthly, or quarterly, serve the primary purpose of encouraging members to return to the website (00:46:30).
• Content for these emails should highlight new activity, such as recent blog posts, industry events, or new platform features and updates that provide value to members (00:46:42).
• Emails should aim to inform members about community or industry developments they may have missed (00:47:07).
• Personalization is a recommended practice for all email communications to improve engagement (00:47:18).
• Using variables to include a member's first name is a simple way to address them personally rather than using generic greetings (00:47:31).
• For broader communities, segmenting members into different categories allows for the delivery of more targeted and relevant content (00:47:48).
• Every email should provide clear and easy paths for members to navigate back to the specific areas of the website being highlighted (00:48:02).
• The ultimate goal of these newsletters is to establish a recurring engagement habit, ensuring members recognize the website as a source of consistent, new information (00:48:10).
• Consistent communication helps members develop the habit of visiting the website independently or looking forward to updates via email (00:48:30).
• A strategy for creating an effective activity digest involves using BD Butler to identify geographic areas with the highest concentration of members (00:48:41).
• Once high-density locations are identified, administrators can create "smart lists" to segment these members for more localized or relevant outreach (00:49:23).
• This segmentation process can be applied to top cities, states, or other categories to tailor content based on the specific focus of the community (00:49:58).
• The newsletter tool can be used to generate a weekly digest email specifically targeting members and content from a particular location, such as Austin, Texas. (00:50:13)
• BD Butler can be tasked with creating newsletter content by fetching live data directly from a website, such as spotlighting new community members with their profile photos and descriptions, or listing upcoming local events with images and links. (00:50:58)
• Users can provide specific instructions to BD Butler to focus on particular niches or locations, such as fitness trainers in Austin or lawyers in New York, to ensure the generated content is relevant to the site's focus. (00:52:39)
• Automating the newsletter creation process with BD Butler eliminates the need for manual copying and pasting of member information or event details. (00:53:03)

Search Tool Enhancements and Smart Lists

• Current smart list functionality in the member search tool is limited to static date ranges rather than dynamic or relative timeframes. (00:53:37)
• Future updates to the member search tool are planned to include conditional filters, allowing for more precise searches such as "exact match," "contains," or "does not contain" for various fields. (00:53:54)
• Developers intend to implement moving target date ranges for search filters, such as the last 60 or 90 days, to improve the utility of member management. (00:54:13)
• The goal for upcoming search enhancements is to move beyond simple partial matches and existing value checks to provide more powerful, conditional filtering capabilities across all member data fields. (00:54:45)
• Smart lists can be created using dynamic criteria, such as member login activity or join dates, to automate newsletter distribution (00:54:57).
• Current system limitations require setting explicit dates for lists, but future updates will allow for moving targets, such as a rolling 30-day window (00:55:13).

Technical Support and Newsletter Automation

• Users experiencing technical issues with BD Butler, such as visible code, are encouraged to contact the support team to request credit returns and help developers prevent future errors (00:55:36).
• BD Butler is an evolving tool, and user feedback is utilized to recreate and resolve specific technical quirks (00:55:52).
• BD Butler can generate location-specific newsletters, such as an Austin, Texas, Texas-focused digest, by identifying local members and pulling relevant site data (00:56:15).
• The tool automatically incorporates site logos and can format content into stylized cards, which users can adjust to their preference (00:56:30).
• By running event skills continuously, BD Butler can populate newsletters with upcoming local events, including details like dates, locations, and registration links (00:57:06).
• Users can customize the volume of content in generated newsletters, such as limiting the number of events displayed to improve readability (00:57:25).
• BD Butler’s ability to find events and jobs provides marketing assets that can be repurposed for newsletters and social media posts (00:57:42).
• Once a newsletter is generated, it can be sent to specific member groups, such as those filtered by city or state, to increase personalization (00:58:24).
• Sending targeted, bi-monthly emails to specific geographic segments can help improve engagement by providing content relevant to the members' locations (00:58:44).

Event Management and SEO

• Brilliant Directories events automatically stop appearing in upcoming search results once their end date has passed (00:59:19).
• Event date pickers default to showing only future events, but an advanced setting allows users to view historical events that have already concluded (00:59:48).
• Once an event's end date passes, it is removed from the event search results, though the post remains live on the site as a historical record, preserving its SEO benefits (01:00:08).

Checkout Page Optimization

• BD Butler cannot directly modify checkout or add-to-cart pages (01:00:45).
• Users can utilize BD Butler to add sidebars to checkout pages, which allows for the inclusion of widgets such as confidence boosters, social proof, testimonials, or information on what happens next in the sign-up process (01:01:21).
• A recommended strategy for checkout pages is to ensure the join page performs the primary selling of the membership, allowing the user to remain focused on the sign-up process once they reach the checkout page (01:03:50).
• Checkout page text, such as the "create account" header, can be customized to include more motivational or encouraging language to improve the user experience (01:04:20).

Closing Remarks and Future Webinars

• Technical difficulties encountered during the session provide an opportunity to improve future presentation processes. (01:04:53)
• Attendees are invited to visit shop.brilliantdirectories.com to claim free merchandise. (01:05:11)
• The promo code "webinar230" is required to receive the complimentary Brilliant Directories swag. (01:05:11)
• The next scheduled webinar will take place in two weeks. (01:05:20)