PRO TIP: When to Use Only 1 Top-level Member Category

This Tip of the Week covers topics including:

• 0:39 – What are Member Categories?
• 1:21 – Members Can Only Select 1 Top-Level Category
• 3:09 – So, Most Directory Websites…
• 4:13 – When Should You Use 1 Top-Level Category?
• 5:03 – Example: Using 1 Top-Level Category
• 6:30 – Setup Tips & Tricks
• 13:25 – More Advanced Settings

This is a segment from Webinar Wednesday 144, recorded live on October 12, 2022.

Too Many Categories Can Hurt Your Business Directory

A business directory is an essential tool for connecting consumers with the products and services they need. It acts as a virtual yellow pages, providing users with a comprehensive list of businesses in their area. However, it’s important that the businesses are organized in a way that makes sense and is easy to navigate. This is where categorization comes in.

The way businesses are categorized can greatly impact the user experience and the success of the directory. Having too many categories can cause problems, making it harder for users to find what they are looking for and for businesses to accurately categorize their listings. In this article, we will explore the problems of having too many categories and the benefits of having fewer, more concise categories.

5 Problems with Having Many Categories

1. User Confusion: Having too many categories can make it confusing for users to find what they are looking for. With a large number of categories to choose from, users may struggle to identify the right category for the business they are searching for, leading to frustration and decreased engagement.
2. Hard to Sign Up Business Listings: Having too many categories can also make it difficult for businesses to sign up and categorize their listings accurately. Businesses may struggle to find the right category for their business from the long list of options, leading to misclassification and difficulty in finding the business when searching.
3. Inefficient Search Function: The directory’s search function may not be able to deliver relevant results to users if there are too many categories. This can lead to poor user experience and decreased engagement with the directory.
4. Maintenance Challenges: Keeping all the categories organized and up-to-date can be a time-consuming and challenging task if there are too many categories. This can lead to inaccuracies and a lack of consistency in the directory, affecting its overall credibility.
5. Decreased User Engagement: When users have a hard time finding what they are looking for or if the directory’s search function is not delivering relevant results, it can lead to decreased user engagement and a negative impact on the directory’s success.

5 Benefits of Having Fewer, More Concise Categories

1. Improved User Experience: Having fewer, more concise categories makes it easier for users to find what they are looking for, leading to improved user experience and increased engagement with the directory.
2. Accurate Business Classifications: With fewer categories, businesses will have a clearer understanding of which category to choose, leading to more accurate classifications and easier discovery for users.
3. Efficient Search Function: A well-organized categorization system can improve the efficiency of the directory’s search function, delivering relevant results to users and enhancing the overall user experience.
4. Reduced Maintenance Efforts: With fewer categories, it becomes easier to maintain the accuracy and consistency of the directory, reducing the time and effort required to keep it up-to-date.
5. Increased User Engagement: When users have an easy time finding what they are looking for and when the search function is delivering relevant results, it can lead to increased user engagement and a positive impact on the directory’s success.

Business Directory Categories – Summing It Up

When choosing categories for your business directory, consider the overall user experience and the ease of categorizing business listings. A simple and intuitive categorization system will help users find what they are looking for and make it easier for businesses to sign up and categorize their listings accurately.

Remember, the goal of your business directory is to provide a valuable resource for users to find the products and services they need, and for businesses to connect with potential customers. A well-organized categorization system is key to achieving this goal and ensuring the success of your business directory.