Webinar Wednesday 204 – July 30, 2025

Introduction (00:00:00)

• The webinar is introduced as Webinar Wednesday 204, with updates to be shared and time for Q&A (00:00:00).
• The webinar is being streamed on YouTube, and viewers are recommended to subscribe to the Brilliant Directories YouTube channel to get notified about live webinars, replays, feature tutorials, and more (00:00:36).
• A link to subscribe to the YouTube channel will be shared in the comments, and the replay of the webinar will be available immediately after it ends, also to be posted in the Brilliant Directories Facebook group (00:00:54).
• Viewers are invited to join the Brilliant Directories Facebook group, where they can engage in conversations, strategize on growing or launching their directory, and share feedback (00:01:12).
• The Facebook group can be joined by heading to brilliantdirectories.com/facebook, and Jason mentions that he is also a member of the group, where lots of good questions and feedback are shared (00:01:29).

Brilliant Directories Mobile App (00:01:46)

• The Brilliant Directories mobile app is available for free download in the app store, allowing users to stay updated with their Brilliant Directory site and view new member signups and revenue on the go (00:01:46).
• Updates are coming to the app in about a month or two, which will make it more robust and enable real-time push notifications to alert users of activity on their site (00:02:03).
• A contest is ending soon, with a giveaway of $20 gift cards for the BD Swag store, where winners can choose any item for free, and participants can join by clicking on the link provided in the chat and leaving a comment on the post (00:02:23).
• The summer swag giveaway will close on July 31st, and the winners will be announced on August 1st, with participants able to get any item in the BD Swag store for free if they win (00:03:02).
• Some popular items in the BD Swag store include a Bluetooth speaker and a mouse pad with a wrist guard, which are personal favorites of the host (00:03:43).
• Webinar Wednesday is a weekly event where the BD team discusses new updates and features, and provides actionable steps to help users grow their community, including topics such as increasing traffic and converting visitors to members (00:04:03).
• The webinar also includes a Q&A session, where users can ask questions and get help with their site, and can request to have their microphone unmuted by typing "question" in all caps in the comments (00:04:40).
• Users can join the webinar and participate in the Q&A session by visiting brilliantdirectories.com/stream and following the instructions provided (00:04:58).

BILLING CYCLES: 2 and 3-year billing cycles now available (00:05:22)

• Brewing Directories offers various billing cycle options, including monthly, biannually, every 3 months, annually, as well as newly introduced 2 and 3-year billing cycles, allowing for more flexibility in membership payments (00:05:22).
• The 2 and 3-year billing cycles provide benefits such as locking in membership for longer periods, resulting in a lower churn rate, and enabling the possibility of commanding a slightly higher price for the extended commitment (00:05:22).
• With the longer billing cycles, it is possible to generate more revenue more quickly, for example, by charging a higher price for a 2 or 3-year membership, such as $175 or $250, compared to an annual price of $100 (00:05:39).

ADMIN SEARCH: Universal search bar for all admin records (00:06:00)

• A universal search bar has been introduced in the admin area, allowing for quick lookup searches for members, widgets, reviews, and other site elements, and can be accessed through two input fields at the top of the page (00:06:00).
• The universal search bar enables users to search for specific records, such as members or reviews, by typing in a name or email address, and the results will display relevant records, including leads and reviews, which can be clicked on to access the corresponding admin page (00:06:17).
• The search bar also allows for prefilters to be applied, with over 10 options available, including searching for specific types of records, such as leads or single posts, and users can toggle these filters while typing in the search bar (00:07:10).
• As the user types in the search bar, small button options will appear, such as edit or view live, providing quick access to common actions for the searched records, and the search bar can also be used to search for post title names, nicknames of forms and widgets, and menus (00:07:29).
• The universal search bar is designed to help users navigate the admin area more quickly, by providing a fast and efficient way to find specific records and access relevant information, such as sample posts or member reviews (00:07:51).

SCHEMA BOOST: Products & real estate listings now include schema (00:08:02)

• Schema is a type of code that provides search engines and other crawlers with information about certain pages on a website, and it has been updated to include default schema for products and real estate listings, with no action required from users (00:08:02).
• The default schema for real estate listings is valid, but it is not currently recognized by the Google rich snippet tester, although it can be verified using the validator tool on schema.org (00:08:21).
• The real estate listing schema is considered future-proof, meaning that as soon as Google's rich snippet tester starts recognizing it, users will be able to see the schema in action (00:08:39).

EMAIL VARIABLES: Now available in the email editor toolbar (00:08:51)

• Email variables are now available in the email editor toolbar, providing additional functionality and convenience when writing emails, allowing users to easily drop in variables without having to manually copy and paste them (00:08:51).
• Users can access variables such as the recipient's first name, website name, membership plan name, phone number, website details, and billing information, making it easier to personalize emails (00:09:30).
• The variables can be used in various email templates, including newsletters, and can be searched for using a keyword filter in the toolbar, making it simpler to find the desired variable (00:09:49).
• Previously, variables were available in the sidebar, but users had to manually copy and paste them into their emails, whereas now they are readily available in the toolbar for added convenience (00:10:09).
• The list of available variables includes a range of options, such as the member's phone number, website details, and billing information, which can be used to email members about invoices or other topics (00:10:26).

MONGOLIAN: New front-end language supported on all sites (00:10:43)

• Mongolian is now a newly supported front-end language on all sites, allowing websites to cater to a Mongolian demographic or market by translating text labels and the front end into Mongolian (00:10:43).
• The total number of supported languages has increased, with the current total being around 44 or 45 languages, providing good coverage for various markets that a website may be targeting (00:11:03).
• This update enables websites to expand their reach and accessibility to a broader audience, including those who speak Mongolian, by incorporating the new language support into their site's front end (00:10:43).

CUSTOM OFFERS: Add offers & categories from Manage Offers (soon) (00:11:08)

• A section has been added in the admin area and member dashboard where business solutions can be offered to members, and currently, affiliate links can be connected or solutions can be offered directly, with the ability to add custom offers and categories coming soon (00:11:08).
• The manage offers section, found under the finance section in the admin area, allows users to offer solutions like websites from Wix or business cards from Vista Print, with links to sign up for affiliate programs and earn commissions (00:11:26).
• A new feature will be added soon, enabling users to add new offers to the list, sort them, disable default offers, and add custom digital products or upgrades to other membership plans, which can be turned on and off based on certain membership plans (00:12:05).
• The new feature will also allow users to create custom categories, dropping in their own offers, and will provide a more systematic and organized way to offer boosts and promotions to members, helping to increase revenue (00:12:25).
• This feature is expected to be released by the next webinar in two weeks, providing a dedicated place to offer custom solutions and promotions to members (00:13:02).

LIVE NOTIFICATIONS: Get alerts for signups, payments & more (soon) (00:13:08)

• Real-time push notifications will be available on the Brilliant Directories mobile app in a month or two, and desktop notifications are also coming soon, with settings to be controlled from a page in the website's dashboard (00:13:08).
• The notification settings will offer three options: onsite notifications, which display a notification bubble in the corner of the Brilliant Directories admin area, mobile push notifications, and desktop notifications that appear in the background of the computer (00:13:27).
• Users will be able to choose the same settings for all their sites or per site, allowing them to select which notifications they want to receive for certain sites, and they can also turn off notifications for specific sites if desired (00:13:47).
• The available notification types will include new payments, new reviews, new leads, admin activity, and notifications when the BD support team replies to open tickets (00:14:06).
• The three notification methods will be onsite notifications with a bubble in the corner, mobile push notifications for users with the Brilliant Directories app, and desktop notifications that appear in the corner of the desktop computer, even when the browser is closed (00:14:24).
• Users will be able to choose the frequency of notifications, with options for real-time updates or throttled updates every 5 to 60 minutes, to alleviate the issue of frequent notifications on busy sites (00:14:44).
• The desktop notifications will be a separate feature from onsite notifications, allowing users to receive notifications even when they are not actively using the website or have their browser closed (00:15:01).
• The notification frequency can be adjusted to prevent overwhelming users with notifications on busy sites, with options to receive updates at intervals of 5 to 60 minutes (00:15:18).

ACTIVITY CHARTS: Visualize website trends and activity (soon) (00:15:25)

• Activity charts are being developed to be released by the next webinar, allowing users to visualize website activity, such as signups, leads, posts, and comments, in the main admin dashboard (00:15:25).
• The activity charts will provide a count of signups and other activities over a specified period, with options to toggle between daily, weekly, or monthly views, giving users a better sense of their website's activity (00:16:21).
• The charts will also be used for website analytics, including finance, to display revenue generated, refunds issued, and past due payments, with a select menu to switch between different types of analytics (00:17:01).
• A pie chart will be added to show the distribution of members across different membership plans, providing a snapshot of the membership spread on the site (00:17:19).
• Additional features, such as a "what do you want to do today" section and AI implementation, are also being developed to enhance the user experience and provide more functionality (00:17:53).
• The upcoming updates are part of a larger effort to incorporate AI into the platform, aiming to help users create assets, such as posts, newsletters, and landing pages, and improve SEO content (00:18:11).
• New wizards and AI-powered post creation tools are being introduced, with the first iteration allowing users to generate posts using AI, and users are invited to suggest topics for the AI to create content about (00:18:48).

CREATE WIZARDS: New post wizards with AI launching (soon) (00:19:11)

• A sneak peek is provided of upcoming features, including a create drop-down menu that will soon be available, which includes options such as creating a member, post, or invoice, with the goal of simplifying the process and adding conveniences (00:19:11).
• The process of adding a member is being simplified, with a new form that allows users to choose if the member represents an individual or a company, and includes features such as a generate password button and the option to assign a membership plan (00:19:46).
• When adding a member, users can choose if they want to allow duplicate email addresses, connect the member to a top-level category, and send a welcome email if the membership plan has that option, with a review page to confirm the member's information before creation (00:20:41).
• The create member feature allows admins to log in as the new member, view their information, and add more details if needed, with a reset form option to create a new member (00:21:19).
• The create invoice feature is being updated to make it easier to bill members or start subscriptions manually, with a new wizard that allows users to search for a member, choose a membership plan, and apply coupon codes (00:22:16).
• The create invoice wizard provides options for one-time billing or starting a subscription, with the ability to choose a billing cycle, start date, and apply coupon codes, making it a more streamlined process (00:22:57).
• The updates aim to address issues with the current system, such as the create invoice feature being buried and difficult to access, and provide a more user-friendly experience (00:21:36).
• The create invoice or request money option allows users to request a one-time payment from a chosen person, with the ability to charge a specific amount, add a description, and capture the payment immediately if a credit card is on file, or set a future due date (00:23:15).
• Users can also include a discount in the invoice, and the system will display a review process showing the line items and the person being billed, before creating the invoice (00:24:10).
• The create invoice feature will also include the option to email the member, allowing users to alert them via email if desired, and this feature is expected to be new and exciting (00:24:30).
• The create coupon feature, available with the easy coupon codes add-on, allows users to create coupon codes with various settings, including the type of discount, what the coupon can be used for, and which members can use it (00:25:06).
• The coupon code settings include the ability to choose what the coupon can be used for, such as signups, leads, digital products, or paper post, and to select specific digital products and members who can use the coupon (00:25:25).
• The new wizards being launched will simplify the workflow for creating coupons, allowing users to choose sitewide usage, set an expiration date, or limit the maximum uses, making it easier to create and manage coupon codes (00:26:22).
• Users can choose to apply a percent discount, fixed discount, or price override when creating a coupon code, and can set the discount amount, such as 50 or 100, to control how the coupon is applied (00:26:43).
• The settings for coupon codes are organized under specific usage types, including signups and upgrades, leads and purchases, and digital products, making it easier to manage and understand the options available (00:27:02).
• Digital products can be enabled and assigned to specific membership plans, with onoff switches allowing for control over which items and elements the coupon can be used for (00:27:21).
• A review page for the coupon code provides a synopsis of the chosen settings, and the platform will introduce AI to assist with promoting the coupon code, such as sending an email, sharing on social media, or creating a landing page offer (00:27:39).
• The AI will help users promote their offers and coupon codes, allowing them to get their promotions out into the world and potentially attract more clients (00:27:59).
• A suggestion was made to use the AI to write about how a directory website can help its members grow their business by attracting more clients through being listed in the directory (00:28:17).
• The topic of how a business can benefit from being listed in a directory will be explored, including how it can help attract more clients and grow their business (00:28:39).

AI POST CREATOR: Instantly create posts using AI (soon) (00:28:50)

• The post wizard is a tool that allows users to create different types of posts, including articles and classified ads, and it will be made available for users to enhance their posts on their site (00:28:50).
• When creating a community article, users need to choose an author and can select from a list of members, with the option to view the status of each member (00:29:27).
• The post wizard has two paths: starting from scratch, where users can input a title, content, and categories, or using the AI to generate content, with the option to add a human touch afterwards (00:29:46).
• The AI-generated content can be customized with prompts, tone, and length, and users can also add images with captions, with the goal of creating a persuasive and promotional article (00:31:16).
• To get the best results from the AI, it is recommended to provide more context and input, such as including success stories, deep analysis, and persuasive language, as seen in the example of creating an article for a doctor directory (00:31:36).
• The tone of the AI-generated content can be chosen from options such as influencer or persuasive, and the length can be set to a minimum target length, with the option to edit the content afterwards (00:32:58).
• The post wizard also allows users to view the post on their site, copy the post link, and share it, with the option to daisy chain other actions such as creating a social post or sending an email (00:30:21).
• Adding a human touch to the AI-generated content is recommended, as it can help improve the quality and effectiveness of the content in the long run (00:30:58).
• The engagement level of an article can be adjusted to make the title more clickbaity or professional, with options ranging from "totally irresistible" to "just facts", and this setting can be used to determine the tone and voice of the content (00:33:18).
• The article generator can include images related to the topic, which can be swapped out with stock photos from the library, and this feature can be useful for adding visual elements to the content, but sometimes the generated images may not be suitable (00:33:36).
• The article generator takes about 20 or 30 seconds to produce content, and the settings can be adjusted to get the best results for the desired tone and voice, with the goal of making the content more engaging and effective (00:34:15).
• The generated content can include a video link, which can be embedded from YouTube, and the video link can be placed at the top, middle, or bottom of the article, with most YouTube videos allowing embedding, but some may be copyright protected (00:36:32).
• The article generator can produce long articles, which can be cut back or edited as needed, and the content can be customized with features such as stock photos and video links to make it more engaging and effective (00:36:09).
• A future release will include a remix option, which will allow users to regenerate the content with different settings and options, and this feature will be available after the initial release of the article generator (00:37:07).
• The article output can be modified without regenerating an entirely new article, allowing for quicker changes and preservation of the original good output, and this feature can be utilized to make adjustments to existing articles (00:37:26).
• Duplicating an article and adding different elements such as videos, bullet points, and links can enhance the post, and the system is smart enough to add paragraphs of text and avoid placing an image immediately after a video (00:37:47).
• The system allows for the inclusion of links, either internal or external, with the option to add up to five links and choose the link text, as well as decide whether the link opens in the same window or a new browser tab (00:38:26).
• A press release can be generated using the system, and an example given is for the launch of a doctor directory website called "Date a Doctor", which aims to connect people with medical professionals, and the system can produce a professional-looking press release with the desired length, engagement, and images (00:40:03).
• The generated posts can be published or saved as drafts, and they appear on the website's articles feed, where they can be edited and published when ready, allowing for control over when and how the content is displayed (00:41:18).
• The system's capabilities were demonstrated by generating a press release for the "Date a Doctor" website, which included a YouTube video embedded in the middle of the post, and the option to add links, images, and other elements to create a engaging and informative article (00:40:42).
• The ability to generate high-quality content quickly and efficiently is a key feature of the system, and it can be used to produce a variety of content types, including news articles, press releases, and blog posts, with options for customization and editing (00:41:35).
• The internal links added to a site include a "join our site today" option with a provided link, and another option to "list your practice" which is targeted at doctors who have already grown their practices with the site, and this was done at (00:41:54).
• The site can automatically generate links and even add additional information such as "frequently asked questions" without being asked to do so, and it also provides an option to delete links using an "unlink" button, which was found at (00:42:50).
• Published articles are immediately available on the site, and they can include images, such as doctor images, which were displayed at (00:43:11).
• A press release for the "Data Doctor" site, an exclusive dating platform for medical professionals, was generated in a professional tone, with the option to include bullet points, comparison tables, and other features, and this was shown at (00:43:30).
• The site's AI can generate comparison tables, such as one comparing Data Doctor to other dating platforms like Tinder (app) and Bumble, and this was discussed at (00:44:04).
• The AI can also generate posts in different languages, such as Spanish or German, and it will default to the website's main language, which was demonstrated at (00:45:19).
• A sample post was generated for selling Air Jordans, including images, and the option to publish the post was used, with the AI generating the post in German at (00:45:37).
• Matthew Brooks, co-founder and CTO, joined the discussion and provided tips, such as telling the AI to generate articles in different languages, which was mentioned at (00:44:59).
• The AI has generated a comparison chart, which appears to be a press release, comparing Data Doctor versus Tinder and Bundle, and although it lacks images, it can be edited and improved (00:46:10).
• The AI has also generated an article about Air Force Ones in German, which includes sneaker pictures and airplane fighter jets, and all the images are coming from a royalty-free stock photo library, making them safe to use (00:47:10).
• The article can be edited and customized, and the AI's output can be used as a starting point, with the ability to delete unwanted content and add a personal touch (00:47:28).
• The AI's capabilities will also include promoting articles on social media, copying links to email to friends or members, and creating spotlight articles for members, which can be further edited and customized with a user prompt (00:47:46).
• The spotlight feature will allow users to choose a member to be written about and generate an article, which can be edited and customized, and can also be sold as a boost for members, providing an additional revenue driver (00:48:07).
• The goal is to make the directory an advertisement for professionals and businesses, and the AI's features will make it easier to create and sell spotlight articles, with the potential to charge a nominal fee, such as $50, for the service (00:48:43).
• The development team is working to push out new features and updates as quickly as possible, with the goal of getting the AI into users' hands and helping them achieve success with their projects (00:49:01).

Use case for manually adding a new member (00:49:22)

• Manually adding a new member is useful in various scenarios, such as taking a customer's order over the phone to join a membership community or directory, where initial information is collected and a credit card is billed (00:49:22).
• Another use case for manual addition is when migrating from another site or platform to Brilliant Directories, and there are a few remaining members who are not imported via a CSV file, so their records are created manually and they are sent their login information to complete their profiles (00:49:40).
• Manual member addition is also helpful for testing purposes, where the admin of the site may want to test its functionality by adding a new member, allowing them to verify that the site is working as expected (00:49:59).

Are there plans to revamp the site and admin UI/UX? (00:50:06)

• There are plans to revamp the UI/UX of the sites and the back office, with a focus on a softer aesthetic and modern feel, as well as improved functionality, including graphs and charts to show traction and activity (00:50:06).
• The updates will start with the dashboard and then be applied to other pages in the admin area, followed by the front end of sites, with the goal of being in a totally different place in about 6 months (00:50:24).
• In the meantime, it is recommended to continue focusing on communities and providing value for members, as the tech and UI updates will follow suit, and community leaders can use new features and releases as news to deliver to their members (00:50:45).
• Every new feature or release can be used as an opportunity for community leaders to be the hero and provide value to their members, by announcing new features and updates, such as being able to do something new with their profile (00:51:03).
• The updates and new features will provide community leaders with news to deliver to their members, making it applicable for them to share with their community, and Michelle's question about the revamp plans is appreciated, and another question from a new participant, Will, is about to be addressed (00:51:21).

Will new AI features be part of the VIP Add-Ons Club? (00:52:00)

• The AI features are currently being beta tested, and efforts will be made to deliver as much as possible to the community without incurring costs, with the goal of providing value without hindrance, starting from the initial rollout (00:52:00).
• The priority is to release the AI features, gather feedback, and improve them to deliver benefits to the community, while ensuring fairness and finding a balance that works for everyone involved (00:52:19).
• The general approach to pricing is to offer the most value for the least amount of money, which will also be applied to the AI features, with the goal of providing an affordable and valuable experience (00:52:35).
• A question from Stacy was mentioned, requesting information on the categories, but the details of this inquiry and the corresponding response are not specified in this segment (00:52:35).

Categories 1, 2, and 3 (00:52:45)

• When a Brilliant Directory site launches, it comes with a blog articles publishing tool and an events publishing tool, and these have placeholder categories that can be edited in the post settings, which include different post types such as blog articles, coupons, events, and photo albums (00:52:45).
• Each post type can be thought of as a channel of content, and for a site focused on a specific area, such as a jewelry classified site, the default categories can be replaced with more specific ones like bracelet, necklace, earring, or nose ring to better cater to the community (00:53:23).
• The categories can be edited by replacing the default category 1, 2, and 3 with a comma-separated list of new categories, which will then be available when creating a blog post or other type of post, allowing users to choose a category and add other information (00:54:03).
• The new categories will be displayed in the post categories section, and users can choose a category when creating a post, although it is not mandatory, and this feature helps to gear the content more towards the personal community that the website is serving (00:54:22).
• The ability to customize categories is useful for creating a more targeted and relevant experience for users, as seen in examples like a jewelry directory or marketplace, where specific categories can help users find what they are looking for more easily (00:54:41).

How to build supplier relationships and get them to pay for initial leads (00:54:47)

• To build supplier relationships and get them to pay for initial leads, it's essential to provide value back to them, and return on investment is key, as seen in the example of a directory for the interior design industry where suppliers were happy to pay a higher ticket price (00:54:47).
• The directory was started with interior designers first, and a pre-launch was done to create buzz, with promises of visibility and portfolio uploads, and when launched, Google pay-per-click campaigns were used to bring in leads from consumers, targeting specific keywords (00:55:07).
• The leads were verified through phone calls to ensure their validity, and a credit system was in place for invalid leads, which helped build trust with the designers who purchased the leads at a nominal cost of $20 per lead (00:56:04).
• The same approach was used to reach out to suppliers, by leveraging the existing database of interior designers and offering them a platform to get their products in front of these designers, with services like spotlight articles, to get the attention of the interior designers (00:56:36).
• The goal is to build a marketplace where suppliers can get visibility in front of their target audience, and the platform should sell the dream of increased visibility to the suppliers, while catering to the needs of the consumers, as seen in the example of Yelp's business model (00:57:11).
• When building a marketplace, it's crucial to show the suppliers that the platform has the target audience they're after, and this can be done through verbal communication or visual representation on the homepage, to plant a seed in the supplier's head that the platform is worth investing in (00:58:04).
• A previous tip of the week video shared screenshots of an old website and walked through the entire lead selling process, including how to communicate the value of the website and membership to potential members, and this resource is available for those who want to learn more (00:58:41).
• The team has been helpful in supporting users in getting their sites launched, and the GPT integration in the chat has been well-received, with users appreciating the assistance provided by the team (00:59:19).

One-time setup fee cost (00:59:39)

• A one-time setup fee is being considered as a cost for access to a site for a lifetime, with the goal of generating funds during the initial launch, which is set to happen in about a week, and this approach is deemed the best way to achieve this goal (00:59:39).
• The setup fee can be used to create a promotion where early adopters or founding members can buy in for a one-time price and become members for life, effectively, by creating a new membership plan with a one-time payment option (01:00:18).
• To set up this promotion, a new membership plan can be created with a name, such as "LTD Lifetime Plan Paid", and a one-time setup fee, for example, $100, without any monthly or quarterly payments (01:00:36).
• The text label on the signup page can be edited to make the offer more appealing, such as changing "onetime payment" to "limited time, ends today, onetime payment, lifetime member" to seal the deal and encourage registrations (01:01:32).
• The payment option selection text can also be changed to something more promotional, such as "lock in your lifetime membership today", to give the promotion an edge, and then switched back to the regular option after the promotion is over (01:02:07).
• The founder of the site, Will, has been on previous webinars and is launching his site in a week, and it is suggested that he join another webinar in two weeks to share the outcome of his launch (01:02:44).

How members can notify their own customers (01:02:49)

• The discussion is about setting up the Brilliant Directory app and notifying clients who visit their pages, with Jason Scott's question being addressed regarding push notifications and computer notifications for members (01:02:49).
• Currently, notifications are set up for the admin owner of the site, who will receive alerts for new member sign-ups, new payments, and other activity on the site (01:03:07).
• The plan is to offer types of alerts to members in the future, so they can receive notifications when a new lead comes in, and these alerts will be in addition to email alerts, potentially including interactive features like a notification bell on the website (01:03:26).
• The goal is to first establish a notification system for admins and then evolve it further to include alerts for members, making the website more interactive for members who are on the site and engaging with the community (01:03:43).
• Suggestions from members, like Jason Scott's question, are helpful in driving the development of new features and improving the overall user experience (01:04:01).

How to request a new 3rd-party payment gateway integration (01:04:14)

• The process of adding or requesting a third-party payment gateway integration that is currently not available is difficult, and the current gateways integrated into the platform were selected because they are the most ubiquitous and well-known (01:04:14).
• There are some blind spots in the current payment workflow, but later this year, a solution using Stripe and another tool will be available, allowing for expansion to other third-party gateways (01:04:32).
• If a desired gateway is not currently integrated, it is possible to take payments offsite, and many third-party payment gateways have embed tools that can be used to create a workflow, although this setup would not include recurring payment logic (01:04:51).
• Using one of the gateways that is already integrated is recommended, but if a specific gateway is needed, it can be shared to determine if it is on the roadmap for future integration (01:05:09).

When will analytics be released? (01:05:28)

• The analytics release is planned to be announced by the next webinar, with the current status being almost complete, requiring only QA and stress testing to be finished (01:05:28).
• If the analytics release is not ready by the next webinar, it is expected to be released within two weeks, or at the latest, by the second webinar from the current one (01:05:28).
• A question from Rich prompted the discussion about the analytics release, and another question from DP Arnaldo was also noticed, regarding AI in the directory, suggesting webinars (01:05:47).

How to create AI agents to respond to searches (01:05:53)

• Creating AI agents to respond to searches can greatly enhance the user experience and can be offered as an add-on, with the process requiring some technical knowledge, but there are existing solutions available, such as chatbase, that can be utilized (01:05:53).
• Building an AI agent can be complex, and sometimes it is better to buy than build, with chatbase being one example of a solution that allows users to upload their site map and train the chatbot to share information from the website (01:06:11).
• The chatbase solution enables users to embed a chatbot on their site, which can be trained on the site map to recommend pages and provide information to users, allowing them to find content without having to use the search function (01:06:29).
• The process of setting up the chatbot involves uploading the site map, telling the chatbot to only share information from the website, and then embedding it on the site, after which the chatbot can direct users to related pages based on their queries (01:06:47).
• The chatbot can be used to provide a concierge-like experience on the website, where it asks users what they are looking for and directs them to relevant pages, making it easier for users to find content without having to use the search function (01:07:05).
• The chatbot can be trained to recommend pages and provide information based on the site map, and can be set up to only share information from the website, making it a useful tool for enhancing the user experience (01:07:22).
• Using a chatbot like chatbase can be a quick way to get started with creating an AI agent to respond to searches, and can be set up with a simple user prompt, such as "What are you looking for on this site?" (01:07:40).
• The chatbot can be used to provide a personalized experience for users, directing them to relevant pages based on their queries, and can be a useful addition to any website, making it easier for users to find content and enhancing the overall user experience (01:07:58).
• Setting up a chatbot like chatbase can be done quickly, and can be a useful solution for those looking to create an AI agent to respond to searches, providing a butler or concierge-like experience for users (01:08:16).

How to show member listings on homepage using search results design (01:08:22)

• To display member listings on the homepage using the same design format as the search results, it is possible but requires a specific snippet of code, and asking in the Facebook group or emailing the support team can provide the necessary assistance (01:08:22).
• The solution does not require extensive coding knowledge, but rather knowing which code snippet to use, and the support team may be able to provide the answer, although they tend to avoid excessive customization work (01:08:41).
• The distinction between customization and modification is important in this context, as the requested change is considered a modification rather than a full customization, making it more likely to receive support (01:08:59).

Google Maps (01:09:17)

• Google Maps provides the best location-based searches, and while there are alternative options like Open Maps, Google Maps is deeply integrated into the platform, making it difficult to replace with another map option, and it gives the best response compared to other alternatives (01:09:17).
• For users concerned about the cost of using Google Maps, it is possible to disable Google Maps in certain areas of the site where it may not be useful, which can help reduce API usage, and an article is available that guides users on how to do this and identify areas where Google Maps is displayed on the site (01:09:52).
• The article provides instructions on how to curb Google Maps usage by disabling it on specific pages, and a link to the article has been shared to help users manage their Google Maps usage and reduce costs (01:10:08).
• Google Maps generally provides free credits for sites with normal traffic, and any costs incurred are usually nominal, but for sites with high traffic and significant Google Maps costs, exceeding $75 to $150 per month, it is recommended to review the article and reduce usage or balance the costs with revenue (01:10:27).
• For most users, Google Maps costs will not be a concern until the site has grown to a significant level of traffic, at which point the costs can be balanced with revenue, and users can take steps to reduce their Google Maps usage if needed (01:10:44).

Member page and search page design options (01:11:21)

• Modernization of member pages and member search pages is always in progress, with good color choices and decluttering being key factors in improving design, resulting in a basic layout consisting of a homepage, search results page, and member profile page (01:11:21).
• Suggestions to modernize and improve the user interface are appreciated, and updates can be expected in the future, with a current focus on simplicity and ease of use (01:11:39).
• A video titled "Transform member profiles" is available, which demonstrates how to change the look of a member profile page using point-and-click settings, requiring no coding, and gradually introducing more advanced techniques (01:11:56).
• The "Transform member profiles" video showcases the potential for customization, including the use of background images and overlays, and can serve as inspiration for creating unique designs using the existing settings (01:12:13).
• The video "Transform member profiles" will be shared in the comments, allowing viewers to access and learn from the content, which includes a transformation of the member profile page from a basic design to a more advanced layout, similar to a LinkedIn-style profile (01:12:31).

How to show newer articles in website settings (01:13:18)

• To change the settings for articles to show newer articles first, each post type can be considered a channel of content, allowing for customization of settings, including cloning post types and creating subcategories, which provides flexibility in organizing content (01:13:18).
• The search results page sort order can be modified by going to edit post settings, choosing the post type, clicking on search results design, and then selecting the desired order from the options provided, such as date posted, start date, post ID, or alphabetical order (01:13:57).
• The "order results by" option in the search results design field offers various choices, including date posted, which can be set to show the newest articles first, and start date, which is useful for event posts and can be set to show events starting soonest first (01:14:14).
• Other options for ordering results include post ID, which is based on the database, and alphabetical order, which can be useful for creating a glossary or dictionary of terms for a specific industry, and can also be beneficial for SEO purposes (01:14:34).
• The process of modifying the search results page sort order can be reviewed in the replay for those who need to follow the steps again, and it is possible to create a post type called glossary, which can be sorted in alphabetical order, providing a useful resource for terms used in a particular industry (01:15:10).

How to create a user account with limited admin access (01:15:34)

• It is possible to set up a user account with limited admin privileges, which can be useful for an assistant, and this can be done by going to the settings and admin accounts section, where the owner of the site can invite an admin via email and set their role (01:15:34).
• The role of the admin can be set to owner, developer, or full access, but there are also options to limit access to managing content or members, and it is also possible to create a custom role (01:15:52).
• When creating a custom role, it is possible to choose what the admin can see and do on the website, including which sidebar links they have access to, and it is possible to limit their access to specific tasks such as editing or searching members (01:16:11).
• Even if the admin has a direct link to a page in the admin section, they will still be blocked from accessing it if they do not have the necessary permissions, and the link is not in the side menu (01:16:30).
• To create a custom role, go to the admin accounts section, click on admin roles, and then choose what pages in the admin the new role has access to, which can be done in the admin role settings (01:16:50).
• The process of creating a custom role allows for flexibility and control over what the admin can and cannot do on the website, and it is a good practice to limit access to sensitive information such as finance data (01:17:09).

Will invoices include a downloadable PDF? (01:17:22)

• The invoice option is considered great, and a recent need for it has been expressed, with the question of whether it will automatically add a PDF copy of the invoice, which is possible with the add-on for PDF invoices, allowing users to access a downloadable PDF copy of the invoice (01:17:22).
• With the PDF invoices add-on, a link to the PDF invoice can be included in emails sent when requesting funds, and users can also download the PDF invoice when logged in to pay for it, providing an additional measure of convenience (01:17:39).
• The webinar has come to a close, with appreciation expressed for the questions asked, and an invitation for further questions to be posed in the Facebook group, as well as announcements about the replay, a giveaway for free swag, and the next webinar scheduled for two weeks later (01:17:59).
• The Brilliant Directories development team has been acknowledged for their work, and viewers are encouraged to join the Facebook group, download the BD app, and subscribe to the BD YouTube channel, with the next webinar anticipated to take place in August (01:18:17).
• The year is noted to be passing quickly, with the holidays approaching, and a final message of appreciation and farewell is expressed by the entire Brilliant Directories family (01:18:35).