Webinar Wednesday 212 – November 19, 2025

BD x Flippa: From Directory Startup to Profitable Exit (00:03:14)

• A special webinar is being held in conjunction with Flippa, a top platform for selling domains and pre-built websites, and will feature Goron, an M&A advisor at Flippa, discussing the topic of going from a directory startup to a profitable exit (00:03:21).
• The webinar will cover key metrics that potential buyers want to see when developing a site for an exit, such as revenue, traffic, domain value, content, daily active users, and more, and how Brilliant Directories can help reach those metrics faster (00:03:36).
• The webinar will take place on November 25th at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time, and a link to join has been shared, with attendees able to register by visiting brilliantdirectories.com/flippa and providing their name and email (00:03:56).
• Webinar Wednesday is a weekly event where the community can connect, receive assistance, and provide feedback, and also features updates on new features and tools available in the Brilliant Directories platform (00:04:28).
• The Brilliant Directories platform regularly pushes out new updates, and Webinar Wednesday is one of the first places to get word of these newer features and updates, which can help users grow their community, increase traffic, and convert visitors to members (00:04:51).
• The webinar will also cover some of the recent and upcoming updates in the BD Lab, including a list of small pushes that were recently launched and some things that are coming soon (00:05:09).

AI Power Combo: Instantly Create Landing Pages & Email Funnels with AI (00:05:15)

• The AI built into Brilliant Directories can be used to create both landing pages and email funnels, and a link to a video demonstrating this will be shared in the comments (00:05:15).
• The video is a tip from the previous webinar and is recommended as it can help users create more content and create it faster with the built-in AI features and tools available in Brilliant Directories (00:05:22).
• The built-in AI features and tools in Brilliant Directories are available to everyone and can empower users to create more and create faster, even if they only use some of the mentioned workflows (00:05:37).

EDITOR ICONS - Simple icons are back in the text editor (00:05:51)

• Simple icons are now available in the text editor, including HTML safe icons and emojis, which can be used to create checklists or decorate web pages (00:05:51).
• The icons can be found in the web page builder, specifically when creating a new web page, and include a star icon and other basic HTML icons, such as a heart icon (00:06:05).
• The icons are HTML safe, meaning they can be customized by changing their color, font size, and other properties, allowing users to utilize them in various ways, such as creating a checklist with text next to the icons (00:06:19).
• The availability of these icons provides an alternative to using bullet points and can help enhance the appearance of web pages by adding simple decorative elements (00:06:39).

LAZYLOAD IFRAMES - Setting to delay YouTube and iframe loading for faster page speeds (00:06:49)

• Enabling the lazy load setting for iframes, such as YouTube videos or Vimeo embeds, can significantly improve page speed scores by only loading the iframe when it is in the view screen of the visitor, thus reducing the page load time and improving the user experience (00:07:29).
• The lazy load setting can be found in the advanced settings by typing "lazy" in the filter, and it is recommended to turn it on to improve page speed, whether the site has multiple YouTube videos or other types of iframes (00:09:30).
• With the lazy load setting enabled, YouTube videos will load as thumbnails instead of the entire player, making the page look cleaner and less cluttered with YouTube branding, and the page speed scores will be higher, such as 94 for desktop and 98 for mobile (00:09:03).
• Disabling the lazy load setting will cause all iframes to load on the page, resulting in lower page speed scores, and it is possible to compare the page speed scores with the setting on and off to see the difference (00:10:24).
• Page speed is an important metric for SEO, as Google rewards sites with faster load times, and enabling the lazy load setting can help achieve the maximum possible page speed score (00:08:47).
• The setting to lazy load iframes is considered an enterprise-level best practice that can benefit all websites, and it is available for all BD sites, which can help improve page speed by loading resource-intensive players like YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud only when necessary (00:10:30).
• The mobile score has decreased to 39 and the best practices score has decreased to 54 due to the loading of multiple players, including YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud, which can be improved by lazy loading these players (00:10:46).
• The desktop score is at 59, and it is noted that having one video on a page is not a significant issue, but having two or more iframes on a page can cause scores to plummet, which can be mitigated by lazy loading these players (00:11:18).
• The setting to lazy load iframes can be configured to only load iframes from specific sources, such as YouTube, Tik Tok, and Facebook, and users can add or remove sources from the list to customize the lazy loading behavior (00:11:43).
• By lazy loading iframes, websites can improve their page speed and appearance, making them look cleaner and more classy, as demonstrated by the example of a site with lazy loading enabled (00:12:42).

BUILT-IN SCHEMA - All pages now include essential markup for better SEO, GEO, and AEO (00:12:51)

• All BD pages now include essential schema markup and rich snippets, which is beneficial for search engine optimization (SEO), geographical optimization (GEO), and answer engine optimization (AEO) to improve local rankings and AI engine understanding (00:12:51).
• Geographical optimization (GEO) helps local businesses on a site by bolstering their local rankings based on their listing and location, and rich snippets assist with this process (00:13:11).
• Answer engine optimization (AEO) involves AI engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity scanning web pages for schema markup to find answers to questions, and having page content in schema markup helps these engines scan, digest, and understand pages better (00:13:23).
• The implementation of schema markup is demonstrated through a sample demo site, showing that all member search results and post search results pages now have schema, including businesses with their respective schema and organization information (00:14:01).
• The schema markup on profile pages is more robust and interconnects all pages, including social media links that represent a business, providing a high level of detail to maximize information available to search engines and AI engines (00:14:31).
• The enhanced schema markup is designed to be enterprise-level grade, with the goal of lifting all Brilliant Directory sites in search engine rankings and providing better opportunities for AI reference and notation (00:15:08).

AI SEO OPTIMIZER - Instantly optimize meta tags for keywords you want to rank for (soon) (00:15:24)

• The AI SEO optimizer is a forthcoming feature that will instantly optimize meta tags for search pages, including meta titles, meta descriptions, and meta keywords, to improve search engine ranking (00:15:24).
• This tool will scan a page or allow users to enter specific phrases or keywords they want to rank for, and then suggest optimized meta tags based on that input (00:15:31).
• The AI SEO optimizer will provide users with suggested meta tags, which they can choose to accept, streamlining the process of optimizing meta tags for targeted keywords (00:15:37).
• Another related AI tool, called AI Remix, is also mentioned as an upcoming feature, although its specific functions are not detailed in this segment (00:15:43).

AI REMIX & ASSIST - Use AI to refine and enhance existing web pages & newsletters (soon) (00:15:47)

• The AI REMIX and ASSIST tools are designed to work with AI to refine and enhance existing web pages and newsletters that have already been created (00:15:47).
• Currently, there are wizards available to create web pages, newsletters, and posts using AI, but they do not have the ability to edit those further with AI after creation (00:15:47).
• The introduction of the remix and assist tools will provide the ability to edit and enhance existing web pages and newsletters using AI (00:16:00).

AI MEMBER TOOLS - Members can create posts and "About Me" sections with AI (soon) (00:16:08)

• AI member tools are being introduced, which will allow members to create posts and enhance their "About Me" sections using AI, with settings available to enable this feature per post type and per membership plan (00:16:08).
• The AI tool will provide members with the privilege to create posts using AI, and also to enhance their "About Me" sections, which can help create more unique content for the website (00:16:15).
• Normally, companies copy and paste their "About Me" section from their website, which can create duplicate content conflict, but with the AI tool, members can create a more robust "About Me" section or use AI to assist them with writing it, resulting in more unique content (00:16:29).
• The AI tool is expected to help create more unique content for the website as a whole, from the user-generated content that members are creating, by providing them with the ability to generate new and different content (00:16:41).
• The feature will be available in the admin section, where admins can create posts using AI, and settings will be available to control which members have access to this feature, based on their membership plan (00:16:21).

ADMIN UPGRADES - Updates to make working in the admin faster and easier (soon) (00:16:56)

• Admin upgrades are forthcoming to make working in the admin area faster, easier, and provide more control, allowing users to work efficiently and achieve results quickly with their directory or membership site (00:17:02).
• The upcoming admin upgrades are based on suggestions from the community, and users are encouraged to ask questions about these updates in the comments (00:17:18).
• The rest of the webinar is dedicated to a question-and-answer session, where users can seek assistance with their website by posting their questions in the comments or unmuting their microphone to verbally ask their questions (00:17:23).
• To unmute their microphone and participate in the live chat, users can visit brilliantdirectories.com/stream and type "question" in all caps, which will notify the hosts and allow them to join the conversation (00:17:42).

Robots.txt (00:17:52)

• The robots.txt file can be used to control which bots are allowed or not allowed to crawl a site, and by default, nothing has changed in the last two months, except for the addition of Bingbot, which is Bing's search engine, with a new user agent defined for it (00:18:10).
• If unsure about the setup of robots, it is safe to restore the default settings to ensure that only allowed bots can crawl the site, although it is noted that not all bots respect the robots.txt file, and some nefarious bots may mask themselves as legitimate ones like Google (00:18:39).
• To mitigate nefarious activity, it is possible to block traffic by country using the localization settings, but it is advised not to be too aggressive as there may be valid traffic coming from worldwide, and it is important to pick and choose which countries to block (00:19:26).
• The AW stats tool in the C panel dashboard can be used to see where traffic is coming from, and to identify which countries are contributing to bandwidth usage, allowing for informed decisions on which countries to block (00:20:21).
• The support team can be reached out to for help in troubleshooting any issues that may be affecting the site, and they will do their best to resolve any problems (00:21:28).

WhatsApp built into the website and landing pages (00:21:35)

• To add a WhatsApp button to a website, a link can be created, and this can be done by asking ChatGPT for the link, which would require replacing a placeholder with the user's phone number (00:21:53).
• The link can be added to a website's menu by creating a new menu link, copying the WhatsApp link, and pasting it into the URL field, then saving the changes, with the option to open the link in a new tab (00:22:52).
• If the goal is to display a WhatsApp icon instead of just the text "WhatsApp chat", the Bootstrap icons website can be used to find the WhatsApp icon and copy its shortcode to add it to the menu item (00:24:07).
• The process of adding the WhatsApp link to the menu involves editing the main menu, which may vary depending on the website's setup, and requires careful selection of the correct menu to edit (00:22:33).
• ChatGPT can be used as a resource to find the link and instructions on how to add the WhatsApp button to a website, providing a quick and easy solution (00:21:43).
• The WhatsApp link can be customized to include an icon and text, such as "WhatsApp chat", to make it more visually appealing and user-friendly (00:24:20).
• Adding a WhatsApp button to a website allows users to easily initiate a chat with the website owner, providing a convenient way to contact them (00:21:35).

Is the markup schema retroactive? (00:24:40)

• The markup schema is retroactive, meaning it is applied to all existing sites, unless there are customized widgets or code in place that may prevent it from being added, and this retroactivity is due to the schema being baked into the platform's source code (00:24:40).
• Generally, the schema has been added to areas of the site where users are less likely to make edits, but there may be some exceptions where the schema is not applied due to heavy customizations (00:24:51).
• To verify if the schema is working on a site, users can check their search results for rich snippets, and if they are not seeing them, it may be due to custom code overriding the schema, which was intentionally not overridden to preserve user customizations (00:24:58).
• The markup schema, also referred to as SKO markup, is fully integrated into the platform and should be effective on all pages without heavy customizations, making it a seamless upgrade for most users (00:25:16).
• Users with heavily customized pages may need to check their sites to ensure the schema is working as intended, but for most users, the retroactive application of the schema should not require any additional action (00:25:21).

AWS Search in the cPanel result (00:25:25)

• A search was conducted using Amazon Web Services in the cPanel, which showed that the Russian Federation was using 157 kilobytes, a relatively small amount of data that is comparable to the size of a small image or icon (00:25:25).
• The issue of data usage becomes more significant when it reaches gigabytes, particularly if the traffic is coming from a non-target country where the user base is not supported, in which case it may be necessary to block traffic from that country (00:25:49).
• The discovery of the Russian Federation using a small amount of data led to a discussion about blocking traffic from countries where there are no users, and it was suggested that this could be a useful step in managing data usage (00:25:31).
• The conversation then shifted to a different topic, with a user named Sport commenting on the micro schema markup, which was acknowledged as a relevant and interesting subject (00:26:01).

How to keep clients connected besides a Facebook group (00:26:06)

• To keep clients connected besides a Facebook group, it's essential to provide them with value, such as bringing them leads or helping them bolster their online visibility, which can be achieved by having their business listing show up on page one when their name is Googled (00:26:20).
• Writing a spotlight article about the clients is another way to add value, which can be done by including them in a best of list or creating a separate article about them, and then sharing it on social media, making them feel special and encouraging them to share the content with their community (00:26:44).
• Creating content that clients want to share, such as spotlight articles, can help them feel edified and make them want to stick around the community longer, and also share the site with others, which can be achieved by using tools like ChatGPT to write the articles (00:27:20).
• Making verified status a big deal by giving clients a nice badge, similar to those given on platforms like Thumbtac, and encouraging them to share it on their website, can help make them feel special and also provide an opportunity to gain backlinks (00:27:53).
• Educating clients about the benefits of adding a badge to their website, such as increased credibility and backlinks, and providing them with embed code to make it easy to add, can help them understand the value of being verified and encourage them to share the badge (00:28:39).
• By providing clients with a badge and educating them on how to use it, they can add it to their website, which can help increase domain authority and provide a sense of prestige, similar to being a Google certified or Bing certified partner (00:29:10).

Payment plans for calendar months, weekly, or fortnightly billing (00:29:30)

• A question is raised about the possibility of providing payment plans for calendar months, as well as weekly or fortnightly billing, which would be useful for classified type posts, allowing users to extend the display of their posts without having to create new one-time posts (00:29:30).
• Currently, if a classified post has expired, users can clone it and pay for the next cycle, and it is suggested that the word "clone" could be updated to "extend further" to better reflect this process (00:29:50).
• The current cloning feature allows users to extend the life of their posts by paying for the next cycle and setting a new expiration date, and this could be a good option for users who want to extend their posts without having to create new ones (00:30:03).
• The suggestion to provide payment plans for calendar months, weekly, or fortnightly billing is taken into consideration as a potential feature upgrade to extend an existing post further (00:30:28).
• Roy Gavin's suggestion is acknowledged and appreciated, with the idea of updating the text label for "clone" to "extend" being considered as a possible solution to improve the user experience (00:30:23).

Streaming members widget (00:30:35)

• A suggestion was made to add a streaming members widget to a landing page, specifically to show members from a certain city or state, and although there isn't a way to do it out of the box, a workaround can be implemented by utilizing the member directory and search function (00:30:35).
• The member directory can be used to search for specific members, such as accountants in California, and the search results page can be customized to include additional content, effectively turning it into a landing page (00:31:13).
• By using AI tools, a page can be created with targeted keywords, such as "best accountants in Los Angeles", which can add a hero section to the search results page and bolster its SEO (00:31:49).
• The search results page can be converted into a static page, allowing for further customization, including the addition of a call to action in the hero section, such as "List your business now" (00:33:28).
• The page can be further optimized by updating the meta tags, adding SEO content, and using a stock photo library to update the hero image, making it more appealing and search engine friendly (00:34:22).
• The final result is a quasi-landing page that not only displays search results but also includes SEO content and a call to action, making it a useful alternative to the streaming members widget for location-specific searches (00:35:11).
• The page's design can be adjusted, including shortening the main title, increasing the text area width of the hero section, and centering the content, to improve its overall appearance and user experience (00:35:38).

"Add to Calendar" feature for event registrations (00:36:15)

• The "Add to Calendar" feature is currently not available for event registrations, but it has been suggested and will be considered for addition in the future (00:36:15).
• To implement the "Add to Calendar" feature, it would require the correct links with the right parameters for supported calendars such as Google calendar and Apple calendar (00:36:35).
• In the meantime, users can utilize ChatGPT to generate the "Add to Calendar" link by providing variables like event start time, start date, and event name (00:36:45).
• The suggestion to add the "Add to Calendar" feature came from Rich and is considered a good idea, especially for event posts (00:36:51).

How charging for ads works (00:36:54)

• Creating a landing page to advertise banner ad prices is a simple way to charge for ads, and this can be done by making a webpage with a clear and clean design that lists the prices for different ad spots, such as the homepage or sidebar, with prices like $100 for 30 days for a homepage banner or $50 for 30 days for a sidebar banner (00:37:22).
• To create this landing page, a tool with AI capabilities can be used to generate a visual landing page based on suggested prompts, and the page can be customized with a nickname, URL, and content that promotes buying banner ads around the site (00:37:45).
• A digital product can be created to allow buyers to purchase banner ad spots, and this digital product can be linked to the landing page, allowing buyers to complete their purchase and send their banner ad assets for approval (00:38:57).
• The process of creating a landing page and digital product can be done together, and it involves logging in as a member, creating a digital product, and customizing the page with images and text, and then linking the buy now buttons to the digital product (00:39:17).
• Once the landing page and digital product are set up, the site owner can advertise that they sell banner ads, get their first payment, and figure out how to put the banner ads on their site, with the option to moderate and approve the banner ads to ensure they meet the site's standards (00:40:14).
• Arlana's question about how charging for ads works can be addressed by following these steps, which provide a basic guidance on how to move forward with creating a system for selling banner ads on a website (00:36:54).

How to access the schema markup (00:40:32)

• To access the schema markup, users can go to their widget manager and search for "schema" to find all the widgets related to schema, including property products and global website schema, which are baked into the platform (00:40:50).
• It is not recommended to mess with the default schema unless the user is familiar with coding, as these are global schemas that are part of the platform (00:41:14).
• Users can add their own schema to a page without messing with the default schema by going to the webpage builder, accessing the advanced settings, and pasting the JSON script into the footer JavaScript (00:41:32).
• For post detail pages, users can bolster the schema with custom variables and insert additional code for embed schema markup, allowing them to add one-off schema to either post detail pages or web pages (00:42:05).
• Users can also search their widgets for "schema" to find and modify the default schema, or add custom schema to specific pages, providing flexibility in managing schema markup (00:42:26).

BD's roadmap for implementing AI (00:43:08)

• The roadmap for implementing AI involves creating assets with AI, such as newsletters, posts, and web pages, which can be done in the admin area under the quick create section (00:43:24).
• AI is also being used internally to develop new widgets and wizards, such as creating coupons and invoices, which are more robust and help with faster internal development (00:43:39).
• Additionally, AI is being used to optimize existing sites, with tools like the AI SEO optimizer, remix, and assist tools, which provide a range of functionalities, including reviewing and creating content (00:43:53).
• Future plans include creating small snippets of code, such as an add to calendar feature, and potentially allowing power users to make small code changes without leaving the platform (00:44:14).
• The development of the AI roadmap is driven by user feedback and suggestions, which have been a key factor in the platform's development over the past 10 years, with a focus on avoiding "shiny object syndrome" and prioritizing features that make sense for the platform (00:44:44).
• The community's input is valued, and the platform will continue to be improved based on user demands, trends, and what makes sense to include, with the goal of making the platform better and better (00:44:50).
• Upcoming events include an exclusive webinar on November 25th, partnered with Flippa, which will cover how to set up a directory site for an exit, and an IPad giveaway in the Facebook group, which can be joined at brilliantdirectories.com/fas (00:45:11).

Members create posts with AI (00:45:33)

• Members will be able to create posts with AI, such as articles, in the future, although there is no specific timeline for this feature yet (00:45:33).
• The feature is currently on the road map and is being worked on as quickly as possible, with updates to be shared as soon as they are available (00:45:45).
• Viewers are invited to join the Facebook group and YouTube channel, with the channel's URL being directories.com/youtube, to stay updated and engaged with the community (00:45:56).
• The next webinar is scheduled to take place in two weeks, and there will also be a bonus webinar with Flippa, with the team expressing their appreciation and support for the community (00:46:14).