New Features Added - Action Recommended
I've just pushed a large update to the MDD Directory. This update fixes a lot of things that were broken (due to the directory being neglected for some time), as well as adding some new features: -
- Removed - Skype from listings (was used by less than 1% of listings)
- Added - WhatsApp to listings with instant message link
- Added- Dynamic verification badges
- Added - Services checkboxes for listings
- Added - Google Place ID for listings (for reviews)
- Added - Upload of documentation (replaces emailing)
- Added - Option for uploaded documentation to be available to public (checkbox on upload)
- Improved - Listing's Title and Keywords meta tags for even better SEO
- Improved - Validation / Error reporting on all forms
- Fixed - All contact / enquiry forms
- Fixed - Image / Logo upload - now working and more secure
- Fixed - Lots of DJ registration / login / forgotten password issues
- Updated - WYSIWYG editor for listings
- Changed - Listings will expire 1 year after last login. Submission / approval no longer required to reset the clock, just log in to your DJ account.
- Changed - The order in which listings are shown. Below any "Premium" and "Enhanced" listings, free listings are listed first by town. Then, verified PLI / PAT / ProDub status takes priority based on a scoring system - 2 points for PLI, 2 points for PAT, and 1 point for ProDub. Listings with more than 3 stars average Google review rating (must have Place ID provided) get a boost (max. +2 points). All results are then randomised each page view.
- Pricing - Discounted (at least temporarily).
- Pricing - Automatic linking of Directory DJ accounts with forum accounts (email must be the same), for automatic discounting of paid services for MDD Forum Supporters.
As well as a lot of "behind the scenes" improvements, which should make it easier and faster for admins to do what they do. This includes email notifications when listings require approval, as well as email notifications to DJs when they are approved.
In the New Year I plan on giving the "front-end" a redesign, perhaps followed by the DJ's login side. Part of this will include the additional of filters so that visitors can filter DJs by services offered. It is, therefore, very important that DJs log in to their listings and tick the boxes for all the services they offer. The bare minimum is "Mobile Disco", this is pre-selected for all listings and cannot be un-ticked.
I also recommend logging in to your listing and adding your Google Place ID, especially if you already have good Google reviews. I decided against (for now, at least) including a map and showing addresses in listings, but any Google Place ID is used to pull the "most relevant" (as deemed by Google) reviews for your listing. A link to give a review is also added to listings where a Place ID is given.
Edit: PAT / PLI expiry dates, as well as any premium and enhanced listing expiry dates, previously had to be manually switched off by admin once expired. This is now automatic, so with this update quite a few listings will have lost verification badges (or premium / enhanced listing status) they shouldn't have had any more....:eek: