I’m considering BD and would like to confirm whether these points are accurate or if there are features/plans that address them.
Specifically, I think BD may lack the following:
1. A primary focus on community engagement, as the BD seems to prioritise directories.
2. Advanced forum-style features, automatic badge/level system (based on their engagement) and robust moderation tools.
3. Real-time interaction tools, like live chat or instant notifications.
4. Intuitive engagement features, such as gamification or automated workflows.
5. Native support for advanced community tools, e.g. nested threading, email automation (e.g. sending welcome emails or adding new members to my email list.)
Is this true, or are there aspects of BD that address these concerns? I’d appreciate your insights to help me make an informed decision.
A: Thanks so much for your question and for taking the time to check us out! 😊
While Brilliant Directories is directory-first by design, it includes many built-in tools to support community-building and member interaction:
• ✉️ Custom welcome emails and email notifications • 💬 Private member messaging with inboxes • 🧵 Nested comment threads for deeper discussions • ✅ Manual badges and “verified” labels to highlight or reward members • 🔗 Connect your site to email platforms or CRMs using Zapier, Pabbly, and webhooks • 📲 SMS and external automation tools can be integrated for custom workflows • 🧠 Member tiers can be used to unlock access to features or sections of the site
While there’s no built-in gamification or automated level system yet, many site owners creatively use membership plans, email automations, and badge tools to encourage participation.
Also, here’s a great video that shows how to create a community message board using built-in features: https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/blog/how-to-create-a-community-message-board-on-your-membership-website
Let us know if we can help walk through any specific use case you have in mind—we’re always happy to help!
If I get tier 5 - 50k members, and want to increase the limits later ( from your website) and not from tier 6 . Is it a one time payment or monthly payment to increase the limits?
A: Thanks for your question and for taking the time to check us out! 😊
If you’re on Tier 5 and want to increase your member limit later (without upgrading to Tier 6), there are two easy ways to scale:
• ➕ Add 10,000 members for just $2.50/month using the 75% promo code included with your Tier 5 plan — this is a super economical way to grow as your community expands. • ⭐ Or, opt for the VIP Add-Ons Club — it adds 100,000 extra members, and unlocks all remaining premium add-ons for just $23/month with your 75% promo code.
More info here: https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/vip-add-ons-club
Both options are flexible depending on your goals. Let us know if you have more questions — we’re always happy to help! 💬
Can we track which articles each member reads in the community, segment members based on their topic preferences, and then send them a tailored email series aligned with their interests?
A: Thanks for the great question and for thinking ahead about personalizing your member experience — that’s a smart approach! 😊
While BD doesn’t currently offer fully automated interest-based email flows natively, there are still some solid options to move in that direction:
• ⭐ Members can bookmark or favorite posts they like • 📨 You can let users subscribe to specific newsletter categories (topics they select) • 📋 Segment your audience based on interests they opt into — and send campaigns accordingly • 🔄 Use tools like Mailerlite, Zapier, or Pabbly with BD’s RSS feed to auto-send emails when new posts are published in categories they follow
Here’s a great tutorial on how to set up a semi-automated workflow using RSS + email tools: https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/blog/auto-send-newsletters-from-new-website-posts-rss-email-campaign-with-mailerlite-pabbly-zapier
And if there’s a third-party platform that allows interest-based automations, you can always export segmented lists from BD to plug into those flows.
Let us know if you want help brainstorming ways to set it up — always happy to help! 💬
once they bookmarked or favorited posts they like, can we export that particular member list? Or does the list come with the particular tags, e.g. business, investment, economy, etc.
When members bookmark posts, it’s saved for them only. The total like count is public, but you can’t currently export who liked what. Great idea though—we’ll pass it along as a possible Smart List feature for future updates!
Q: BD as a website
Hi Jason!
Glad to see BD back. I opted out of purchasing it years ago because I was so confused about what it actually was. LOL But, it looks like you've improved it quite a bit.
I saw your response to PaulVP but had a few more questions: 1) Can it be used solely as a website without activating members or subscriptions? 2) If someone opts in via a lead page or newsletter form, are they automatically considered a "member"? 3) Besides memberships, what else can be sold (e.g., digital products, services)? Specific examples appreciated. 4) How does the built-in email marketing compare to Mailchimp—can I segment, automate, or send campaigns? 5) Are there limits on subscribers, emails, campaigns, or lead pages?
If BD can truly replace some of the other tools I have, I'd love to go all in and buy at a higher tier. Thanks! :)
A: Thanks so much for your thoughtful questions and for taking the time to check us out! 😊 We’re thrilled to be back on AppSumo and to hear the improvements caught your attention.
Here’s a quick rundown to help clarify everything:
1️⃣ Can BD be used solely as a website? Absolutely! You can build and run a fully functional website without requiring logins, subscriptions, or member activity. Many use BD as a content hub or business site.
2️⃣ Are newsletter opt-ins counted as members? No — subscribers who sign up via newsletter or lead forms are not counted toward your member limit unless you give them login credentials. You’re free to grow your list as big as you’d like.
3️⃣ What else can be sold? • 📘 Digital Products – eBooks, guides, templates, etc. • 🛠️ Services – Coaching, consultations, design packages • 📝 Sponsored Content – Spotlight articles, featured listings • 🔒 Access – Premium content, pay-per-post, or page restrictions
More details here: https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/sell-digital-downloads-add-on
4️⃣ Built-in email marketing vs Mailchimp? BD includes a built-in newsletter tool with templates and basic segmentation (by member type, status, etc). It’s great for campaigns and broadcasts — but if you need advanced automation flows, you can connect with platforms like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and more using tools like Zapier or Pabbly.
5️⃣ Email & subscriber limits? • ✅ Unlimited subscribers • ✅ 1,500 emails/day forever free for life (45k/month, upgrade as needed) • ✅ Upgrade options if you need more • ✅ Unlimited lead forms and landing pages
Here’s our quick 15-minute setup video too: https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/setup
If BD helps you replace a few tools and simplify things — awesome! Let us know if we can help you explore it further — we’re always here to help! 💬
Wonderful! Thanks for all the information. You've got a new customer at Tier 5! 😁 (I refunded 4 products that will now pay for almost the whole thing!)
Q: Mollie/iDEAL payment integration
Hi! Do you support Mollie or iDEAL payment integration?
A: Thanks so much for your question and for taking the time to check us out! 😊
We’ve heard the request for Mollie and iDEAL support from a few others as well. We’re currently working on enabling iDEAL via Stripe Wallets to help unlock this for more users — stay tuned!
We truly appreciate suggestions like this as they help guide what we prioritize next. Let us know if there’s anything else you’d like to see — we’re always here to help!
Q: Clarifying Community Building Features in BD
I’m considering BD and would like to confirm whether these points are accurate or if there are features/plans that address them.
Specifically, I think BD may lack the following:
1. A primary focus on community engagement, as the BD seems to prioritise directories.
2. Advanced forum-style features, automatic badge/level system (based on their engagement) and robust moderation tools.
3. Real-time interaction tools, like live chat or instant notifications.
4. Intuitive engagement features, such as gamification or automated workflows.
5. Native support for advanced community tools, e.g. nested threading, email automation (e.g. sending welcome emails or adding new members to my email list.)
Is this true, or are there aspects of BD that address these concerns? I’d appreciate your insights to help me make an informed decision.
Jason_BrilliantDirectories
Apr 17, 2025A: Thanks so much for your question and for taking the time to check us out! 😊
While Brilliant Directories is directory-first by design, it includes many built-in tools to support community-building and member interaction:
• ✉️ Custom welcome emails and email notifications
• 💬 Private member messaging with inboxes
• 🧵 Nested comment threads for deeper discussions
• ✅ Manual badges and “verified” labels to highlight or reward members
• 🔗 Connect your site to email platforms or CRMs using Zapier, Pabbly, and webhooks
• 📲 SMS and external automation tools can be integrated for custom workflows
• 🧠 Member tiers can be used to unlock access to features or sections of the site
While there’s no built-in gamification or automated level system yet, many site owners creatively use membership plans, email automations, and badge tools to encourage participation.
Also, here’s a great video that shows how to create a community message board using built-in features:
https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/blog/how-to-create-a-community-message-board-on-your-membership-website
Let us know if we can help walk through any specific use case you have in mind—we’re always happy to help!
Share Brilliant Directories
Q: Important question
If I get tier 5 - 50k members, and want to increase the limits later ( from your website) and not from tier 6 . Is it a one time payment or monthly payment to increase the limits?
Jason_BrilliantDirectories
Apr 16, 2025A: Thanks for your question and for taking the time to check us out! 😊
If you’re on Tier 5 and want to increase your member limit later (without upgrading to Tier 6), there are two easy ways to scale:
• ➕ Add 10,000 members for just $2.50/month using the 75% promo code included with your Tier 5 plan — this is a super economical way to grow as your community expands.
• ⭐ Or, opt for the VIP Add-Ons Club — it adds 100,000 extra members, and unlocks all remaining premium add-ons for just $23/month with your 75% promo code.
More info here:
https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/vip-add-ons-club
Both options are flexible depending on your goals. Let us know if you have more questions — we’re always happy to help! 💬
Share Brilliant Directories
Q: Track Member Reads & Targeted Email Segments
Can we track which articles each member reads in the community, segment members based on their topic preferences, and then send them a tailored email series aligned with their interests?
Preferably all done in automation.
Jason_BrilliantDirectories
Apr 16, 2025A: Thanks for the great question and for thinking ahead about personalizing your member experience — that’s a smart approach! 😊
While BD doesn’t currently offer fully automated interest-based email flows natively, there are still some solid options to move in that direction:
• ⭐ Members can bookmark or favorite posts they like
• 📨 You can let users subscribe to specific newsletter categories (topics they select)
• 📋 Segment your audience based on interests they opt into — and send campaigns accordingly
• 🔄 Use tools like Mailerlite, Zapier, or Pabbly with BD’s RSS feed to auto-send emails when new posts are published in categories they follow
Here’s a great tutorial on how to set up a semi-automated workflow using RSS + email tools:
https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/blog/auto-send-newsletters-from-new-website-posts-rss-email-campaign-with-mailerlite-pabbly-zapier
And if there’s a third-party platform that allows interest-based automations, you can always export segmented lists from BD to plug into those flows.
Let us know if you want help brainstorming ways to set it up — always happy to help! 💬
Share Brilliant Directories
once they bookmarked or favorited posts they like, can we export that particular member list?
Or does the list come with the particular tags, e.g. business, investment, economy, etc.
When members bookmark posts, it’s saved for them only. The total like count is public, but you can’t currently export who liked what. Great idea though—we’ll pass it along as a possible Smart List feature for future updates!
Q: BD as a website
Hi Jason!
Glad to see BD back. I opted out of purchasing it years ago because I was so confused about what it actually was. LOL But, it looks like you've improved it quite a bit.
I saw your response to PaulVP but had a few more questions:
1) Can it be used solely as a website without activating members or subscriptions?
2) If someone opts in via a lead page or newsletter form, are they automatically considered a "member"?
3) Besides memberships, what else can be sold (e.g., digital products, services)? Specific examples appreciated.
4) How does the built-in email marketing compare to Mailchimp—can I segment, automate, or send campaigns?
5) Are there limits on subscribers, emails, campaigns, or lead pages?
If BD can truly replace some of the other tools I have, I'd love to go all in and buy at a higher tier. Thanks! :)
Jason_BrilliantDirectories
Apr 15, 2025A: Thanks so much for your thoughtful questions and for taking the time to check us out! 😊 We’re thrilled to be back on AppSumo and to hear the improvements caught your attention.
Here’s a quick rundown to help clarify everything:
1️⃣ Can BD be used solely as a website?
Absolutely! You can build and run a fully functional website without requiring logins, subscriptions, or member activity. Many use BD as a content hub or business site.
2️⃣ Are newsletter opt-ins counted as members?
No — subscribers who sign up via newsletter or lead forms are not counted toward your member limit unless you give them login credentials. You’re free to grow your list as big as you’d like.
3️⃣ What else can be sold?
• 📘 Digital Products – eBooks, guides, templates, etc.
• 🛠️ Services – Coaching, consultations, design packages
• 📝 Sponsored Content – Spotlight articles, featured listings
• 🔒 Access – Premium content, pay-per-post, or page restrictions
More details here:
https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/sell-digital-downloads-add-on
4️⃣ Built-in email marketing vs Mailchimp?
BD includes a built-in newsletter tool with templates and basic segmentation (by member type, status, etc). It’s great for campaigns and broadcasts — but if you need advanced automation flows, you can connect with platforms like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and more using tools like Zapier or Pabbly.
5️⃣ Email & subscriber limits?
• ✅ Unlimited subscribers
• ✅ 1,500 emails/day forever free for life (45k/month, upgrade as needed)
• ✅ Upgrade options if you need more
• ✅ Unlimited lead forms and landing pages
Here’s our quick 15-minute setup video too:
https://www.brilliantdirectories.com/setup
If BD helps you replace a few tools and simplify things — awesome! Let us know if we can help you explore it further — we’re always here to help! 💬
Share Brilliant Directories
Wonderful! Thanks for all the information. You've got a new customer at Tier 5! 😁 (I refunded 4 products that will now pay for almost the whole thing!)
Q: Mollie/iDEAL payment integration
Hi!
Do you support Mollie or iDEAL payment integration?
Jason_BrilliantDirectories
Apr 15, 2025A: Thanks so much for your question and for taking the time to check us out! 😊
We’ve heard the request for Mollie and iDEAL support from a few others as well. We’re currently working on enabling iDEAL via Stripe Wallets to help unlock this for more users — stay tuned!
We truly appreciate suggestions like this as they help guide what we prioritize next. Let us know if there’s anything else you’d like to see — we’re always here to help!
Share Brilliant Directories