In the Business Directory module, business categories are created and businesses are assigned to those categories.  The following page types can be created;
  • Category Display - One or more categories of business are selected and thoses businesses are displayed on a single page.  There are options to include banner ads from category members and an introduction article
  • Category List - a list of selected categories that have active members is displayed.   Visitors click on a category and are presented with a list of all active businesses in that category.
  • Search form - A simple search form for inclusion on an article page.  The following fields are searched
    • Business Name
    • Contact Name
    • Category
    • Business Description
  • Banner Display - to be included on an article page.  Editor selects which categories to pick.
  • Referral Page - A form that lets visitors request additional information.  The categories for members who choose to receive referrals are displayed with boxes to check.  When submitted, the merchant is emailed the visitor's information.  Additional information is emailed to the site contact.
The site administrator sets up the following options;
  • The user section that contains the members to be displayed
  • The editing page for member information
  • The user fields that contain
    • Business name
    • Business description
    • Banner image
    • Thumbnail image
    • Logo image
    • On-site web page text for members without their own web site.
  • Categories
  • Number of categories that members can join without  extra charge
  • Maximum number of categories that members can join.
  • The cost per impression (CPI) for additional categories
  • The cost per referral
  • Three different CPI and cost per click (CPC) levels for banner display
Individual businesses manage the following:
  • Categories in which to be included
  • Upload banner, thumbnail, and logo images
  • Business Description
  • Maximum level for display of banner ad
  • Referrals participation
Accounting
  • Banners, referrals, and additional category inclusion will only display if there is a positive balance in the member's account.
  • Accounts can be pre-loaded by administrators.
  • Sites will have the option of letting businesses purchase more credits online.
  • Email notifications will be sent to businesses when the credits reach a certain threshold.
  • Businesses can view the number of impressions and clicks-thrus in their control panel.