So, You want to use the business directory but can't quite get the hang of it. Hopefully we can shed some light on the subject and make it easier to navigate.
Introduction
The business directory is a collection of "listings" for businesses in the area, each contributed by one of our BigTreesTech members. Each listing has a number of information "fields", some of which are mandatory, and some of which are not. One of the mandatory fields is "Category" which is supposed to be an indicator as to the type of business associated with a particular listing. Each listing can be associated with multiple categories. For example, a hardware store might be associated with both a construction as well as a shopping category.
In the rest of this article we'll cover searching, adding new listings, and adding review comments and star ratings.
Searching
There are basically three ways to search for a particular business or business type. First, on the main business directory page you can click on any one of the categories. This will produce a display of all of the businesses that have been associated with that category. You can then click on the name of any one of those listings and you will be shown the detailed listing as well as any reviews or ratings that member have provided.
The second way to search for a listing is to click "Search" at the top of any of the business directory pages. Once you are taken to the search page, you can type in one or more "key words" in the "Search for" dialog box and then click the search button. You can choose to search for "Any words", "All words", or "Exact Phrase. When you click search, you will be presented with the set of listings that meets your search criteria.
The third way to search is to first click "Search" at the top of the business directory page, and then click on "EXTENDED SEARCH OPTIONS". You will be presented with a set of search criteria to choose from. The current setup (which may change a bit) allows you to select a category (all by default), one or more cities (any by default), the state (any by default), zip code (any by default), and county (any by default). Each selection you make, other than the default, further narrows the search. For example, if you select the "food and dining" category, and you select Arnold for the city, then you will only get back the listings that are in that category that are also located in Arnold.
For the extended search, there are two types of selections; single-select, and muti-select. For the single-select items, you can only pick one. For the multi-select items, by using shift, control, or command keys along with mouse clicks you can select one or more of the criteria choices. So, for example if you were to select the single category "food and dining" and you were to select Arnold and Sonora from the City list, then you would get listings from that category located in either Arnold or Sonora.
You might wonder why a particular city or some other field value is not listed in the extended search selections. Well, those lists are constructed directly from the content of listings that members (like you
) have contributed.
Adding Listings
So, you were searching for your favorite restaurant in Murphies and couldn't find it in the directory... An opportunity to contribute has fallen upon you! You can help out your neighbors by adding a listing. To do so, assuming you are logged in to the site, you start by clicking on the "Add Entry" link right next to the "Search" link we just talked about. You should be presented with an "Add New Entry" page which has areas to enter information for the new listing. Required fields are indicated by a "*".
If you get some sort of error message about not being logged in, rather than seeing the add new entry page, look down at the login/out module on the page and make sure you are logged in. If the problem persists, contact me at "joe at bigtreestech dot com" as there have been some instances of login problems that we can resolve.
In the Title field, try to enter the name of the business as it appears in the phone book so that we avoid duplicate entries. In the Description field, try to describe the goods or services that the business provides, and keep subjective compliments and criticsm for the business reviews and ratings (discussed next). Also while writing the description bear in mind that key word searches will trigger on the content of the description as well as the title.
The last field you need to fill in is the set of categories to associate the business with. You can choose up to 5 categories for each listing you add. So, for example if there were a store that sold computers and stationary, you might add the "Computers and Accessories" and "Shopping" categories. If you are unsure what a category means, you can click on it and a description is provided at the bottom of the page under "Category Description". Once you have selected a category you want to add, simply click the ">>>" button and it will be added to the list. Keep adding categories that are relevant until you are satisfied with the list. If you want, you can remove a category by clicking on it in the right-hand box and then clicking "<<<".
Once you are satisfied with the information you've entered for the listing, assuming that included entries for required fields, you are ready to submit the listing. To do so, you need to click the check box for "i accept the terms of use of this Company" (we don't have any terms just yet), and then click "Send". If you've left out a required field, you will be so informed and given an opportunity to correct the problem. Otherwise, you should get a thank you screen.
Now, your new listing will not show up immediately. It first has to be approved by the administrator (me). This is done in an effort to avoid duplication of entries, catch typo's, and add or edit information if it seems appropriate. Once approved, the new listing will show up in the business directory where other members can add ratings and review comments.
Ratings and Review Comments
Ok, so you've just been to one of our fantastic restaurant's or sporting goods stores and want to share your experience and give them the kudos they deserve. It's time for you to add a review and rating in the business directory for you're new favorite business. Here's how to do it (again, assuming you are logged in as a member).
First, go to the business directory and find the business using the search methods already described. If you can't find it, then add a new entry as we just discussed. Once the listing is available in the directory, and you've found it, in the summary discription, click on the business name to be presnted with the listing details page. At the bottom of that page you should see a selection box labeled "Rate Now" where you can select the number of stars you want to give the business. You can also write a review by clicking on the "WRITE REVIEW" button. If you write a review (highly recommended) choose a title for the review that summarizes your impression, and enter your commentary in the "Text" area.
Please be thoughtful about what you enter in these reviews. They are not reviewed or edited before they are published. If you are really angry or upset with a business, please wait until you have cooled down to write your review. You are responsible for the content of your review!
Before you submit the review, make sure you check or un-check the "show my email" box according to your desires. If you leave it checked, your email address will be displayed with the review.
Finally, if for any reason something doesn't work as described, or you get an error message that seems wrong, or you think something can be improved upon. please contact me directly (joe at bigtreestech dot com) or post a message in the forum.
Please post questions on how to use the directory to the forum.
