so I’ve been working on a page to build out my local vendors that I recommend. This is everything from home inspectors, appraisers, contractors, etc to charter captains, interior designers, wedding planners, etc. It would be awesome to have this built in. Right now, I’m building a snippet for each category and then a page with hyperlinks to each “class”. A lot of work, especially when you want to remove one and add a new one. I’ve seen a couple other REW sites that have had some custom work done for this but it seems like it would be a huge value add for all REW Renaissance users. Or maybe not? Maybe that’s why it’s not already in place. Have this info public for it only my past clients but for anyone to see would be awesome. I would love to just share a link to anyone I want so they can see who I recommend. Not a spreadsheet. Keeping clients and leads on my site is huge.
We actually used to have a “directory” (several software versions ago) - I thought it was pretty dope actually (was searchable, sortable etc) but as we upgraded to later versions, we looked at usage, and less than 1% of customers were using it (significantly less in fact, like maybe only 3 or 4 folks total) and so since rebuilding it on a new framework was high cost, and demand was virtually nothing, it was shuttered.
Actually funny, I used to be partnered with @GerryT (when he worked at REW and before he was a Realtor) with a site called Nanaimo Information (I donated my portion to him when he started his real estate business) and that site was I believe the first place we built it.
I wonder if it would show in wayback?
BTW - I know it’s a lot of work BUT - there’s an easier way (imho) - keep a spreadsheet, and then feed the snippet markup you want to use to ChatGPT and have the html updated by AI instead of manually doing it 
Edit from wayback - unfortunately, the CSS doesn’t render but you get the idea (we even had a paid advertising module on there!)
Was linked to from the homepage (talk about a throwback!) - Nice logo Phil!
I figured there was a reason. It’s too bad there wasn’t a ton of buy in. I know there’s ton of apps out there for directories nowadays but to me this is a great option to have on an agent, team or broker site.
ChatGPT has been a good friend lately when it comes to site changes.
If you get a wild hair and feel like building a new version, I’d be happy to test it!
Heh, I hear ya! I have TOO MANY wild hairs right now (In a good way, R & D has so many great changes coming, but that also means they are tapped out for the next few releases)
But I am happy to consult on how to build it in an SEO friendly way here on the boards, as I actually do believe there is huge value in it (not just for SEO, but also for the vendor/partnership angle) - might be a good colab project.
I anyone wants to take it on or understand the value:
#1: There is SEO value in having hyper local vetted content (such as a vendor list that is robust with unique content) - it should help wtih E-E-A-T as well.
#2: You can use it for backlinks - hey, we’ve listed you in our directory as a preferred vendor (because you’re awesome) here is some HTML to put on your website that shows you are a verified partner (this is an image or backlink that links to you, improving your SEO)
#3: Networking (old school!) - it’s giving you a reason to engage with high quality vendors in your area, connect and remind them that you are a progressive marketer who is always looking to add value to your partners - they will remember this, and recommend you more often.
If anyone does want to build it, let me know here on the boards, and I’ll tell you exactly how I would do it (which will save you some time, money and also make it the best it can be)
That business directory was a beast! There weren’t many competitors in the SERPs for local business names, even as late as the early 2010s. It required a ton of modding though - I was constantly answering dumb emails and updating people’s phone numbers.
Modding - you mean “moderating” (not custom changes) correct?
Thanks for the feedback
Yes I mean moderating sorry! But, I was using it differently from what is being discussed in this thread. You are talking (I think) about how it could be used as a sort of concierge for preferred(referred) related services, etc. But the way I used it on NanaimoInformation was to just put as many businesses there as I could, to show Google I was “local” and to get more eyes on the site.
That’s why it was so annoying after a while - it had hundreds of businesses (and I had uploaded logos for each one - logos I scraped manually from wherever I could, even from photos I had taken on the ground!). So, yeah, lots of moderating.