Brilliant Directories Review: Is This Directory Website Builder Any Good?
Hey there, website enthusiasts! If you’re on the lookout for a comprehensive solution that covers all your needs, from web design to membership management, monetization to customization, then Brilliant Directories might just be the perfect fit for you. In fact, it goes above and beyond your average directory website, offering a whole array of features that can take your online community to new heights. So, let’s dive in and see if this software is any good.
The Good
Brilliant Directories offers an extensive range of features and tools, providing website owners and managers with a comprehensive solution for website maintenance, design, and building. The customizable themes and monetization opportunities allow users to create unique directory websites and generate revenue through memberships and advertisements.
The Not So Good
Some users have found the admin interface of Brilliant Directories to be a bit difficult to navigate. Additionally, the platform does not offer a free trial or free membership option. making it challenging for users to test the software before committing to a paid plan.
Some users find it too simialr to WordPress and prefer a solution like Unicorn Platform, which I recently used to build a niche directory site.
The Bottom Line
Brilliant Directories offers a fully managed and hosted solution that effortlessly attracts and engages members, providing a seamless experience across all devices. While there’s no free trial available, the platform empowers you with powerful monetization options, enabling you to maximize revenue and unlock the full potential of your directory website!
Brilliant Directories is for you if
- You are looking to create and manage membership websites
- You are a non-programmer who needs a website builder
- You are in need of a comprehensive membership management solution
- You are aiming to engage and grow your member base
- You are looking to monetize your online content through subscriptions
Who Is It Not For?
- You are seeking a simple website builder without advanced membership management features
- You have extremely limited budget that cannot accommodate higher-priced software solutions
- You prefer a more minimalistic and lightweight platform for your online community needs

Overview
Brilliant Directories is all about empowering you to create and manage a thriving online community. With its powerful website builder, you can customize your site’s design, layout, and functionality to suit your specific needs. It offers a range of themes and directory templates to choose from, allowing you to create a visually stunning website that represents your brand.
First Impression
When I first got to explore Brilliant Directories, one thing that totally caught my attention was its awesome integration with Zapier. With this integration, you can automatically share all your content from your Brilliant Directories site to your various social media channels. It’s like magic – you don’t have to do it manually anymore!
And guess what? It uses webhooks, which is tech-speak for a quick and seamless process of sending social media post data from Brilliant Directories to Zapier. No complicated setup, just smooth sailing! This nifty integration makes it super easy to keep your followers engaged and up-to-date.
But that’s not all. The Zapier integration also lets you connect Brilliant Directories with popular email apps like AWeber and ConvertKit. With these integrations, you can reach out to your members and prospects effortlessly, making sure they’re always in the loop. You can also set up automated campaigns and shoot out a bunch of emails to your targeted users in a snap!
Now, I’ll be honest – as a beginner, I found the admin interface a bit challenging at first. But don’t worry, it’s not too bad! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate the clean and modern design. Everything is nicely organized, making it easier to navigate around the site.
In the left-hand menu of the admin area, you’ll find all the important stuff – content, interactions, emails, and membership plans, neatly laid out. It might take a little time to get used to it, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Once you overcome the initial learning curve with the admin interface, you’ll find yourself equipped with a powerful platform that streamlines your online presence and takes your directory website to a whole new level.
Key Features of Brilliant Directories
Website Builder
Building your membership site with Brilliant Directories is easy, even if you have no programming skills. Its user-friendly website builder empowers you with complete control over design and structure. Thanks to the intuitive drag-and-drop functionality of its Premium Content Blocks, you can effortlessly customize pages, add widgets, and personalize the user experience. Tailoring your website to your community’s unique needs is also a snap with the ability to create custom forms, member profiles, and directories.
Themes and Templates
Brilliant Directories offers a range of pre-designed professional themes and directory templates tailored to your industry and brand aesthetic. These themes are fully responsive, guaranteeing a seamless user experience across all devices.
With the Real-Time Design Editor, you have the freedom to customize your website effortlessly. The intuitive point-and-click design settings give you extensive control over your website’s appearance, while the Live Design Tool allows you to make real-time adjustments to colors, fonts, menus, and more.
The best part? No technical skills are required! Whether you’re creating a directory for restaurants, real estate, or any other niche, Brilliant Directories provides the perfect solution for designing a visually appealing and user-friendly website.
Member Management
Brilliant Directories can help you Efficiently manage up to 100,000 members through its comprehensive member management tools. From user registration and login to profile editing and content submission, the software simplifies the process of engaging with and empowering your community members. Stay organized with member categories, permissions, and robust search functionality.
This software can also help you build trust and engagement with visitors through ratings and reviews feature, while its built-in email marketing and newsletter tools keep you connected with your community.
Content Management
Brilliant Directories simplifies content management and community engagement. With its user-friendly interface, publishing and sharing various types of content becomes a breeze.
One standout feature is the All-In-One SEO, which allows you to optimize your content for search engines and attract organic traffic. The integrated Blogging System provides a seamless experience for publishing SEO-optimized blog articles with multimedia elements like images, videos, and links.
Additionally, the platform offers convenient functionalities like Event Listings, and the ability to create stunning photo galleries and albums enhances the visual appeal of your pages. You also have the option to promote deals and coupons to drive more traffic and encourage repeat visits. With integrated Google Maps, geo-coding tags, and predictive search, the user experience is further enhanced.
Monetization Tools
Monetizing your membership website becomes seamless with Brilliant Directories’ monetization tools. Set up subscriptions, membership plans, and premium content access to generate revenue from your community. The software integrates with popular payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe, allowing for secure and hassle-free transactions.
Additionally, you can boost your revenue by placing banner ads on your website effortlessly. With Brilliant Directories, you have the option to utilize Google AdSense or sell ad space directly, allowing you to upload custom banner ads.
Tips and Tricks
- Take advantage of the available support resources, including tutorials, documentation, and customer support, to navigate through any initial challenges.
- Plan your website’s structure and features in advance to streamline the setup process and ensure a smooth user experience for your members.
- Experiment with different themes and directory templates to find the one that aligns perfectly with your brand and industry.
Price and How to Buy
Brilliant Directories offers flexible pricing options to suit your needs. Choose the monthly plan for $145 per month or opt for the yearly plan at $950 per year. For those seeking a long-term solution, the Lifetime Website package is available for $1,450, which includes lifetime hosting and lifetime email support.
To purchase Brilliant Directories and explore these pricing options, please visit the pricing page of the official Brilliant Directories website. There, you can find detailed information about each plan and make a purchase that aligns with your requirements.
Note: There is a lifetime deal for Brilliant Directories available here.
What Do Other People Think About It?
I was waiting for Brilliant Directories deal for a while now i purchased Tier3 and I’m genuinely impressed. It’s fast, user-friendly, and comes with a ton of helpful training materials. I’ve had a smooth transition from WordPress and I’m now in the process of launching my own site. In my experience, Brilliant Directories is a reliable and well-structured platform for anyone looking to create an online directory.
scofieldd27
Verified purchaser | AppSumo user
So Brilliant-Wow- What was I waiting for?
I got Tier 3 a few weeks ago, and after spending a few hours zipping around the product, I just upscaled my plan to Tier 5.
BD is a really tight, well-oiled business directory machine. And zoom, doing a Pagespeed check, Brilliant Directories absolutely flies for both mobile and desktop. It’s obvious the team has worked hard on their product, and I’m excited to give my new directory a go! I’m in-between jobs right now, so it’s the perfect time to hunker down and learn all about this new baby of mine. Of course, there are a ton of training videos and blogs, so it won’t take long. I just regret I didn’t leave this review sooner! (Sorry BD 🙁 )
Don’t be dumb. Just level up the tier and try it out. Time’s running out, Bulls-eye!
Merridith
Verified purchaser | AppSumo user
Alternatives
If Brilliant Directories doesn’t quite fit your needs, consider these alternatives:
Member Press vs Brilliant Directories
MemberPress integrates seamlessly with WordPress, providing a range of impressive membership features. On the other hand, Brilliant Directories is specifically designed for directory-based websites, offering advanced management tools and extensive customization options. If you’re on a tight budget, MemberPress is a more affordable choice at $179.5 per year, but keep in mind that it may have fewer functionalities compared to Brilliant Directories.
Appy Pie vs Brilliant Directories
Appy Pie – Appy Pie specializes in building AI directory mobile apps and is known for its user-friendly interface. It offers the convenience of creating mobile apps without coding skills and can also build websites. However, Appy Pie’s customization options may be limited, potentially hindering the app from standing out in a competitive market. On the positive side, it is a very affordable option, with plans starting at just $60 per month.
FAQs
Can Brilliant Directories be used on mobile devices?
Absolutely! Brilliant Directories is fully responsive and works great on mobile devices. You can expect a seamless user experience no matter what screen size you’re using.
Does Brilliant Directories integrate with other apps?
Yes, Brilliant Directories offers integrations with popular third-party applications, including payment gateways, email marketing tools, and more. Be sure to take a look at their documentation for a comprehensive list of supported integrations.
Is there an API available for Brilliant Directories?
You bet! Brilliant Directories provides an API that allows you to extend the software’s functionality and integrate it with other systems. Get creative and make the most out of their flexible API.
Our Verdict
Brilliant Directories is a robust software solution for creating and managing membership websites. Its extensive customization options, and monetization features make it a compelling choice for businesses of all sizes. While there might be a slight learning curve, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial effort. So, if you’re ready to take your online community to the next level, give Brilliant Directories a go and watch your website flourish!
Hope this helps, and happy website building!
Note: Brilliant Directories has a limited time Life-Time deal available here.