User Quick Start Guide (For Your Site Visitors) – Smart Directory Pro

For: End users and business owners
Time Required: 5-10 minutes
Goal: Get familiar with the directory system and submit your first business listing

Welcome

Welcome to Smart Directory Pro. This guide helps you understand how to use the system, whether you’re browsing for businesses or adding your own.

Browsing the Directory

Homepage Overview

On the homepage, you’ll see:

  1. Hero Section – Main search bar and popular searches
  2. Featured Businesses – Highlighted premium listings
  3. Latest Businesses – Recently added businesses
  4. Categories – Browse by business type
  5. Statistics – Live directory stats

Searching for Businesses

Quick Search

  1. Use the main search bar on the homepage
  2. Type your search term (business name, service, etc.)
  3. See instant results as you type
  4. Click a result or press Enter

Advanced Search

  1. Go to the business listings page
  2. Use the filters sidebar:
    • Category
    • Location
    • Rating
    • Price range
    • Amenities

Search Tips

Good:
"Italian restaurant"
"Hair salon near me"
"24 hour pharmacy"
"Pet grooming downtown"

Avoid:
Single letters (a, b, c)
Generic terms (business, service)
Special characters (!@#$)

Viewing Business Details

When you click a listing, you’ll see:

  • Business Information – Name, description, contact, hours, services
  • Location & Map – Google Maps, address, directions
  • Photos & Gallery – Logo, storefront, interior
  • Customer Reviews – Star ratings, written feedback
  • Contact Options – Phone, email, website, social media

Adding Your Business

Before You Start

Make sure you have:

  • Business name and description
  • Contact details
  • Business address
  • High-quality photos
  • Operating hours
  • List of services

Step 1: Access the Form

  1. Click “Add Business” in the menu
  2. Or go to /submit-business/
  3. Create an account (if required)

Step 2: Choose Your Package

Free Listing

  • Basic info, single photo, standard placement

Premium Packages

  • Featured placement
  • Multiple photos
  • Extended descriptions
  • Extra contact options
  • Priority support

Step 3: Fill Out Information

Basic Info

Business Name: [Official name]
Description: [150-300 words]
Category: [Primary category]
Tags: [Comma-separated keywords]

Contact

Phone: [Main phone number]
Email: [Business email]
Website: [https://example.com]

Location

Street: [Address]
City: [City]
State: [State/Province]
ZIP: [Postal code]
Country: [Country]

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Step 4: Upload Photos

Guidelines

  • JPG, PNG, or GIF
  • Max 10MB per image
  • Minimum 800x600px
  • High resolution

What to Upload

  • Logo
  • Storefront
  • Interior
  • Products or services
  • Team photos (optional)

How to Upload

  1. Click “Choose Files” or drag and drop
  2. Upload multiple images
  3. Reorder by dragging
  4. Set a featured image

Step 5: Extra Details

Services & Amenities

  • Parking, wheelchair access, WiFi, online ordering, etc.

Social Media

  • Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

Step 6: Review & Submit

  1. Review all fields
  2. Check grammar and contact info
  3. Click “Submit Business”

Step 7: Payment (If Required)

  1. Review your order
  2. Enter payment info
  3. Complete checkout
  4. Save your receipt

After Submission

What Happens

  1. You’ll receive a confirmation email
  2. Admin reviews your listing (usually 1–3 business days)
  3. You’ll get notified if approved
  4. Listing becomes searchable

Submission Status

  • Pending – Awaiting review
  • Approved – Live in the directory
  • Needs Changes – Action required

Managing Your Listing

With an Account

  1. Log in
  2. Go to “My Listings”
  3. Edit info, photos, or hours

Without an Account

  • Contact admin with your business name and submission date

Tips for Success

Writing Descriptions

Do:
- Highlight your uniqueness
- Mention specialties
- Use location-based keywords

Don’t:
- Write in ALL CAPS
- Add phone numbers in description
- Copy from others
- Use excessive punctuation!!!

Photos

Good:
- Bright, clear images
- Actual location and services
- Professional look

Bad:
- Blurry or dark
- Stock or unrelated images
- Outdated or irrelevant photos

Category Choice

  • Be specific
  • Avoid general categories unless accurate
  • Think like a customer

Contact Info

  • Use business phone and email
  • Make sure website is live
  • Check links and spelling

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Rejected Listing?

  • Missing info
  • Low-quality images
  • Duplicate entry
  • Inappropriate content

Can’t Upload Photos?

  • Too large
  • Wrong format
  • Bad internet

Business Not Showing Up?

  • Not approved yet
  • Wrong category
  • Vague keywords

Need to Update Info?

  • Log in to update
  • Or contact admin

Contact Support

  1. Use the site’s contact form
  2. Reply to your confirmation email
  3. Check the documentation/help page
  4. Use phone support (if available)

Before You Reach Out

  • Know your business name
  • Include submission date
  • Describe the issue clearly
  • Mention any errors seen

Mobile Use

Features

  • Responsive layout
  • Touch-friendly UI
  • Click-to-call
  • GPS maps
  • Fast mobile loading

Mobile Tips

  • Use WiFi for uploads
  • Watch autocorrect
  • Save progress often
  • Test your listing on mobile

Best Practices Summary

For Business Owners

  1. Complete every field
  2. Use good-quality photos
  3. Write clear, keyword-rich descriptions
  4. Keep listings updated
  5. Reply to reviews
  6. Match branding across platforms

For Users

  1. Search with specific terms
  2. Read reviews
  3. Leave honest feedback
  4. Report outdated info
  5. Use all search tools available

Success

You’re now ready to browse or list with confidence. If you need more help: