What shall I tell the Owner of Benable?

[Windy]

Benable contacted me to set up a video call between me and the guy who started the website. I signed up, thinking it would be me listening to a webinar with 300 people. 

But it's only ME and Tony. I supposedly came to their notice because I had a bunch of people respond to my invite code who then went on to create lists. 

So if you want me to pass on some info, questions, and concerns, maybe I can do it. This happens next week, so please chime in here if you want to suggest something I should bring up.

[Cat]

Wow, I guess you're an insider now! I'm still only at the toe in the water stage with Benable - I've made 2 profiles (one business, one personal) and have made 2 lists for each profile. But the thing that's confusing me is that when you visit the site (logged out) it seems like it's all geared for people to make and share lists. That's fine, but I'm not understanding how it is that other people will find and view these lists. Maybe I'm missing something.

[JStat]

Essentially it's the same concept as Zazzle in that every new listing or on Benable, every new "list" (like a Pinterest board) can and should be SEO optimized. Once Benable says the list is optimized it will then be indexed to Google. You are now picking up all of that search traffic with your boards based on your recommendations as well as your SEO (List titles, list descriptions, sub-list titles, and notes are all SEO opportunities) I hope this helps!

[Windy]

I will do some logged out searching and see how that works for me as a "shopper" and then ask! 

[Cat]

This may also be in the "thank you captain obvious" category, but I'm confused about how it works when you share Amazon links. Does Amazon pay you or does it come through Benable? 

My only suggestion at the moment would be to let us choose which premium brands to activate when we get a credit. I've never heard of a lot of those companies, and would much rather have a choice. 

[DesertSky]

I read somewhere on Benable or saw in one of their videos that Amazon's affiliate program is totally separate, and that Amazon pays you directly. Amazon also has their own tracking page and reports, too. Personally, I'm not too sure how I feel about the Amazon program. I'm still skeptical about it and have been using Amazon links only when I can't find a different place that has the product with a reasonable payout percent. I'm curious if anyone here that's on Benable has any success with the Amazon program. My Amazon stats show 3 ordered, 0 shipped and $0 earned. Maybe the shipped and earning reporting is lagging...I don't know, but I'm not confident at this point. I wish Amazon was part of Benable's payout like the rest of the brands, at least I know that works. Anyway, good luck with it!

[Cat]

Thanks! I have yet to discover the reports on Amazon, so I'll go look for them. I'm with you on wanting to choose something other than Amazon if I have a choice. 

[Cat]

OK, one other thought. I was going to install the Benable Chrome Extension like they suggested, but when I went to do so I got all kinds of warnings saying that installing it would enable Benable to view EVERYTHING I do online - it implied that it could read my passwords and everything, so I didn't do it. Perhaps they should clarify what info they're gathering and offer some assurances that it's safe.

[Windy]

I will look into this extension also. Thanks for the questions.

[DesertSky]

Congrats on the opportunity to speak with the owner, that's fantastic! You clearly must be doing something right! I've only had three people join through my invite code and only one has made a list, so I'm not doing too good in that area. Honestly, I really don't think it's fair that the only way to unlock the top brands is to get people to join and make at least one list. That's totally out of my control; I can invite people (which I have) but I can't make them join or make them create a list. I think there should be other ways to unlock the top brands, like once you get a certain number of optimized lists you could unlock a brand or two, at least I have some control over making a list that is good enough to be optimized. I also agree with Cat, we should be able to pick which brand we want to unlock. 

I also have a suggestion regarding list sections. I would like to see them list all of the section names at the top of the list, not just the first six sections. As it is now, they only show the first six sections and a very tiny down arrow that's easily missed and is supposed to indicate to click it to see the rest of the sections. If they can't show all of the sections at the top of the list, I'd appreciate it if they could at least make the arrow more visible and indicate there are more sections. Having sections makes it easier for people to navigate the list, so all of them should be visible at the top.

Another suggestion is regarding moving items into a section in the same list. Now it can only be done by dragging and dropping which can be extremely frustrating at times. A drop down menu where we can select the section would be really helpful.  

While this isn't a suggestion, I just want to say I really liked the little monthly wrap up video that tells you how you're doing and all that you've accomplished on Benable that month. It's really nicely done and is quite motivating. If you feel you want to pass that on to him, he may appreciate hearing that. 

One last thing: To anyone reading this—a shameless plug—if there's anyone left out there who hasn't joined Benable yet and wants to join and create at least one list, here's my invite code: https://benable.com/i/28877   Thanks in advance if you do, I really appreciate it.  And thanks Windy, for giving us the opportunity to provide feedback, I really appreciate it! 😊

[Windy]

These are good thoughts! I did not know the problem with only six sections showing. I will create a list with more than six sections so I can see for myself.  As for the drag and drop, for me, it's a dream. I am working on iPad when I do that. What is your platform when you experience that issue?