Frequently Asked Questions

Advertising	Pricing	FAQs
Using our Logo	Terms and conditions	Web Site Design

For Advertisers

What is The Disc Directory?
It’s a local business listings directory produced on an innovative credit card sized CD Rom and website. With over 1300 categories there is a listing for every type of business serving the area. The Disc Directory is a comprehensive directory with a difference.

Its focus is on local businesses rather than the nationals, allowing all companies to compete by the level of service they provide to their customers and the reputation they have built up rather than the amount of money at their disposal to spend on national advertising. It’s set to change the way that people find businesses by allowing customers to rate the businesses they use. Businesses that receive consistent positive feedback will stand out from their competition and be highlighted as the ‘Most Recommended’ within the directory.

Why haven’t we heard of it before?
It has only just launched and Portsmouth is the first region to benefit from the idea. Cade Directories Limited T/A The Disc Directory formed in the summer of 2006 and has steadily built up its profile amongst the local business community. We are members of Portsmouth’s Square Deal initiative and currently awaiting to be approved as a member of the Hampshire Trading Standards Buy with Confidence scheme.

We have received significant coverage in the local press and radio and have teamed up with one of the largest radio stations on the south coast, Ocean FM 96.7-97.5 as the sponsor of the weather. As the radio sponsorship and the circulation of The Disc Directory goes on you’ll find it difficult not to have heard of us.

Is it just a on a CD?
No, it’s also on a website www.thediscdirectory.co.uk. So the directory can be used either way but because the CD is the size of a credit card it is particularly convenient to carry in a purse or wallet. The CD is also useful when people do not have internet access (e.g. a laptop or restricted web access at work).

Who will receive the CD?
In Portsmouth, the credit card sized CD is to be delivered annually, free of charge to all homes and businesses throughout the PO1-PO17 region (that’s over 235,000 copies). If you live or work in one of these postcodes you’ll automatically receive a copy. Following this, the next directory will cover all Southampton businesses and be distributed to all homes and businesses throughout the Southampton region in September/October 2007.

How is the CD directory being delivered?
It will be delivered to all homes and businesses by a specialist mail company as a solus delivery.

What makes it different to the other main directories?
There are a number of things that should appeal to any business:

• It is unique - nothing like this has ever been done before and people love the idea
• The ‘Word of Mouth’ ratings - by encouraging customers to leave feedback your business could become the most recommended in the region
• Value for money - advertising costs are a fraction compared with other directories. You get a lot for your money. The exclusive top spot in any category is always £495 (ex VAT) per year. Prices only go down from there.
• Prominence – even when you take a Basic Plus listing at £95 (ex VAT) you could still be the ‘Most Recommended’ business in the region
• Credibility – you can use the feedback to your advantage whether you quote it or reproduce it in your marketing. Third party referrals are very powerful
• Circulation – it’s not just on the web, we’re delivering the directory to every household and business in the region
• The advertising listings are restricted - if you take one of the top six listings and want to keep it, it could be yours for life

How does a business become the ‘Most Recommended’ in The Disc Directory?
Any business can have feedback left on it but only those who have paid for a listing will get the feedback shown live on the site. The more pro-active a business is in encouraging its customers to leave feedback the more likely it is to become the ‘Most Recommended’.

How do customers leave feedback about a business?
Very simply, they find the business, click on the ‘leave feedback’ icon against the entry, register and follow the online instructions. It’s a 3 minute process and the feedback remains anonymous unless they specifically wish to put their name against it.

Does feedback go straight on to the directory?
No, all feedback is seen and authorised by The Disc Directory before it goes live on the site. This is done for a number of reasons but mainly to check that it is genuine. Feedback is normally made live on the site within 24 hours once the criteria are met.

How does the rating for the ‘Word of Mouth’ feedback work?
The directory will regularly work out an average score of the feedback left and then display it by a five star rating system together with any additional comments made about that business.

What do you do with negative feedback?
We will not show negative feedback about a business; it is always forwarded on to the business concerned to comment on. If it is serious and persistent we have the right to remove that business from the directory. If this is the case and where appropriate, we may also pass it on to any accredited trade bodies or local Trading Standards to deal with.

Can my business opt out of the feedback facility?
Yes, you are given this option at any time. If you’ve taken one of the six top listings your business will always be seen at the top of the search results but you won’t be included within the ‘Most Recommended’ table.

We advertise in other directories, why will people use The Disc Directory?
Our research says that people will. Consumers like to have confidence when looking to use local businesses and The Disc Directory will provide this. What would you prefer to see, actual customer feedback about that business or a glossy advert? To support our advertisers, we also undertake extensive marketing; not least being the delivery of the directory to all homes and businesses throughout the region.

Where else will The Directory be?
Portsmouth, then Southampton; this is to be closely followed by the surrounding areas and eventually the whole of the country.

Is it expensive to be included within the directory?
You could become the most recommended business in Portsmouth for as little as £95 (ex VAT), not a bad return on investment. Click here to view pricing

We want The Disc Directory to be as comprehensive as possible so we try to include every business in the area; this means that many businesses are listed free. However, these businesses are shown with only a telephone number and do not benefit from the feedback rating and are listed at the bottom of their category.

How does a business advertise on The Disc Directory?
To advertise or for further information please contact The Disc Directory by any of the following means:

·          Freephone: 0800 043 2100

·          Email: sales@thediscdirectory.co.uk

·          Website: www.thediscdirectory.co.uk then click on the Add your Business link

For Consumers

Will the credit card sized CD work on my computer?
Yes, load it the same way you would a normal CD, as your loading tray has grooves close to the middle that this type of CD sits in. (Note. These CDs are not compatible with Apple Mac computers.)

Is the CD safe to use on my computer?
We take as many possible precautions as we can to ensure this is virus free and prior to production the software is tested thoroughly for all known viruses.

How easy is the CD to run?
Normally, as soon as the CD is loaded it runs automatically and will take you straight to the directory. If it doesn’t, there is a contact email address on the packaging.

What if I don’t receive a CD for The Disc Directory?
It doesn’t matter; just go straight to our website www.thediscdirectory.co.uk. The website is even more up to date than the CD.

Why will I use it instead of other directories?
Just wait until you search, the directory is quick and simple to use. Of the thousands of local businesses on there you also have the ability to see who the ‘Most Recommended’ are based on other customers’ feedback. You also have a facility which allows you to leave feedback on the businesses you’ve used that you feel deserve your recommendation.

 

When will I receive a copy through my door?
The website for Portsmouth is already live www.thediscdirectory.co.uk and the CD directory is delivered throughout May 2007 and then annually.

Southampton will soon follow with the expected delivery of the CDs in September/October 2007.

How do I leave feedback on a business or service?
Very simply, just find the business you want to leave feedback on, click on the ‘leave feedback’ icon; register and follow the online instructions. It’s a 3 minute process and your feedback remains anonymous unless you specifically wish to put your name within the additional comments box.

Do I have to register every time I want to leave feedback?
No, not as long as you continue to use the same log-in details (email address & password) each time you want to leave feedback.

How often will the CD be updated?
The CD can not be updated as it’s the website that will be refreshed with new advertisers and regular feedback on a daily basis. A new CD directory is sent out every 12 months for every region.