Date posted:
Its been a whirlwind since launching Dakota Dice in October 2020. The process to build the platform actually began well over 12 months ago.
Its been a larger challenge and commitment than I could have anticipated but after almost 8 months of being live we are really happy with our progression. I cant thank you all enough for the support and kind words received thus far. It really makes all the difference and we are elated with the feedback.
We are a custom built platform this means every aspect of the website is uniquely coded by our developers. There are no limitations to our development and capabilities (unlike pre-built websites such as wordpress). One of the most challenging aspects of building a website from scratch, was initially attempting to launch a website that has the potential to compete with current leading directories.
The efforts in regards to creative functionality have been immense. Many of the current long standing directories have had up to a decade to refine functionality and develop into more advanced platforms. Fitting this into 6 months has been quite the challenge! We are constantly working on various areas of the website to offer a superior user and browsing experience. Thank you so much for your patience while we test, trial and upgrade functionality and programming within Dakota Dice. We are lucky to be working with one of the leading developers in Australia, their team are working around the clock.
An update on SEO
SEO, an aspect I naively underestimated! It is well known substantial SEO results for organic traffic can take up to 12 months. Google algorithms are redefined daily and no longer can websites 'cheat the system'. Organic growth must be earned.
We are currently 7 and a half months live currently and are now beginning to rank page 2 of google for some popular location based keywords. We have no doubt we will very soon begin to rank page 1 google. We expect this to start happening within the next couple of months. Such an intense amount of work and effort has been put into our SEO campaign. We are incredibly happy with our progress so far and will continue to keep you updated.
As previously mentioned, Dakota Dice will remain FREE for packages until we are ranking page 1 of google for many popular location based keywords and are satisfied with the exposure we can offer our advertisers. We have our free period currently set to September. If we happen to reach our goals prior to this date, we will still remain free until September. If by September we are unsatisfied, this will be extended further.
New Functionality and updates
Photographer profiles- launching
We have been working very hard behind the scenes on our newest user addition. We have created an advanced advertising space for SW friendly photographers to advertise. It's never been easier to browse and book your next shoot, especially on a busy schedule.
SW photographers deserve a platform to advertise their services, and we hope to offer a great product to them.
Our photographer profiles will have similar advanced functionality to our escort profiles. Photographers will have:
- Relevant text information: About me, rates, availability etc.
- Touring options
- Image gallery
- Blogs and announcements
- Ability to be favourited/liked
- Reviews
- Twitter sharing module
- Social links
- Custom URL slug
Escorts and users will be able to search and browse photographers by location, add them to favourites lists and leave reviews. Its never been easier to book a shoot on a busy touring schedule.
Our photographer module will remain free for advertising until packages are charged in September or later.
International touring- New Zealand
The borders have opened to NZ! Very exciting news for everyone. The developers will begin implementing our international touring capabilities.
Advertisers will soon be able to add in NZ tour dates to their profile if they wish.
Upgraded image system
Our image system is getting some love! These works have been completed and are about to be live. We have simplified and and upgraded this system to make it faster for advertisers to upload and change images.
Customer service team additions
It is paramount to myself and Dakota Dice as a SW run business that a high level of personalised customer service is always delivered.
When the customer service team is expanded each DD employee will have their own email and contact. Advertisers will be introduced to our team and are encouraged to have individual customer care from the same person if they desire. I will also remain contactable at all times.
Thank you again for your support. We are very excited for the months to come. Please feel free to reach out at anytime. All feedback is greatly appreciated.
Have a fantastic week.
With thanks,
Danielle.
