FAQs
You must first register to create an account. Once your email has been confirmed you can begin uploading your software. When you login to your account, you will first land on your user homepage. Click the "Software+" button to add your title, and be sure to fill in the form completely with decriptions, photos, links, and video. All red-starred items must be filled to save. Be sure to use images and video if you have something. This always makes for a more interesting presentation and draws more people to your listing.
The BEST Directory accepts software with a wide-array of capabilities--from whole-building energy simulation, to water use analysis. Most titles that are useful to professionals and researchers in the energy field are acceptable. However, it's best to review software titles on the site to get an idea of the types of titles we list. We do have a review policy once a software title is submitted, and if your title is rejected, we will explain why.
You will notified via email if your title was rejected from the directory, with a brief explanation. To ensure your title isn't rejected, please ensure your software tool is relevant for building energy professionals, and that the software listing is detailed, complete, and accurate. Review other titles on the directory to get an idea of the types of software we accept, and to see how other companies fill-out their listings.
To upload an image, click the "choose file" button in the "Software Images" area when creating or editing your software listings. Images will be shown in a carousel on the software page; the first image will be shown in listings and searches. Full images are displayed when clicked to enlarge. Guidelines: Files must be less than 64 MB. Allowed file types: png gif jpg jpeg. Images must be larger than 280x265 pixels.
Users of the directory can leave ratings for software titles they've tried. Ratings are based on a star system, with the highest rating being 5 stars. To get users to rate your tools, ensure your software listing page is detailed, has photos, and has all correct links. Make sure it's easy for users to review and download your software from the directory. Also, try promoting your listing to clients, colleagues, and partners so they can rate your software.
Users of the BEST Directory can leave reviews for software tools they've tried. Advertise your listing and desire for reviews to clients, colleagues, and partners. Also, try reviewing other software tools in the directory to get those users to check-out your listing, and leave their own comments.
To update your listing, hover over the "My Account" link at the top-right of the directory, and click "My Software." The following page will list the software you have added to the directory, and you can edit any of them by clicking the "edit" button under "Operations."
Its easy to add video. Simply log into your account. If you don't have an account you need to Register first.
ADDING VIDEO TO AN EXISTING TITLE: As you scroll down this form you will see a section called ADD VIDEO. Click SELECT MEDIA, which pops the tool allowing you to browse your local drives for the video file you want to upload. You can choose to link to an already existing video by clicking on the tab called WEB and dropping the URL for that video in the field provided. Click SUBMIT, and thats it. It takse a few minutes to upload your file to be patient. You should see your video on your page within 1-2 minutes depending on the length.
ADDING VIDEO TO A NEW TITLE: From your user homepage click SOFTWARE LISTING +, and fill out the fields on the form. You must include all fields that are required. As you scroll down this form you will see a section called ADD VIDEO. Click SELECT MEDIA, which pops the tool allowing you to browse your local drives for the video file you want to upload. You can choose to link to an already existing video by clicking on the tab called WEB and dropping the URL for that video in the field provided. Click SUBMIT, and thats it. It takse a few minutes to upload your file to be patient. You should see your video on your page within 1-2 minutes depending on the length.