Published in March 2019, this guide explains how owners of cultural and heritage businesses—including art galleries, antique shops, event venues, museums, and tourism-related enterprises—can use an online platform to reach targeted audiences at no cost.
ABCOnline made available a new platform operating at beniculturalionline.it (in Italian) and culturalheritageonline.com (in English). The platform generates over 1 million monthly interactions through its social media accounts, pages, and groups, where user-generated content is shared and promoted daily.
Getting started on the platform
Users must first register at beniculturalionline.it by logging in through a Facebook account—the only currently available login method. The platform recommends using the account of the business owner or manager responsible for web communication. After registration, users enter a reference email address to activate a free Base Profile, which permits unlimited publication of locations and events.
The Base Profile functions as a professional curriculum, archive of activities, and promotional showcase for cultural and tourism operators. Users can create multiple Location Cards—one for each venue—detailing the business address and information to introduce users to the enterprise’s physical locations or event spaces.
Building visibility through content
The platform operates as a geolocation-based search engine using artificial intelligence algorithms that learn from user behaviour and recommend content based on location and user interests. All published content is search-engine optimized (SEO) and indexed by major search engines for increased visibility and brand exposure.
To promote activities effectively, businesses should create Event Cards and Location Cards with complete information, original images, text, and data. The platform encourages users to publish information about nearby tourism attractions, cultural sites, museums, archaeological sites, squares, and other public and private locations to maintain user interest and boost search engine visibility. This activity incurs no cost but requires consistent time investment that can yield significant visibility and economic advantages.
Earning credits and premium options
The platform awards ABC Credits for each submitted card: 2 credits per Location Card and 1 credit per Event Card. Each ABC Credit is valued at 2.50 euros. Users receive their first credit upon email activation. These credits can be used to purchase additional visibility or other services. A dedicated section allows registered users to publish advertisements and earn ABC Credits by promoting their services to a targeted audience seeking new clients.
For enhanced promotion, users can upgrade to a Pro Profile, costing 12 euros annually in 2019 (reduced from 48 euros yearly). The Pro Profile doubles credit acquisition and allows content to be published under a business or brand name rather than a personal profile. Multiple users can manage a Pro Page, enabling team collaboration for galleries, museums, and companies. The Pro Profile provides additional functions to create richer content and more effectively promote activities.
Beniculturalionline has operated online since 1998 and is recognized by cultural authorities and institutions. The platform is well-regarded in the cultural sector and currently receives thousands of visits from major search engines alongside its 1 million monthly social media interactions.
Frequently asked questions
What is required to register on the platform?
Users must register at beniculturalionline.it by logging in through a Facebook account and then provide a reference email address to activate a free Base Profile.
How do businesses earn credits on the platform?
The platform awards 2 ABC Credits per Location Card and 1 ABC Credit per Event Card. Each ABC Credit is valued at 2.50 euros and can be used to purchase visibility or other services within the platform.
What is the difference between a Base Profile and a Pro Profile?
The Base Profile is free and allows unlimited publication of locations and events. The Pro Profile costs 12 euros annually and doubles credit acquisition, permits publishing content under a business name, and allows multiple users to manage the account.
