The world is getting increasingly globalized and the competition among business organizations is getting fiercer on all levels. To survive in this tough environment, companies need to reach to their consumers in every possible way. The most effective method of advertising for business today is a massive Internet marketing campaign, since more and more people go online in search of various products and services. That said, mostly large and prosperous companies can afford to splash money on big-time online marketing. Smaller businesses are struggling to find the right balance between their aspirations and scanty budgets at their disposal. There is an alternative, though. The Internet is full of resources where business owners can advertise their goods or services without having to pay a dime. Alongside such giants as Facebook or Google, many other websites offer their free (or inexpensive) services as well. Here is a brief review of five online platforms for business promotion you may have never heard of that could bring more customers to your company.
1. Porch
The first company I am going to highlight is Porch. This is a comparatively new website, which gives homeowners free access to a list of local contractors providing various services like carpeting, plumbing, and others. Launched some five years ago, this startup resembles many similar resources, but has its own specific features, too. For example, users can track down what work has been done on a particular property, as well as communicate with other homeowners or contractors via a social function. After a consumer registers at Porch.com, they can write about the kind of services they require, set a timeline (from 2 days up to a year), give a detailed description of the future project, publish some photos from the location, and specify how much money they are willing to pay for the work. Local contractors are then sent over messages informing them about a new project. They can get in touch with the homeowner over the phone, via email, or through the onsite chat feature. The service providers have to pay a commission to the website: for the zip codes where the work will be performed and for the type of work they are going to do. Porch can be beneficial for your business, but you should still make sure that you will ultimately earn more that you will have to spend.
2. Hirerush
Another website that helps consumers establish contacts with contractors in their region is Hirerush.com. This is an excellent online platform for common people, for “a small guy”. The list of services from local providers found on the website includes just about every type of work out there starting from highly professional services like legal advice and translation to housekeeping and cleaning. In contrast to many other similar resources, Hirerush gives local contractors and consumers the opportunity to establish long-lasting relationships that are not limited to a particular piece of work. The company covers all the major US states and cities and has big expansion plans.
3. Manta
The next website on my list is Manta.com. This resource enjoys popularity among small business owners. After a user registers at Manta, their business listing is updated in the website’s directory within 24 hours at the most. Additionally, an ad for the business is placed on the main page of the site. All of that gives your business an immediate boost: using the website’s own search engine customers-to-be looking for particular services will easily find your company.
Manta provides numerous services to small business owners. For example, you can have your details listed in more than 70 online directories. You can also use a dashboard that the website provides in order to see how frequently users show interest in your services. Among other benefits you will get here is the help in preparing your GoogleAdWords campaign and tracking various metrics. You will also have a professional from Manta to assist you in your marketing endeavors.
4. Avvo
This resource is great for lawyers seeking to promote their professional services. It has quickly taken off and is now used by more people searching for attorneys. What sets it aside from many similar sites is the number of details that lawyers can publish here, so that a lawyer’s page looks more like their resume. They can place references to their publications or to the cases that they’ve had, links to their blog or website, and the description of their academic achievements and honors. They can even give online consultations regarding legal matters to anyone who requires them. The important thing about avvo.com is that no fee is taken for using it, which allows even beginning lawyers or small firms to promote their services among a wider Internet audience.
5. Kudzu
Yet another player on the home improvement services market. The website is actually an online directory with the local contractors and providers of services ranked according to various criteria. Currently, users will find the profiles of more than 13 million different companies in the website’s database. Kudzu.com covers the entire territory of the United States. Noteworthy is the search capabilities of Kudzu. Anyone looking for professional service providers can take advantage of different search options: by “star” rating, by type of work, by specialty, etc. The website primarily targets small business owners and users who need home improvement services. So, by creating your company’s profile at Kudzu you can reach consumers throughout the country.
The cost of online marketing is one of the most painful issues that many small businesses and private entrepreneurs face. By using the websites listed above, though, they can achieve a significant reduction in their advertising expenses while reaching a greater number of potential customers on the local and national scale.
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