[Exposed] Advanced Membership Business Model Using Local Businesses

8 replies
This is a very interesting membership model for local businesses. It revolves around directories and "premium sponsorship".

Here we go...
Today, one of my clients received the following email:

Would your practice like to be the exclusive sponsor of the educational information regarding PRACTICE SPECIALTY on the Sun Sentinel Website Health Section and receive all the referrals and raise your position on the Search Engines?

To see the site on the Sun Sentinel Website Health Section click here
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/health/ and look for the I NEED ADVICE NOW link at the top of the Page and choose your county and then go to our MEDICAL Section

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIP
Non Surgical Cosmetic Surgery
Skin Care
Cellulite Removal
Laser Hair Removal
Cosmetic Surgery
Botox Injections
And many more educational topics

The cost is only $100 per month, per county, per topic or take all 3 counties and pay the discount rate of $150 per month per topic. Pay 90 days in advance and take advantage of our additional discounts. The more topics you secure the better the rates.

If you are interested in this exclusive sponsorship, please contact XXX or XXX at XXX XXX-XXXX.
So, I visit the website.
It took a while to find the "link". It was, in fact, a paid banner at the top of the Sun Sentinel (South Broward's largest newspaper).



The banner leads to: I Need Advice Now - Educational information from Chicago area professionals (looks like their Title tag needs some help, eh?)
If it's affiliated with the Sun Sentinel, then I don't understand why the Whois doesn't disclose the connection. Looks like someone's article directory.

Anyways, after 3 clicks, I see the "sponsor" area. Here's a sample for legal:




The 3-Step Membership Plan Summary:
  1. Buy a high profile ad at a major local newspaper.
  2. Link to your local business directory.
  3. Contact local businesses and offer a monthly package to "secure their position" before someone else does. 1-2 clients will offset the advertising cost in the newspaper.
It's clearly working. Nearly the entire legal area is filled.

Now I'm just waiting for someone to rip off this idea as a WSO. lol...

Good luck out there...and get creative!
#advanced #business #businesses #continuity #directory marketing #exposed #local #local business marketing #membership #membership ideas #model #offline marketing
  • Profile picture of the author redcell1
    damn that is creative, I might give it a go in SOCAL
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    Just here to see the shenanigans.

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    • Profile picture of the author Amir Luis
      There are a lot of portal sites like that everywhere. They seem to run rampant in the legal field though...

      I would target In Home Service Providers because they would benefit greatly.
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  • Profile picture of the author redcell1
    Hmm, another good idea thanks Amir
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    Just here to see the shenanigans.

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  • Profile picture of the author Amir Luis
    No problem...

    If you think about it... they are the ones that will need the service more than anyone. Look at Carpet Cleaners for example.

    They have a cut throat business. Everyone and their dog is doing carpet cleaning for $99 whole house... and the Big Boys like Stanley Steamer are taking up the market share. (Even though their marketing strategy isn't that great.)

    So the little guy... who doesn't really have that much money can afford a $50-$100 per month website... One that is your subdomain.

    Your portal and it's a lease. They can't take the toys that you gave them and go somewhere else.


    I have an excellent idea on marketing this service that is proven if you want more info... let me know.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    That site has tons of leverage with a PR7 it would take a site some time to be in position to charge that. Additionally they have a US Alexa rating that is about the same as the Warrior Forum.

    Don't get me wrong but any one who has a site like that is not coming here to post. lol

    Hell they charge 300 bucks to post a hiring position!
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    • Profile picture of the author Bronwyn and Keith
      Hey Rus

      Yeah looks like we are at the "cheap end of town" again...LOL


      Regards

      Bronwyn and Keith
      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      That site has tons of leverage with a PR7 it would take a site some time to be in position to charge that. Additionally they have a US Alexa rating that is about the same as the Warrior Forum.

      Don't get me wrong but any one who has a site like that is not coming here to post. lol

      Hell they charge 300 bucks to post a hiring position!
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  • Profile picture of the author redcell1
    I have a resouce to share with everyone, This is not my link but I came across it and it has been a gold mine of info. The reason is because there are actual companies that pay for these leads, I called and got refferals from them. So I would recommend reading this and going after niches that interest you the most/ pay the most for leads lol
    FOUND: Guide to the Most Profitable Service Industry Niches | Denver SEO Blog
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    Just here to see the shenanigans.

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