One of You Guys Should Do This
AirPair solves the problem of connecting people to experts when they are "stuck" writing code.
These guys started out with a Google docs form - no fancy technology, even still not a ton. However, they have been profitable since almsot from the start.
In my mind, I do not see why a group of Offliners could get together around specific disciplines to market a similar service.
One way these guys are getting leads is by simply having their recorded Google Hangouts show up in search - free ad when someone finds it who has a problem. Then they can watch the thing and understand the quality they are getting.
After reading this article, I popped into the Google Keyword Planner and see some DIY terms getting 4 digits in monthly search volume.
It would be really cool to see one of you guys - or a group of you guys pull something like this off for small business marketing.
If any of you is curious about where to start - throw up a simple landing page explaining what you do. Then do some free hangouts. Get a list of customers who have demonstrated an interest in marketing their business (ex; Groupon merchants) and show them your content...
AirPair tackles coding and each challenge is unique so they can give give give no matter what via YouTube. Marketing is different, so I'd imagine you'd have to "optimize" your hangouts so as not to give the farm away.
Anyone thinking about experimenting with something like this and if you think I can help you brainstorm, give me a shout!
- Jack Trout
SCHEMA.ORG + GEOTAGGING + KML + PUBLISHERSHIP + so much more...