I'm a bit suprised more of you aren't doing this.....

For those of you looking to offer offline services on a "local" basis, here's what I'm doing and why.......

The core of my local model is a Coupon Site for local businesses.
My region is about 50 municipalities, 550,000 people and a few thousand businesses, within about twenty miles.
This region has a universally known nickname five letters long, so I've got XxxxxCoupons.com

So why a coupon site ? Here's just a few reasons....
-coupons are super hot everywhere
-businesses can really use something that works better as the economy gets worse
-many businesses already use coupons....something they understand....you supply the steroids
-businesses that use coupons are not taking advantage of the Internet
-it's easy to identify which businesses are already using coupons
-any business that has repeat customers can GREATLY benefit from the Internet
-you can offer a free listing for a couple of coupons...give them a taste ...have a happy client.....and UPSELL
-UPSELL....monthly recurring
-UPSELL....monthly recurring
-UPSELL... monthly recurring
-businesses that use coupons can get great positive measurable results if they integrate the Internet......if you're making them money, they'll be receptive and listen to whatever else you have to offer.
-if you have a site full of businesses...even if most are free....you have all their contact info and can email them helpful tips....hit them with a successful case study.....give, give, give, get
-built-in great traffic....simple fliers to customers

So....your're basically offering a FREE Coupon Site....where a company gets a page with company description, link to website, reviews, Google map, video link, social site links, coupon traffic reports, coupon wizard, mailing list sign-up and can list two coupons.....all Free

(keep something in mind here. I go to a ton of local stores...probably ten pizza places, bakery, cold cuts, hair, hardware, cold cuts, sandwiches, cleaners car repair, dentist, flowers, etc., etec., and NONE OF THEM ever ask me for my email address....except a few of the big chains)

So how do you monetize a coupon site ? (mostly recurring monthly fees)
-they pay a fee to list additional coupons-
-they pay to get new coupons on the front page
-there's a slider corousel for twenty coupons/businesses.....they can get in there on a weekly basis for a fee
-they can pay to have their own coupon related domain name to take their customers directly to their page
-easy upsell to help them collect email addresses, manage their list and send out their email blasts
-easy upsell to mobile websites....qr code integrations.....sms, etc.
-websites, seo....whatever you're good at
-the Money Is In The List ? epople who download coupons must register....and receive emails.....or they can't be a member. Put it in the terms.
-THE LIST......solo and multi-site email blasts for new businesses, new products, sales,deals, events, whatever....a nice fee to blast the list

Also, banner ad section can direct visitors to other sites of yours....such as a classifieds site, local social site......anything with broad appeal
You can also get a few bucks if you integrate some national coupon sliders for filler from Brandcaster (coupons.com)

Anyhow, that's enough for now for a two-fingered typist....

Just wanted to get some wheels turning....

Hope you find it useful.

Jerry

P.S. A note about the site traffic. As we all know, where there's big targeted traffic, there's big money to be found.
Businesses will be told that the most important thing they can do is hand out mini-fliers...about the size of a dollar bill.....directing people to their coupon offers. Every customer should get them with thier change. They should also have a stack (or table tent) at every counter and table.

P.P.S. Keep in mind, to approach each customer...even the free listers.....with a much bigger picture in mind. I've had a business for about 25 years and I've got e few customers that I've had for 10, 15, 20 years. If you're building a legitimate business that will be around ten years from now, do the math. What is the return on that freebie lister that ends up paying $300 a month.
Show them some positive measurable results....or a case study of a competitor kickin' butt.....and you'll have an easy sell. Especially for those of you that prefer warm calling







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