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New concept (or maybe not! lol)

by iInvent
10 replies
Hi guys!

It's been a while since I've been around! So busy!!
I hope everyone is doing well

So I'm working on a new marketing concept and thought I should post here to get some feedback. PLEASE accept my apologies now - I can't share the specific market but the concept could be applied to many markets!

So basically I'm building a directory listing site for a niche market.
The concept itself is different. So basically, the businesses will provide a free trial /discount (product, service, etc) to every member once. In exchange, they get a basic listing for free.

My revenue streams are:

Businesses can upgrade to a paid premium listing.

Since all visitors to my website will have to register to use the directory, I will create a pretty big mailing list. I will then sell some advertising to the businesses as it will be a targetted mailing.

I will also sell ranking on my site. So if someone searches for plumber in ABC city, they can pay to be at the top of the list.

I will also sell advertising blocks on my site.

Members can also purchase a yearly membership (low fee) to have additional perks.

So in a nutshell, that's my concept! Businesses are excited as it's an exchange of services and they are SO on board! I had to figure out how to make money... Of course, it's still at the concept phase so not making money...yet :p
But the feedback I've been getting is awesome!

Once I get the traffic, the advertising options will be an easy sell!

Again, my apologies but I cannot share the niche at this point...but I believe the concept in itself can be applied to many areas!

I appreciate your feedback!
#concept #directory listings #marketing
  • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
    How is this different than the umpteen number of threads regarding the directory model that have been posted in the last year or so?

    Not trying to be a wise guy just seeing if I am missing something from what you are calling a "new marketing concept"

    This also confuses me
    Businesses are excited as it's an exchange of services and they are SO on board! I had to figure out how to make money... Of course, it's still at the concept phase so not making money...yet
    But the feedback I've been getting is awesome!

    In my book positive feedback is a check, not a pat on the back.
    What exactly are these businesses excited about?

    Once I get the traffic, the advertising options will be an easy sell!

    Then it looks like you already have it all figured out, so are you asking for how to get
    traffic or more freebie seekers that you hope to convert?
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    • Profile picture of the author iInvent
      Originally Posted by Eddie Spangler View Post

      How is this different than the umpteen number of threads regarding the directory model that have been posted in the last year or so?

      Not trying to be a wise guy just seeing if I am missing something from what you are calling a "new marketing concept"

      This also confuses me
      Businesses are excited as it's an exchange of services and they are SO on board! I had to figure out how to make money... Of course, it's still at the concept phase so not making money...yet
      But the feedback I've been getting is awesome!

      In my book positive feedback is a check, not a pat on the back.

      Once I get the traffic, the advertising options will be an easy sell!

      Then it looks like you already have it all figured out, so what exactly is your question?
      There isn't really a QUESTION... I didn't know that a post would need to have a question! lol. I was simply sharing, exchanging... Isn't this the right forum?

      I just don't understand why there is a certain "tone" in your reply but I appreciate your inquiry

      Oh and about "how is this different"... I guess I didn't read those specific posts in the "umpteen" number of threads lol. I've never seen a model like this. And I guess when I do launch and you see the market, you'll understand better

      Have a good one!
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      Thanks for reading!

      Chantal
      "Before you try to satisfy the client, understand and satisfy the person."

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  • Profile picture of the author Eutaw
    Sounds like you have a good business plan for your site. Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
    The tone you speak of is mostly one of confusion.

    You are presenting it as some kind of great revelation
    and I was trying to figure out what that revelation was, but
    you cant talk about it so I will have to wait until after you launch to find out.

    I really thought you were looking for advice or help with something.

    Sounds like a good idea, and wishing you the best of success.
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    Deliver Bigger.
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    • Profile picture of the author zimbizee
      I think visitors may have a problem of having to register just to use your site. I would.

      Imagine if you had to log in to yell.com every time you wanted to look at listings etc, and if your site is niche specific why would i want to go through all the hassle of having to sign up/register to YOUR site when i can click the back button and go somewhere else where i don't.

      My thoughts
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      • Profile picture of the author ginnysclub1
        Originally Posted by zimbizee View Post

        I think visitors may have a problem of having to register just to use your site. I would.

        Imagine if you had to log in to yell.com every time you wanted to look at listings etc, and if your site is niche specific why would i want to go through all the hassle of having to sign up/register to YOUR site when i can click the back button and go somewhere else where i don't.

        My thoughts
        I think the OP means that they will need to register to claim the FREE trials and discounts, which Yell et al, don't provide.
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        • Profile picture of the author zimbizee
          Originally Posted by ginnysclub1 View Post

          I think the OP means that they will need to register to claim the FREE trials and discounts, which Yell et al, don't provide.
          Aaahhhh - got it thanks
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          • Profile picture of the author SashaLee
            Originally Posted by zimbizee View Post

            Aaahhhh - got it thanks
            Hi there,

            You do get it? Wow - I'm with Eddie - this appears to be a re-hash of of the same ol' directory site idea. Not saying it won't work, but there's nothing new about what the OP is talking about, unless it's actually new to him/her.

            Something is new to everyone at some point, and I applaud the OP for putting his/her newly discovered idea (for him/her) into action.

            All the best,

            Sasha.
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  • Profile picture of the author Khemosabi
    I agree with Eddie as well. But there is ONE thing that someone can take away from this thread that doesn't get talked about. The NICHE. All the lawyers/doctos/chiros/plumbers/blahblahblah.. have been done to death!!

    OP says he/she has a very specific niche! That is the key, right there. People miss a lot of occupations that don't really need/want a website, but can and will pay for a listing on a directory.

    Example: Farriers. Your welcome! :p Having a listing and a link back to a super cool one page site, is more than what they need! Most farriers just advertise on CL, or the "nickel paper". All their page would need is a nice, friendly picture of them and their experience, establish some trust and a number to call...done. They are more than happy to pay you.

    I do these types of directories around my area and they work great.

    Good luck iInvent, sounds like you have the right attitude. But, don't be angry, this subject has been talked about a fewwwww times!

    ~ Theresa
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    • Profile picture of the author RimaNaj2011
      Sounds like a good idea and possibility of a good mailing list. I don't have experience with membership sites, but how much would something like that cost to develop? And would the user get the freebie through your site or do they deal with the business? Seems like a headache if problems come up with that. But I like the idea, let us know how it goes.
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