Remember when you were a kid and traded a bag of potato chips for a turkey sandwich at lunchtime? The concept was simple and two people received something they really wanted without any exchange of money. Today’s professional service providers can enjoy that same win-win experience by bartering their talents with other business and service providers.
For example, if you are a web designer, marketing professional, SEO or Internet marketing consultant, you can trade your services for virtually any type of goods or services from plastic surgery to real estate to even vacations. It’s easier than you think to get started and with today’s economy, every business is looking for ways to save dollars. Here are some tips on how to create a barter trade so that you can build your business and extend your market reach while preserving your cash flow.
1. Identify potential barter partners who could use your help. Visit their websites and if you determine their sites could use a better design or search engine optimization, they are a good candidate.
2. Make an appointment with them. Let them pitch their services to you and then ask them if they would be willing to barter services. Be prepared to explain why a cashless transaction makes sense and how they could benefit from working with you (i.e. get higher rankings, more conversions from website, better quality leads, etc.).
3. Once you come to a barter agreement, put it in writing so there is no misunderstanding on either side.
Bartering has been around since the early days of civilization and the idea still works today – and thanks to barter websites and other online resources, it is increasing in popularity. By bartering services and goods for your business or personal use, you can obtain what you need without using up your cash resources.
Examples of how bartering services can work:
A construction worker’s business has slowed down but his truck needs major repairs that he can’t afford at this time. He connects with an auto repair shop to trade some construction work for the repairs.
An Internet marketing professional needs some accounting work. She agrees to a barter transaction with an accountant. In exchange for accounting services, she will create an SEO-friendly website for the accountant and promote the accountant’s business in local listings.
There are now online barter networks that can facilitate the trade process. These networks allow you to exchange goods and services for cashless “dollars” which can be then be redeemed for other services and goods within the network.
Email SpotOn SEO Services to learn more about barter networks and how you can receive products and services while keeping cash in your pocket.