I want to share with you something that will effect how we all do business in 2008 and beyond... and you may not have even heard about it yet.
It's about a trend called "Social Networking" or "Web 2.0"... it's about "blogs, "wikis", "podcasts", YouTube and FaceBook. It's about communicating your message to a wide group of people in your own community of friends and business associates (Wikipedia defines "Web 2.0" as... "the second generation of web-based communities... which aim to facilitate creativity, collaboration, and sharing between users").
I know, you're probably skeptical. Right? Let me explain...
Why am I contacting you?
As a local trader, I want you to be amongst the first to know that we are about to launch a first for Australia - something that combines all the features of YouTube or FaceBook AND a traditional local newspaper... one that stands head and shoulders above just about any other website or newspaper I can think of. But better still, all news is LOCAL will be available online instantly, 24/7. And in addition to that, using the latest Internet technology, YOU will be able to add your own news and views, upgrade press releases about YOUR business and comment on YOUR interests... live, 24 hours-a-day. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Still not impressed?
But before I share more with you, let me tell you how this came about...
Well... long story short - there is a small town site in Maine, USA, that gets over 3.5 million visits a month to its web site, but... ITS POPULATION IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF MORNINGTON!
Now THAT got my attention.
As a web developer for over 10 years, I got excited. Whilst I can't tell you a lot about it just yet, as the site is set for a major launch in March. But I can tell you it's about to change the way the community learns the latest breaking local news, shares information on events that affect the community and shops for local goods and services.
Online news, ideas and content comes from feet-on-the-ground local journalists, community members like you, businesses, sporting clubs, schools and community centres. You can read the top news stories happening in YOUR community, what's going on in local sports, business, arts, education and government. You can check out local births, obituaries, weddings and engagements - even view photos and videos!
So what does all this mean?
Let me give you a bit of an idea. It means you, your club, school, charity or business will soon have unlimited space to advertise your services, voice your opinions, exchange ideas and share them with the person next door, down the street or across the world. This new media accepts breaking news from residents, press releases from businesses, short stories, essays, book or theatre reviews, animal shelter notices, the local cricket scores and what's happening in YOUR neighbourhood.
Sure, you can get the Channel 7 News, but locals can see what’s happened round the corner, where the local accident was, who got married, who died, who’s hiring, and what the latest football scores are. It’s like Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park, where the community can express ideas in a public forum.
But I'm getting way ahead of myself.
The new website will be called "VillageSoup", and it provides community news online and in print.
It gives a voice to every community member and the result is a community will get to know itself much better than before. With 2/3 of its front page content coming from community members, you can grow business loyalty significantly faster than traditional media. Online activity is increased significantly with intense municipal debate, local tragedies, major accidents, fires or storms. This means people get involved with content... which means more exposure to your business. You now have the chance to promote your business locally AND get involved with community affairs.
Will it work for you? Maybe and maybe not...
You can have a peek at what's to come by going to http://www.expectresults.com.au/1.html. Want to see how it works, right now? I highly recommend you take a look at www.villagesoup.com. That US site is similar and will give you an idea of what's to come...
But that's only half the story...
With VillageSoup, you will be able to:
- Manage the content of your enhance listing ONLINE... 24 hours a day!
- Add UNLIMITED news and promotions about your business for immediate publication. Your ad can appear after the first paragraph of all news stories
- Post PDF versions of your current news ads to your listing
- Post comments to forums, add photos, write articles and blogs
- Get monthly reports on the number of views your listing has had
- Add job listings - even daily menus!
- Receive discounts on print ads
- Get listed in the VillageSoup Business Directory
- Link your ads to your current website
So last but not least I'm offering you... a gift
Online selling is becoming more popular by the minute. In fact, if you own a physical store, many experts would suggest that you need an Internet presence for your store to reach out and communicate to all your customers. That seems easier said than done; selling online can’t be the same as operating a brick and mortar business, ....? (Go to http://expectresults.com.au/48.html for this FREE article on 4 easy steps to online selling). If you're in the market for a new website, you also get a chance to "test drive" a new one - absolutely FREE and without obligation. Click on this link (http://www.expectresults.com.au/47.html) for more "test drive" details.
What does this mean to you?
What it boils down to is this. As a member of our local community, over the next few weeks you'll be receiving some exciting information that will affect you and your business, and provide insights on how to take advantage of "Web 2.0" technology, "social networking" and real-life, "live" community news. We will be inviting you to join us to learn, share and shop - LOCALLY, and to help MAKE the news, not just read it.
Where to from here?
The simple truth is, most of our business is by referral, so please pass this note on to a friend or colleague if you think they would be interested, or drop me an email at alan@villagesoup.com.au if you'd like to know more about VillageSoup or websites in general.
We will be in touch again shortly. Or, if you prefer not to receive future notifications, kindly hit the "unsubscribe" link below and we will immediately remove your name from our listing of local community businesses.
Cheers for now,
Alan Perkins
Expect Results
E-mail: alan@villagesoup.com.au - Web: www.expectresults.com.au
Tel: Mob: 0408 102 512 - International: +61 3 5984 2179
