Using Online Classifieds To Your Business Advantage

When you hear the words "online classifieds" it usually brings to mind stuff we need to get rid of or a way to score cheap concert tickets. However, when you consider that nearly half (49%) of all online adults worldwide have used online classifieds at some point and that every day, 9% of online users visit a classified site, you should start thinking about how your business or services can benefit from exposure on online classifieds. If you get creative, there are many ways to advertise ethically and wisely. I'll explain those after more interesting data from this study:

According to a recent Pew Research Center Internet & American Life Project study, it was also found that consumers have doubled their usage of online classifieds since 2005. Some other interesting info from the study:

• Classifieds are most popular with those aged 25-44 years. Over half of this population (62%) have used the sites.
• Those 18-24 and 45-54 years old use less frequently, but the figures are still well over 40%.
• Fewer than 35% of users aged 55-64 years old use online classifieds.
• Men are more likely to used a classified site on any given day - 12%, compared to 7% of women.
• Those with household income levels of $50,000 or more are more likely to use online classified sites than those with incomes under $50,000 (25% vs. 15%).
• The fastest growing online population using online classified sites are 30-49 years old, and those with incomes over $50,000 per household.

So, how can this help promote your business or service? The #1 online resource for classified advertising is Craigslist (www.Craigslist.com). Here are some actual examples I found of how businesses are using Craigslist:

1. Realtors: Under the "Housing" section, list rentals and residential/commercial properties for sale.
2. Automotive: Under "Services Offered > Automotive Services" promote brake repair, oil changes, tune-ups, etc.
   
3. Lawyers: Under "Services Offered > Legal Services" place an ad that specifically promotes your area of expertise (bankruptcy, criminal, divorce, etc.)
4. Gyms: Under "Community > Activities" post an ad seeking those in need of personal trainers or general fitness.
5. Photographers: Under "Community > Artists" place an ad promoting your photography business.
6. Massage/Spa: Under "Services Offered > Theraputic Services" announce a "Grand Opening" or promote your massage services, offer promotions, etc.
7. Tanning Salon: Under "For Sale > Free" offer a week of free tanning on your basic beds or perhaps a free trial on a more advanced tanning system.

While there are some posting guidelines that need to be followed, posting on Craigstlist is absolutely free! Free advertising that is also effective? Yep.

The key to using Craigslist is to post ads frequently. As with any effective advertising, a healthy balance of brand exposure and familiarity are required. Then it comes down to time - how much are you willing to spend if it means growing your business?

If you'd like to try other, popular online classifieds resources, I would suggest Kijiji.com (eBay's classifieds site) and Oodle.com, which handles classifieds for Facebook.

Anthony Vita
Web Feat Works
http://www.WebFeatWorks.com

Dealing With Viruses

Computer viruses are getting nastier. One thing I've noticed is how easily your computer can be infected by doing something that seems totally harmless - like opening a video in Facebook or downloading Google Chrome. Yes, both have happened to me and it's time to give a little advice on preventing and dealing with viruses you may receive as well.

Preventing Viruses

If someone were advising you on how to prevent from getting a real disease, you'd probably hear things like: see a doctor regularly, change your diet, excercise regularly, etc. This idea of doing multiple things to prevent infection is the same when it comes to protecting your computer. To do this, it's important to do the following:

1) Never open attachments you're not 100% certain about. I know, you've heard it 1000 times before - never open attachments. But viruses are getting trickier. For example, I recently got a virus after opening a video that came from a friend on Facebook. How sneaky! The video arrived as a "message" and not as a wall posting, so keep that in mind when checking your FB Inbox. If a friend sends you a video, email them first to confirm they really sent it. Sounds like alot of work but would you rather have a virus?

2) Download and install multiple anti-spam software programs. I would recommend the following programs: SpyBot, AVG and Malwarebytes. There is also a nice, free online scan at Windows Live OneCare. Some viruses actually disable your ability to run updates for these various programs - another annoyance. To get around this, you'll need to have more than one anti-virus program handy - the more tools at your disposal the better. I would not recommend Norton or McAfee anti-virus programs as I've found them to be too intrusive.

3) Have one anti-virus program monitoring your system at any given time. While you may download and install multiple anti-virus programs, one is all you need to actively monitor your system. Doing this will help detect viruses as they are launched on your system. I would suggest either Spybot, which uses something called Tea Timer, or AVG to accomplish this.

4) Update your anti-virus definitions daily. Each virus (old and new) has a set of "definitions" along with it. These definitions vary depending on which anti-virus program you're using. But the idea is to make sure you have the latest definitions on your system so if an infection is detected you're able to remove it (works much like a flu or tetanus shot). In the event one anti-virus program can't update or doesn't have the latest virus definitions, at least you have a few other program options. The more programs you have access to, the better your chances of finding a "cure" for your infected files.

If you are in the Web Feat local area (Central and Southwest VA) and need assistance with installing, configuring and scanning your systems for viruses, appointments can be made by request.

Thanks,
Anthony Vita
http://www.webfeatworks.com/

Web Feat Now On Facebook

Web Feat has just joined Facebook. Why? According to a 2009 Harris Poll, nearly half of all Americans have a Facebook or MySpace account. 74% of adults between the ages of 18-34 are using these social networking tools. These are staggering numbers!

Here is a link to the poll: http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/pubs/Harris_Poll_2009_04_16.pdf

Why not start a Facebook account and see how it can work as a super, online networking event? I'm not exactly sure how Web Feat will use Facebook (FB), but I do know the goals are twofold:

1) Help Existing Clients: I'm hoping this will somehow be a help to our existing client base. While I don't intend to use FB as forum for support issues, I do want to share helpful information, insights or advice about how our clients can get the most out of their websites and the services we are providing.

2) Generate leads: I'm interested in seeing how viral marketing can work. I don't consider myself a salesman by any means. With over 11 years experience in Internet business, I feel more like a consultant.

I am documenting FB progress in this blog so I can discuss what works, what doesn't and any other observations along the way. Other businesses wondering how FB can benefit them may find it of interest as well.

Here is a link to our FB account: http://www.facebook.com/people/Web-Feat/1741882595

Anthony Vita
Web Feat
http://www.webfeatworks.com/