Any Tips on Promoting and Online Business

[SpaceOut]

I have an online service that has been LIVE since the beginning of 2009. It is based around a brand new concept / service and our challenge is how we go about raising the profile of the concept - and letting people know that this type of service even exists.

The service, called SpaceOut (www.spaceout.com.au) allows ordinary Australians to make a bit of extra cash, by renting out spare or unused space in their home of business for storage.

Pretty much everyone we explain the concept to "gets it" pretty easily and agrees that it is a great idea. We already have members Australian wide making hundreds of dollars a month (that's thousands a year) - literally making money out of thin air.

Our challenge is getting the word out about the concept - and raising the profile about the service we offer. We are pretty comfortable with the Online Marketing side of things - and have also started to get media attention (some of it national), so am happy that we are on the right path, but would appreciate any hints or suggestions as to other marketing opportunities (cheap ones of course - we ARE a startup).

[snvinfotech]

Originally Posted by SpaceOut

I have an online service that has been LIVE since the beginning of 2009. It is based around a brand new concept / service and our challenge is how we go about raising the profile of the concept - and letting people know that this type of service even exists.

The service, called SpaceOut (www.spaceout.com.au) allows ordinary Australians to make a bit of extra cash, by renting out spare or unused space in their home of business for storage.

Pretty much everyone we explain the concept to "gets it" pretty easily and agrees that it is a great idea. We already have members Australian wide making hundreds of dollars a month (that's thousands a year) - literally making money out of thin air.

Our challenge is getting the word out about the concept - and raising the profile about the service we offer. We are pretty comfortable with the Online Marketing side of things - and have also started to get media attention (some of it national), so am happy that we are on the right path, but would appreciate any hints or suggestions as to other marketing opportunities (cheap ones of course - we ARE a startup).

It's really seems to be a great idea which can even challenge many big warehouses if get the good promotion.

Regarding the marketing I would suggest to go for an SEO of the website , so that they can help you to list few good keywords on the TOP of the results and you can get some traffic from search engines. The other way of marketing are Video Marketing , Article submissions , Press Release , Social Networking , Social News tagging , Classified postings , SMO etc.

Let me know if I can help you with any of this jargon.

[SheInspires]

If you have the online side sorted and are getting national media coverage then maybe seek out those who have done what you want to achieve and ask them for their advice. People can be very receptive to networking, sharing experiences etc if just asked.

I've worked with a business coach and found it one of the most valuable things I've done with the business.

What about also approaching specific industries and associations for the industries that are your key targets to advertise in their newsletters, make special offers to members and be involved in their tradeshows?

All the best with it.

[Vossy]

Hi Spaceout,

You didn't say it directly, but is the issue - that people with space get it - there are lots of people who are willing to rent out space - but the people looking for space don't understand or reject the value proposition? Do you understand how space renters see the offer?

It's a little hard to suggest a solution that is not self serving :-) without understanding the business issue. Getting the word out begs the question "about what?" and the self storage market is very competitive.

Can you perhaps clarify your question if this entry has helped stimulate some thoughts.