Do you need a specialized task performed
for your Web site? Such as a new custom logo?
Or a specialized script? Or a new database?
Before you reach for your checkbook to pay
a commercial company to do the work, consider
bartering for the project.
Over the years, I've found that it's possible
to get virtually any sort of specialized Web task
done for free, via bartering.
All it takes is some legwork and creativity.
My first barter deal arose a couple of years ago,
when I needed a site of mine translated into
Spanish. Initially, I explored several of the
Web's commercial translation services.
However, after I did some legwork, it transpired
that a neighbor of mine was professionally fluent
in Spanish.
He was also a newbie to the Net and was eager to
get a Web site up and running.
We bartered a deal: in return for him translating
my site, I guided him through the process of setting
up his Web site.
Since then, I've bartered countless deals for various
projects for my sites. And, as a result, I've been
able to get a lot of vital tasks completed for free
that would have easily cost thousands of dollars had
I simply bought the services from a commercial company.
What's the best way to get started in bartering for
Web-related work?
First of all, consider your strengths and areas of
expertise as a Webmaster. Many successful site owners,
by necessity, are capable of doing many types of tasks
on the Web, from writing HTML to promoting their sites
via the search engines.
However, most Webmasters have at least specific area in
which they excel. Perhaps they're proficient in creating
graphics. Or maybe they have strong writing skills.
Or perhaps they're an HTML guru.
If you have at least one Web-related area in which you
excel, then the odds increase that you'll be able to
leverage that skill in successful barters on the Web.
However, even if you don't excel at any given Web-related
task, it's still possible to succeed in bartering.
For example, many successful Web site owners often have
a large "to do" list of typically mundane, clerical-type
chores that they never have time to get around to doing.
Perhaps their site needs a thorough proofreading. Or perhaps
they need someone to spend a few hours researching their
site placement under various keywords in the various
search engines out there.
One nice thing about bartering for Web-related work is
that the longer you're on the Web, the more barter opportunities
emerge. I've been running Web sites since 1996. During
the past few years, I've accumulated a sizable list of
experts who specialize in many different areas who I can
always approach for barter deals.
For example, since my initial barter deal to have a Web site
translated into Spanish, I've developed a number of contacts
among people fluent in various languages. Through barter
deals, I've managed to get Web content translated into
various languages over the years, including Swedish, French,
and German.
I now have a number of barter contacts who I can approach
for virtually any sort of specialized task I need: whether
it's a custom logo, a new HTML design, help with a database,
etc. In short, bartering has saved me thousands of dollars
over the years.
The lesson I've learned is: never underestimate the
power of bartering for any specialized Web-related tasks
you need performed.
The longer that you're on the Web and the more contacts you
build up, the greater the odds that someone you know
can perform a specific task for you in a barter
deal. Used to its potential, the art of Web bartering can
save you a lot of money over the long haul.
About the Author
Marc McDonald is a former journalist and editor with the Fort
Worth Star-Telegram and the creator of FreebieDirectory.com
as well as several other popular Web sites that have received
extensive media exposure from CNN's "Headline News," the BBC,
Fox News, ZDTV, CBS Radio, the Washington Post, and many more.
Visit the FreebieDirectory at: http://www.freebiedirectory.com
and AAAPostcards at: http://www.aaapostcards.com