I've been researching (for want of a better word, it's not been a passion persay) these types of rating websites, there are about 70 of them that fit nationally and non of them have any customers at the moment because customers are not even calling tilers at the moment like they used to.
They're searching for cheaper deals online and in stores, and unless any of these websites are connected to such a thing they're not getting customers.
If you personally search the net for "tiler in YOUR AREA" and you find such a website TOP (and top only, not the bottom of the page, or any page greater than page 1), then it might be worth getting listed on that page. Though I bet you £50 you can't! And that's why they're not worth it.
The few boasting radio advertising, large amounts of cash invested in adwords, and even teams of salesmen getting TRADERS are all lacking shouting out to the CUSTOMERS!!!!!!
As they don't get paid when the customer signs up, as why would a customer pay? They get paid when a trader signs up. And you ONLY sign up if you hear it's good.
No such site as ever had really good reports. Even
www.FindTrustedTradesmen.co.uk (although that said, you can have a listing on there and get it rank for your area - so cutting out the middle-man - and that's why I opted for that software) though it's never made a man rich. So I'd never charge for it.
DO NOT BOTHER WITH ANY SUCH WEBSITE.
Yell.com get a 5/10 for me. I HATE THEM SELLING YOUR DETAILS THOUGH WHICH IS UNAVOIDABLE!!!! COLD CALLERS ALERT - EVEN FROM THEM!!!
And the odd touchlocal style website ONLY FOR certain areas seem to get Kudos in Google. Though that only gets a 2/10.
Everything else gets a 1/10, and customer street are like -20 out of 10!
FTT (our website) gets a 5/10 from me. As it's free, you make a page, and it WILL rank, though from a revenue stream it'll not be getting you CUSTOMERS right now as they're just NOT SEARCHING THE NET!!!!!
I'd seriously take that advice on board and spend your money LOCALLY on things you have RESEARCHED and found out they bring a return.
ADVERTISING is on it's arse just like anything else right now. So HAGGLE for a slot in your local rag for a half price rate as a trial. And if it works tell them you'll comit to twice the minimum length on the spot. And that'll give you some 'testing grounds' to make your own mind up.
I have however found a possible website worth promoting once I find more details. As it's an on-going thing and you promote it yourself and use it as a sort of 'selling point'. Though I'm still looking into it.
