Merchant Circle
Late this afternoon I received a recorded phone call. Short and to the point - (paraphrased) “Someone wrote a review of your business, please go to www.merchantcircle.com and enter your business phone number into the box to see your listing.”
So what? I’ve been listed in Who’s Who before when they wanted to sell me a book, too. I was curious enough to go check it out anyway. What I found was an offer for a free account (and paid subscriptions, too).
I didn’t spend a lot of time investigating, but a free listing with a link to my website doesn’t sound so bad - so I signed up. Then I created a coupon offer and an ad to go with the coupon all for free.
Do I know how many sets of eyeballs might see it? I haven’t a clue. Will I be pestered with Spam and phone calls? Maybe, but they seem to be a legit company and it should be easy to get off their list (I hope). Is it worth it? It’s too early to tell, but my gut tells me unless it’s a link exchange site, there is no harm in having other sites link to your business web site. After all, if you didn’t want anyone to see it, why do have a web site? I’m sure not trying to keep my web site or phone number a secret!
What I can say is that this feels like a fine example of guerilla marketing. I have several other free listings, and while I wouldn’t put out my personal info on these things, I don’t have a problem with people finding Technoid. I’m doing my best to get the word out that I’m a computer consultant looking for small business customers.
Tags: computer biz, guerilla marketing, Marketing