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.
