Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 09:30:20 pm

Title: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 09:30:20 pm
Hi Guys

I have been approached by a directory to head up a new window cleaning directory.

I want it to be set up as a business so it makes money and then can be developed and be the best directory for finding your local window cleaner.

What would you be prepared to pay as a one off charge, we plan to have one priority listing (top of the list) and then the others rotate for that town

The site will be SEO'd to in time put the site at the top of google

I would also be interested in any suggestions of things that you would want from the site

Thanks for your help

Charlie
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 09:42:24 pm
Hi Guys

Why you looking and not commenting this is something that could help you win business all feedback is welcome
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Chris Cottrell on January 02, 2011, 09:46:51 pm
Charlie

I agree this could help everyone secure more busines but at this time of year (no disrespect) this is just some other advertising opportunity thats begging for your hard earned cash

We all get these calls all to freqently it seems
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Dean Taberner on January 02, 2011, 09:49:24 pm
I'm in charlie,

Email me the details when you get 5 mate,

Guys, this is a cracking idea. We are currently doing a fair few grands worth of regular work for charlie on what sounds like a similar scheme.

Dean.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 09:51:29 pm
Chris

Fair point, at this stage it is just market research, just after peoples thoughts not there money

The reason it interests me is that all the big boys make promises and never deliver and I feel there could be a good directory for our industry with input from the industy
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Nameless Drudge on January 02, 2011, 09:54:49 pm
I think these type of directorys prey on the gullible and new starters like me, and when enquiries do emerge they are the type that want several quotes resulting in the price of window cleaning being driven downwards as well as wasting the time of those quoting without securing the job.
                                                         A new directory, and a fee to be paid to get on it, is unwelcome in my eyes but as people do pay to be on these then if you get yours to the top of the search rankings then some may feel the need to pay for it but not me.

                       Seems to me compact is the way forward and its not helped by random enquiries though it could be argued the enquiries may highlight an area ripe for work(in your dreams).

                      So a big damp squib from me.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Dean Taberner on January 02, 2011, 09:58:17 pm
Ambition is the key.

Dean.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Frankybadboy on January 02, 2011, 09:59:54 pm
i be intested in this charlie.

what do i want to pay.as little as poss  :P :P

rich-frank@hotmail.co.uk
if i can have details.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 10:22:29 pm
Hi Dean

At this point I'm just testing the water to see 1, if it's worth me getting involved 2, if there is a need for this sort of website in the market and 3, any good ideas that you guys feel that the site and other window cleaners would benefit from

I'm in charlie,

Email me the details when you get 5 mate,

Guys, this is a cracking idea. We are currently doing a fair few grands worth of regular work for charlie on what sounds like a similar scheme.

Dean.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 10:25:46 pm
Sean

Thanks for the feedback as your the guys that we would be approaching and need to know what you think, if I decide to get involved and it takes off I guess I will have to work on converting you....

I think these type of directorys prey on the gullible and new starters like me, and when enquiries do emerge they are the type that want several quotes resulting in the price of window cleaning being driven downwards as well as wasting the time of those quoting without securing the job.
                                                         A new directory, and a fee to be paid to get on it, is unwelcome in my eyes but as people do pay to be on these then if you get yours to the top of the search rankings then some may feel the need to pay for it but not me.

                       Seems to me compact is the way forward and its not helped by random enquiries though it could be argued the enquiries may highlight an area ripe for work(in your dreams).

                      So a big damp squib from me.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: chopsie on January 02, 2011, 10:29:41 pm
I do not know about commercial. But me as a domestic customer would not look on these type sites for a window cleaner, The same goes for sparky,plumber,builder etc, etc. The likes of trusted trader etc. Infact i would actively avoid them as anyone can join them for a fee and possibly a couple of references (off your mates/family).
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 10:31:34 pm
Rich

No details at this time but as and when will let you know, moneywise they have mentioned £150 for priority and £100 for standard, per town one off payment

What would be included is name, address, tel, fax, email, web, picture and 100 word description, most importantly I feel is a link to your website

i be intested in this charlie.

what do i want to pay.as little as poss  :P :P

rich-frank@hotmail.co.uk
if i can have details.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: windiewasher on January 02, 2011, 10:32:59 pm
put my name in the hat m8!
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: chopsie on January 02, 2011, 10:36:03 pm
Bit of a back track, 100 quid one off payment would not be to bad, compared to the rip off prices of useless yell.com etc
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 10:36:50 pm
Chopsie

Thanks for the feedback, where would you look for a Local Window Cleaner as we questioned 4000 people in Hertfordshire (1000 in four different towns) and looking on the Internet came top with asking a neighbour who they use second.

I do not know about commercial. But me as a domestic customer would not look on these type sites for a window cleaner, The same goes for sparky,plumber,builder etc, etc. The likes of trusted trader etc. Infact i would actively avoid them as anyone can join them for a fee and possibly a couple of references (off your mates/family).
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Nameless Drudge on January 02, 2011, 10:37:33 pm
Sean

Thanks for the feedback as your the guys that we would be approaching and need to know what you think, if I decide to get involved and it takes off I guess I will have to work on converting you....

I think these type of directorys prey on the gullible and new starters like me, and when enquiries do emerge they are the type that want several quotes resulting in the price of window cleaning being driven downwards as well as wasting the time of those quoting without securing the job.
                                                         A new directory, and a fee to be paid to get on it, is unwelcome in my eyes but as people do pay to be on these then if you get yours to the top of the search rankings then some may feel the need to pay for it but not me.

                       Seems to me compact is the way forward and its not helped by random enquiries though it could be argued the enquiries may highlight an area ripe for work(in your dreams).

                      So a big damp squib from me.


I might be a bit more positive tommorrow but have today been on a 400 mile round trip to take 3 greyhounds racing and the one we lumped on got beat a short head in a photo finish.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: chopsie on January 02, 2011, 10:41:38 pm
Chopsie

Thanks for the feedback, where would you look for a Local Window Cleaner as we questioned 4000 people in Hertfordshire (1000 in four different towns) and looking on the Internet came top with asking a neighbour who they use second.


I would google it (or ask a neighbour first), But I would not choose one off local(whatever trade).com site
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: glen parva on January 02, 2011, 10:42:53 pm
Hi Charlie,

Count me in mate I would be interested at that money.

Kind regards,

John
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 10:43:20 pm
Doctor windows

If it happens I will do we will put a link on here, I'm sure we will do a deal for clean it up members

put my name in the hat m8!
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: JoeMax on January 02, 2011, 10:45:49 pm
This will only work on a 'per lead' basis surely.

After everyone has paid to be listed you don't have much motivation to promote the site.

Also need to know traffic details etc..
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 10:46:26 pm
Chopsie

What about localwindowcleaner.com ha ha



Chopsie

Thanks for the feedback, where would you look for a Local Window Cleaner as we questioned 4000 people in Hertfordshire (1000 in four different towns) and looking on the Internet came top with asking a neighbour who they use second.


I would google it (or ask a neighbour first), But I would not choose one off local(whatever trade).com site
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: George P on January 02, 2011, 10:51:49 pm
hi charlie, this is something that i may be interested in, thank you george
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Smudger on January 02, 2011, 10:54:30 pm
Yep, i could be- interested  £100 - one off fee - would like to know how the site is going to promote itself etc..

we mainly do domestic and TBH we come out top of any local search to us on google, however i do a few commercial
jobs and this year want to increase this side a little more so another advertising stream could be welcome

Darran
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Richard Neal on January 02, 2011, 10:55:28 pm
Sounds interesting at those prices as long as it stays high up on the search engines,

All i get off yell .com is other advertisers and time wasters.

 keep us informed mate
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Chris Cottrell on January 02, 2011, 10:57:35 pm
Chopsie

What about localwindowcleaner.com ha ha



Chopsie

Thanks for the feedback, where would you look for a Local Window Cleaner as we questioned 4000 people in Hertfordshire (1000 in four different towns) and looking on the Internet came top with asking a neighbour who they use second.


I would google it (or ask a neighbour first), But I would not choose one off local(whatever trade).com site

I have found people will look online searching for "window cleaner" & their local Town/City
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 10:58:24 pm
JoeMax

I don't think these work well as someone will always pay more than the others and get all the leads, what we want the site to do is bring people to your websites, so you can showcase your information and services.

As a company The Price Group pay in excess of £25k a year to stay at the top of google now I know that this is not possible for most so I want to have a site up at the top of google that will bring Jo Bloggs to there 10, 20, 500 what ever the number is window cleaners websites so they can contact you direct and the rest is up to you.

Most people search for services on google these days, I have given work to some great guys on here but would never have found them through the organic search on google as they could be on page 20 let alone 1....


This will only work on a 'per lead' basis surely.

After everyone has paid to be listed you don't have much motivation to promote the site.

Also need to know traffic details etc..
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 11:04:08 pm
Chris

These are the people we will be targeting,

Chopsie

What about localwindowcleaner.com ha ha



Chopsie

Thanks for the feedback, where would you look for a Local Window Cleaner as we questioned 4000 people in Hertfordshire (1000 in four different towns) and looking on the Internet came top with asking a neighbour who they use second.


I would google it (or ask a neighbour first), But I would not choose one off local(whatever trade).com site

I have found people will look online searching for "window cleaner" & their local Town/City
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 02, 2011, 11:13:40 pm
Smudger

We plan to have a commercial side and a domestic side, as a commercial company we must get 20 calls a week for domestic no good to us, and I bet if someone did domestic they wouldn't want calls for commercial, on the flip side people may want both, the site would cater for all





Yep, i could be- interested  £100 - one off fee - would like to know how the site is going to promote itself etc..

we mainly do domestic and TBH we come out top of any local search to us on google, however i do a few commercial
jobs and this year want to increase this side a little more so another advertising stream could be welcome

Darran
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Blue City Cleaning on January 02, 2011, 11:59:02 pm
With my customers I know that they would us neighbours/friends first for any window cleaning, plumbing, car repair, etc.
For me it's Yellow Pages that I look first and then Google.
I think for that price it wouldn't hurt to be on it but I wouldn't expect much volume of it being domestic.

Regards
Chris
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Danny Guest on January 03, 2011, 12:08:58 am
I paid £150 to be in the ploice safeguard magazine and another £200 for the emergency services diary and i didnt get many domestic leads but a few commercial.

I would pay roughly around that figure depending on how many hits you could get on the site.

Seems in its early stages but could be a hit if marketed right.

Good luck
Danny
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: jaespray on January 03, 2011, 12:09:22 am
hi charlie
i would be interested in a flat surface washing website
regards john
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Steve CM on January 03, 2011, 12:31:04 am
i would pay but then i think i know what company would take the sponsored listing in my area  :P
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: bobby p on January 03, 2011, 08:30:28 am
it sounds a bit samey. now if whoever was running the site did a bit of phone canvassing for each subscriber ,i bet the site would soar up above ALL the rest in popularity
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Darranvps on January 03, 2011, 08:31:25 am
Hi Charlie,

It sounds like a good idea.
For us, we would perhaps want to advertise in various Towns and Cities for commercial work only.
Count us in, and let us know further details as and when they become available.

For Commercial Window Cleaners, perhaps the site could only accept companies who attach/download certificates of their Insurance, Safe Contractor Plus or CHAS, even as far as adding in skills/Qualifications such as IPAF, PASMA, NVQ CSCS - this would help larger companies such as yours easily assess which potential sub contractors to approach.

I think there are too many sites advertising anybody who wishes to pay and not enough who source/showcase the true professionals out there.

We are about to offer something similar ourselves to local window cleaners who clean domestic windows only, as we often get requests from many domestic customers from all over the place.
It would be free to add a link, providing they added our link to their site also. Our new site should be up and running quite soon.

Good luck.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 03, 2011, 09:09:35 am
Steve

Ha ha to make it fair we would not be listed on the site so you would be able to grab the top spot

i would pay but then i think i know what company would take the sponsored listing in my area  :P
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: jsm on January 03, 2011, 09:11:44 am
www.localwindowcleaner.com

cheeky Charlie has linked it to his shop site --- kerching lol

what he means is  ''' local window cleaner ''' - here's the place to shop  ;D


id leave it as it is C , i think you make more having all the window cleaner's buying from the site
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 03, 2011, 09:15:16 am
You would be able to list your service but it will be based around window cleaning, but would be able to showcase the additional services you offer, we plan to work on a symbol
system, one for window cleaning, gutter cleaning, carpet cleaning and pressure washing but the site will be mainly for window cleaners

hi charlie
i would be interested in a flat surface washing website
regards john
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 03, 2011, 09:23:36 am
Jsm

It has been hosted due to someone trying to buy the domain, I have placed it looking at that site so it has some relative content so google finds it so if we do this we are not starting at the very bottom.

It takes a lot of work and money to get to the top of google especially if we are looking for window cleaners in ect ect ect

Every little help in the early stages, if and when this project goes live the shop will have nothing to do with the directory

www.localwindowcleaner.com

cheeky Charlie has linked it to his shop site --- kerching lol

what he means is  ''' local window cleaner ''' - here's the place to shop  ;D


id leave it as it is C , i think you make more having all the window cleaner's buying from the site

Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 03, 2011, 09:29:12 am
Rhinoman

In the description area you would be able to detail the acreditations you have and I'm sure we could make it possible to load up a PDF of each doc so potential clients could see your professionalism from the min they searched an area.


Hi Charlie,

It sounds like a good idea.
For us, we would perhaps want to advertise in various Towns and Cities for commercial work only.
Count us in, and let us know further details as and when they become available.

For Commercial Window Cleaners, perhaps the site could only accept companies who attach/download certificates of their Insurance, Safe Contractor Plus or CHAS, even as far as adding in skills/Qualifications such as IPAF, PASMA, NVQ CSCS - this would help larger companies such as yours easily assess which potential sub contractors to approach.

I think there are too many sites advertising anybody who wishes to pay and not enough who source/showcase the true professionals out there.

We are about to offer something similar ourselves to local window cleaners who clean domestic windows only, as we often get requests from many domestic customers from all over the place.
It would be free to add a link, providing they added our link to their site also. Our new site should be up and running quite soon.

Good luck.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 03, 2011, 09:31:51 am
Bobby p

This is something we could look at but it is really a different service and would need a lot more mam power so would in turn cost a lot more.


it sounds a bit samey. now if whoever was running the site did a bit of phone canvassing for each subscriber ,i bet the site would soar up above ALL the rest in popularity
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Blue Frog Systems on January 03, 2011, 10:32:15 am
I'd be interested Charlie... as said already, let us know when you have more info
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Nick Wareham on January 03, 2011, 12:57:14 pm
I've seen a few of these spring up and then disappear over the years, sorry my opinion is that they simply dont work.

The problem is that customers just dont use them,

Quote
looking on the Internet came top

Yes sure, but looking on directory sites?  I doubt it.  More like google or yell maybe.  The only way to make a directory site successful is to promote it with the general public, which is usually impossible as that would cost £millions, with no guarantee of a return.

Sorry to be negative, but i've seen this before, even really well designed ones, and they just dont work.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: Clive McDonald on January 03, 2011, 01:08:51 pm
I'm a bit baffled charlie.

Point one, why hasn't this thread been policed and deleted.You do know the CIU forum owner already has the greatest directory in the universe, both free and paid.

We all get regular emails.

The trouble is no one has ever posted on here that they got a job off it.

This directory is called   spic and span   now do you remember?

Yes it was done very badly, and yes he didn't listen to a word we said, but even so the results were dire.


Forget it.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 03, 2011, 05:07:02 pm
Nick

Hi thanks for the feed back but both google and yell are directories, the reason for looking at doing one just for the sort of services carried out by members on here is so that it is specific and brings the small companies to the top of google, yes through a directory but a specific one, yell and Thompson I bet people find far to expensive and for 11k I can be at the top of every town on yell as they make promises and never deliver, I want to make a site that links people in your area to your website so you can showcase your services and information to the customer.

I know it is slightly different but we have secured over £300k of work in 2010 form enquiries through our website

If you can get the right website infront of the customer 50% of the sales job is done 


I've seen a few of these spring up and then disappear over the years, sorry my opinion is that they simply dont work.

The problem is that customers just dont use them,

Quote
looking on the Internet came top

Yes sure, but looking on directory sites?  I doubt it.  More like google or yell maybe.  The only way to make a directory site successful is to promote it with the general public, which is usually impossible as that would cost £millions, with no guarantee of a return.

Sorry to be negative, but i've seen this before, even really well designed ones, and they just dont work.
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: croxley steve on January 03, 2011, 05:16:05 pm
hi charley , id defo be interested in joining up as i feel £100 is probably better spent on that site than yell etc .let me know when youve got more details
steve
Title: Re: www.localwindowcleaner.com
Post by: j.v. price ltd on January 03, 2011, 07:19:12 pm
Steve

Will do mate

hi charley , id defo be interested in joining up as i feel £100 is probably better spent on that site than yell etc .let me know when youve got more details
steve