Online contacts

[bunyip]

Looking for a little help.

I'd like to advertise my services and make contact with parents looking for a CM in my area. I use all the usual shop windows, local families directory, children's centre, other EY settings, etc. but realise a lot of people may search online. I already use the free entries on cc.co.uk and ******, but they've not generated much interest. So I'd like to spread the net a little, but can't afford to throw any money at this.

Someone suggested I should try:_

• *****
• Gumtree
• ******

Does anyone have any experience of these. Do I need to register, and how straightforward is it?

I was told that ***** simply duplicate the entries from FIS listings, but this doesn't seem to be the case.

Can anyone advise, please?

[jumpinjen]

I looked for online business directories that were free to join and added my details to them..... I have had lots of calls and e-mails from them over the last few years, as parents often go to google first when they are looking for childcare.... yell.com is the biggest...... ***** childcare board has thrown me some calls and business too.... you can also contact parents yourself through there that advertise they want care. Hope that helps, Jen x

[bunyip]

Thanks Jen, that's lovely.

Looks like I need to spend some time trawling my way through the registration pages. Hope it's straightforward.

[Mouse]

I get quite a few calls through yell .com, but they're normally people trying to sell me things, or sign me up for training

Registering on ***** is very easy. You put your own advert on, but I'm not sure how long it stays on. I've got a feeling they've started removing them after a while. I've got a few enquires through there and have replied to parents who have put ads on saying they were looking for a cm.

[bunyip]

Thanks for the tips, Mouse.

[jumpinjen]

I get quite a few calls through yell.com, but they're normally people trying to sell me things, or sign me up for training

Registering on ***** is very easy. You put your own advert on, but I'm not sure how long it stays on. I've got a feeling they've started removing them after a while. I've got a few enquires through there and have replied to parents who have put ads on saying they were looking for a cm.

Your advert expires after a month but they do email you to tell you and your next advert is then at the top of the list - I copy and paste mine! Although I haven't advertised on their for ages as it is saturated with new minders offering more than I'm prepared to, to try and get business.... I do check regularly and e-mail parents though...

I've had yell.com trying to sell me a premium listing but I just say no thanks!

Jen x

[bunyip]

I get cold-called by everyone from Thompson Local to the people who print the local police calendar, all wanting to sell me advertising.

I simply tell them that my advertising budget for any one source is £6 a year: what can they offer me for £6 ?

Their response =

If the lovely lady who prints 3 editions each year of my local families directory can do it for £6, then big companies like Yell and Google can.

[jumpinjen]

I get cold-called by everyone from Thompson Local to the people who print the local police calendar, all wanting to sell me advertising.

I simply tell them that my advertising budget for any one source is £6 a year: what can they offer me for £6 ?

Their response =

If the lovely lady who prints 3 editions each year of my local families directory can do it for £6, then big companies like Yell and Google can.

I like it!

[mum24]

[loocyloo]

i have a free ad on viva street. i've had a couple of calls through there. they email me every few days to renew the listing! they try to get you to pay, but you don't have to!

i also have a free ad on hot frog.

there is also 'emergency childcare' i'm listed there, and before i moved, used to get occasional calls for 'one off' care.

i think ***** have a free childminder listing ( i don't pay anyway! )

i just googled my area & childminder and signed up/listed myself anywhere i could!

have fun!