Working the Web: Free things to help your Web site

About a year ago, Wired Magazine Editor Chris Anderson wrote an article titled, "Free! Why $0.00 is the Future of Business."

As you might expect, it caused a bit of a stir and at least a little snickering. How can businesses operate for free?

Well, free does work when it comes to the Web, because of the great efficiencies it offers. YouTube, Facebook, MySpace and many other sites have become enormous by giving away their products for free.

And there's a lot people with a small business can do for free to help them find success. Let's go over a few.

1. Google: Google is probably the king of free, with a multitude of services businesses can take advantage of without spending a dime. Did you know you can list your business for free on Google Maps? When doing some searches for Carson City, your business listing can show up next to the map. While you are adding your business listing, you can also add free coupons for specials your business might be offering.

Want a free Web site? Try using Google Sites. It's very easy. Tired of paying for software like Microsoft Office? Try using Google Docs.

Google also solves one of my pet peeves " having to pay to dial information on the phone. Instead, dial 1-800-GOOG-411 and they will get you your information for free. Give it a try.

2. Facebook: When people think of Facebook, they envision college kids chatting online and sharing photos. But did you know that Facebook has special profile pages for businesses? You can set them up for free and start tapping into the social network. You also can set up a page for your business on MySpace to attract the younger audience with which that Web site does so well.

3. Linkedin: This is social networking for business, and it's growing fast. If your company already doesn't have a profile page on Linkedin, you can add one for free. This site can be especially good for finding prospective employees or business partners.

4. Blog: Talk to business people and you will likely find two common qualities. First, they are experts in whatever business they are in, And, second, they are passionate about that subject. Those two qualities also are what makes a good blog. Share your expertise and passion and you will find customers who want to do business with you. There are many free blogging platforms like Blogger or Wordpress.

Nevadaappeal.com also offers free blogs.

5. Yelp: Yelp is one of many review sites, where people come and leave reviews of businesses. Your business already might be on that site. But it might help to have one of your favorite customers write a review telling everyone why they like you. And it's free, of course.

The list of free things you can do to help your business could go on and on. Just try typing "free" and you type of business into Google, and you will see plenty of options. It can take some time to hunt down the ones best for your business, but knowing they are there is the first step.

Give it a try.

- Contact reporter Kirk Caraway at kcaraway@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1261.