Eight Barter tips for Bloggers

Barter was the original currency in early times, and it still has a place today. Links and advertisements are the currency of the internet, so why not barter some in return for giving businesses the benefit of your leverage? Here are some ideas:

1/ Get your local printer to make you some business cards in return for an advertisement.

2/ Sponsor a local event – a car boot or yard sale, a dog show, a pageant – in return for publicity about the event. You’ll be able to attend, network and give out cards or flyers.

3/ Run an advertisement for your favorite coffee shop in return for free coffee three times a week.

4/ Offer to review new products or software for your local computer store in return for testing them out.

5/ Write a review about a new car in return for borrowing one for a few days from your dealer or manufacturer.

6/ Swap an advertisement in return for free lessons – a language? Scuba diving? Kayaking? A musical instrument?

7/ Exchange membership of your gym for a feature or advertisement on your blog.

8/ Swap adverts on your blog with another blogger in your niche, so you share readers.

A couple of rules:

• Always disclose if you are writing a feature
• Always tell people that you are going to write an honest review – good or bad. If they aren’t happy with that, move on.

These are just a few. How have you bartered on your blog?

Also check out:

1/ Why are some brands cool?

2/ Selling advertising on your blog

3/ Generate income from your blog by offering a service