When I first started as a web design freelancer I found a great resource to generate leads in an industry that I was relatively unfamiliar with. I learned a trick while using the Google Reader and a little known site called Crazedlist.org that lets you follow RSS feeds of Craigslist postings based on specific keywords and locations. This allows you to easily scan craigslist for web development leads.
Quickly scan all of craigslist for leads
I very quickly learned that even if I couldn't provide the services someone was looking for, I could interview a service provider and contract with them to perform the work. Using this tool I was able to source web design leads as well as an array of other web related services. Within a month we were providing internet marketing, SEO and copy writing services. Shortly after, I realized that I could take any qualified lead and sell it to vendors in that industry. This was particularly profitable in the home service industry where I could sell leads for house painting, landscaping or even solar installation.
Caveats
A few cautions to keep in mind when engaging in any sort of lead generation and distribution business. You must always qualify the leads and check up on your service providers. For me this meant calling the individual in need of help, asking a few questions to verify they were serious about having the work done and finding out an approximate start date. You will quickly loose a vendor who is paying top dollar for leads if your leads don't convert to clients. One the other hand, it is crucial to check up on your vendors and contact their existing clients to ensure they provide exceptional services. A company with a great reputation will generally close more jobs and make your life easier.
How do I set up my Google Reader on Crazedlist.org?
Once you visit the site www.crazedlist.org you will be prompted to turn off your referrers, so just follow the instructions to complete this task. This means Craigslist wont be able to tell where you are getting the RSS feeds from or ban your IP address. In the top nav you will fill out your targeted keyword, desired locations and category of the leads you are looking to generate, then in the drop down that says "search for" select the second option "Get feeds for." You will then be taken to a page with a hyperlink titled "this link." Follow the instructions and right click on the link to save it as a .opml file. Now you have a packaged file of all the RSS feeds in the location you selected and the keyword you have targeted. Take this to your Google Reader and click settings, go to Import/Export, and upload your file. You can manage your files by putting them in folders which is very helpful in organizing your leads. Finally, go to your Google Reader main page and begin browsing. Repeat this process for as many keywords as you would like to target. Here are the quick points:
- Go to www.crazedlist.org
- Turn off referrers
- Enter your keyword and location
- Save the feed link as a .opml file on your computer
- Import into your google reader
- Get scanning!
Doctor's Orders
If you want to up your earnings, especially as a web developer, you should at least try out the technique outlined above. I wanted to share this trick with the world to prove that you can always earn your own income if you keep your eyes open and get creative. Feel free to contact us over at our web development site if you have any questions setting up your Google Reader.
Kevin Rice is a founding partner at Hathway Tech, where he is responsible for project management, training, and overall business strategy. He is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a South Park enthusiast, and a true scholar of Joomla! and web development in general.
