The Art of Bartering for Web Services
By Marc McDonald


Do you need a specialized task performed for your Web site? Such as a new custom logo? Or a specialized script? Or a new database? Before you reach for your checkbook to pay a commercial company to do the work, consider bartering for the project.

Over the years, I've found that it's possible to get virtually any sort of specialized Web task done for free, via bartering. All it takes is some legwork and creativity.

My first barter deal arose a couple of years ago, when I needed a site of mine translated into Spanish. Initially, I explored several of the Web's commercial translation services. However, after I did some legwork, it transpired that a neighbor of mine was professionally fluent in Spanish. He was also a newbie to the Net and was eager to get a Web site up and running. We bartered a deal: in return for him translating my site, I guided him through the process of setting up his Web site.

Since then, I've bartered countless deals for various projects for my sites. And, as a result, I've been able to get a lot of vital tasks completed for free that would have easily cost thousands of dollars had I simply bought the services from a commercial company. What's the best way to get started in bartering for Web-related work?

First of all, consider your strengths and areas of expertise as a Webmaster. Many successful site owners, by necessity, are capable of doing many types of tasks on the Web, from writing HTML to promoting their sites via the search engines.

However, most Webmasters have at least specific area in which they excel. Perhaps they're proficient in creating graphics. Or maybe they have strong writing skills. Or perhaps they're an HTML guru.

If you have at least one Web-related area in which you excel, then the odds increase that you'll be able to leverage that skill in successful barters on the Web. However, even if you don't excel at any given Web-related task, it's still possible to succeed in bartering.

For example, many successful Web site owners often have a large "to do" list of typically mundane, clerical-type chores that they never have time to get around to doing. Perhaps their site needs a thorough proofreading. Or perhaps they need someone to spend a few hours researching their site placement under various keywords in the various search engines out there.

One nice thing about bartering for Web-related work is that the longer you're on the Web, the more barter opportunities emerge. I've been running Web sites since 1996. During the past few years, I've accumulated a sizable list of experts who specialize in many different areas who I can always approach for barter deals.

For example, since my initial barter deal to have a Web site translated into Spanish, I've developed a number of contacts among people fluent in various languages. Through barter deals, I've managed to get Web content translated into various languages over the years, including Swedish, French, and German.

I now have a number of barter contacts who I can approach for virtually any sort of specialized task I need: whether it's a custom logo, a new HTML design, help with a database, etc. In short, bartering has saved me thousands of dollars over the years.

The lesson I've learned is: never underestimate the power of bartering for any specialized Web-related tasks you need performed.

The longer that you're on the Web and the more contacts you build up, the greater the odds that someone you know can perform a specific task for you in a barter deal. Used to its potential, the art of Web bartering can save you a lot of money over the long haul.

About The Author
Marc McDonald is a former journalist and editor with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the creator of FreebieDirectory.com as well as several other popular Web sites that have received extensive media exposure from CNN's "Headline News," the BBC, Fox News, ZDTV, CBS Radio, the Washington Post, and many more. Visit the FreebieDirectory or Mark's other site AAAPostcards.