Small Business Web Tools: Outsource Your Copywriting

99Copywriters.com (Click for larger image).

99Copywriters: Prose for Hire

I have a very nifty outsourcing resource for you, called 99Copywriters.  Now, based on that name, can you guess what it does?  Well, wonder no longer — I shall tell you.  Think of it as a hub for quality copywriters. 

So here’s how it works: Let’s say you need a sales page written, or perhaps pay-per-click ads, or maybe a video script — any kind of creative or persuasive writing project.  Just register a free account on the site, then post a project with as much detail as you can provide about what you’re looking for. 

Copywriters from around the world are invited to bid on your project, along with details of why they think they would be a good fit to work on that project for you.  Once you choose someone that you want to work with, you pay half the fee up-front and the other half on completion.  It’s a useful service to help you to find a suitable copywriter for any project.  Check it out at 99 Copywriters.com.

Ninite.com (Click for larger image).

Ninite: A Software Download Service

One of the major hassles of getting a new PC is reloading all the software that you use.  Especially the common programs like Skype, Firefox, iTunes, Acrobat Reader, virus protection — the list goes on.  Well, the whole process just got a lot easier thanks to a wonderful service you can find at Ninite.com.

You simply checkmark the software you want and the system will create a customized installer with all of those programs built in.  In other words, you no longer have to download all the individual pieces of software: the Ninite system will install everything you need all at once.  I used it last week on my new computer, and I have to say it works flawlessly — I’m really impressed.  Of course, it only handles free software, but it definitely makes the installation faster overall, and a lot easier too.  So check out Ninite.com.

PlasticJungle: Cash In Your Gift Cards

Gift cards are a popular way of giving a gift to someone when you don’t know what else to get them.  But, let’s face it, we’ve all been given gift cards to stores that we don’t normally shop at.  I still don’t know what to do with that Bath & BodyWorks card: Why would I need scented, pink soap?

PlasticJungle.com (Click for larger image).

So, if you can relate to that situation, PlasticJungle can help you out.  It’s a site that lets you buy, sell, exchange or donate gift cards.  It’s a great idea and it seems to work well, from what I can see. 

So if you have a card that you want to sell, for example, you can get up to 90 percent of its value by using PlasticJungle.  Think of it as kind of an eBay for gift cards, but all the prices are fixed.  You can also snag some great bargains by buying other people’s cards.  I’ve seen over 20 percent off certain restaurants and 15 percent off Borders Books, for example.  So check out PlasticJungle.com.  It’s free to join and at last I can get rid of that Bath & BodyWorks gift card!

You

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ll find lots more marketing tips and resources from Andrew Lock in our Small Business Essential series,

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Andrew Lock is a self-described maverick marketer and the creator and host of Help! My Business Sucks, a free, weekly Web TV show full of practical marketing tips, advice and resources to help small businesses “get more done and have more fun.”