Website helps find businesses-with good consumer feedback
A NEW website which helps consumers in Crook find good local businesses was launched this week.The Brownbook (www.brownbook.net) is an online local business directory which anyone can update the information on or review any business.
One of the founders, Jerry Brown, said: “We launched the service after experiencing the long delays and high cost of getting our own business listed in the big directories.
"In addition we realised that our best advertising was word of mouth from happy customers, but the big directories had no way for them to present those testimonials to potential customers.
“In The Brownbook even the smallest business can immediately add their business and they can update their listing at any time – for free.
“They can even add photos, videos, marketing information, and links to their own website. “For businesses that want to expand their reach, The Brownbook allows them to develop a national presence, from a beachhead of local customer reviews.
“People looking for a local business can read reviews made by other people about any business, helping them and other members of their local community evaluate businesses before making contact. Anyone can also check out businesses they know and add positive or negative reviews.
“If a business you want to review is not already listed it takes just seconds to add it, so you can be the first to review it and voice your opinion.
“We’re launching in Crook with 893 businesses of every type already listed- that’s about 95 per cent of all businesses in Crook.
“Any business owner can find their listing or add it instantly for free, and they can immediately add additional contact and marketing information to help potential customers find and contact them, bringing them more quality enquiries.”
“The service is free to use for consumers and for businesses. “Regular users can optionally register with the site, which lets them build their user profile, keep a record of all their reviews and updates, create a list of their favourite local businesses, and show a picture of themselves to accompany their reviews.
Business owners can get instant alerts of any reviews or updates to their listing by claiming their listing for £5 a year, and those that want to promote their business listing with marketing information, photos and videos can do so by choosing from a range of promotions which are £1 each for a year.
