Trusty’s is a new local search engine/review database for blue collar service workers, aiming to help small businesses establish reputations while giving consumers an easy way to find the services they’re looking for. While there are a number of sites out there that allow users to rate their experiences with local services (including countless niche communities), most of them are purely user-generated, and don’t give businesses any control over their profiles.
Rather than leave all content creation to consumers, Trusty’s is taking a different approach. Each company is invited to create their own profile, where they can list their contact information, credentials, and other information that is effectively forms an online resume. Users can visit these profiles and leave ratings and comments that business aren’t able to edit without contacting Trusty’s (as they would in the case of profanity or obviously misleading reviews).
The site also sports an impressive search engine that extends beyond basic keyword matching. Each service provider is broken into a general catagories, and can include specialties (which are essentially search-friendly tags). This segmentation makes it easier to browse the site’s growing database, which currently has over 2000 service providers.
One potential issue with the site is that users are unable to create profiles for companies not yet in the database, which could frustrate users eager to report an especially bad or good experience (they can however send an Email to a company and recommend that it join). Founder Kit Cody says that the site isn’t necessarily trying to become a comprehensive database of all service providers, but is instead trying to become a directory for the best ones looking to build up a positive reputation in the local community.
Trusty’s will face off against quite a few competitors, including leading sites like Angieslist and smaller startups like Workstir, which launched in November. As with other sites in this space, it will face the classic chicken-and-the-egg problem: until it has some reviews, it will have a hard to attracting new users to write reviews.
Well, the timing is right…
There will always be competition… how they respond to the need and newbies that they bring to the table will make the difference…
Thanks for all the positive feedback.
Regarding the business model, we’re developing features and partnerships to justify premium accounts for service providers. Ultimately we envision Trusty’s as a dashboard for small businesses to manage marketing and client relationships (web sites, invoicing, discounts, email marketing, etc.) There will be a subscription model, and these businesses will get sponsored placement in search results.
http://kisalt.us/590/
The word Blue-Collar is wrong for describing this site. It is the site for *employers* of service blue-color workers in the downtown street.
Kit’s a stud, Trustys will do well!
Insiderpages, Judysbook, and 25 other sites.
What is different on this ? There are sites with over 15M uniques like Yelp, MerchantCircle, Angie’s List, Service Magic who are working on this problem.
This is not meant to be snarky. What is thier unique angle ?
What about this site will compel consumers to use it instead of the countless other review sites available on the web? It seems like they’ve jumped into a hyper-competitive market with no product differentiation or additional consumer utility.
Also, any insight into their monetization scheme?
Stay tuned for http://www.skilto.com! Skilto will be a serious alternative to Trusted and Yelp-like websites, offering a comprehensive suite of tools which enables skilled people, professionals and amateurs, to display their competencies in a easy format to their local community.
Please contact me on info@skilto.com for more informations.
I like the fact that the business owner is the one creating their profile and thus will have a voice. Its hard to see why a business owner would continue to maintain their profile if they receive negative reviews. The article should focus on how they plan on making money.
Reminds me a little bit of Zubican – a recently launched site I read about in SoCalTech – but less “blue collar” focused – and more B2B LinkedIn focused.
We’re building something very similar, but targeting the Greater Boston area initially. Our service will allow service providers to have a number of tools to connect and communicate with their potential customers, while at the same time allowing them to showcase their talents that will also allow clients to get a better sense of who they are and what they can do. In public alpha right now but looking to launch to live beta in the coming weeks.
Henry K
http://labortopia.com/alpha
that was a good article. we’re one of the niche communities mentioned by Jason. these niche communities make sense for some vertical markets more than others….food particularly. depends on the underlying service/”skill” showcased. anyway, that’s just my POV. thanks for the article. http://www.bookofcooks.com. my contact info is on our the blog, http://www.book...fcooks.com/blog
Thanks for all the positive feedback.
Regarding the business model, we’re developing features and partnerships to justify premium accounts for service providers. Ultimately we envision Trusty’s as a dashboard for small businesses to manage marketing and client relationships (web sites, invoicing, discounts, email marketing, etc.) There will be a subscription model, and these businesses will get sponsored placement in search results.
Yelp allows business owners to claim their page…if users create a listing, business owners who might not even had heard of Trustys will never get the free advertising and other users will use Trustys less because the database is smaller than Yelp
A DIY model for services type business will be tough because many traditional services businesses like plumber and locksmiths are too busy running their day to day business. There is very little content on the site but that’s the chicken and egg problem. Not to be mean or anything but this will be in the dead pool.
You should check out GidZone.com, a new website offering much more to service providers and people with skills of all kinds. On GidZone people can create their own unique colorful HTML pages (and essentially have their own place on the web accessible directly on gidzone.com/NAME), create a detailed profile or business card, publisher their services, connect with friends and customers through the GidZone network, read & write feedbacks and much more – all for free.
Anyone can search for service providers and people in any location using GidZone’s advanced search engine, make good decisions and find people.
Check it out at http://www.GidZone.com
Most of these sites have no content, which is going to be the problem. Its just not that sticky or brandable…IMO.