Visual advertising can be a bla.st
Tim Bromhead of Pear Software in Hamilton, New Zealand has launched bla.st
Exactly what is this website about? bla.st is a free business card-sized notice or advertisment you can use to promote your site.
[Click on my bla.st business card on the right to view a larger version.]
can be online from 1 day to 10 years and can be placed into any categories. Payment is optional, and how much you choose to pay per day decides your card position. Visitors can search or browse through cards on the site by keyword.
I discovered bla.st from John Chow Dot Com who explains the concept in detail.
Site developer Bromhead says “As far as we know, bla.st is the first online visual advertising directory of its kind, anywhere in the world.”
bla.st can be used like a business directory. Any commercial or non-commercial organisation can place cards on bla.st, with a link to their existing website.
bla.st also supports Google Maps, allowing a card to link directly to a physical address. Keywords allow users to find a business by brand, location, type of business, or category.
Short term advertising is also possible, taking bla.st well beyond the capabilities of traditional business directories. Events such as concerts, fairs, shows, company sales and promotions, open homes, market days, or open days can be promoted with ease, and at no cost. Again cards can link through to an official website or a Google Map address.
[This is a screen shot of what my business card looks like on bla.st. Click on the image for a larger version.]
The site also offers a ‘pay whatever you want’ business model. Anyone can place long or short term cards on bla.st absolutely free. Optionally the user can pay as little as one US cent per day for their card, which will promote it above any cards paying less. Highest paying cards appear on the front page at the top of their categories. This system provides a good balance between providing free facilities, and generating income to support the site.
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February 24th, 2007 at 12:55:57 PM
What a bla.st promoting your blog…
Guest Blogger: Larry Hnetka writes about a free, visual directory you can join to promote your blog.
……
February 24th, 2007 at 4:16:11 PM
Thanks. I just signed up.
February 25th, 2007 at 7:40:09 PM
This is pretty cool. Hello from Peoria, IL
February 26th, 2007 at 12:50:06 PM
Hi Larry! great post, I added a card yesterday and seems to be working fine, I think bla.st is a great idea. Keep on with the good work Larry!
February 26th, 2007 at 9:45:55 PM
I found bla.st the same way as you, via John Chow, and by coincidence found myself next to you in the satire section. You write some good posts. cheers
Ed
February 26th, 2007 at 11:30:23 PM
Thanks Ed — nice to be alongside someone as notable as you in the bla.st listings — I almost had to change my Depends when I first saw your blog name — now that’s satire at its best!
September 5th, 2007 at 3:55:47 AM
50 cent
Hi - I was looking for something else but stumbled onto your site - nice site! You should check out my gossip site also…