Is it tacky to ask someone to build a website for you in exchange for listing them in your advertisements?

I need a website built for a specific niche market group and I know that there are some web design companies that fit into that group as well. Is it ok for me to ask them to build my website in exchange for me listing them in my print advertisements and listing them on my website in prime locations? This would provide great exposure for them in the niche market group.

And, how can I go about creating this sort of proposal to approach the web design company with?

Absolutely not! The kind of arrangement to which you're referring is called bartering, basically meaning the exchange of goods and services (in your case, in place of an exchange of services for money). It's a fairly common business practice, especially among small businesses.

I think the trick to making it work would be to target a local business (or businesses) -- larger businesses don't have a reason to accept advertising space over cash. The best case scenario would be a new, local design firm that's looking for exposure, experience and clients. You may also want to consider listing the job on Craigslist or something and targeting it specifically to students. That could be especially successful if you live close to a university or college.

Either way you go, you need to make the proposition sound as beneficial for the other person as possible without exaggerating or lying. I'd send an informational 'feeler' e-mail to about 5-7 companies/people in your area, along with the Craigslist post if you're so inclined, but be sure to personalize each e-mail. You'll get a lot more responses if you address each person by name and reference their work.

Start out by introducing yourself and outlining your business. Since, ideally, you'll be asking other newcomers, I'd say something like,

"Since we're both new to the ___ area, I think we could establish a mutually beneficial relationship. I'm in need of a Web site, and you're in need of a place to showcase your great work (I took a peak at your Web site and really loved the ___ and ___ designs). I can't afford to pay you right now, but I'm looking to develop a long-term relationship with a designer. In exchange for your design assistance, I'd be happy to serve as a reference, and of course, free ad space for your company on the page is a given. I'd love to get together and discuss the possibility of working together. Feel free to e-mail or call any time. Hope to talk with you soon, ___"

Wait a few days and hopefully you'll get some bites. My guess is that at least one person will take you up on the offer and you can go from there. If you're targeting new designers who could use the addition to the client/reference list, I think you'll find the process to be much easier and less formal.

Hope that helps!

People do those kinds of exchanges all the time. It's a win-win.

"sir ==i would like to propose................"

easy as that.

95% of web designers wil not do so.
I have tried for myself but I still
ask.