An article featured on the Biz Community website about new online directory, OfLocal, recently peaked my interest. Oflocal claims to be a one stop source to access ‘Best Of’ lists, of well, everything. So whether you are looking for restaurants or accommodation venues, or even food bloggers in a particular area, they cover it all.
I caught up with Joubert Botha, well known South African entrepreneur and Co-founder of OfLocal to pose some questions and find out more about this ‘new kid on the block’ directory.
* What exactly is OfLocal?
OfLocal is a community-driven platform that compiles Top 10 lists of everything. Users are able to vote for entries and contribute to each other’s lists. Businesses will find good value in being listed on OfLocal as it could be a great source of new business leads.
* Regarding restaurant and accommodation lists, which there is no shortage of online in South Africa, what sets OfLocal apart from the rest?
The existing model is nothing new, but OfLocal is based on user votes that manipulate the listing order in real-time. Restaurants and accommodation venues can encourage their audiences and clients to vote for their entry (once a week). The voting process is simple with an anonymous or a logged-in option available – both count.
* How would OfLocal benefit either say a restaurant or accommodation venue or any business, for that matter, which is listed?
Businesses that feature within the top 10 in each list would stand out as the recommended entries based on community votes. The obvious benefit would be that new customers would be intrigued to try restaurants or accommodations or businesses rated highly by the community.
* Would establishments listed get publicly recognised for achieving a placed (1st) position on a specific list?
The voting cycle on OfLocal spans 12 months, whereafter the top 5 placements in each category will be awarded with an OfLocal badge of recognition. This adds additional credibility to the brand or establishment and would more than likely result in more business.
* Are lists fixed or can the public get involved to add to a current list or create a new one?
Anyone can register with their Facebook account and create their own list of a specific category. The public can also add entries to an existing list.
How do you see OfLocal growing over the next few years?
Our aim is to consolidate the business, attract funds and ultimately take it into foreign markets.
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OfLocal certainly sounds like a sure fire way to find out exactly what it is that you are looking for, in a specific region in South Africa. Lists created by the people, and voted for by the people. It is a one-stop portal which will make your web browsing and searching experience so much simpler. And even better that the public are encouraged to be involved.
Check out my favourite list here: OfLocal Fine Dining
Happy browsing and voting and make sure your favourite doesn’t get left out!
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