Is The CityLocal Franchise A Good Opportunity?

Investors wanting to start a franchise that fits in easily with their current commitments and home life are well advised to fully investigate the opportunities that CityLocal is currently offering when setting up a business in its name.

The CityLocal website started life as a simple business directory, but this has rapidly expanded to become a centre of focus for all aspects of the local community. Nowadays, the CityLocal websites are packed with local jobs news, cars and properties for sale, news and events and informational items such as cinema listings.

To facilitate this enormous growth and development, a large six-figure sum has been invested in improving the CityLocal platform, while further investment is planned. The new and much improved website was only recently launched in October 2010. This investment has led to CityLocal seeking to expand its horizons by finding committed individuals to help them establish a franchise in every local area.

The successful CityLocal business owner becomes a specialist 'local business promoter', working closely and strategically alongside many local businesses in the area, raising the business’s profile both online and offline, putting them in touch with new customers and increasing the awareness that the local public have about the client and their products or services.

Starting up a franchise is relatively inexpensive and for the right applicant can be achieved quickly. Upon being accepted as a potential CityLocal franchise owner, the applicant receives three days of training which explains how they can start to build their business online. In addition, marketing and sales training is provided, which is particularly beneficial to individuals who have little or no experience in this field.

CityLocal also provides new franchise owners with a full marketing pack, containing brochures, leaflets, business cards and stationary as well as access to private online discussion forums and a knowledge base where other CityLocal business owners share their expertise with each other.

There are several benefits to the CityLocal franchise. Firstly, the service targets the small to medium-sized businesses that are often lagging behind when it comes to marketing online. In addition to providing a much-needed service to local businesses, maintaining that level of service is straightforward as the CityLocal website is updated centrally by the parent company. There is also no stock to worry about, and with low overheads and only a small amount of capital needed for start up, it is an ideal low-risk franchise opportunity for the right individual.

However, it is worth understanding that like any business, a CityLocal franchise's success will depend not only on technical expertise, but also equally on the franchisees own abilities, skills and enthusiasm. It is also worth noting that there is a monthly licence fee to be paid to CityLocal ranging in price, upwards from £175 depending on the size of your local area, though to help those starting up a business this is only payable from the third month of trading. Some understanding of marketing and sales is also beneficial.

If you are willing to make the effort to become an important part of your local business community, then a CityLocal franchise could be an excellent way to turn your modest investment into an excellent monthly income.