BizWiki UK is an innovative free UK business directory which is a win win for both businesses and clients.
Who Does BizWiki UK Cater For?
BizWiki UK shares the collaborative nature of the well known Wikipedia, but differs in that it is a specifically business oriented directory, and caters solely for UK businesses and clients.
Biz Wiki - A Searchable Free UK Business Directory
Anyone can read and search Biz Wiki UK free of charge, to look up businesses by location, name or specialty area e.g. you can look up hairdressers in London or editors in Liverpool. You can also search the business directory by suburb.
Register So You Can Add Your Own Business For Free
Registered users have additional facilities available. It's free to register. It only took me a moment. Once registered, you have writing and editing rights. This helps prevent spam, and allows for moderation and monitoring to protect the integrity of the information.
If you are a UK business, you can add your business website.
A a registered BizWiki user, you can
- add your own business
- add a business you have dealt with
- edit or update existing entries
- review listed businesses
BizWiki - User Friendly Navigation & Structure
I was pleased to see that the BizWiki UK navigation and structure were easy to use and follow.
There are tips for each field when adding information. On the home page, there is a rotation of prompts of how the business directory can be used and possible business searches e.g.
- What's your favourite restaurant?
- Any good coffee shops in your area?
- Tell us about your insurance broker?
- Rate your bank
Use BizWiki UK On Your Business Travels Away From Home
As BizWiki UK is a searchable database, it is quick and easy to use. A business person away from home could quickly do a business search to look up services they need to use at their hotel. With the review feature, reading a range of reviews allows you to weigh up the positives and negatives, and make your own decisions. The reviews allow for a star rating.
I was impressed that there is also a map showing the business location, a feature available only to registered users. This is handy as it saves having to refer to both the phone and street directories. BizWiki UK takes a "one stop shop" approach, presented in a professional uncluttered format.
BizWiki UK Invites Your Comments & Feedback
BizWiki UK aims to become "the largest, most comprehensive directory of British businesses on the web." The site is currentlly in beta, and due for launch before the end of 2007, so they are keen to hear your comments and feedback, for further refinements.
International Coverage Plans for BizWiki
I'm based in Australia, so am looking forward to the Australian version of BizWiki. There will also be BizWikis for the US, Canada and New Zealand. Multi lingual versions of this business directory are being explored too.
And What Exactly Does "Wiki" Mean?
"Wiki" is a Hawainn word meaning "quick". BizWiki is certainly a quick and effective way to gather and share business information. The BizWiki country focused business directory concept is also a useful one for buinesses outside the UK who may need to do a business search to source or contact UK based businesses.
My Verdict on BizWiki UK
I was impressed with BizWiki UK and its potential as a business marketing tool and a consumer or B2B "go to" business directory.
BizWiki UK is a win win for businesses, clients and prospective customers operating or using UK based businesses.
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