Nextdoor: The New Kid in Town

Since the dawn of the world wide web back in 1990, it has been possible to communicate with different cities, regions and countries at the touch of a button. Type a few words, press post and you're under the noses of whichever audience you choose, wherever they are. Accessing global markets became a whole lot easier, and many industries have taken full advantage of this.

But when it comes to the care industry, it's not about being global. It's about being local. In fact, care providers must think not just locally, but hyperlocally.

What's the first thing your prospective clients will look for care for their loved one? Location, location, location.

If it's a care home they're looking for, they want to be able to visit easily.

If it's visiting care, they want somebody who lives locally.

If it's live-in care, they want someone who knows the local area; their local facilities, shops, the doctors and dentists.

Enter Nextdoor.co.uk, the new kid in social media town. You may have had a postcard through your door, or received an online invite. Or maybe you haven't seen it yet. Either way, a magnificent free tool to market your care business has just arrived, and it's time to use it.

One of the best things about Nextdoor is that all users are verified as being local, so you know you're speaking only to the people in your immediate vicinity. There are no spam accounts, these are your real neighbours. The platform currently covers 70% of UK neighbourhoods, and is growing quickly.

Step 1: Find or join your neighbourhood

Go to nextdoor.co.uk and type in your address and postcode. You'll be automatically assigned to the correct neighbourhood, or given the option to create a new one if it doesn't yet exist (it probably already does).

Step 2: Verify your address

You'll be sent a postcard with a code on. Just enter this code when it arrives and hey presto, you're verified. In some places, you can do phone verification to make it even easier.

Step 3: Verify your email

The second step of verification is to click the link sent to your email to prove you're you.

Step 4: Download the app

The Nextdoor app is simple and user-friendly. It's also available on Android, iPhone and iPad. Or simply access it app-free from your desktop.

Step 5: Explore

Have a look around. It's a simple site, but takes a little getting used to. You'll find the main area is in the form of an old-fashioned online message board, but it works.

You'll find posts about local events, crime, lost and found, items for sale, community news and more light-hearted discussions, along with local business posts and people asking for business recommendations.

Step 6: Join as a business

First, create your business page, so people can find you.

Now you can be recommended. Harness the awesome power of word of mouth. You'll see hundreds of posts every week asking for recommendations for everything you can think of. In fact, 25% of all conversations are asking for recommendations. People tag recommended businesses in response - so make sure your business is there to tag.

You're now visible to neighbours. If people want to find a business, they can use the search bar at the top, and this facility is only going to become more and more popular. Make sure you're there when they do.

And there you go, just like that you're a fully fledged member of the newest free marketing tool there is. Of course, there is a paid side of Nextdoor.co.uk, for bigger companies, if you're interested.

Already been there and got the t-shirt? Share your experiences and any useful, nifty hacks in the comments below.