Nextdoor is the private social network for your neighborhood. Nextdoor allows users to connect with people who live in their neighborhood and nearby neighborhoods by information sharing about what’s going on in your neighborhood—whether it’s finding a last-minute babysitter, learning about an upcoming block party, or hearing about a rash of car break-ins. There are many ways neighbors’ knowledge can help others, and Nextdoor makes it an easier way to connect with them.
Before registering an account, prospective users verify their home address. Verification methods include providing a credit card or confirming a code mailed or phoned to the prospective user, although such methods are not foolproof. Nextdoor provides registered users with a list of neighbors who have also registered.
There are several categories on the platform from daycare, crime and safety to lost & found. A section that allows users to make recommendations for services in their area ranging from veterinarians, lawn services, contractors, to dog groomers. Businesses being proactive about requesting recommendations on this outlet has been beneficial. Creating or joining a group on Nextdoor enable neighbors with shared interests to send messages to only each other. This is great way to meet more people in the specific area where you live. The event section is a great way to be more active in the area and promote your event!
While mentioning your business to your neighbors is allowed in many neighborhoods, posting an unsolicited recommendation to your nearby neighborhoods or spamming one’s neighbors with multiple, unsolicited messages about one’s business is forbidden. However, a typical policy might allow neighbors with a local business to do the following:
- Mention their business in their introductory post
- Include information about it in their profile
- Make one post in the relevant Recommendation categories letting folks know about their business (including links to their website)
- Respond when neighbors ask for a recommendation in one of those categories (as long as they are upfront about the fact that they own or work for the business in question)
It is not appropriate to post an unsolicited recommendation of your own business to your Nearby Neighborhoods. However, responding to a request for a recommendation from a nearby neighbor is appropriate, as long as you identify your relationship to your business.Nextdoor is currently testing ways to allow local businesses to participate on Nextdoor that enables them to share information with members about their services. If you to want to stay informed about the progress of Nextdoor for businesses and be notified of opportunities to participate, you can sign up here.
