Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Look at your competition, i.e., Zagat and then figure out how to go one step further to add value and differentiate yourself. Leverage the recency effect, but provide the ability to do aggregated ratings over time (to permit significance) and to show trending.


Leverage social media and viral marketing. Tie in with discount/couponing sites or create your own ability to offer such incentives in this economy. Net - identify some unique benefits and promote them - then look for more, and to continually reinvent/improve your offering!
-Steve

You have strong competition from free sites like Yelp, which has not just one reviewer, but a whole community of reviewers and ease of anyone accessing the information.

Perhaps offer coupons for restaurants that you review. Restaurants could pay you based on # of coupons redeemed, or you could buy the coupons (at a discount) from the restaurant and offer them to your paid membership for free.

Google the Gabby Gourmet out of Denver. I knew her from when I owned a restaurant many years ago. She has created multiple revenue streams and while there are many who do this kind of thing-- she's got it nailed. Model your biz after hers and you will cut your learning curve. She's on radio, interviews local restaurant owners, publishes a yearly guide, has a website with recipies etc.