Frequently Asked Questions

Most recent FAQs: 1. What should I think about when creating my screenname? Make your screenname descriptive of your location and your services. For example, if you are an experienced auto mechanic you may want to include the name of a particular type of car or auto part in your screenname, i.e. TransmissionsBob. 2. Is it important that I complete the bio field? The "Bio" field is the first section of your OnTheSide profile that viewers see, so make the most of it. This is the place to describe your services and skills in detail. For best results, be sure to include the specific skills or keywords that buyers might use when searching for your services, such as "Spanish translation" or "computer repair". 3. How should I accurately describe the services I offer? Our list of offered services is the easiest place to start. Click the "Update my services" link on the right side of your main "My Page" screen and choose the services that you would like to offer. If you are offering several services, you can change the order in which they appear using the arrows on the right. Your top three services are shown at the top of your work profile screen. 4. What if the service Im offering isnt in the list of offered services? If your particular service isnt already listed on our site, simply use the field "cant find the service that best describes what you do OnTheSide", located at the bottom of the "Edit your services" screen and send us a suggestion about adding it 5. What should I write in the "Credentials" field? Make the most of the "Credentials" field on the "Edit my Bio and Credentials" page. This is where you can list your experience, education and training. You also can reference any professional organizations you belong to and certifications you have earned. The details shared in this section show your credibility as an "expert" service provider. Information here is also checked when buyers search profiles by keyword. 6. How can I get to know other OnTheSide members? OnTheSide members form a unique community of many talents and interests who can be great resources for one another. The site features discussion boards where members can share business tips, success stories and more. Be an active community member by participating in these discussions and sharing your insights with others, which can lead to referrals and, ultimately, more business. Members also can select an avatar on the "edit contact information" page. Your avatar is visible on your profile page and when you post messages to the discussion boards. The avatar is different from your primary profile photograph, and can be a graphic or image that relates to your service offering or to you as an individual. Have fun with it! 7. What is OnTheSide.com? OnTheSide.com allows qualified individuals and those in need of services to do business in an easy and affordable way. The site is designed exclusively for individuals - not established companies - so that service seekers can pay the individual directly, cutting out the traditional middleman and the high mark-ups that come with paying a company for the same service. 8. How does OnTheSide.com protect my confidential information? OnTheSide.com does not reveal your contact information if you wish to keep it private. Initial contact between a service seeker and a service provider is done through an online form. When you register as a service provider with OnTheSide.com, we ask for your email address and a screen name. Your email address is not shown to the public unless you wish to show it. It's also up to you if you choose to display your full name or other contact information. This information is only made public to other OnTheSide.com members who have signed into OnTheSide.com. For more information, please read our privacy policy.