I almost never leave bad reviews/leave reviews in general but I felt the need because if this review can save one other small business friend from wasting hundreds or thousands then it's worth it. It is honestly so messed up that this huge business takes advantage of small businesses the way they do.
I have a small local home bakery and am trying to advertise towards the wedding industry more so turned to the knot/wedding wire. I was basically convinced into their lowest rate ($250 a month) by someone who worked for them who told me she had her own small business and advertised with them and it was the "best decision she's ever made." I think looking back she was lying to my face - which is so heartbreaking considering I took a huge leap of faith in saying yes - and the knot ended up taking over $3,000 from me and in return i got NO customers (lots of leads that went nowhere - which were probably fake). They also make you pay for 12 months minimum (because if you book a wedding and your spot on the website gets taken down then the client can't contact you -which doesn't even make sense because you could give them your contact info at any time) which is how you get stuck!
Please please please if you are a small business don't get tricked like I did. It's a legit website but they list so many businesses on here that there's almost no chance you will get business, and will waste tons of money and time trying. Learn from my mistake- its in your best interest to stay away!