Name of your website?Make Your Own Photobooks
Your name?
Linda Reavill
Your Location (city, etc)
Dearborn
Please give us a short summary of your website?
Make Your Own Photobooks is meant to help people create their own photobooks by providing publisher comparisons, photobook ideas, photobook coupons, and tips and tricks.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I've been interested in the internet from the very beginning. I had a franchised business teaching children and clueless adults about the computer and the internet in 1993. I recently retired and wanted to do something that would work around my new lifestyle, and working on the internet fit in perfectly.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
I launched a gymnastics website in Feb., 2007 to support a DVD I was going to create with my daughter and son-in-law. I soon realized that it wasn't my passion and they weren't really committed, so decided to make it fun and do another website that I liked.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
I did a lot of market research and keyword searches before choosing my name. I use Site Build It and they offer a lot of support and guidance on how to start up a website.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
Each photobook publisher has their own websites, but there isn't much out there that is about photobooks in general - one that supports the concept and not a specific publisher.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
Becoming a top 1% website is my goal. I know there are steps to take to get there, and even though I am new to this I am confident that I can achieve this.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
It doesn't take all that much money -- it is the time that is the real investment. Right now the time doesn't equal the success, but I was able to take most of the winter off in Florida and Savannah, GA. I think I have actually thought about the website more than I have worked on it.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
Right now I am in a learning phase, so I wouldn't even change a thing. I might have a different answer in a year!
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
My site in an info site, so I don't have to worry much about the demand. My monetization right now is with affiliate programs.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
There have been no unexpected costs. The headaches had more to do with getting internet access while being gone for the winter. That is why I didn't work as much on the site this winter as I would have liked.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My husband is my biggest challenge. I am the type of person who has 'good ideas' all the time and he has learned not to take me seriously. I know he doubts that I can make a website that is in the top 1%.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Making my website SEO friendly and writing articles are the two methods that I have used to promote my website. I need to work on developing links next.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
It hasn't been any different than my expectations
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
I published my sites in Oct., 2007 and plan on keeping it for several years -- until the topic becomes irrelevant (if that ever happens).
What about the website fits in with your retirement lifestyle?
A bricks and mortar business is a constant business that can suck up all of your time. With a website you can make good improvements and content when you want, and it will still be there working away for you while you are out playing golf!
What is your website address?
Make Your Own Photobooks
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