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What does your business do?
We are 100% dedicated to supporting small businesses with their web needs. For only $45 per month we will build a custom designed websites that is search engine optimized, provide domain branded email accounts, and give you the ability to update your website in real-time. Plus, we can provide you a huge selection of pre-built website templates in case you need help deciding on a design …all for only $45 per month!
When and why did you start the biz?
I started my business in Jan. 2009 because I realized many Small Businesses and Ultra-Small Business (sole proprieters) did not have very many cost effective solutions for building websites that were custom designed to thier business and are effective in driving growth through the internet. My business model does not allow me to get rich ...it's not supposed to. It is designed to afford any small business a custom designed website that is effective in driving customers to thier products/services through the internet.
How Many People are in your Company?
3
Where's your office?
We are using a room in our house that we converted to an office along with an old laptop and a pre-paid cell phone. It's not pretty, the view is our our neighbors house, but it works!
What's the toughest part of running your biz?
The toughest part of running our business is informing small businesses of our services. Everybody, including the local chamber of commerce, business clubs, etc. want fees to join and more fees to advertise to the other members. As a new business, we just can't afford to advertise as often as we would like, at lest not in this economy where every penny counts.
What's the most fun part?
When a small business goes from no web presence to a great looking website, the smile on thier face and the sincere thank you is great. But, when they start getting customers from the internet and the call to thank us, that's truley the best feeling ...knowing our hard work is helping them grow!
Anything you would have done differently?
I would have saved more money for advertising and spent more time researching ways to get find free local ads, seminars, etc.
What's next on the horizon for your biz?
To be honest, we are just trying to keep our heads above water and hope that business picks up. We are not really looking very far into the future right now as our finances simply won't afford that luxury.
What advice do you have for others?
Research your market / demographic, then do it again! Research and learn about the power of the internet. Talk to the younger generation about how often they use the internet to search for items versus a phone book or newspaper. You will be shocked at thier answers! The advertising media is shifting online, it really already has, small businesses have to adapt or they will not make it.
How do you use Idea Cafe to help your biz?
Right now, I am using the legal templates to revise my invoice and billing letters. I am also using the tips on low cost advertising (http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/business_ideas/LWadideas.html)
School (where, still in school, degree)?
Southern Illinois University
Prior jobs or business?
I am working for a financial services company right now as well to help pay the bills. It's one of the big ones in bad financial trouble - not very promosing but it does pay the bills.
Favorite Food?
Barbeque Pork Steak
What are your pets' names?
Riley, Diva, Mia, Marley
Do any of these pets help with your biz?
LOL, yes, the take my mind off work for a few minutes each day. The break helps me re-focus. They occasionaly spill something on my notes as well which helps me excercise my mind by having to recall what I wrote! :-)
Is there any one person or event in your life that led
you to go into business for yourself?
I have always wanted to run my own business. My dad was a part owner in a small business that started to grow and then a big company came in, helped them grow more, and then his design / technologies were taken away from him (he didn't have the money to fight the big company (known world wide). After that, I always wanted to run my own so I could prove that I could make it without help from the "big boys".
Anyone you publicly want to thank?
My dad is my role model. My wife is my sanity check. To them, I say thank you!
Contact Info:
Tyler Lowe
618.409.5450
info@greenapplewebs.com
Website:
http://www.greenapplewebs.com |
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