Name of your website?Holiday Treasures
Your name?
Brenda Prevost
Your Location (city, etc)
Debary
When did you start your website and why?
I lost my dad on Christmas Day, 2001. I've always loved the holidays and so did he. Instead of Christmas being a sad reminder I decided to make it an all year celebration. That turned into a store for all the holidays which opened in August of 2005.
Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc
We sell seasonal decorations, lights and costumes for all the major holidays. Things like Christmas tree lights, displays, adult and kids costumes, inflatables ,etc. Many of our products are for both residential or commercial use.
What has been the most difficult part of creating and running your website?
Creating it was fun, with the help of an excellent web developer! Running the site effectively is a bit challenging. The constant updating of new products, checking for any errors or functionally problems and the like is a bit mundane, but very necessary.
What has been the easist part of operating your website?
I love the marketing side of things. Finding new ways to promote the site is something I truly enjoy. Also, being able to shop all year for the latest holiday products is great. No matter what time of year it is, its a holiday for me!
What was your biggest mistake?
I made some bad decisions early on trying to promote my site. It cost me a fair amount of money but I've learned alot since then. I also lost a lot of money to the click fraud problem when doing paid search advertising.
Who maintains your website and why?
I do most of the upkeep. If it is something technical, my web developer handles it. I prefer to handle myself because I'm a real "nit picker" when it comes to accuracy. I did hire someone once to help and I'm still spotting mistakes of theirs.
Tell us how your business has benefitted from your website?
My store is online only for now. I do hope to have a brick and mortar in the near future.
What are your views on ecommerce and the future of the internet?
New regulations like PCI compliance are imminent. This should weed out alot of dishonesty on the internet and entice more online purchasing. Right now the internet is like the "Wild West" and consumers don't feel safe. The future of the internet will be a much more regulated world than it is now.
What are your views on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
SEO is one of several important features to a site's success. Organic search is still the top traffic source. Consumers are "trained" to look at the left side of their screen first so you need those search engines to rank you well. Also, consumers tend to trust sites that are found organically verses an advertisement.
What are your views on Search Engines? Have they helped or hindered your website?
They have definately helped. I have more than tripled my business from last year after having optimized my site.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Other than effective SEO I'd have to say writing and submitting articles. The internet is a great source for information and when my articles get published on newsletters, etc. I see a great increase in visits.
What method has been least successful for promoting your website?
Paid search advertising. With a small budget, I can't afford the problem with click fraud. I once went through $100 in 30 minutes with no orders. I think the search engines need to do more to stop this problem but I don't see it happening anytime soon.
What would you like to see change with respect to the internet?
Making it a safer place for consumers to shop. Less threat for identify and credit card theft. Also, a place where children can surf without becoming victims of so many terrible crimes.
What is your website address?
Holiday Treasures
No trackbacks.
Comments