Name of your website?Plaster Wall Ceiling Solutions
Your name?
Edwin Brown
Your Location (city, etc)
Corvallis
Please give us a short summary of your website?
Many homeowners have plastered interior walls and ceilings with problems like cracks, holes, sagging ceilings, water damage, ugly texture, and so on. My website contains abundant and to the point information for the motivated homeowner who would like to tackle plaster repair for himself or herself and just needs some basic guidance and encouragement. Most of the information I provide is, at this point, free of charge.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I have worked full time as a specialist in the field of plaster and drywall repair and renovation, for 35+ years. I know first hand how anxious and confused homeowners can be when they survey the problems that have developed in their plastered interiors. When I show up and solve these plaster problems, many of my clients tell me they wished they had known what to do. I realized there needed to be a public resource where people could go to get the information they can use, to decide to do such repairs themselves, or else how to hire a good plastering professional.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
My first website was launched in Dec. '05, and is the same one I am improving even now.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
I wanted a good descriptive title, and at the same time one with some important keywords.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
To date, I have been unable to find any other website that has the breath of information relating to my topic. Much of what I write about can be found scattered all over the net, but on my site it is all laid out in a clear logical manner. In addition, my information is based directly on my experience of 37 years working in the field, so I give nothing that is purely theoretical. This is what I have done, and still do, for a living.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
Plaster and drywall work is hard physical work, gratifying but still very physical. I am getting close to retirement age and want to develop another source of income that doesn't require so much physical effort. I have one DVD I have made on texturing, which I sell online. I am also writing several ebook guides which will be for sale also.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
No question, building an online business is challenging. I am still learning. My income is rising and I am pleased with my progress, but have quite a way to go before I get to where I want to be.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would spend the money on outsourcing some of the technical stuff involved in building an online business. Like many, I am no techie. I am using a great program, but I am not naturally gifted with this. So, things take more time than I would like.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
I would figure out a way, believe me! Probably have to hire some help.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
As mentioned, just dealing with the technical aspects of online business. It takes me more time than I like to figure things out.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Being patient with the technical stuff.
What methods have been most successful for promoting your website?
Search engine optimization, article marketing, directory listings
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
Can't say.
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 have been at this for close to 2 years. I plan to keep it going as long as I have the time and patience.
What are the perks of having your own online business?
Several thrills offer themselves. Checking my email and accounts to see what orders have come in. Getting emails from visitors with questions about their individual plaster challenges (I personally answer all of these, for now). The excitement of seeing things grow and change, being an author, being considered an expert in my field.
What is your website address?
Plaster Wall Ceiling Solutions
