Hi! Well I'm taking the plunge and going to do it properly this time.

[June]

Hi

I'm self employed and work from home. Whilst I was going through University (Mature student) I started an online jewellery business (costume) and dabbled with Adsense and probably got as much as £10 a week.

Jewellery business didn't work as it was so competitive and so I decided to have a go at a website to do with Self Building (big in the UK). I didn't have much idea, just read a couple of books that made it seem so easy. I made loads of pages which listed companies for my visitors to go to, I had adsense along one side and at the top and only used adwords to get my site know. I never updated the site and could hardly be bothered to update links. I made £50 a month, which probably wasn't bad considering! I then started my own Architectural Services business and changed the website just to advertise my business.

The world is in a dire financial state, I'm in the middle of a development that I can't sell if I get it finished, work has dried up and my outgoings are huge. I've found ways in which to keep things ticking over for the coming 6 months and my husband has gone back to his first trade of plumbing and heating. I've been trying to find ways to make money online from home as I'm needed by my husband and children and can't be tied to a 9-5 job. I stumbled across Lisa's site and have been reading it for the last week.

I knew straight away what my niche was, I love designing peoples extensions, home alterations etc, I spend weeks on end designing and redesigning my own houses before we start building. I've found there are a number of websites that give information of other peoples self builds, build choices, materials choices and advertises professionals. There are very few sites that show people how to make the design decisions themselves, what elements to consider and the process a designer takes when designing a new space or house. If home owners want, they can make practically every decision themselves, all they need is knowledge, which I hope to provide on my website. Its OK when you done it a number of times, but for the first time many people think about what designer kitchen they want in their new room and not much else, but there are so many issues to consider which would make a practical, good extension into a fantastic living area that changes they way they live in their home.

In turn I hope to affiliate to computer aided products for home owners, interior design products, designing aids, kitchens etc. I have never used Youtube, Myspace or anything like that so I'll have to start. I thought Lisa clip about Site Build It was great.

I have loads of ideas, I'm ploughing through websites, magazines and using my own knowledge and experience to start writing pieces for the pages on the site. I haven't purchased anything yet, but I'm planning on buying a Site Build It website for ease of use as I think its does everything I need in one. I spend £20 a month on a simple site at the moment so it will be cheaper for me anyway.

[pookah]

This is great, I am glad you making a site that can contribute to others in many ways. Sounds like you know what you want and how you are going to do it. If you need anything please let us know. I am sure we can help

[lisa]

Hi and welcome!

Well you sound motivated and you've done a lot of brainstorming so that's an excellent start. We're hear to help so when you're ready to dive in, just find the appropriate forum and ask away!

[mirage2009]

we are always happy to help each other here just waiting for your questions

[James]

Glad to have you here. I know you will find a lot of helpful folks here, as I have.

You have already discovered the key ingredient for a successful web site, a topic about which you can express honest enthusiasm.

[TechieGuy]

Welcome to the forums!

[mirage2009]

Originally Posted by James

Glad to have you here. I know you will find a lot of helpful folks here, as I have.

James is being humble, most of the help comes from him, Techieguy, Lisa, and guzie

[James]

Thanks, but there are lots of good tips from lots of people. I know a little about a few areas but there are a lot of areas I don't know beans about.

I immediately started naming off people in my mind starting with Nora, a newer member, richgcs, and others. And I learned something new from mirage2009 just a couple minutes ago. I shouldn't have named any since I can't name more but those I have read today with profit.

It is a good place to hang out.

[guzie]

"I love designing peoples extensions, home alterations etc,"

You quote above says it all. Remember do your best to focus. It will take time, effort and dedication on your part.

Most subscribers here like to "HELP OTHERS" and it is the number one reason why WB forum is so well received by new subscribers.

Paul

[June]

Thanks Paul

I originally started this because of money problems, but have realised that its going to take a lot of time to see the benefit. I have accepted that now and concentrating on just do the best information site I can and keep building on it. I have just started with SBI and its extremely helpful with keywords etc. I will probably go live with it sometime in January with any luck! I'm looking at starting with around 30 pages and working from there. I have decided to keep my niche to Loft Conversions as that is the field I'm most experienced in and will extend to other forms of home development once this website is up and running and making a good profit.

I might as well being doing something whilst the housing market is on the floor

[guzie]

Originally Posted by June

Thanks Paul


I might as well being doing something whilst the housing market is on the floor

Yea... it may be on the floor now but when it bounces back it will explode!

Hopefully you will be right back in the thick of things.

Paul