Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in web design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elaine Robinson, Owner of Smiling Web Design, located in Tenino, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Smiling Web Design has been creating and maintaining websites since 1995. We also filmed and edited weddings for five years, and we were involved in producing a TV show for brides. My ideal client is someone in business who has never had a website or has one but has not had it updated in years and will no longer work well on mobile devices and/or is not optimized for search engines.
Tell us about yourself
With a passion for helping others and enthusiasm for technology, I made the leap into the industry of the internet in 1995 with the launch of my web design business. I was fascinated with this new mode of communication and recognized that I could combine my desire to help others with my skills in technology and design. Since then, I have raised hundreds of businesses to higher levels of success through aesthetic and strategic web designs, social media optimization, and ongoing Search Engine Optimization efforts.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Taking on employees, getting operating procedures in place, successfully maintaining over 190 client websites so that they are safe from hacking and backed up weekly.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management and getting known by being involved with networking groups and community
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Get a business coach or take a class about starting a business. Our local Economic Development Center helps small businesses get started. Your local Chamber of commerce is a great resource as well. Talk to people who do what you do in other areas to get ideas about what works and does not work for them. Have a fabulous website and social media presence, so potential clients can find you ready.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am happy to run a free report of anyone's current business showing what is found and how it can be improved in the areas of director listings, social media, website performance, and Search Engine Ranking.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://smilingwebdesign.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmilingWebDesign.ElaineRobinson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smiling-web-design/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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