Pet Blog July Archive

Carolyn's Central Coast Pet Minding

Your name?

Carolyn

Your Location (city, etc)

Green Point, Gosford / Erina region of the NSW Central Coast

When did you start your website and why?

I started my new look website a few months ago to reach more people on the Central Coast looking for Pet Care.

Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc

My aim in my business and website is to provide a service that is professional, caring and personal. I don't hire contract workers unlike the other Pet Minders, Pet Sitters and boarding kennels. I treat other peoples pets in my care as though they were my own, I'm doing this for the love of animals not for the income.

What has been the most difficult part of creating and running your website?

Learning about HTML has been hard as I am quite computer illiterate!

What has been the easist part of operating your website?

Knowing what to write has been easy for me. I have a genuine love of animals so it's been easy writing what business is all about.

What was your biggest mistake?

Not adding a links or photos page, I need to add those.

Who maintains your website and why?

My partner looks after maintaining it as I am useless and will only mess it up.

Tell us how your business has benefitted from your website?

Many people like to search and investigate before making actual contact so the website allows them to do that. Half my business now comes from my website.

What are your views on ecommerce and the future of the internet?

The sky's the limit now that spammers seem to be being reduced slowly.

What are your views on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

I have been told search engines are being used less and pay per click is the way forward.

What are your views on Search Engines? Have they helped or hindered your website?

They have helped, at the start I could not afford paid advertising. Search engines gave me the leg-up I needed and I am almost in the position now where I can start to pay for ads.

What method has been most successful for promoting your website?

Google and Yahoo free local directories

What method has been least successful for promoting your website?

sites that supposedly add your URL to 1000's of search engines

What would you like to see change with respect to the internet?

A customer service rank.

Does the internet tie you to your desk when you should be out working?

YES!

What is your website address?

Carolyn's Central Coast Pet Minding

When I first bought my iguana, I had to do extensive research on iguana diets and care. One of the first things I learned is that iguanas cannot tolerate animal protein or animal anything in their diets. Their bodies are unable to process this stuff and their kidneys have to work extra hard to rid them of the toxins.

I was cleaning out my kitchen cabinets and came across a container of iguana food that I had purchased a long time ago before I started researching. Good thing I never fed him the stuff as you can see by how much is left in the container. I paid 8 bucks for it too, which is so ridiculous. You are buying food that will actually not help (and will probably harm) your iguana.

Do the research on the diets! There are plenty of good iguana websites out there to guide you. Look at several. If it tells you ANYWHERE within the diet to feed any animal anything...close the website and pick a new one!

Puppies In Pink, Inc.

Your name?

Shaune

Your Location (city, etc)

Cape Coral

We went live July 1st, 2007. Melissa and I both love animals and wanted to provide a way to find high quality fashionable products for our and other peoples dogs. Check out our [404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. puppiesinpink. com/ about, anchor: About Puppies In Pink, Inc.] page.

Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc

[404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. puppiesinpink. com, anchor: Puppies In Pink, Inc.] offers high quality fashions for dogs. We try and find the most unique, fashionable, high quality and hard to find items for dogs. Our [404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. puppiesinpink. com/ page/ 1165026, anchor: clothes] and [404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. puppiesinpink. com/ page/ 1182180, anchor: carriers] primarily focus on small dogs where our [404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. puppiesinpink. com/ page/ 1179361, anchor: collars, leashes] , [404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. puppiesinpink. com/ page/ 1180068, anchor: beds] and [404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. puppiesinpink. com/ page/ 1179105, anchor: toys] are for all sizes and breeds. We also have an incredible selection of [404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. puppiesinpink. com/ page/ 1188309, anchor: hand made, designer] and [404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. puppiesinpink. com/ page/ 1190509, anchor: Swarovski Crystal pet jewelry] . We believe that organization, integrity, customer service and quality products are the most important aspects of our business.

What has been the most difficult part of creating and running your website?

Learning. I can work a computer fairly well, I've been using the internets since "Prodigy" and until building my own site, learning about internet marketing, SEO, security, ect. I had no clue how the internet worked. Luckily, I can pick things up pretty quickly. The past few weeks have been daunting but I feel we have put together a pretty strong site. :)

What has been the easist part of operating your website?

Typing the URL.

What was your biggest mistake?

No mistakes, only learning experinces. When I realized I had 3 of the same meta tags with a 100 keywords I copied from a spreadsheet with no separation maybe.

What are your views on ecommerce and the future of the internet?

Growing everyday. Everyday, people are getting more comfortable with on-line purchases due to the emerging internet security industry. I worked at an internet phone support place a few years ago and it amazing me the amount of people who just got their first computer, let alone the internet. I feel that most people over 30, do not enjoy using the internet. It has been my personal experience with friends. It also seem that people under 30 do enjoy using the internet. In the next 10 years, I believe everyone under 40 will enjoy using the internet and we should see an incredible jump in regular internet users.

What are your views on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Confusing at first, but now it seems simple. Which reminds me, I should search for my keywords... ugh.

What are your views on Search Engines? Have they helped or hindered your website?

Google seems like it would be a great place to work. I like the weekly "personal project" day. We may implement that at our company.

What method has been most successful for promoting your website?

Surprising, myspace. Myspace, has been by far the biggest provider of traffic. PPC marketing, once optimized for each of my product catagories has also brought a lot of traffic for what I consider a reasonable amount. Reddit.com also shows some significant hits when I post a link. I've only been live for 3 weeks so time will tell.

What is your website address?

[404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. puppiesinpink. com, anchor: Puppies In Pink, Inc.]

Ladybird Springer Kennels

Your name?

Lisa

Your Location (city, etc)

Whitelaw WI 54247

When did you start your website and why?

About 6 years ago. Two sell my dogs and puppies and to get my name out there.

Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc

I raise some of the best dogs and puppies. Who are health happy dogs and puppies. For Hunting or pet. Love all my dogs and puppies. I want to help people have better dogs to so I trian people and there dogs. I also run a rescue for any dog breed or mix.

What has been the most difficult part of creating and running your website?

The wed site is the easy part of it all. It getting People to understand you are telling them the trueful and are not lieing to them. Or e-mail them back and they do not get back to you.

What has been the easist part of operating your website?

the Pictures are the easyest part.

What was your biggest mistake?

I do know I have made one yet.

Who maintains your website and why?

I maintain my site. Because I do not want to pay someone every time I want to change some thing.

Tell us how your business has benefitted from your website?

People call me or e-mail all the time. Right now its really slow but it will pick up again.

What are your views on ecommerce and the future of the internet?

It here to stay.

What are your views on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

They are helpful

What are your views on Search Engines? Have they helped or hindered your website?

they have helped

What method has been most successful for promoting your website?

Site I have payed to adv. for me

What method has been least successful for promoting your website?

Doing nothing

What would you like to see change with respect to the internet?

Let people know that there are good people who use the internet to.

What is your website address?

[404 Check: was link to http:/ / ladybirdspringerkennels. com, anchor: Ladybird Springer Kennels]

Kiss Cattery

Your name?

Maryellen Miranda

Your Location (city, etc)

North Andover

When did you start your website and why?

internet search

Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc

I am a reputible Siamese breeder with health and temperament as my first priority. Kittens are well socialized and come with a health guarantee.

Who maintains your website and why?

I maintain my free website.

Tell us how your business has benefitted from your website?

Easiest way to find good homes for the kittens.

What are your views on ecommerce and the future of the internet?

It has totally changed breeders advertising. It is inexpensive with much more exposure than newspapers could have ever given.

What is your website address?

Kiss Cattery

Illinois Horse Training and Lessons in Dressage By Horse Logic

Your name?

Sara McKiness Certified Horse Trainer

Your Location (city, etc)

Saint Charles IL, Near Chicago IL, Naperville IL

When did you start your website and why?

To help people find me online Sara McKiness is a Certified Horse Trainer who helps riders improve their communication with horses without punishment. She travels to local barns and helps with any training or riding issues that you may have. Sara will improve your relationship with your horse and allow you to communicate in a logical way.

Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc

Horse Logic teaches the rider with a systematic method called the riding tree. It is dubbed a tree because the rider must first learn the basic principles at the base of the tree. Once these principles are learned, the rider may "branch out" into any horse discipline he or she desires. The main principles of the riding tree are relaxation, balance, following the motion, application of the aids, coordination of the aids, and influencing the horse. Once these principles are learned, the rider can then properly communicate with the horse. When the rider can properly communicate, the horse can be correctly shaped (influenced). The advantage of this method is that one can utilize these techniques with any discipline. It is NOT discipline specific. So whether you are a beginner or have years of experience, Horse Logic can help you develop as a rider and improve communication with your horse.

What has been the easist part of operating your website?

Networking with other horseback riding websites

What was your biggest mistake?

Not starting a website about horse training and tips to advertise my riding lessons and lessons in classical dressage in Illinois sooner

Who maintains your website and why?

Web Site Design by Design and Promote www.designandpromote.com

Tell us how your business has benefitted from your website?

It helps people with horses to find me online for riding lessons or just general horsemanship tips

What are your views on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

I like the ways it finds me for my keywords: Illinois Horse Training, Dressage, Classical Dressage Lessons, English Hunt seat, Riding lessons, Horseback riding lessons, Riding instructor, Dressage lessons, Classical dressage lessons, Western riding lessons, English riding lessons, horse training

What are your views on Search Engines? Have they helped or hindered your website?

They have helped people find me on my Horse Blog http://www.horselogic.net/blog.html

What method has been most successful for promoting your website?

posting horse training flyers at horse barns and horse stables where they might be interested in my horse training lessons

What is your website address?

Illinois Horse Training and Lessons in Dressage By Horse Logic

Montana Bearded Dragons

Your name?

Amy

Your Location (city, etc)

Libby

When did you start your website and why?

I fell in LOVE with Bearded Dragons. My son and I wanted to begin breeding them, because we kept buying more and more for pets. So we offically started our web site in Nov. 2006. We have been raising bearded dragons, and other lizards for about 2 years now.

Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc

We are breeding the best lizard out there! Bearded Dragons! We are also having a bearded dragon photo contest which will run from June 20th, 2007 to August 19th, 2007

What has been the most difficult part of creating and running your website?

Promotion- getting the word out to people. We also live in a small town - so web promotion is vital, and challenging. Wanting to put in more time to promote and not having enough hours in the day to do it.

What has been the easist part of operating your website?

I Love doing this. I am meeting people who enjoy their lizards as much as I do. I also enjoy computers-so...

What was your biggest mistake?

No major catastropies, yet. I am hoping I can keep up with all the photo contest entries...Oh, boy!

Who maintains your website and why?

I do, because I can.

Tell us how your business has benefitted from your website?

I live in a small town, and it has helped get the word out all over. It is vitally important.

What are your views on ecommerce and the future of the internet?

It is the Future!

What are your views on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Not sure

What are your views on Search Engines? Have they helped or hindered your website?

Has done both. There is so many sites, without people knowing a key word you have used, you don't get seen.

What method has been most successful for promoting your website?

Getting involved in reptile-bearded dragon groups and passing the word on via blogs or groups. Paper fliers.

What method has been least successful for promoting your website?

General internet search engines

What would you like to see change with respect to the internet?

Faster

What is your website address?

Montana Bearded Dragons

Canine Avenue

Your name?

Melissa Davidson

Your Location (city, etc)

Hermitage

When did you start your website and why?

Canine Avenue started in 2000 as a memorial to my dog Candi who died from cancer. It grew from that point to a one stop dog shop. From designer made in the USA clothing to grooming, canine massage and most recently doggie pet sitting.

Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc

Canine Avenue is a one stop pet shop. We offer grooming, massage, pet sitting and nutritional advice (we do not sell food). Therefore our advice is unbiased. We also sell clothing for your pet and custom make sweaters for small dogs or difficult sized dogs.

What has been the most difficult part of creating and running your website?

Promotion.

What has been the easist part of operating your website?

Photos and design.

What was your biggest mistake?

Promotion and marketing limitations. Still not finding someone to promote the darn thing.

Who maintains your website and why?

Self. Inexpensive.

Tell us how your business has benefitted from your website?

Met wonderful customers from all over the globe and sell specialty products to them in bulk and individually.

What are your views on ecommerce and the future of the internet?

happy our generation has access to something so vast and expansive.

What are your views on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Unfamiliar.

What are your views on Search Engines? Have they helped or hindered your website?

The large ones seem to hinder if you cant compete for a top spot. The big box end up on top again. Like petco, petsmart etc. Unique sites are buried.

What method has been most successful for promoting your website?

Word of mouth.

What method has been least successful for promoting your website?

Self promotion and self submission to free optimizers.

What would you like to see change with respect to the internet?

Big box monopoly of web domains and positions.

You can enter a question of your choice and the answer here:

How can I drag more customers to my site!

What is your website address?

Canine Avenue

Sun Hill Pet Supplies

Your name?

Glenn Adams

Your Location (city, etc)

Spencerprot

When did you start your website and why?

We had been involved with the pet industry for almost 20 years, having owned a large boarding and grooming facility. Additionally we were breeders and professional handlers, showing dogs at AKC sanctioned events. We had gotten away from the business for a few years and decided it was time to re-enter the market but instead of another kennel we wanted to use some of our web marketing expertise to open a web site. We launched the site on July 7th of this year, so it's brand new. Although the site is operational we are currently in the marketing phase of the startup.

Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc

The site provides customers a place to purchase almost any type of dog and cat related product, except food.

What has been the most difficult part of creating and running your website?

Since this is our first commercial site, we hired a marketing group to aid us in the design and setup of the site. The most difficult part is the time involved in actually finding a reputable organization to help you get started. You can do it on your own but unless you already have web marketing skills, you won't know how to really get you site noticed. We also own a recording studio so we are well aware of the importance of marketing and of the time committment required to get the business going. You don't just wake up one day a say, I think I'll start a web site. You need to research the market and do your homework if you are to be successful.

What has been the easist part of operating your website?

We already knew the pet industry and having purchased literally thousnads of dollars of pet supplies during our years of grooming and showing, we knew what products were good and which ones to stay away from. We also knew that there are times when you want to pay for that big name equipment and when the less expensive pieces will do just fine.

What was your biggest mistake?

Waiting until I was in my fifties to do this.

Who maintains your website and why?

It's a combination of us and the marketing group. We need to have complete control of the content but they need to be there to make sure we don't mess it up.

Tell us how your business has benefitted from your website?

The site is only a week on-line so at this point our sales are small.

What are your views on ecommerce and the future of the internet?

The internet is huge but complicated. It looks too easy set up a site and think that's all you need to do. It's also not a "free' business. Be prepared to spend a little of your hard earned cash to get started and keep it going. We knew that from our previous businesses.

What are your views on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Run away. There are techniques you can use (or hire someone to do) but don't let anyone tell you they can guarantee first page listing with google or yahoo.

What are your views on Search Engines? Have they helped or hindered your website?

Search engines have optimized the search process but they are not the only game out there. Directories, links, even good old word of mouth and off line marketing are important.

What method has been most successful for promoting your website?

Too early to tell.

What is your website address?

Sun Hill Pet Supplies

Cat health and behavior

Your name?

Mark

Your Location (city, etc)

bradenton

When did you start your website and why?

3 months ago as a hobby

Please give us a short summary of your website, business model, etc

information for visitors and clickbank for me

What has been the most difficult part of creating and running your website?

traffic

What has been the easist part of operating your website?

building pages

What was your biggest mistake?

key word choice

Who maintains your website and why?

me myself and I

Tell us how your business has benefitted from your website?

na

What are your views on ecommerce and the future of the internet?

All going down the tube(youtubes)

What are your views on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Chasing the big white dog

What are your views on Search Engines? Have they helped or hindered your website?

na

What method has been most successful for promoting your website?

articles

What method has been least successful for promoting your website?

links

What would you like to see change with respect to the internet?

the complete stop of spam e-mail

What is your website address?

Cat health and behavior