Name of your website?Silver Nomad
Your name?
Paul Wood
Your Location (city, etc)
Noriwch, Norfolk
Please give us a short summary of your website?
I import and sell handcrafted artisan silver jewellery from Bali, Java & India. Some are traditionally based designs while others are designed by myself. The collection evolves and changes from season to season. New suppliers are welcome.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I wanted to start my own website to set myself a real challenge and do something I enjoy in every way.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
This is my first website and it was launched in September 2007.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
Well, my name actually came from my ebay user ID which basically means that I travel around looking for new styles of jewellery and bringing them home to sell.
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
I try and offer something for everyone whilst maintaining a balance between the varying styles of jewellery.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
To maintain it and continue to grow and travel and enjoy life.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
At the moment it is quite a heavy workload but I know there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm fully aware that you only get out what you put in, so I am more than happy to work extra hard for the future.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would spend more on marketing and advertising and of course more stock.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
I would do my best and if neccessary employ extra people. I would make sure the high level of service was maintained from day 1.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
The rising price of silver! It's gone up around 50% in the last 2 years.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The first couple of years were hard when I used to travel from city to city and sell to shops. It used to be cold calling but I never hardly had any refusals - even when I turned up wet through from walking in the rain.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Adwords are pretty good for getting your name out there but can be quite expensive.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
Yes, there's a lot more work to be done in order to achieve the desired goals.
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?
The site has been running for 9 months. I will continue to work at it until I know I've given it 110%. I do not quit easily.
If you could change anything that you've done since your website launched, what would it be?
I have no regrets. I wouldn't change anything. Every mistake is a valuable lesson and part of the journey towards happiness.
What is your website address?
Silver Nomad
