Success Stories

Interviews with Apollo Hosting Users

• Tom Kopke - TC Kopke Inc. - Jan 05
• Rhodana Fields - Big and Tall T-Shirts - Mar 04

Tom Kopke - TC Kopke Inc. - Jan 05
http://www.tckopke.com/

1. To what do you attribute your success?

To me, success is the amount of enjoyment of what I like to do and not the amount of money I can earn. Because I enjoy my work, I typically spend more time than required to attend to details that most overlook yet contribute to the customers' overall experience, even when in a trivial way. My best customers greatly appreciate that attention to detail that typically isn't found elsewhere. I tell my customers to measure my performance by how more successful they become as a result.

2. What kind of marketing has been most successful for your website?

Word of mouth by existing customers and website content in the form of essays that address business elements of the products and services I provide.

3. Do you have any advice for someone getting started online?

Besides having a website that is intuitive and easy to use, content and lots of it. Learn as much as you can about the market you are entering - online and, learn it from as many sources as possible. Too often, sources idealize typical returns such that the basics of any new venture be it online or in a brick-and-mortar establishment are woefully overlooked. Quality content in the form of diversified product offerings or detailed and informative information will do more than any cosmetics of a good looking website. And, never stop working to improve your website by adding content and functionality to give customers a reason to return.

4. How has your web hosting experience been?

Actually, it has been very good. With all the capabilities offered, it was a bit overwhelming at first compared to my previous provider who was actually cutting some capabilities and providing less customer support. Of minor details I don't like, they have been acknowledged that they are slated for improvement in the future. My previous host provided condescending responses such as "you don't need that" or "that's not the way WE do it" with the attitude of what you have is all you need, period.

5. Where do you see your online business going in the future?

More consulting on issues relating to web-based education, Internet and network connectivity besides a steady, yet slow and managed growth of my managed website hosting and design services.

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Rhodana Fields - Big and Tall T-Shirts
http://bigandtalltshirts.com

1. To what do you attribute your success?

The biggest factor with an online business is constant site improvement and continuing to learn about the internet market. There are incredible resources available on the internet and a huge community of people who are willing to share their expertise in forums and articles covering anything you need to know: SEO, marketing, site design, HTML, and Miva Merchant. It does take a commitment of time.

2. How do you market your site?

Our marketing efforts are mostly online, with a limited amount of regional traditional advertising. Online we focus on good search engine ranking, and use a sparing amount of PPC. We also introduce our site to many people who maintain lists of niche sites or specific directories. A solid foundation of these "smaller" guides can really refer a lot of traffic to your site.

3. If you were to do anything differently what would it be?

I almost wish we had started sooner. While proper prior planning is important, so many of the internet business factors change constantly and can only be learned by experience that waiting for "just the right time" will only slow down your business.

4. How has your web hosting experience been?

Perfect. The service has been so reliable it has never taken our attention away from the business. If we have any questions, there is always a quick response.

5. Are you happy with Miva Merchant shopping cart software?

Absolutely, It is straight forward enough to get started immediately, and powerful enough to meet even the most complex stores needs. With the availability of third party modules, you can add even very specific customized features for low cost and a minimum of time.

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