'College of Public Speaking Interview'

Name of your website?

College of Public Speaking

Your name?

Vince Stevenson

Your Location (city, etc)

London

When did you start your website and why?

September 2006 for the launch of the College of Public Speaking.

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

We're a training consultancy working in the Corporate, Public and Third Sectors working with some of the largest companies in the country.

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

The most frustrating aspect for me is that our web designer who has done a wonderful job in the design element lives and works in Scotland and uses a MAC product called Rapidweaver. Sometimes there are a few minor changes to make, but because I don't have access to Rapidweaver and the source code, I have to wait until the weekend to contact him.

What has been the easist part of operating your website?

I prepared the web brief and the text and our professional designer does a great job of putting it all together.

What was your biggest mistake?

Not personally knowing enough about SEO before we started.

Who maintains your website and why?

Our designer is a friend and former colleague and maintains it for free. A very nice man.

Tell us how your business has benefitted from your website?

It's brought a steady stream of quality clients.

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

I don't see it going away. The web is both addictive and compelling. I love buying things online whereas I was once sceptical of buying on the internet.

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

Very complex indeed. But slowly I pick a new twist up here and there. It all helps.

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

They have helped, of course. Rather a lot of them though.

What method has been most successful for promoting your website?

I use http://www.submitexpress.co.uk

What method has been least successful for promoting your website?

Managing email promotions.

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

I respect people who run forums and it's really annoying when people spam sites. However, I was on a forum a few days ago and I wanted to help somebody build their confidence, but the forum prevented me from leaving a useful url for that person.

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

Is web promotion a worthwhile pursuit?

Yes, the benefits are amazing. But it's difficult finding the right marketing mix.

What is your website address?

College of Public Speaking

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