Name of your website?West Michigan Photo Ops
Your name?
Darren Burke
Your Location (city, etc)
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Please give us a short summary of your website?
I built the website to support my new business- West Michigan Photo Ops. With my business, I convert photographs to digital files (scanning), image editing and restoration, and I also produce DVD Photo slideshows.
What inspired you to launch your own business?
I am an avid photography enthusiast. I realized now is the time for photo conversion as digital photography becomes more affordable and convenient for the masses. Now most everyone is shooting digital family photos and they understand the benefits of digital...many people want their old photos converted, but to scan each one themselves is tedious and very time-consuming.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
This is my first website. I launched it with my business in October, 2007.
How did you decide on a name for your business?
I wanted a local component- "West Michigan" and I wanted something catchy, yet descriptive...the O-P-S in "Photo Ops" not only means "opportunities", but also "O"rganize, "P"reserve, "S"hare.
What makes your business different from other, similar offerings?
West Michigan Photo Ops is different from other photo scanning services in that it primarily serves the LOCAL market. To many people, it is important to keep their family photos safe at home, or very close by. These photos are irreplaceable and hold great value to the families. Many would never consider sending them away to another state or even country for digital conversion.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
Now that I am trying to nurture a new business, I am focused on providing remarkable service to my clients. My eventual goal for the business is to become profitable enough to rely solely on it for the support of my family.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
I am finding that early on in a business, the most challenging part is staying positive and keeping faith in your instincts. Mistakes are made everyday- some of them costly, both in time and money. But now I look back at those mistakes and I am grateful for all of those opportunities to learn and become better.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I am happy with the site now- I am proud that as a new business owner I took the time to learn how to build my own web presence. It's not the flashiest site on the web, but it serves its purpose. I would spend those dollars on promoting the website. Having a website is like storing a billboard in your basement- it does no good unless people see it.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
I would be able to keep up. My organizational skills are first-rate. I could scale-up fairly well.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
By far, the unexpected costs and headaches come from trying to get word out about my business in a society already saturated with marketing messages from all media.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge for West Michigan Photo Ops is getting word out. A client recently told me "It took me so long to find you- I've been looking for a service like this". This is frustrating to hear. How many more are out there that I just haven't been able to reach?
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
The search engines seem to produce the most qualified clients. These are the people that are looking for my services. They understand the value in what I do so that makes it a great fit right from the start.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
I never dreamed I would learn so much everyday. I look back at the things I was doing just a few months ago and I say, "What was I thinking?"
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?
This business is my passion. I've put so much into it. It will always be a part of what I do, of what I am... in some form.
What are your hopes for this interview?
Well, I would hope that it was worth my time. I hope that someone, somewhere reads the content and benefits somehow. Please let me know.
What is your website address?
West Michigan Photo Ops
