Name of your website?BSP Gallery Bookshop old and rare books
Your name?
Robert
Your Location (city, etc)
Malvern East
On this site you will find books and memorabilia on many topics,
Victoria-based BSP Gallery Bookshop deals in fine and rare books and memorabilia, including literature, first editions and old postcards. Topics covered, such as performing arts, architecture, transport, natural history, Pacificana, sport, cricket, music, antiques, military, shipping, aviation history, art, craft and Australian history. The site has no visual frills, but provides the necessary information about BSP's diverse and extensive stock.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
The coming of the internet prompted me to try it as an extra way of obtaining income.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
It was under the smae name as now. The webside had gone through many changes, it's evolved. But it's the smae domain name as when first launched in 1997.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
The name in those days had to show the registered name of the business in some way, I couldn't have what I wanted, I submited several names but was allowed the one the site now has.
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
It has many artistic photos through it, and also original artwork. It alos has an antique site with one of our partners.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
The goal is to try to promote it to make it work better. Get it out there in the wide world. Maybe one day I night sell it, or perhaps it might become popular as I think it has many hidden treasures.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
It has been difficult, especially lately, but when first launched and in the first 5-6 years it was incredible, it was always only menat to be an extra, but now it's my prime source of income.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
Probably pay to do some advertising, as I find search engines seem to prefer sites with plenty of money. Also I would hire a very good technician.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Of course I would start hiring staff again.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Usually the server going down, and income slows. Also not being able to communicate with them easily.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I suppose getting the site known out there in the internet with not much capital.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Linking has been good. apart form the normal advertising in the normal way through papers etc.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
Sometimes it's difficult technicaly and I need a technician, I have a good one but it would be good to have someone to campare notes with.
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 going continuously since 1997 and I intend to keep it going as long as possible.
Do you need a group or person to share ideas with?
Yes, it oould be good to have somone to share ideas about the working and promotion, the construction of the website. Most websites I find are the same, made with the same software, I don't want to fall into that trap. I try to approach it creativly. I am a painter and designer and have worked as a designer for the stage and attended a fine arts course. I have had several exhibitions. Some of my work is attached to the website from a link on the index page.
What is your website address?
BSP Gallery Bookshop old and rare books
