Name of your website?The Monroe Scoop
Your name?
Steve Sherron
Your Location (city, etc)
Monroe
Please give us a short summary of your website?
The Monroe Scoop is a local niche web site that focuses on Monroe, NC and the surrounding areas. The Scoop features local business profiles that includes a write-up and video. The site also includes a community forum which encourages interaction with the local readers.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I launched this web site because our area needed an alternative to the local newspaper. There are many organizations and business that need publicity but have no idea about how to get the word out. The Scoop digs a little deeper and offers in-depth and personal stories related to the people and community in Monroe, NC.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
The site has been up for about a month as of this writing. It has been received well so far and I've already had inquiries about advertising on the site.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
The name "Scoop" just seemed to make sense. I hope to scoop the local paper for inside news stories and such.
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
It's about community, people and business. It's a positive web site. It's pro-business and pro-people. I will not allow this web site to be political. I want to bring people together with my site.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
My eventual goal is to most likely allow sponsorship of this site or sections of this site to a person or business who can benefit from it. I will continue to own and work on it daily, but I will focus a lot on the particular sponsor to bring business and branding to them.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
Most all ventures become successful if given enough time. Success comes over time and your own ability to be patient.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I'm a frugal guy. I like free. Me and free get along great. I do all of my own marketing, video, publishing etc. My biggest investment is my time.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Yes, that is my goal for this site.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Nothing unexpected yet. Producing quality videos for the site is the biggest headache.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Publicity. Getting the word out to the masses.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Word of mouth and e-mail.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
The site is still new and my expectations grow each day. I only expect great things.
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?
I will not put time and effort into anything if I discover it will not work. I've become smart in that area of my life.
What's the best thing about the Monroe Scoop?
It's about people. It's positive and The Scoop will tell the world your story when others will not.
What is your website address?
The Monroe Scoop
