The who, the what, and the why; you want to know about it, right?
Well, there’s not going to be a shitty, corporate-speak ‘about us’ page here on Discover Web (I see them all the time and they make me want to headbutt my laptop).
If you’re offended by that sentence then we’re really not going to be a good fit and I’ll bid you farewell. If you’re still reading, grab a mug of coffee (or tea), sit back, and have a good read.
Here are a few questions that I get asked about me and Discover Web.
Who is Discover Web?
I’m Nick Sanders, a business owner just like you and I run Discover Web. I own a number of different branded websites online that have a simple but creative design, get traffic and visitors, and convert those visitors into clients.
Back in 2005, I started my first website and quickly got into the online world. I have no formal qualifications in computer science or anything techie; I come from a services background (hospitality) and have a couple of degrees in management and marketing. So, I’m not your usual web development guy.
I love online presence and I know when updates happen, and more importantly I test to see how things can be made better. My specialties are inbound marketing and conversion through various types of engaging content, such as writing, videos and social media.
Side note: if you understand Myers Briggs testing then I’m an ENTJ, which might give you a little insight into the type of person I am. (If you haven’t taken the test in a while then why not remind yourself about who you are. I’m sure you’ll be a little enlightened.)
What do you do?
Help you discover your online web presence by getting more enquiries, sales and conversions for your business. That’s either going to be through you reading tons of information on the blog and taking action or contacting me and the two of us working in partnership.
Simple? Yes.
Easy? Nope.
Whether it’s through your own website or through social media properties across the interwebs, I’m here to help. If you want a kick-ass website that ranks well in Google & Bing search, converts users and increases revenue (or leads to the right conversations/connections) then you’ve found the right place.
If you want someone to analyse your online presence strategy and then implement changes then I’m here.
What don’t you do?
Graphics and offline marketing. Those two areas are what I don’t have a lot of experience in, and whilst I may share a few thoughts about them here on DW, I’m not the expert you’re looking for on those subjects.
There are plenty of other sites that will advise on getting the right colour for your site or engaging with the local print media. (Shoot me an email and I can point you in the right direction if you need advice.)
Do you have clients?
Yes, I do. They’re generally service businesses and professionals. That covers a lot, I know! But, if you’re an organisation selling disposable nappies, or hearing aids to the elderly, then I’m probably not a good fit for you.
Individuals I partner with are, in general, directors in their own businesses or work in a service business at a senior level. If that’s you and you want to see how we can work together then get in touch.
Why do you get up every day and do what you do?
The short answer is because I love it. Really. I’m a geek, but I’m also a business owner. I get excited when things work well online, and intrigued when they go in the total opposite direction (I guess that’s my academic background).
Back in 2005 when I started online, a huge difference to where we are now, I wanted a website that would let me offer help to students and their written English.
It wasn’t long before I needed the help of a programmer and a designer.
I understood there would be a lot of work to develop the website and the online presence, but I really didn’t understand why these individuals did the bare minimum and didn’t offer advice.
These individuals wanted information from me such as what ecommerce software I wanted and the php version on my hosting account. I didn’t have a clue what they were talking about. Even when I asked them to be less ‘geek’, they continued to confuse me. I like to take the geek out of what I do and provide analogies that you’ll understand.
Also, I’ve seen many web designers promote SEO and marketing services without actually knowing about it themselves (yes, really). Design isn’t a walk in the park and it takes years to master – I have a lot of respect for great design – but having an amazingly-designed business website is a waste of time & money if no one can find it online when they’re searching for a solution: your offering.
And I cringe every time I see a website that’s got a smashing design but the on-page optimisation and off-page marketing is really, really bad (for both visitors and search engines).
I don’t want to see businesses with poorly optimised websites and lose out on potential clients, which is why Discover Web was born.
No bullshit, no crappy advice, and no shitty 9-5 only service at Discover Web.
What makes you different?
I believe that I can make a difference: help you, as a business, to develop your online presence and be there when you need someone. I’m a doer and a teacher, so I like to do SEO/online presence for businesses as well as teach you how to get better results with up-to-date information and practices on the blog (where I share a ton of information).
I’ve heard you’re a ‘virtual consultant’. What is that?
Ah, someone’s been talking to you about me or you’ve seen me mention it online. Well, basically, it means that I don’t actually live full-time in the UK.
I like to explore different parts of the world at a slow pace and work at the same time. Don’t worry though, virtual meetings and the joys of the internet being in most parts of the world means that you won’t notice much of a difference.
Is there anything else I should know?
Not many people ask me this, but I’m glad when it comes up. I have a vast array of life experiences: the British Army, the Police force, Disney World, recruitment, hotel management, sky diving, scuba diving, travelling, and many more.
I’m unique and I like working in partnership with unique businesses, like yours.
Also, I like helping charities and non-profits with their online presence. So, if you know any then please send them to this page.