Interview with Suzette Hopkins

1) How and when did your online business get started?

I first started online getting together with other authors and trying to find unique ways to promote our books. When I discovered traffic exchanges I realized that this was an opportunity for many people to promote their blogs, books, hobbies and and small businesses in an affordable way. However, Annette and I wanted to introduce these people to traffic exchanges and do a bit more. When we set up surf4theearth we wanted to provide people with an affordable advertising venue but also give the an opportunity to help the environment at the same time. Surf4theearth was developed with these goals in mind. We also included games to help people learn about the National Parks, recycling and conservation. We are both Parks and Recreation Graduates although I graduated with a degree in therapy. My next site that opened, Clicks4education was opened with the same goals but I also wanted to attract a broader audience. Clicks4education opened a year ago with the opportunity for people to raise funds for the schools as they promoted their websites. I also learned of an organization, First Books, through an author friend, 5% of the proceeds from Clicks4education is donated to First Books which gives books to disadvantaged children. I have also included fun educational games on the website. I currently work for special education and my sister is a teacher.

2) Which exchange(s) do you own or co-own?

My sister and I co-own http://www.surf4theearth
and clicks4education.com

3) Do you currently work exclusively online?

No, we both work in the educational field. I am also a published author and am working on other books.

4) How many hours per day do you spend on your exchange(s)?

We spend many hours daily promoting our sites as well as on support, networking and planning events.

5) Do you do support yourself, or do you outsource support?

We handle support ourselves

6) How fluent are you with HTML, javascript, and PHP?

I have taught myself html but we work with designers and programmers for our websites.

7) Approximately how many members join your exchange a month?

Both exchanges have been growing lately. Last week we averaged almost 100 at clicks4education. Both exchanges are close to 2,000 members.

8) Does most of your advertising come from members referring, or you?

This is a mix, although we do promote heavily both on and off te’s.

9) Are you subscribed to any blogs? Which is your favorite?

I read many blogs as well as participate in forums. I read other te blogs and have set up one for clicks4edcation and surf4theearth. Besides the te blogs I enjoy reading environmental, author blogs and craft blogs as well as updates from Defenders of Wildlife.

10) What would be the biggest tip you could give to readers?

Pick something that you enjoy, seek advice and if in business offer great support. Remember that nothing worth doing is ever easy so stick to your dreams and goals instead of falling for every new thing that comes along.
Thanks,
Suzette Hopkins