1) Could you describe what you do and how you earn your living Aaron?

I am a blogger, book author, consultant, and webmaster. I own and/or partner in building high quality websites that are monetized via adsense, affiliate programs, and/or direct sales. I make a living through connecting supply and demand online, and helping others do the same.

I also have a number of low quality sites, but the bulk of my revenue is derived from the higher quality sites.

2) How long have you been doing what you are doing, and how long did it take before your business was profitable?

I have been on the web for nearly 4 years. The first year of being on the web I didn't profit (but didn't lose a bunch either). The second year I made more than enough to cover living costs. The third year I made more than most people do. This year is looking better than the last on the profit front, but I still like to invest a lot in learning.

3) If you started again now, what would you do differently?

I think I am pretty hard headed, but I also think some of my biggest failures are what forced me to learn quickly.

I think the biggest thing that would have helped me if I was more focused and passionate off the start. Another thing I wish I would have done is take better care of my general health, but I think I am starting to eat healthier and exercise a bit more now.

4) What has been your most challenging moment in business, and how did you deal with it?

I think my most challenging moments are not usually business related. That stuff sorta just fell into place by making friends with great people who were honest enough to tell me if and when and how bad I am screwing up. I think I worked hard enough to show I cared, and others who were a bit more experienced, well rounded, and better at business (and life) helped me far more than I deserve.

My most challenging moments are probably more about understanding my role in the world. It is a pretty unjust place, and many people just struggle to survive each day.

5) Could you share some basic steps that a small business owner should take to market his/her website online?

Are you creating something that is unique and shows passion? Would you value and share it if you were not related to it? If the answer to those questions are yes then you are ahead of over 90% of competing websites.

Value offline relationships. If you get to know the right people in your field and listen to your field it becomes easier to create useful / desired things, and it is far easier for people to like a person that they had a chat with than it is for them to like a person that nobody knows.

6) What goals or plans do you have for the future of your business?

Maybe a bit of high end consulting stuff.

I also have more content site ideas than I could possibly put in place.

7) What advice would you give to people just starting out with an online business?

Don't look for a single person or a single packaged solution to be your competitive advantage. Create your own competitive advantage by picking a topic you are passionate about, and investing your time and energy into making yourself an expert.

Don't be afraid of giving things away. If your field is already competitive you have to give a lot away to build up enough authority to catch up.



More information on Aaron Wall can be found online at SEO Book.com.

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