Interview with Alice Seba
Copywriter & Owner of Internet Based Moms

Dot Com Woman Of The Month (JUNE 2003)

ALICE SEBA - Is there any Internet Based Mom who has not heard of this lively and successful lady who has the knack for finding out the perfect success formula in anything she undertakes, be it Copywriting or Web mastering a Women's website.

Alice Seba lives in the greater Vancouver area of Canada with her wonderful husband and her two sons. It is her goal to stay home with her children while they are still so young. And that is why she decided to offer affordable quality copywriting services to mothers who share the same goal. With this aim she started http://www.wahmcopywriter.com/  And then came the topping on the cake http://www.internetbasedmoms.com which took the women community on the net by storm. The popularity of her newsletter and her Message Boards speak for themselves!

What exactly did Alice do to build such a loyal subscriber base? How did she manage her speedily growing websites along with her family? For all this and more, Ladies, Alice is here to tell it all herself! Sit back and scan through  this page to find out all what it takes to become an 'Alice Seba'!

" I didn't wait for success to come to me. I went out and grabbed it. " - Alice Seba

1. How long have you been associated with the Computer?

Well, I've been on the Internet and using computers for years. My husband is a techy, so we have always had the latest gadgets and technology around. Whether it was for university or work, the computer has always been around.

2. And how did the date with 'Online Biz' come about?

My desire to start an online business came when I signed up for a direct sales company that didn't offer company websites to its consultants. I decided to build my own and found the world of Internet Marketing, which I immediately fell in love with. I no longer do the direct sales but I am fully immersed in Internet Marketing.

3. Is there a vast difference between Writing for Online and Offline purposes?

Absolutely. Online writing tends to be more informational as opposed to pure sales copy. If you are writing sales copy, in many cases shorter is better ~ get to the point or the visitor may click somewhere else.

4. When it comes to Copywriting, you are one of those who have 'been there, done that'. What advice would you give to our members for writing online?

Make your visitors feel like they are getting something for free. Whether it be advice on solving a problem (i.e. your products) or the best way to use a particular product (ex. burning tips for candles), make them feel they are more knowledgeable after leaving your site. They may not make a purchase on their first visit (most people don't), but if you have something to offer them, they'll be back.

Use short sentences and simple words. The average Internet-user will have a very low reading level.

Provide headings for your paragraphs so people can scroll to the information they are interested in.

Speaking of paragraphs, break them up when they are too long. I can't tell you how many times I've attempted to read an email or something on a website that is in one mile-long paragraph. It makes it for a difficult read and many people will just pass it by.

Write in a casual style. You are not writing essays. Use contractions, speak directly to your audience in a friendly and inviting way.

5. What were your experiences as a WOMAN in Business?

My experiences are great. My target market for Internet Based Moms is women, so I am surrounded by women during my work day and I love it. I do have male clients for my copywriting business and they see my work, know I do a great job and respect me for it.

6. After a successful business as the 'WAHM Copywriter', how did the 'IB Moms' launch come about?

Actually Internet Based Moms came about first. I really enjoyed the work at home mom community and wanted to provide a unique resource for it. There are many work at home mom sites (and a good number with great information & resources), but there didn't seem to be any dedicated specifically to online businesses and Internet Marketing. I love doing the research and writing, so why not share my findings with moms and other entrepreneurs?

WAHMcopywriter is a result of people asking me if I would do writing for their sites and newsletters. I wanted to provide a place for people to find free content articles and hire a copywriter at a reasonable price.

7. Our readers would love to read the secrets behind IB Moms' great success.

Wow, that's a tough question. It's due to a solid marketing plan, I assure you. I didn't wait for success to come to me. I went out and grabbed it. The marketing plan I followed is essentially in my ebook An Internet Based Mom's Guide to Marketing Your Website (http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/ebooks/index.html). I believe that's a marketing plan any online business can follow.

Outside of that, I believe that Internet Based Moms is because there is a sense of community on my site. I have several events that bring work at home moms together throughout the year. I fully participate in my message boards and offer valuable advice to my members. I also actively participate in other business networking groups.

I give moms many quality opportunities to promote their businesses and it's not just through their advertising dollars. I work hard to promote other moms in business by offering incentives to those who sponsor contests or show support of my site in other ways.

8. Internet Based Moms' First Anniversary Events were a tremendous success. Please tell us more about how you gathered resources, arranged sponsors, organized online parties, chat sessions and seminars; and that too, while your second baby was on his way!

As I mentioned, I am a networker and supporter of women in business, so it wasn't hard to gather the resources and sponsors. When you're an active member of the community, you have what you need at your finger tips. Of course, there was still a lot of sweat and hard work involved.

I worked when my toddler was sleeping or my husband was with him. I also utilize daycare two times per week, which is something I think many moms in business are reluctant to do. We found a great facility that my son just adores. It's a treat for him when he gets to play at daycare for a few hours.

I still found time for naps and getting enough rest being in my 8th and 9th months of pregnancy. That's the support of family for you.

9. You have also published the, by now, famous e-book "An Internet Based Mom's Guide to Marketing Your Website". Please tell us more about it.

This ebook came about as a result of the numerous emails I'd receive from moms who couldn't understand why there businesses weren't successful. When I asked them for information on how they were promoting their businesses, I found that they didn't have a marketing plan nor had they done much to promote their business outside of building the website and exchanging some links.

I wrote the ebook with moms in mind. There is a section on time management, which crucial for any mom in business. Running a mom-owned business is quite different from other online businesses. We network in different circles and may have financial limitations in running our businesses. This book keeps all that in consideration.

It covers everything from setting goals, improving your website, search engine optimization, advertising & using your website statistics, networking, press releases, affiliate programs and newsletter publishing. Any mom that truly puts in 100% to the ideas in this book, should be able to see a drastic improvement in her online business.

10. Who are/were the people instrumental in your success?

First, my family. Without their support, how could I run a successful business?

Second, my message board members, my newsletter subscribers and website visitors. My business has largely grown through word of mouth and I cannot thank these people enough for their support. I would love to mention a few names here, but I would be so fearful of leaving someone out.

Third, me! I believed in myself, I did the research and put in the long hours to produce something I can be proud of. I believe we all have to take responsibility for our own successes and failures and we need to learn from them too.

11. What is the real 'Alice' like when she is not a 'business woman' and is with her family?

My husband and I are fairly new parents. We have a 21 month old and a 6 week old. We are enjoying it immensely. We love being kids again. I like to read the kids books, play kids games and just have fun.

12. May we have Alice's final word on 'Women' and 'Business'?

Go after your dreams...don't expect them to come to you.