“In the Hot Seat” Jaron from Jrswab

Both Jaron and I share the love for coffee. That’s not what we will be talking about today though.

In today’s “In the Hot Seat”, Jaron from Jrswab, shares his thoughts around online marketing, running a website and why writing compelling headlines are so important.

Excited to have you here Jaron, let’s dive in…

 

1. Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Jaron, I am a born-again Christian, Eagle Scout, and entrepreneur. I am married to my beautiful wife Leah and we own a super energetic cat. I made my first website when I was in third grade. It was a free sub-domain that does not exist anymore but it started me down a rabbit hole. I am now hooked on making websites and blogging.

 

2. How did you get into the online business world, what inspired you?

Since I have been making websites since an early age, I decided it would be a good idea to take it to the next level and make money from my efforts. This ended up playing well into my personality. The thrill of making money for myself and not for a company I did not control, was such a rush. I since started an LLC and plan to start another soon.

 

3. Could you briefly describe your blog or website?

My main site I focus on is dedicated to helping bloggers to achieve success. The site start off with why it’s a good idea to start a blog, how to start a blog, and then moves into tips and information to help bloggers make the most of their site. I cover everything from WordPress plugins, to analytics, and even a motivational post here and there.

 

4. How did you come up with the idea of your website or blog?

I am always the person who friends, family, and acquaintances come to for help with everything technology. When I revamped my site and focus in on a subject, it was natural for me to want to help people who need the technical boost. Many bloggers are into fashion, travel, or cooking and don’t have the time to learn about SEO, Click-Through Rates, and Traffic Conversion.

 

5. What is it that drives you to work for yourself, running your own business?

My family, even though it is just my wife, a cat, and I. Getting my family out of debt and being able to leave my children and grandchildren an inheritance is a drive that will probably never be quenched. I don’t know of many things better for a person to work towards than improving the quality of life for their loved ones.

 

6. What’s your best advice to find balance between work, family and life?

Ah can be tricky. I love what I do so I spend a lot of my time working on the site and business. What helps me keep balance is deciding to keep family first. If my wife needs my help i drop what I am doing. When she wants to take a walk and sit in the park I grab a book and take a break. If she needs someone to listen, I turn off my monitor and listen. When you love what you do for a living it’s easy to create unbalance. Putting the family over everything, keeps everything in check.

 

7. How do you define success running your own website and online business?

I have found this, change over the years. It started out as a financial goal but now it’s turned into reader engagement and helping others. If my post helps someone fix an issue they are having or answers their question about a specific topic. That is success and doing that with every post is being successful because that is what my blog aims to do. If my site does not help people my site is then unsuccessful.

 

8. What’s the most frustrating part of running your own business?

Taxes. I don’t know as much as I’d like and I probably never will. I never want to be on the IRS’s bad side and trying to keep up with everything is very frustrating. It feels like every time I think I have a grasp on something, another thing pops up I’ve never heard of before.

 

9. What’s the most positive aspect of running your own online business?

The sense of accomplishment. When working for a company you don’t known, there is not much room for self accomplishment. In the past when I would do something above my line of work for another company I’d get little credit if any. Owning the business lets me take my ideas, build them out, and be recognized for the hard work.

 

10. What skill have you learned along the way, that you find invaluable running your online business today?

Patience, can we call that a skill? When first starting out its slow, very slow. As I’m sure many people read this may know. Learning to be patient with the process is very important to anyone starting out. I knew how to build websites, that was easy for me. Getting the engagement was the hard part. Learning to be patient with the process is precious.

 

11. If you could travel back in time, to when you first started this online journey what advice would you give yourself?

Learn how to write magnetic and compelling headlines. I could have written a gem of a post and without a good headline no one would read it. Only 2 out of 10 people will click through to your post and that’s only if you have good headlines. Learning how to write headlines from the start would have meant faster success in the long run.

 

12. What do you see in the future for you and your business?

I think the next big step for my business is a membership site. I don’t have any details worked out since it is a long term goal I have, but it’s something I’d like to carry out for my devoted readers. Giving them something special would be a nice thank you from me for their dedication to reading all of my posts.

Thank you so much for participating Jaron and sharing your journey with us.

If you think that “in the hot seat” would be for you and your business, please contact me so that we can get the discussion going.