Hello Ladies,
I am interested in starting a specialized website for Mothers in the Dallas TX area that will advocate networking, social events for moms and activities for the kids or family around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area as well as a resource page that contains links to specialty shops, daycares, private schools, and even job information and possible ratings on the listed items. Mothers can share can post questions and others can respond. I would love to organize events Mothers could join in as a group and support.
I have been a bit overwhelmed with the 50 hours required at my current job and thought of my daily routine and how at times it can become monotonous and it would be nice to meet other mothers who are going through the same thing. This spoke so strongly to me it sparked the idea of the website in thinking of how other mothers might feel the same as I (isolated) or as if others may not understand them and this would serve as a social as well as resourceful website for mothers experiencing the same things.
My question is do you feel this is a good idea and that it would recieve responses? Would it be something you would utilize? Any suggestions? Is there a resource you might know of I could use to help me in achieving my idea? I would really appreciate truthful responses before I go live with this. Thanks in Advance~
I think this is something like you are considering... http://www.dfwareamoms.com/ So yes, good idea, but it has already been done.
April,
Have you checked out Meetup.com? You could possibly join another group that fits your needs. There are many types of meetup groups that are available for a variety of different interest groups. If there is not one that fits your needs, maybe you could start a new group on Meetup.com
I know that there is a way to advertise business because I am a part of the Dallas Christian single and there are people within the group that advertise within the meetup group.
I know that there are private / non-private groups. The private groups usually have guideline / rules that should be followed.
Hope this helps you.
Momma's check out meetup.com there are a lot of great groups out there!
C.
Check out:
www.dfwareamoms.com
www.lilaguide.com
www.metroplexbaby.com
If you can offer more than what these sites offer - go for it!
Search the internet and you'll find more too!
There are a bunch of different sites like this already. It takes a lot to build and maintain web sites (I did it for 14 years). Your basic web hosted tool does not allow you to maintain users and is limited to the number of pages you can build based on the space required for storage. So you would have to pay for the storage you need. Also, a website is not profitable initially and may never be. It takes months to build the site and many more to make it earn money.
I'm not trying to rain on your parade, I just want you to have the facts. If you have any more questions, feel free to give me a shout. I architected and built web sites for many major companies inclusive of their visual design and database structures. I now stay at home with my baby girl and am much happier!!! :)
April,
I think you are on to something good! The only thing I would add is a homeschool page. You don't have to make it a huge deal - but a simple page will help you see if it would be worth your time to do more than just a page...
Your key is going to be marketing it. I suggest a book called, "Buzz Marketing". It is in the business area at your local bookstore. It will really help you. You might want to supplement with "Guerrilla Marketing". Get the guerrilla marketing book that teaches about free and inexpensive techniques to market.
Like I said - you are on something good! Don't stop - take it LIVE!!
*EDIT*
I just read the other responses. I say don't worry about what is already out there. Obviously, they are not making a huge splash with their marketing, or I would have already known about them. The key for you is to find your USP (unique selling point - what makes you different) and get your info out there to everybody and anybody...
There are SEVERAL ways to do this. AND it can be done inexpensively...
GO FOR IT! Just because others are out there doing it, doesn't mean they are better! Make your USP great, and market, market, market. You can do this!!!!
*END EDIT*
I unfortunetly share the same feelings as the other two posters. You would spend MORE time on your own website and it is hard, I have seen lots of local websites go under.
There are lots of websites like the one you are describing in the DFW area. The fact that you do not know about them shows how hard it is to market them, as they are very popular.
Sorry I could be more positive! I love that you want to stay at home, dont give up on that dream! Keep thinking, maybe you can find another nitch that you can tap, non-social networking website related that utilizes local stuff for moms.
Hi April -
I currently work at a web design firm in Dallas and handle new business development (www.netsuccess.com)
I can tell you from experience that several people have ideas that can be translated to the web, but what they have not thought about is the profit model or how it will be different then what already exist. I noticed in your request that you mentioned you work 50 hours a week. You could use your experience to maybe create a networking group of career oriented mothers and build a website around initiatives decided by the group.
I really don't know how you could approach it but I do want you to be encouraged. I recommend that you read "Tribes" by Seth Godin an amazing book. If you need any help creating a business plan, profit model, and or creative brief for your website to show potential investors I can help.
I have a sideline business helping start-ups and small businesses with business writing & new business development.
H.
There is a new website that will be launching on March 13.
Take a look I think it will be great. www.Metroplex4Women.com and www.Metroplex4Children.com
Mark the date and check it out
