About Me and My Website

I then left for the big city to continue my education. I came to Toronto to attend Ryerson and study interior design. After four grueling years (or so it seemed at the time) I graduated with a degree in Interior Design.
I remained in Toronto to begin my career.

I began in the field of commercial interior design. Mainly, retail stores, restaurants and hotels with a bit of office and senior facilities thrown in the mix. Over the years my work experience involved working for design and/or architectural firms. As well, I was able to gain experience from the other side by working for construction companies and wood working shops.

I think it gives me a well-rounded knowledge of the industry. In other words, I learned how to design and produce drawings that provide all the information required for the builder (general contractor) or millworker (woodworking company) to bid and to produce from their end.

I enjoyed the creativity but soon discovered that my strength was the technical aspect. I enjoy producing the drawings (conceptual, preliminary, construction set) and working out the detailing for various projects.

When I started out all drawings were done manually (drafting table, slide rule, mechanical pencil, scales, set squares, etc). Eventually, like most other things it went to computer. I learned AutoCAD and found that I really enjoyed it (and my hands are smudge free and no eraser bits).

I also discovered that I was not keen on the nine to five routines and went freelance. I now work from home and produce drawings for various firms on a contract basis.

Meanwhile, (like everyone else, I guess) I started using the Internet more and more. First it was just to e-mail. To send or receive information related to work. Then it was to search for information, work related (and not).

About my website…
As you have probably already noticed I provide a lot of content (information) about building in Canada. I get steady traffic (visitors) to my site and I make extra income.

I enjoy answering the questions I get. I provide the best answer I can, based on research and my knowledge of the construction industry. I chose to concentrate on Canada, since my work experience is based here.

When I began I knew nothing about creating a website, how those pages were set up or how those pictures got in there. I searched for clues and mostly got confused. It was that “I don’t know what this means” feeling. I did not understand HTML, CSS, URL, domain name, etc.

I just wanted to make a website. When I found Site Build It (SBI), I realized this was exactly what I was looking for...no knowledge of website design required, only a desire to share information. And I liked the idea that I could generate extra income at the same time..

I got interested in starting a website when I could not find a site that listed building departments for towns or cities in Canada (data I need to add to the cover sheet of a drawing set).

When I found Site Build It, I realized I could I do so much more. And I did not need to know anything about web design. I went with it. I received an Action Guide. It took me through the process of setting up my site, one step at a time. Each step is clearly explained. Each is enjoyable to read, written in a friendly manner (no boring textbook style). I worked at my own pace and never felt that I “I don’t know what this means” feeling.

The first step is to select a profitable topic for your site. SBI provides brainstorming tools. You use them to get keywords (subjects for the pages within your site). My site is about building in Canada. My keywords are codes, permits, etc. By brainstorming you discover how much interest and competition there is in a topic and if there is money to be made. Even if you do not know what topic to use for your site, these tools will help you find a niche that you know and enjoy. A website can be started on any subject. Anyone can share their knowledge, passion or talent with others.

Once you decide on a topic for your site, you are shown how to plan a layout for content (the subjects for the pages). You decide on a name (mine is www.about-building-in-canada.com) and register it. Before I knew it, I had a site up and running. Then I began adding pages as I wrote them.

Creating a page is simple. There are tools and templates provided for this. It is just a matter of taking the time to write about your topic. And the writing is not much different than explaining something to a friend (there is even a guide to help with this too). Then the text is simply inserted into the appropriate spaces on the template. It is how this page (which you are reading) was created. I chose the border at the top and down the side from a wide selection provided by SBI. I did not have to create them (the words, of course, are my own). And with the tools provided it was easy to insert pictures and images.

As I mentioned, I know nothing about web-design.
The Action Guide helped me through all the steps. It even explains about search engines, traffic (visitors to your site), as well as various ways to make money on your site. And you can always find help through the forums. The key is to create a lot of good content. It is easy when you are sharing information about something you enjoy. All it takes is effort and a desire to succeed.

From the beginning I worked on building up my site when I had time (in between and around my freelance work). In less than a year I was able to enjoy income from it. I still work on it, in between and around my freelance work.

I find it a pleasure to working on my site. SBI provides me with all the tools I need and does the web-related stuff for me behind the scenes. All I have to do is concentrate on research, writing and building pages rich in content. I enjoy answering questions relating to my topic, and turn the answers into pages too.

As I mentioned, I am earning income from my site. It is through those ads you might have noticed on my pages (Ads by Google). This more than funds my site. With some of the extra income I have purchased a digital camera (my site photos are mine), computer programs, shoes, and books. And because I have this site, these are all tax deductible (well, maybe not the shoes).

You will get from your website what you put into it.
Not only will you enjoy working on it, you can build a successful business.
I still get a kick out being able to tell people that I have a website.
Earn some extra income or make it your main source of income. A lot of ordinary people, like me, are sharing their passion and finding success.

Right now my freelance work ties me to the city. I enjoy working from home but I am still dependant on others for work. My goal is to gain more freedom with my site. I work on it as often as I can. Each month my income grows. Way back at the top of this page, I mentioned that I grew up in small towns. Maybe I will even move back to a small town and just visit the city now and then. I can access my website from anywhere. Hmm… now there’s a thought.

Site Build It – Free Trial Offer

Site Build It – In French

My site topic about Building Permits