Motherslove Baby Boutique

www.motherslove.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

Motherslove is an online boutique offering quality baby accessories, stylish baby and kids shoes, and boutique children's fashion. We stock premium brands such as Pediped baby and kids shoes, Dr Brown's baby bottles, and Dolly Up girls clothing.

2. When and why did you start your business?

Motherslove was started in Feb 2009 out of desire to run our own retail business and our new interest in the baby and clothing product area with the recent birth of our daughter.

3. On a personal level, what have you achieved with your business?

I'm personally happy with the level of professionalism we've achieved for our website which was fully developed in-house, and the constant growth in revenues. It's been a step climb, but I'm amazed at the amount we've learnt in just over a year. Definitely not easy, but very satisfying.

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?

Balancing all the tasks required to run and grow the business has been a major challenge. The website & products require constant updates for information & stock levels, and stock needs re-ordering, but it also takes time to research and add new products as well as learn about and implement marketing & SEO strategies. Keeping up and moving forward simultaneously keeps us busy.

5. What activities have been successful in promoting your business?

Pay per click advertising for the right type of products has given a positive ROI.

6. What activities were less successful for marketing your business?

Flat rate directories on yearly contracts have been disappointing.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

Achieving a successful outcome after days or weeks of figuring out how to tackle new challenges such as specific marketing channels.

8. Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?

The customer service mentality at Zappos.com has helped guide some of our core service goals.

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

We intend to develop a comprehensive range of products across all categories relevant to our target market of newborns to 6 year olds, and then look for additional related services we can package for an overall higher value offering.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

New businesses should approach advertising cautiously and not commit to long term directory or SEO contracts until gaining some experience first. There are plenty of other options that can be adjusted to match your budget, and don't require an upfront commitment.

Visit us at: www.motherslove.com.au