A bit about Algarve-beach-life...
Who I am... How I got here... Where Im going...
Living the Algarve Beach Life and building websites that work.
 After a pretty varied working life as
accounts assistant, State Registered Nurse, fitness teacher, independent
distributor and carer for the elderly, I wondered what I could try next.
Once I discovered the Algarve and its delights, I decided (with my
husband Nevs surprisingly keen agreement) to work toward living there.
That meant needing a way to earn money, since neither of us had the language skills to work in the Portuguese economy back then (and possibly not yet, either!)
When I had the idea of a website, I imagined Nev would fall about laughing, as Im a confirmed non-techie. But I
was ready to argue that it would give me a secondary use for the information that Id need to gather while planning to live in a foreign land.
To my surprise, his reaction was different: he thought a bit, then said, Why not give it a go? That set me back on my heels, I can tell you. Id expected to need a reasoned argument (or several) yet here I was without any further hurdles to negotiate except making a start!
Making Progress
That was back in late 2003. We thought it fortunate at the time that Nev had taught himself HTML, the coding language of many websites. (As I discovered later, he neednt have bothered
but Im running ahead).
During our searches for a suitable webhost, while Nev designed the first couple of web pages, we discovered SiteBuildIt, and
were excited at its aim to allow users to build not just websites, but successful websites. (And whats the point of any other type?)
As I write, the site continues to grow and add new features. Its been quite a journey, both emotional and geographical, since we now live in the Algarve and enjoy that beach life all year round.
What pleased me most was that all the necessary tools for building not just a site, but a Web presence were included in the price of the package. Compared to learning how to use all sorts of different programs and bolt-ons, it proved to be a God-send.
If youd care to find out more about SiteBuildIt, just click here.
Step By Step Guidelines
We could even have done without Nev's HTML skills, as I
mentioned earlier, since, if you can type words into a word
processor, you can build web pages with SiteBuildIt.
I wanted to make a website of the sort Id never found during my researches into Algarve. Not just a dry, corporate vehicle for selling goods and
services or advertising those of others, but a down-to-earth,
informative resource that would speak to other enthusiasts.
That may sound amateurish, but in fact the SBI method encourages you to think of ways to monetize your site even as you plan to build it. After that, you just follow the plan
After a few months, the site was being found by the search engines and, to this day, has never cost one cent for all the traffic it receives.
Once we had some Accommodation, and similar, pages attracting visitors, it wasnt long before we had enquiries about advertising rental properties within our pages. How great is that? The business came to me!
The site has continued to grow its traffic from year to year, and now receives many thousands of visitors every month, with
around 1000 subscribers to the regular newsletter.
Often, building a new page to attract visitors is easy, when Algarve lovers send me accounts (and photographs) of the great times theyve had in the region. In addition to bearing out my own love of the Algarve, it gives the website additional (and free) weight with the search engines which increases visitor numbers further.
All of this proved to be like cooking from a simple recipe, thanks to the help that SiteBuildIt offers. If I can answer any questions about this for you, just
contact me. I should point out, however, that most of your questions would be answered if you
read more about it here.
Comments From Visitors to Algarve Beach Life
Hi Jennifer, I love your site, it's brilliant!
Many thanks and keep up the excellent work!
James, UK
Hi Jennifer, I just wanted to say that I like your site. Looks great. I'm a fellow SBIer. Just wondering. Are you in Portugal? or just go for visits? Maybe you can come to Rio one of these days. My wife and I love it here. (Well, there are some things we don't exactly love, but we live outside the big city, so it's mostly OK.) Anyway, just thought it'd be nice to say hi. Have a wonderful weekend and week!
All the best to you and yours,
Ed, Brazil
Hi Jennifer, I enjoyed (a couple of times now) reading your website - its full of interest and I love the way you approach all with an open mind and with great interest.
Simon, UK
Just discovered your blog with great pleasure. Take care and keep up the good work !
Liz, France
Hi, just thought I'd write a few lines - great website by the way.
Andrea, UK
I thank you very much for your web site as I learned a lot and it is very well done. I hope to reference it while I am there. Thanks a lot!
Matthew, USA
Hi Jennifer - I'm a recent convert to your newsletter and congrats on the content and site layout - it's a great read and easy to navigate.
Gerry, UK
Hi Jennifer: I luv your site and I'm now almost a expert on Algarve lol !
Fred, USA
Hi once again thanks for your most welcome email and all the useful info you provide.
Stan, UK
Hi Jennifer, your site is great!
Pieter, Netherlands
Hi Jennifer, Well I am only 'writing' to thank you very much for the time trouble and effort you put into your 'little' news letter from Portugal.
Jackie, UK
Hello. Sending this email to share my experiences of the Algarve. I think you've mentioned most of my favourite places and my boyfriend and I have been to them. I was just browsing to find yet another romantic place to go to, and found your website.
Cris, Portugal
Gday! Enjoy your Algarve info web-site VERY much indeed. I have heard that there is a new golf course which has just opened in Castro Marim, next to the Guadiana River. Is there any chance of seeing your excellent info on this particular course on your website soon? Cheers! Keep up the excellent work!
Ginia, UK
Just want to say that your wonderful newsletter is so
informative & gives us all sorts of ideas for when we
visit. Jennifer thank you so much.
Sharon J, UK
Ever wonder how many of those 'corporate' websites get
feedback like that?
This site was created using SiteBuildIt! For more information about using SBI to
create YOUR successful web business, click here.
Feel free to join the many subscribers to my regular, free newsletter
Algarve Beach Life
News. I'll continue to feature stories from fellow Algarve enthusiasts, as well as informing
you of any interesting events or offers.
Best wishes and,
Here's to that next trip to your favourite sunny beach.
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