Latest Blog Posts
Blog Archives
A day in the life of...
Posted on Feb 03, 2012 | Tags: | Comments (0)
What are you working on?
I recently helped launch censusrecords.com, which went live on the 3rd February. The site focuses exclusively on the US census and is the first to offer a “PayAsYouGo” as well as a subscription option.
In addition to this, I’m working on launching brightsolid’s premier International brand findmypast in the US this calendar year.
Where did the idea come from?
brightsolid’s other family history sites receive a significant amount of traffic from the US and Canada, which indicates a hunger for these sites in the US.
Who else is working on this with you?
Let me introduce you to a few members of the North America Team:
- Neil Curtis is our Senior Vice President and comes from brightsolid’s Corporate Development Team
- D. Joshua Taylor is our genealogical guru. An award winning genealogist who has appeared on “Who Do You Think You Are”, Josh keeps us focused on what both the experienced and novice family history researcher needs.
- Rachel Denning is our IT expert and project manager. She has vast experience in web development and makes sure we do not fall behind our schedule
- Katy Curtis is our numbers person and keeps us on budget
- Myself – I work on the marketing and public relations and produced some of the copy on censusrecords.com.
How long have you been working on this for?
I started working for brightsolid in early January but have been focusing mental energy on the project for a number of months.
What will be involved – biggest pitfalls, is there anything that will help?
We launched the site as a beta without images and an evolving search because we wanted to get feedback from users who we’ll be meeting at the RootsTech conference in Salt Lake City. I’ll be taking this feedback to enhance the current site and incorporate into the launch of findmypast US later this year.
What impact does this project have?
This is our first entry into the US market and our launch pad to bringing our broader site findmypast to the US market.
What difference will it make to our customers?
We believe those researching their family tree will appreciate our accurate data and innovative search. Censusrecords.com simplifies what can be a complex process for those just getting started in family history. And the “PayAsYouGo” option provides an easy starting place for the curious. In addition it provides advanced search and enhanced indexes to core data for those already addicted to family history.
When will it be complete?
The current beta site contains 1870 to 1930 census subscriptions with images. Over the coming weeks the remaining images will be added and the 1940 US census will be added as it becomes available.
Brief summary of work that you are responsible for on a daily basis:
- I’m responsible for creating awareness and building the customer base in North America.
- I have input in the web development and site usability.
- Every day is different and nothing is repetitive.
- I have to say, it is probably the most positive team environment I have ever been involved with.
What other parts of the business do you work closely with?
I work closely with those based in the UK and I interact with those who work on marketing findmypast in Ireland and Australia.
Comments (0)