.nl in the spotlight: hetkitvrouwtje.nl

What led you to set up your own business?

"I often used to help my partner when he did caulking jobs for customers, and I found I really enjoyed the work," says Leonie. "As my interest grew, I started looking into the caulking trade and how to set yourself up as a professional. I practised doing various types of caulking and I took a course to get a formal qualification. I also contacted a number of professional caulkers and got their advice about the work process. I asked them about how to get started and what's involved. Tips and know-how from people already working in the trade are really useful for anyone who wants to set themselves up in a profession. Once I had the knowledge and experience I needed, I started offering my services and taking on jobs for my own customers. I'm now available to work for anyone who needs any kind of caulking work doing: whole bathrooms, new toilets, staircases, window and doorframes... I do the lot."

What do you like most about your work?

"Using the right sealant and ensuring a good seal are important for preventing leaks and mould growth, for example. And a neat finish makes a big difference to the appearance of a room. I get a buzz from getting those things right, so that my customers are pleased. Another thing I like is that I'm one of the few women doing this sort of work in the Netherlands. Female customers often say that they prefer to have a woman working in their homes. They feel safer and more comfortable."

How do your customers find you?

"Most of my commissions come via Werkspot, a Dutch platform that puts consumers in touch with tradespeople. I've got a Werkspot account, so people can get my contact details and read reviews. Other customers reach me by going to my website hetkitvrouwtje.nl. Before starting a job, I make sure the customer and I are agreed on what needs doing, how many linear metres of caulking the job will entail, what colour sealant they want and what the work will cost. In my dealings with customers, I place a lot of emphasis on honesty and transparency, so they know where they stand."

You've got a clear, catchy domain name. How did you think of it?

"Last year, I registered with the Chamber of Commerce under the trading name of Het Kitvrouwtje ('The Caulker Woman'). Everyone can immediately see from the name what I do and why they might want to contact me. A matching domain name seemed like the obvious choice. Fortunately, hetkitvrouwtje.nl was still available, so getting my own .nl domain name was no problem. I wanted a name ending in .nl, because I'm interested mainly in the Dutch market. I built the website myself using the Strato site builder. I plan to work on improving the site's visibility in search engine results. The idea is to regularly put up relevant content on the site, so that internet users find it when they are looking for someone to do a caulking job. Ultimately, I'd like to be known throughout the country as The Caulker Woman."

Do you have any advice for other people starting out in business?

"I reckon that the key to success is good research and preparation. Read up on your subject, take any training you need, and contact people already working in your chosen trade or line of business. If you know your stuff before you start, you're ready to deliver what customers want. Once you've got the know-how, the next thing is to build up your experience. With the right knowledge and experience, you can tackle anything."

Want to set up a .nl website of your own? Read advice from other entrepreneurs and tradespeople or register your .nl domain name now.