There are so many choices and decisions to be made when starting a blog, creating a brand new website, or performing a makeover on an existing site. It can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. If you decide to go with my blog set up package, I will help you work through the initial questions and get you on your way to WordPress wisdom. The Q & A section below may help you understand more about the process as well as other considerations to factor in. In today’s world a website is a work in progress, not a static site that just sits there like an online billboard.
MORE INFO ON WEBSITE SET-UP
Let’s Get Started!
A starter list of questions to ask yourself before we begin.
Set-Up Cost/Details
Specifics about what the basic set-up package covers.
______________________________
GETTING STARTED
How do we get started?
Simple. Just review the questions on the Let’s Get Started page, answer what you can, and then give me a call!
How is payment handled?
A 50% deposit is required to get started, with the balance to be paid upon completion. This does not include the domain, hosting, and Thesis theme, which needs to be purchased first.
How long will it take?
The time depends on two factors, my schedule and how soon you can get me your content. If you have reviewed the Start Up questions and think you are ready to begin, this whole process could take as little one week.
WHAT ABOUT CONTENT?
Will you write the content?
It’s best if the content comes from you, in your own voice. As I add your content to your new website, I’ll share my creative ideas with you and make suggestions. If you prefer to have me write the content for you, it will be done on an hourly basis.
Can you provide artwork?
It’s best if you have your own images (photos, clipart, etc.) for your website. I can help you find what you need, but there may be an additional charge. Artwork is subjective and finding just the right image can be very time consuming. Only you really know what you are looking for.
Will you design my header?
I can use your artwork to create a simple header. If something more elaborate is wanted, there may be an additional charge or I can refer you to a graphic artist.
How many pages can I have?
With WordPress and Thesis there is no limit to the amount of pages you can have. My basic set up packages includes up to five pages, but you will be able to add more on your own after our final consultation.
Can I have videos?
Absolutely. If you already have videos on YouTube it only takes a couple minutes to embed videos onto your blog.
Can I have pictures on the blog?
Yes. I will show you how to upload photos to your website in our final consultation. Please have some digital images ready and we’ll go over the sizing and general requirements for placing on your WordPress site.
Can I have a photo gallery? Slideshow?
Yes. You can add a slideshow yourself to your WordPress site or I’ll be happy to do this for an additional charge.
Can I have fill-in forms?
Absolutely. You can add a slideshow yourself to your WordPress site or I’ll be happy to do this for an additional charge.
Can I have a store on my site?
Yes. I’ll be happy to do this for an additional charge. When it comes to ecommerce there are hundreds of choices. I like simplicity and ease of use that’s why currently recommend the Market Theme.
Can I just have a couple PayPal buttons?
Yes. If you already have a PayPal account, I would be willing to include one PayPal button as part of the start up package.
DOMAIN AND HOSTING
Will you handle the domain registration and hosting set up?
If you’re starting with a new domain and hosting, the setup is included in the basic setup package.
What if I have an existing website and just want to add a blog?
I can usually add a blog to your existing website without too much difficulty. Please contact me so I can look at your website and give you more specifics. This may or may include an additional charge, depending on the amount of time involved.
What if I already have a web host?If your site is not currently at a WordPress-friendly host, I can help you transfer your website for an additional charge. I prefer BlueHost because of their ease of use, customer service, and cost.
SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION
Will you submit the site to search engines?
I’ll submit your site to Google, Yahoo, and Bing. I will also submit to Technorati, but I will need some key words and a 1000 character description for this. Also, I recommend having your navigation figured out and some content on your pages before submission.
Is SEO, search engine optimization included?
Yes, some SEO is included. I will do initial SEO work on your website and will provide you with a checklist that will help you move forward. Keep in mind, that to really utilize the power of WordPress and Thesis, you will need to work on this on an ongoing basis.
Is SMO included? Will you help set up accounts and profiles on twitter, facebook, linkedin, etc..
Yes. I’ll be happy to do this for an additional charge.
Can we add widgets, badges or gadgets for twitter, facebook, etc…
Yes. I’ll be happy to add these to your website.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Why do you only work with WordPress and the Thesis theme?
The combination of the two is very powerful in terms of SEO. WordPress is an industry standard for blogs and websites. Thesis is easy to use, extremely customizable, and search engine friendly. WordPress and Thesis are also updated quite frequently with new features.
It Thesis really that much better than the free themes?
Yes. In terms of updates, customer support, and customization, Thesis is by far the best theme on the market today.
How long will it take me to learn WordPress/Thesis?
You should be able to learn the very basics in a few hours. But because WordPress and Thesis have a lot of capability, it’s possibly to continue learning new features as long as you’re interested in learning.
Do you take on larger clients on an ongoing basis?
Absolutely! If you have a project you’d like to discuss, please feel free to contact me.
Will I be able to make changes myself?
Yes. That’s the beauty of using WordPress/Thesis. You’ll be able to login to your website and make changes online. I am available to make changes for you though if you prefer not to make changes yourself. (my hourly fee will apply)
Will my blog show up on Google right away?
It can take a few days to a few months for your website to be indexed by Google. In most cases however, Google indexes new sites within a couple weeks. This is something I don’t have any control over – it’s a Google thing.
Do I have to have a blog?
It’s your choice. We can set it up with or without a blog. If you decide later you’d like to have a blog, it can be easily added.
Can I add pages later as needed?
Yes. We will cover how to add pages in the final consultation. It’s easy!
What if I have follow up questions?
I’ll be happy to answer a few short questions after the package is complete. If, after that, you would like blogging coaching or help with Thesis or Worpress, I’m available at my hourly fee.
What other services do you provide?
Whether you’re interested in a corporate website, Linkedin consulting, Facebook page setup, or other social media consulting please contact me.
What’s the difference between a website and a blog?
The terms are becoming more and more interchangeable. A website contains content that you write (static pages). A blog contains content you write that your readers may comment on. The blogging framework (WordPress) is designed so that blog (or website) owner and visitors can interact easily.