Websites and Blogs
Since the beginning of the Internet, website standards have changed dramatically. In the past updating a website required you to download complex FTP programs and learn a foreign language. Moreover, older sites were only updated when a human being took the time to do so which is a hassle.
Things have changed and a lot more is expected out of a website. I specialize in integrating websites with content management systems (CMS). A content management system is software that keeps track of every piece of content on your site. Content can be simple text, photos, music, video, documents, or anything else you choose. My websites require no maintenance and can be automatically updated whenever one chooses - no technical knowledge required! This is achieved by utilizing a CMS called WordPress.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a highly customizable content management system that is become the most downloaded script on the internet; thousands of third party templates and plugins are available for WordPress and can be installed at the click of a button. With WordPress software and my own customizations, I am able to create professional websites that are not only easily managed without technical expertise but also visually appealing. In fact this entire website is created in WordPress which gives me the ability to edit this and every other page of the site by simply logging in to a simple administration panel - I don't even need to use Dreamweaver or any complicated FTP programs (although I am an expert in Dreamweaver and will use it to create WordPress themes, plugins, blogs, websites and everything else).
Should you chose, I can also put a blog up on your website. Blogging is not only a great way to express yourself, but also a great way to attract visitors. Internet marketers use blogs to boost their rankings on search engines like Google. At no extra charge I can setup and seamlessly blend a blog (again using WordPress) with your main website.
The Process
1) WordPress installation and basic setup - this includes WordPress's easy-to-use administration panel and blog. Here are some great features worth mentioning.
Easily change up the feel of your site in the theme manager.
Upload, manage, and organize photos, movies, mp3's, etc.
Create admins, moderators, editors, and more to help manage your site.
Create, edit, and delete web pages using Wordpress's WYSIWYG editor.
Manage and moderate user posted comments at the click of a button.
Easily add, edit, and delete posts from your blog.
2) WordPress theme creation, customization, and installation will give your site a professional yet stylish appearance. One of the benefits of WordPress is that there are literally thousands of great "themes" (?) available online - some free ones and some paid. I can also design and code a custom WordPress theme for you. I really put a lot of care in to my WordPress themes whether crafting one from scratch or customizing someone else's theme; I will make sure your website's appearance feels right and fits with your personality. I promise; and just so you know: Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
What is a WordPress "theme"?
A "theme" (or template) is a way to skin your web site and blog. WordPress themes control the look and presentation of the material on your website as well as the overall design.
I can install any theme that you choose as well as customize it in a fraction of the time and cost that it would take to design a site from scratch. Here are a few examples of some great themes I've installed and modified in the past:
This is a grey-white colored theme. Great for a professional site wanting to give off an "artsy" feel
A stylish blue-white-pink colored theme. The layout's organization lends well to myriad of businesses.
An orange-grey colored theme that is great for any small companies homepage.
Confused?
No problem, many people are with this stuff (even I am every once in awhile). You can send me a message at the contact page. I will answer your questions via email promptly and free of charge. Also, if we do business I will give you a comprehensive explanation of everything I add to your site as well as show you how to manage it at no extra cost.
3) Integration with Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Myspace as well as a number of other social networking and bookmarking sites. Check out these screenshots of WordPress automatically adding "Follow Me" tabs to my entire site as well as social bookmarking links to each blog post.
The "Follow Me" sidebar (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, any other site you want) can be automatically included everywhere on your site.
After each blog post social bookmarking links (Digg, Reddit, Delicious, Technorati, etc.) are automatically included so people can submit your content around the net with one click.
Another option for social bookmarking links is this attractive look. Hovering your mouse over the icons makes the slide up; this look tends to impress clients and site visitors.
4) Tips and tricks on how to boost your sites traffic with effective blogging. Even if you already have a website, this may be of some interest to you. I will show you a few practices to remember when writing content as well as a few WordPress plugins that will save you time and money.
Once you have a site setup, if you want to be seen on Google, you will need Search Engine Optimization.