Have YOU ever asked these questions? Here’s my concise answer:

WordPress gives us the choice, to set the data as a Page or Post.

STATIC PAGES have permanent urls or web addresses. Punk Sells Out Client Questionnaire always displays this PAGE. Great info: essential topics, features and functionality in any blog/site, to determine scope, time and budget.

DYNAMIC POSTS change as we blog or post more info; a typical blog POST.

• Main screen with blog listings change due to dates or content, shoved down as we post more.
• Typically, at end of month, existing posts are listed in the archive. They won’t show up on the main screen.
• They WILL display under the menus, search or category listing (depending up settings).

CMS (Content Management System):

• Categories and sub-categories organize the data. That’s how content is managed
• MANAGED content = better Google results AND engages (KEEPS) readers! Grows your audience!
• Use of keywords
• Deep linking within the pages/posts
• Outbound linking to reliable sources

PunkRawkYoga.com
Left side of screen are BLOG ENTRIES or DYNAMIC POSTS.

POST navigational links: top of the screen. Arranged by CATEGORY.

Note some links have double arrows>> That indicates SUB-CATEGORIES.

STATIC PAGES: the larger tabs under the heading. They could be store location/hours/directions if this were a brick-and-mortar store.

FAQs could be STATIC PAGES or DYNAMIC POSTS.

CMS: NOTE every POST (on current pages) displays a few, descriptive words under the title. I assigned Categories (at least one, could be more) to EVERY POST. Click on a Category box to see a list of other posts in the same Category.

The administrator/designer/programmer sets how many categories/sub-categories to display. Depending upon how the layout or theme is set up, it can be a quick change, or time spent delving into theme coding.

I ask YOU:

–Do you have a WordPress blog/site?
–Need one?
–Need help using it?

Write me!

Namaste.

Let’s get started. Remember to breathe in, breathe out, and smile!

1. Google finds your WordPress blog/site faster and more often than other sites.

1. Google can easily find info IN your site, as do your readers: the higher your site on Google! [Increases page ranking or SERP, search engine result pages].
2. Your readers are engaged, loyal and share w/others, part of Viral Marketing.
3. Easy and fast to update, maintain and add features and functionality, compared to other web design software.
4. WordPress users constantly create “plug-ins” which extend basic functionality. MORE extensions than any other software for the internet. Most are free or very low cost.
5. Forget cool animated sites which take forever to load.
   Apple hates Flash, so iPad owners can’t see your site or parts of pages.
   Windows Vista using Explorer has trouble w/Flash. GOOGLE cannot “index” text inside Flash, vids or graphics.
6. Stick w/text based WordPress!
7. Static sites, the free software all webhosts offer, lack the same Google-friendliness of WordPress.
8. Wanna use other free blog software? Fine, but don’t complain it lacks features or doesn’t get Google’s attention.

Marketing Using WordPress blog/sites:

1. Build and run an effective ongoing marketing presence and marketing campaign.
2. Build a brand.
3. Viral Marketing.
4. Use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media as marketing ONLY, NOT your home base.
5. You OWN your own site. No one can shut you down (if you obey basic laws, no harassment, copyright infringement or illegality of any kind).
6. Facebook can and does deactivate accounts. NO warning, and difficult to be re-activated.
7. Imagine LOSING all your posts, vids, photos, emails, everything? Facebook does that quite often!
8. Have you ever tried to find an old post or email? Not easy via Facebook. Sigh … breathe in, breathe out, smile. Better and easier way of doing some things …

Your WP blog/site GIVES your customers:

1. Search, archive and more organizational features [needed for Google and to retain customers].
2. More user-friendly IF designed correctly.
3. User Experience (UX) can be effective w/correct design, layout and navigation, proper use of text, graphics, photos, vid, audio, etc.
4. Facebook has NO archive, search, and no organization.
5. Facebook has VERY poor UX and navigational tools.

Misc Important Info:

1. Who makes money from Google AdSense ads? (One guess, and it’s not gonna be you).
2. Think you can rig the “back end” of any site to add “meta tag” for better Google results? NO.
3. Think you can get as good results for any free web software on any webhost anywhere, anytime, NO.
4. Please remember Facebook was designed to connect people. NOW it’s increasingly a business site.
5. Small or large, SMART business owners own a separate website.
6. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media MERELY for marketing
7. Social Media for Attracting and Updating YOUR customer base TO YOUR blog/site.

CONTROL and OWN YOUR own WordPress blog/site for YOUR business presence

NOW proceed to Client Questionnaire

Any Marx Brothers fans? Why a Blog? Why a Duck?

Wanna have fun? Yes! We all want SIMPLE answers, prices, FUN lives. FUN I can provide. Technology provides many TOOLS. We MUST be efficient to maximize results, ROI, return on investment.

Not so simple. IF so simple, YOU would make your own SUCCESSFUL blogs/sites. I’m a professional computer trainer and web designer.

• Wanna JUST see Industry Standard Prices? Ok, read my summary of  Cost of Quality, from Entrepreneur magazine.
• I charge less.
• Wanna AVOID sticker shock, and KNOW how to get the most bang from your buck? 
• READ THIS.

• You get what you pay for.
• ONLY looking at bottom line?
• Many complain they WISH they listened to me or found me first.
• Before they wasted time and money on a blog/site they can’t use or dislike.
• Usually paid more than I would have charged. Hmm … not so simple.

• I’ve spent my life guiding, advising, teaching, supporting others and their dreams. 
• I WANT YOU TO SUCCEED.
• Then I look and feel good!
• We mutually benefit each other.
• I know tons of tips and tricks to help you!

PLEASE read some of the info.
Otherwise you will waste your money and both of our time.
YOU MUST invest thought, compile info w/my help
OR
The result won’t make either of us happy.

1. Invest time and focus NOW.
2. Reap benefits forever.
3. YOU can get better Google results, easily update, integrate w/Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, have fun, IF you start with:
1. RIGHT web software.
2. RIGHT layout/theme.
3. RIGHT content, right keywords, social media strategy.
4. Solid, attractive, engaging, compelling, well-written back end and front end WordPress blog.
5. RIGHT online net marketing consultant. Maybe me. I DO NOT accept everyone.
4. I ONLY work w/those who want to SUCCEED and Follow my lead!

Let’s get started. Remember to breathe in, breathe out, and smile!

Do you accept the above? If yes, read below. If not, I wrote WHY a Bog, Why WordPress? Read it if you still have doubts.

• You only wanna spend a few hundred dollars?
• Fine, a simple, minimal site, minimal training, no editing of text or images,
• YOU provide everything I request, the first time I request it,
• No hand-holding,
• No reminder emails I’m missing info to complete your blog/site.
• Want more functionality, maybe lots of bells and whistles, expect to spend more.
• YOU provide text and images ready to go, that’s one price.
• I have to write, edit text and/or download or and/or resize photos, that’s another price.
• I WILL provide some support, but IF you have a ton of questions beyond basic support, expect to pay more.

I’m a professional computer trainer and web designer.

I offer added value services. Plus charge less than industry standard listed below. I’m the best deal in town!

THE MORE YOU DO, the LESS IT COSTS, Faster too.

THIS document is organized:

• FIRST what YOU need to do. What are YOU supplying? What layout, what features do you want?
• Few designers/programmers include tips for marketing a health and fitness business, nor art, nor anything I have personal experience.

MY prices ALWAYS lower than what I’ve been quoted for same work.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

1. Decide on content (pls review Client Questionnaire),
2. Choose professional layout. I will provide samples to choose, based on YOUR professional or personal needs.
3. Supply info, assets when requested.
4. Sign w/my webhost. WordPress hackers take blogs down on GoDaddy.
5. Give prompt, thorough feedback throughout process to ensure satisfaction.

NOTE: A WordPress blog and site can/should be one site. Not sure why people separate them. Too difficult to update both, and confuses people.

PREPARATION FOR WORDPRESS BLOG/MARKETING SITE:

1. Do you have favorite sites, blogs? What do you like and why?
2. OUTLINE or listing of what you want …
3. Compile/gather assets
   –Photos: in a folder, short, but descriptive name, not numbered.
   –Photos: need to be downloaded from Facebook and renamed?
   –Videos?
   –Audio?
4. Facebook posts or notes: indicate which you want copied/pasted UNLESS you do that. Separate file for each FB note = separate blog entry
5. Colors: what color scheme makes you happy?
6. Logo: can be simply your photo or photos, name of site. Ideas?
7. Fave typeface(s)?
8. Social media: Facebook, Twitter buttons, badges. Any pref?

Categories/Sections: 
Suggestions. You can have more or less. You can add content later. BEST to set up structure now. Easier to add content later WHEN the site is well-organized and created to grow!

These are merely generic suggestions. I will work more closely w/you for YOUR specific target market/audience/readers AFTER we agree to work together.

1. About you/bio
2. Mission statement (which can be a subset of About you/bio, can have three different pages)
3. Photos
4. Vids
5. Quotes
6. Links
7. e-Commerce/Store? WordPress for simple e-commerce, w/a few products and PayPal buttons.
8. Anything more complex and time consuming  will require using a top ecommerce software. Plus separate negotiations regarding content, price, timeline.

The simpler the site, the faster and cheaper.
Less can be more! CONTENT is KING, but also a good, clean layout.
Highly recommended using a professional theme.

Because most web programming services are ultimately billed at an hourly rate, the total cost of your website hinges on the site’s size and complexity.

• Do you want an effective online presence and marketing campaign or not?
• READ my posts about all this!
• I’m here to help, but you have to DO your part.
• If you want it fast and affordable.
• I’m ready NOW. Are you? What are YOU waiting for?
• During the time you read this, YOUR competition finished a blog post or two….
  … and is marketing it! What are you waiting for?

• Questions? Please be SPECIFIC to ensure better results.

Talk to me! You’ll be Glad You Started NOW!

1. Domain registration: Cost: $10 to $35 per year per domain.[$15 on my webhost]

2. Hosting: Fees vary considerably based on the complexity of your website, estimated traffic and security requirements. Cost: Shared host, $8 to $50 per month [$4.95/month on my webhost]

3. Graphics: Unless you have existing graphics, including a company logo, you need to use stock art or pay a graphic artist. Royalty-free stock art, starting at about $10 per image; graphic artist, $50 to $150 per hour. [PLUS creating online photo gallery, preparing photos for posting…]

4. Content management system configuration and implementation: CMS makes your site easier to populate, maintain and update. Cost: $50 to $85 per hour. [SOME Consider CMS same as WordPress blog]

5. Blog: Adding a blog to your website or separately is an additional cost to consider.

BLOG Cost: $500 to $2,500 first-time setup including graphic design, programming and configuration. Plus other costs listed here ….

Jenny Lens NOTE: Installing WordPress takes 10 minutes, but people charge $75. Uploading a theme takes 10 minutes, but people charge $100.

HOWEVER, it’s more than WordPress. Essential PLUGINS add features and functionality.

Plugins for contact page, anti-spam, Google, related posts, increase search engine optimization, Google Analytics, Google sitemap, connect to youtube, twitter, email, print … all need to be installed and configured.

6. Content development: Content development usually starts with you, but professional copywriting services can help. Cost: $50 to $85 per hour. [typical writing is $75/hr]

7. Usability testing: Cost: $35 to $50 per hour (plan for at least half-hour per page).

8. Analytics: Google Analytics is free, and it’s quick and easy to install. More robust analytics tools vary in price. Cost: $50 to $85 per hour to set up and configure Google Analytics or other programs; $50 to $5,000+ monthly fees for more robust systems.

• I don’t understand why people stick to old static sites, sites others own — be it Blogger or Facebook — and won’t use these blogs I create? 
• They tell me their sites ARE NOT working for them.
  
• But their friends like it.
• Have your friends ever given you any helpful ideas or have ANY idea HOW to improve traffic and conversions?
• Will they take the time to effectively analyze and provide feedback?
• Are they successful online?
• So why listen to them?

• Or people are “married” to an existing design, even if it’s busy, chaotic, hard to find and confusing.
• That’s the number one reason sites need to be re-designed.

Why stick with something which is NOT working?

I’ve changed, edited, updated, improved:

• designs,
• text color/size,
• copy/pasted text,
• editing, spelling, punctuation,
• improved their images for faster uploading,
• created logos.
• might not be:
• exactly what they want,
• but better than what they have, and
• within their budget.
• sometimes is free, or a trade for services or being able to give to a community I support.

• I EARNED MANY college degrees/certifications
  
• Years of teaching all this at colleges.
  
• Plus years of studying the top web designers and bloggers.
  
• I  come with some experience and pedigree.

A WordPress blog/site is the SOLID FOUNDATION of ANY BUSINESS OR ACTIVITY. MOST effective way to engage others (and yourself!)!

As activists, raw foodies, yoginis, writers, speakers, educators, donors, investors, workers, interns, artists, techies, we ALL NEED to be involved in helping These/Our Green/Art/Music/whatev Tribes grow and expand and NETWORK together.

• WHATEVER we are doing, profit, non-profit, bartering, doing it ourselves,
• We need UNITE IN COMMUNITY.
  
• We ALL NEED SOLID ONLINE PRESENCES WE CONTROL.

WHY so much resistance? Write me! Any feedback greatly appreciated.

We have formidable opponents who want us to fail. Their GREED is strong; their money endless. We GREENS (raw foodies/yoginis/artists/musicians) are many, but scattered about, many grass-roots groups; varying sizes and influence.

WE REQUEST strong, growing, expanding, technically savvy web presences to reach out to more people.

WORLDWIDE, people WANT to do something. We MUST become BETTER ORGANIZED!!

Why not use all the technology, tools, and resources available?

Then the world will see we are in fact STRONGER. We are tapping into a powerful WORLD-WIDE consciousness.

New BUSINESS and LAW can THRIVE in this environment. As can all living creatures, flora and fauna.

Much success in all your endeavors.

Write me! I look forward to your responsez.

Namaste,
Jenny Lens

• 18 Reasons Why You Need to Read Copyblogger
• 8 Incredibly Simple Ways To Get More People To Read Your Content
• Shorter Is Better
• Ernest Hemingway’s Top 5 Tips For Writing Well
• How To Write Copy For Short Attention Spans
• How to Lose 30 Pounds of Word Flab Overnight

BASIC STEPS:

Register your domain name ONLY:  GoDaddy.com – World’s No.1 Domain Name Registrar

Sign w/webhost:

If you have a blog or site, elsewhere, mine will transfer the info for free within the first 30 days. Be aware: many free hosting sites prohibit COMMERCIAL sites. So pay about $5-7/mo to OWN your own site.

IF you can’t afford $5-7/month for a site, wassup w/that? I pay $9.95 and host UNLIMITED sites, UNLIMITED vids, music, graphics. UNLIMITED email addys and more. TAX DEDUCTION for home-based businesses!!

Pricing dependent upon how long you sign up for. Monthly, yearly, more than one year. Longer you sign up for, less the monthly cost. You can always cancel if you change later. SOME webhosts penalize you if you cancel early. ASK. You can sign up for a year and change month to month or vice versa.

You must input the info from the webhost to your domain registrar. When you move, you let the post office and your friends know your address. Same concept.

One button install WordPress:
Highly suggest Hostgator’s new QuickInstall. Most use Fantastico, but can be some issues. They don’t always upgrade to latest versions quickly. IF you want to use a theme other than what comes w/WordPress, plus plugins… topics for more posting.

That’s it. Details below.

Tips:
WordPress. Use any other software, be prepared to either pay more or get less. WordPress fans create themes/layouts, plugins to add functionality, tons of free tips online and more. Increasingly, more small business owners, consultants, network marketers, MLM, direct marketing, creatives and whatever are using WordPress. Not convinced? That’s your problem.

Domain Registration:
You can register your domain separately or with your webhost. SOME webhosts are more expensive for domain registration. Some cheap, popular domain registrars SUCK at webhosting. Ask around, but do NOT assume the big, most popular webhost/domain registrar is the best. I won’t name names, but email me.

Webhost:
I love my host. They are always patient, clear, minimal hold time, ethical and REASONABLY priced for their great service. They are also highly rated. I COULD link to many other webhosts, but I stick to just mine. MY link is an Affiliate link. YES, I put in a LOT of time sharing tips and discussing this. I DESERVE to be paid when someone uses my advice. MOST all links to webhosts result in MONEY. BUT I will not link to ANY company just cos they are popular or pay well. I use what I recommend!

PLUS IT COSTS YOU NOTHING to use my link! YOU can do the same thing too!

Or trial and error. I’ve used and researched dozens since I started creating sites around 1995. I’ve been very satisfied for four years using my current webhost.

Here’s my recent success story:

“Hi, cool blog! I am a recent Beachbody coach. I am working on my new blog, and discovered that the free WordPress service will not link to Beachbody. I understand I can upgrade to a self hosting WordPress service, but want it to be an easy transfer and not too expensive. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!”

FIRST, this total stranger found me cos I have a WordPress site and know how to write for GREAT Google results!

I am a FIRM believer it’s worth the few dollars a month to self-host. I’ve never used a free host. I rarely use free themes. Twenty 20 theme is robust cos it’s from WordPress. Beware, most free themes are badly written and fall apart when WordPress updated. I’ve PAID for themes, changed a few things here and there, and they FELL apart when I updated WordPress.

YOU MUST UPDATE WordPress now and then. It will tell you to do so in the back end. They update for security and quality improvements. Finding RELIABLE themes or layouts is tricky ….

I’ve posted a few, affordable themes:
Site Designs: Choose and Use Top Recommended Themes. I’m always searching, found a few more, but these are tried, true, great tech support and cheap.

Register your domain name ONLY: GoDaddy.com – World’s No.1 Domain Name Registrar

Sign w/webhost:

AFTER you sign up, MY webhost will send you an email w/info. Sometimes they  will call to confirm. You can call them for help re the transfer. They will walk you through everything. You have 30 days for free transfer from existing site to them.

Check whois.com for available domains. One central registry determines whether something is available. Whether it’s Godaddy or Bluehost or Hostgator, all usually offer same availability. Or unless you use some weird, foreign extension.

“Thanks Jenny! I did everything, Hostgator called me to confirm after I clicked on your link, and signed up. Called go daddy to register the domain name, entered my name servers from Hostgator! Installed WordPress using Fantastico on my server. Now I am waiting for the domain to resolve*. It was so fast! Thanks again for everything.”

*The info needs to be “seeded” through the net. That can take a few minutes to a day or two. Usually, it’s only a few minutes.

Using Godaddy for domain registration and my Hostgator link for webhosting makes it affordable, fast and the best combo! Great tech support too, which is more important than you might realize now!

Register your domain name ONLY: GoDaddy.com – World’s No.1 Domain Name Registrar

Sign w/webhost:

Keep in touch! I LOVE success stories, esp from strangers who become friends!

Read WHY a Blog? Why WordPress? re an effective, updated, WordPress blog/site is mandatory for YOUR business.

Community Page: “Generate support for your favorite cause or topic by creating a Community Page. If it becomes very popular (attracting thousands of fans), it will be adopted and maintained by the Facebook community. Learn more.”

IS that the description of a BUSINESS or a CAUSE or TOPIC? WHY do ppl keep asking me what’s wrong w/ a Community Page? EVERYTHING. You can lose it. YOU have no control over the content. Facebook aggregates or gathers ANY info it deems relevant and dumps it into the Community Page. Need I say more?

Business Page TIP: be careful IF you assign another Administrator. That Administrator can KICK you off YOUR own page. Seriously.

Please don’t ask me which to use. Your choice. I’ve stated my choice.

Facebook Create a Page, Jan 2011