WordPress Website and Blog Design
A successful website doesn’t just look great, it should be simple to manage and maintain. For 3 years I’ve been building websites using the WordPress platform, an open-source Content Management System (CMS) that makes editing your finished website as easy as editing a Word document.
When possible, I build client sites using a theme framework. This significantly reduces the time and cost of development, making complex projects affordable for individuals and small businesses. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, a theme framework lets you focus on things that are truly important, like the look and feel, while maintaining a solid, SEO-friendly base. The frameworks I typically use are Thesis and Genesis.
WordPress Consulting and Training
Having a snazzy new website or blog is great, but if you don’t know how to use it effectively to create content and get results you won’t get far. For each project engagement, we take a comprehensive approach that includes a skills-assessment and (optional) training package for the individual or group that will be administering the site on a go-forward basis. Whether in person, or via webinar or recorded video, you’ll feel empowered and confident about managing and creating your own content when the time comes for you to sit in the drivers seat.
If you already have a website, but want to improve your skills or those of your employees, I can also design on-demand training sessions, presentations and videos on request for groups or individuals tailored to existing skill levels.
Social Media Strategy, Mini Sites and Profile Branding
It’s important to have a high-impact, unique design for your blog or website, but it’s just as important to focus on web strategy, search engine optimization (SEO) and smart, cost effective marketing that leverages the power of social media. I work with individuals and small businesses that want to get started on the social web by assessing their needs and goals, and incorporating them into a consistent, manageable and well branded web presence.
Having consistent branding and design across all the platforms your business uses to interact is crucial. When you embrace social media and incorporate it into your marketing mix, you’ll find that your website is hardly ever the first place your customers are exposed to your brand. In addition to web site development, I also offer branding packages for your company’s Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and YouTube accounts.
Blogging & Social Media Workshops
Whether you’re a complete novice or you’re a skilled amateur hoping to take your web presence to the next level, you may learn best by doing. I create hands-on workshops for individuals or groups tailored to the audience’s expertise level – from blogging 101 to corporate writing, video blogging, social media campaigns and community management. (Note: This offering is limited to Boston, MA and the surrounding area).
Public Speaking
I am an experienced speaker and presenter. I was recently a speaker at ClickZ’s Connected Marketing Week (in conjunction with the Search Engine Strategies Conference (2010)). I am available on a limited basis to provide customized presentations to audiences who want to learn how to get relevance and value from new web tools like social media and social networks, and see first hand what they can do. Presentations will mix best practices and principals with case studies, stories, and actionable recommendations in a fun, engaging and easy-to-understand way.
