Start Blogging Now! (not in Weeks)

You’ve been told you need a website or a blog, possibly both, but you really have no idea where to start. You know you want your own domain name, like myname.com and not something silly like myname.blogspot.com or www.yourisp.com/myname. You want to do the updating and adding your own content and pictures but you also know you’re never going to need how to set it up more than once.

You want all those things AND you want it done fast. The good news is you’re in the right place!

We have a special service here called the Basic WordPress Setup Package, and just so there’s no surprises; Basic means BASIC. This option gets you a GREAT starter WordPress Blog but there is some fine print. First, the stated price is ONLY good if you DO NOT currently have web hosting. (I can give this low, low price by sending you an affiliate link to purchase your web hosting. The hosting company then sends me a commission and that allows me to pass the savings on to you.)

So if you don’t have web hosting yet, don’t get it. We’ll walk through it, step by step, after you’ve decide this option is the right one for you. (If you’re a “right to the bottom line” type and want to know how much hosting costs, read this.)

If you already have web hosting, all is not lost – we can still work together – but it’s a bit more. How much more? Read this.

If you have absolutely no idea what I’m rambling on about that’s perfectly alright. I specialize in helping people that have little or no knowledge of technology understand how to use technology – all while making sure you get to keep the shirt on your back.

If that’s OK, here’s what you’ll get…

What’s included:

Install and configure the WordPress software, i.e. “I’ll set up your blog for you”
Install and activate the free theme of your choice. Themes are what makes your blog look pretty. WordPress keeps a repository of free themes you can check out here or you can Google “free wordpress themes” and find some outstanding ones.
Install, activate and configure plugins (add on software that extend the functionality of the WordPress platform) that will help with SEO (Search Engine Optimization), fight spam, allow people to contact you and follow comments they leave on your blog. If you want to know which specific plugins are included read this.
Give you the link into the password protected admin area of the blog so you can write posts, add pages, upload pictures, add videos, etc.

What’s NOT included:

Premium Themes
They can be added on (see sidebar on the right) but the cost can sometimes add significantly to the overall investment in your WordPress Blog. The investment often is worth it, so contact me and let’s chat about premium WordPress themes ahead of time.
Moving an existing blog content over
Again, it can be added to the services, but it’s just not included in the Basic package. For the most part existing blog posts and comments from common blogging platforms (Blogger, TypePad, WordPress.com) can be migrated over. Custom blogs get custom pricing. Check the sidebar on the right for more info.
Adding your Social Media Properties
Yet again, it’s not that we can’t, it’s just not included in the Basic package. What we can do is add icons to your WordPress Blog that connect your Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube accounts so when people click on them it goes to their respective sites. We can also add your Twitter Feed and your Facebook “Like” Page widget. Check out the sidebar for more info.
Personal Blog Coaching
Not to sound like a broken record; it’s not that I don’t want to work with you one-on-one and help you build relationships with your potential clients and customers, it’s that it is not included in the Basic package. I do have Coaching and Accountability programs available, so if you need help blogging or keeping to a schedule, let’s chat.
Ongoing Technical Support
If you have a simple question like, how do I ___?, I’m usually happy to answer it or point you in the right direction if I don’t know. However, this isn’t Tech Support as in, “Let’s call Tech Support”. The web hosting company provides phenomenal tech support and can answer any and all of your questions – online or via email. If you require things like site/database backup, plugin installation, widget configuration then we do have a monthly service agreement for that.

Using WordPress is the second easiest thing to do on the Internet, so don’t worry. We’ll have you up and running in no time flat and after a few blog post you’ll be an old pro. The most important step is the first one!

You in? Are you ready to get started?

If you’re super-duper fired up you can skip right down to the form and have at it. If you want just a little more detail on how this all works and the time frame read on…

Fill out the form below and click the “Let’s get started!” button. That will take you to PayPal – You DO NOT need a PayPal account – you can pay by Credit Card, or if you do have PayPal you can just log in to your account.
After your payment is confirmed you’ll be sent to a checklist page with a link for your web hosting. The first thing you’ll want to do is choose your domain name. There will be a link to a website to help you see if a domain is available or not. It can be a little daunting but don’t worry – your perfect domain name is out there it may just take a little time to find it.
The second link will take you to register your domain name and choose your hosting package (and username and password). Write, Print, or Copy-n-Paste all this info because you will need it for step 5.
Pick out a theme for your blog. Again, there will be a link to browse some free themes for you to choose from.
Fill out the form with the above information.
I’ll send you a confirmation message that your site has been set up and instructions for you to log in to its admin section.
You change your password so that you have complete control over your website and we no longer have access to your site.

OK? NOW you’re ready to rock and roll…

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does website hosting cost?

A. Plans start out at around $4 per month and go up to around $12 per month depending on the number of domains, if you need SSL or a dedicated IP Address. We’re going to suggest you choose a package that costs around $8 per month when prepaid for 1 year.

Q. How much does it cost to reserve a domain name?

A. As of this writing it’s about 10 per year for .com/.net/.org/.info domains.

Q. How much more does it cost to set up blog on my hosting account?

A. $59 for a web host that uses CPanel with Fantistico, or $79 for other control panels. Some may not be able to host WordPress at all. If you’d like to know ahead of time contact us.

Q. Will you install Premium Themes like StudioPress, WooThemes, Elegant Themes?

A. Yes! See the sidebar for more info.

Q. Do you hook up our Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube accounts?

A. Yes! See the sidebar for more info.

Q. What plugins do you install?

A. Quite a few.