{WordPress + Thesis} Website Design

In the summer of 2010, I decided to move my sizable (475+ posts) blog, Listen & Learn Music, from Blogger to WordPress.  I spent days getting everything to look exactly how I wanted, but by the time I was finished, I was completely hooked.  So naturally I decided to move my private practice, family and personal sites over to WordPress, too.  But I wanted to do more, which is why I decided to offer my web design services to others.

Experience

I have no formal training in web design or programming.  Everything I know, I learned by trial and error and/or Google.  But I have an eye for design, and my persistent personality serves me well in my website-building endeavors.  I’ve always been a quick study when it comes to geeky technology things; it’s a fun challenge for me.  I want to help people for whom this stuff doesn’t come quite so naturally (and who, for that reason, are probably much cooler than me).  Half the emails I receive have more to do with the design of my websites rather than the actual content…that tells me I must be doing something right!

My Approach

I use WordPress.org as my website platform of choice, because it is super versatile and user-friendly. As far as themes go, I am a huge fan of the premium theme Thesis.  I’ve used it on each and every site I’ve created because of its built-in SEO (search engine optimization) features, clean design, and a control panel that anyone can use to modify the look of their website.  My goal is to create a site that, once finished, can be handed over to the owner completely.  Who wants a website that requires a webmaster to make simple updates and add blog posts?  No one I know.  My focus is on creation and design, not maintenance.

What I Don’t Do

Fancy flash elements, full-blown e-commerce sites, and professional photography galleries aren’t my thing. I am completely honest about the fact that I am not a web design expert, but I am very good at the kinds of sites I do create. Are we still on the same page? Fabulous. Let’s move on to the good stuff…

Packages

There are a couple of different options here. While my favorite thing to do is start from scratch with my clients, I’ve worked with people who already have a skeleton of a site or whose site is complete, but needs to be moved from a different platform and given a complete facelift. Most of you will fall into one of two categories:

From the Ground Up: You want a website, but you’re a little clueless. Hey, that’s ok! From purchasing a domain, securing hosting, and installing WordPress (a.k.a. the boring technical stuff) to choosing colors, fonts, and other design aspects of your blog (a.k.a. the fun stuff), I’ll be there every step of the way.

Transformation: You have a website, but you’re a little stuck. Again, no worries! I’ve been there and done that, so I know how overwhelming it can be. From changing platforms and migrating blog posts/comments/other content to re-designing your site, I’ve got your back.

Pricing

It’s pretty much impossible to put a price on either package…and trust me, I’ve tried. Each client’s needs are unique, so shouldn’t each client pay only for what he or she needs? Do know this: my aim is to provide affordable website design services while still making the work worth my while.  So if you’re cool with that, let’s get to it.  Because I can only accept clients on a limited basis (I’ve got a few other things going on, which you already know if you keep up with my blogs), a $25 deposit (payable via PayPal) is required in order to secure your spot:

Once I receive your deposit, I’ll send you an email to let you know where you are in my client queue and give you some questions to answer. Can’t wait to get down to business! {Still have questions? Email me.}