Lessons Learned from Training Clients to use WordPress

phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd

Lessons Learned From Client TrainingHow to communicate with your web vendor to get the most out of your WordPress websites


ā Training courses - levels of wordpress knowledge OR it’s a build-a-site-in-a-day kinda thing

ā One-on-One training ā Online video training ā In-dashboard training ā Community Forums ā Support desk for themes and plugins ā Blogs and tutorials

INTRO

Types of training available


LESSON #1

Every WordPress site is different

LESSON #1

Every WordPress site is different


User tips: ā Be clear with your web developer which bits you expect to be able to update, and ask for instructions as part of the handover

ā If you’re buying a theme, check that it comes with at least a basic level of support


LESSON #2

Assume nothing


User tips: ā Be upfront with your developer on how much you know about the internet, WordPress, and websites in general

ā If you’re buying a theme, ask as many pre-sale questions as you can

LESSON #2

Assume nothing


LESSON #3

Guide decisions instead of giving options


User tips: ā When it comes to design and options panels, allow your web vendor to help you make good decisions

ā Despite there being 3000 different homepage options, YOUR website probably only needs 1

ā It’s ok to ask for a mockup of the homepage before any development work is done

LESSON #3

Guide decisions instead of giving options


LESSON #4

Shortcode has the word code in it and therefore it is scary


User tips: ā If you’re not comfortable with the idea of the shortcodes, flag it. In a custom design you shouldn’t encounter too many

ā Some themes use shortcodes to build layouts, so consider this if you are choosing a theme to DIY - it can become difficult when switching themes

LESSON #4

Shortcode has the word code in it and therefore it is scary


LESSON #5

Simplify the interface


User tips: ā When you see your WordPress dashboard and menus for the first time, make certain you know what things are. If you don’t, politely ask for a run through

ā Look for the ‘screen options’ tab in the top right hand corner of your WordPress dashboard

LESSON #5

Simplify the interface


LESSON #6

Be patient


User tips: ā Ask as many questions as you need. If you’ve only ever used Squarespace or Wix, expect a small learning curve

ā If you’re buying a theme to DIY, check that it comes with at least a basic level of support

LESSON #6

Be patient


LESSON #7

Don’t ignore the conversation about SEO


User tips: ā Web developers and SEO’ers have different skill sets and rarely are experts at both

ā SEO services will be offered to you with seperate price tags and timelines

ā You may be referred to an additional vendor such as and SEO copywriter for a more tailored SEO services

LESSON #7

Don’t ignore the conversation about SEO


LESSON #8

Take your developer hat off and speak like a human


LESSON #8

Take your developer hat off and speak like a human

User tips: ā Let your developer know when you don’t understand something. This will remind them that they need to communicate with you better

ā The language a web vendor uses should not become a barrier to you understanding what is going on with your site - ask them to explain it in human terms


LESSON #9

Be prepared


User tips: ā Unless pre-arranged, don’t expect to be taught how to add new functionality or design elements during your first website training session.

ā If you’re getting 1-1 training, list your priorities ā Prepare the material for a demo (text, images etc)

LESSON #9

Be prepared and have an agenda


LESSON #10

Empower, encourage and inspire confidence


User tips: ā Check online to see if there is a free WordPress meetup if there is one in your area

ā If using a theme framework, pay attention to the community using it

ā Never stop learning

LESSON #10

Empower, encourage and inspire confidence


BONUS...

Bring Snacks!!


TOOL KIT

I’ll pop all the links on my website

Some of my favourites...


Thank you :-)

Cath Beaton is a Sydney based WordPress consultant, trainer and web designer with a passion for helping small business professionals maximise their online impact.

Web: phasecreative.com.auTwitter: @phasecreativeEmail: [email protected]: 0402 040 049Location: Sydney

http://www.phasecreative.com.au

http://www.twitter.com/phasecreative

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Lessons Learned from Training Clients to use WordPress