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WordPress for Small Business

What is WordPress?Why Is It SO Popular?

What Is a CMS?

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How do I get WordPress?

WordPress.com is a free blog serviceWordPress.org is free software

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WordPress.com is a free blog service

signup for: websitename.wordpress.com can't modify theme code have to pay to modify CSS code can't install plugins or themes they don't already have has paid upgrades (like vanity domain names) don't have to pay for hosting maintained for Automattic company, not WordPress community limited customization - but nearly unbreakable

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WordPress.org is free software

requires web hosting maintained by WordPress community (which includes Automattic) can install any plugins or themes you want highly intuitive, fairly easy learning curve unlimited customization potential you break it - you fix it

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Isn't Wordpress for Blogging?

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Can I Really Create and Manage a Website?

WordPress is Free Thousands of Free Themes Thousands of Free plugins What's Your Time Worth?

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How Much Money Will I Need?

WordPress.com is free (but inflexible) Most businesses "self-host" requires a domain name and web hosting account What you spend beyond that is unique to your business needs DO NOT put your website LAST on your list of expenditures

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Preventative Maintenance Tips Offsite backups Update WordPress regularly Update Plugins regularly Remove unused plugins Use Basic Security measures

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How do I Find a WordPress Expert?

Google search forums or groups outsourcing websites recommendations

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How Do I know if my WordPress guy IS AN expert?

ask for examples of work ask for references WITH contact information get estimates of work in advance ask lots of questions talk with them over the phone pay for only portions of work over time

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How Much Do I Pay a WordPress expert?

You get what you pay for Rates run from $10/hr to $200/hr Compare costs to any other skilled trade Differences are from coaches to coders If you want custom work, you pay a custom price

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PEOPLE ARE JUDGING YOU!

first impressions are everything you have about 5 seconds time it's like a job interview are you trustworthy? can YOU do what I want? is what I want within 2 clicks?

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The Needs of a Small Business Online listing of services selling products (e-commerce) blogging social media engagement contact forms invoicing generating leads SEO (getting found) email marketing advertising

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Listing Your Services

write in depth descriptions don't put non-relevant services on the same page think off each service page as a "target" know your keywords in advance don't OVER-SEO don't forget the homepage target

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Selling Products (e-commerce)

know your requirements first find the best solution (using WordPress or not) have a dedicated maintenance person be secure cover yourself legally

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Blogging for a Small Business

don't let it be a missed opportunity position yourself as an expert grow in the search engines use it to populate social media give away knowledge as your loss leader Keep people engaged via updates Use examples, case studies, and testimonials

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What PlumberWould You Call?

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What PainterWould You Contact?

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What Lawyeris most reputable?

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Which AccountantIs Best?

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Who Hasthe Best Pizza?

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What Have We Learned?

Have an extremely visible “call to action” Look as professional as possible Highlight your strengths Don't have a “cluttered” website Is your message “5 seconds or less”?

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Are You Getting Conversions? Is your website bringing in visitors? Are those visitors converting to sales? What can you do to get more traffic? What can you do to convert more sales?

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Does Your Website have ROI? Every business owners wants ROI If you don't spend (time or money), no ROI ROI is NOT manufactured overnight You get OUT of it what you put INTO it

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Go BEYOND your website Spend time doing external promotion Network in local meetups and groups Answer questions in forums Connect in forums CALL PEOPLE Connect traditional media to your website

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Questions?

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