Donna Payne is The Web Coach

Creating a client attracting, professional website does not have to cost you thousands of dollars nor do you need to have a lot of technical expertise.

Matter of fact, if you know the right tools and are a bit savvy with your computer and internet, you can do it for LESS than a couple hundred bucks.

The minimum tools you’ll need to get started are:

• your domain and hosting with a MySQL database
• a theme (what you call a template in the WordPress world)
• free ftp software.  (Or Dreamweaver if you prefer)
• a little bit of time and patience

When you purchase your domain and hosting together, most of the time a MySQL database is included in the package.

Your site is being built on a WordPress platform, a free web-based blogging tool.

Why WordPress? Because:

1. It’s open source. Which means thousands of people are continuously updating and making it better for the greater good of mankind.
2. YOU will be able to update your site from anywhere.  It’s web-based, you only need an internet connection and a browser to access your site.
3. Creating new pages, uploading images, and video only takes a couple clicks and you’re done.
4. Writing and formatting your copy is just like editing a word document.  Easy peasy.
5. Plugins and Widgets!  These two nifty elements will add personality and function.

Before you begin, find a notebook to keep track of your passwords.  In my online client area, I create a file called “Access – Passwords n’such”, that way we can both update and have access to passwords.  Examples of passwords we keep track of are email, shopping cart, hosting, ftp, database, WordPress, audio, Facebook, Twitter etc.

Assuming you have already purchased a domain and hosting, begin by accessing your hosting companies control panel (cpanel).  There will will see common areas like “Website, Email, Domain, E-Commerce, Scripting & add-ons, Marketing Services, and Account info.”  This info may be different, as all hosting companies cpanel’s are different.

You canl start with the database setup first:

1. click on “manage MySQL Database” or “Create MySQL Database”
2. Create a “Database Name”:
3. Create a Database Login
4. Create a Password:

All done.  And you wrote all of your database info down, right?  Of course you did!

Next, you’ll move to the “Scripting & Add-ons” or “Install Central” section.  There you’ll find WordPress and a bunch of other goodies.  We’re only concerned with WordPress right now.

Click on install WordPress and enter your database name, username and password when prompted.

As WordPress is installing, you’ll need to think of an administrative username, password and give an email address since you’ll be the admin of the site.  You’re almost done!

When WordPress is completely installed, you can access by typing in http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.php and enter you’re admin username and password.

Wasn’t so bad now, was it?

Now it’s YOUR turn:

• Do you have your domain and hosting purchased?
• Have you looked at WordPress Themes yet?
• Have you blocked out time to achieve your goals?

Donna Payne is the Chief Web Goddess of The Web Coach.net; a web development, coaching and marketing firm, and is known as the gal to call when you are feeling overwhelmed. Learn Money & Time Saving Techniques that everyone should know when working with a web designer or building a website yourself. Download your FREE “Quick-Start Web Workbook” and accompanying MP3 at http://thewebcoach.net. Know PAYNE – Know GAIN!
Follow me on Twitter @TheWebCoach and lets connect on
Facebook!

1. A SIMPLE domain name – I can’t tell you how many times people have spent weeks trying to determine just the right domain name, only to come up with something that has no keywords or is a tongue-twister.  Keep is simple folks.  If your brilliant domain name is taken, go back to the white board – add a simple word like “The” (thewebcoach) or “Your”, (yourwebcoach) “e” (ewebcoach)… get it?  Go through the alphabet if you have to.
2. Branding – today you can easily get a custom logo and/or brand identity with “contest” services like 99 Designs. Simply post what your desires are, and several graphic designers will post their concepts.  You give feedback, pick, choose and eliminate the unfavorable ones and are left with a design.  It’s very important to have a unified brand across all of your media outlets.
3. Copy – I can’t stress this enough.  Seriously, folks. 9 times out of 10 your website is to be written to woo your VISITOR to take action and contact you or purchase something.  If you can’t write compelling sales copy – you’d better hire someone.  This is money well spent.
4. Articles – the simplest way you demonstrate your expertise.  Articles are the introductory conversation you’ll have with your visitor at their convenience.  They will learn how you will solve their problem, get a feel for you, and determine if you’re likeable enough to do business with.
5. Social media – Welcome to the relationship marketing age!  At the very least, you MUST be on Facebook and Twitter.  A website simply isn’t enough anymore.  Personal connections are vital to survive in our economy, so get plugged in!
6. Follow up strategy – Autoresponders are the best for follow-up.  Autoresponders are an automated series of emails sent on your behalf to keep in touch with your prospects.
7. FREEBIE! or as I say “your single point of entry” into your business.  Everyone should give away a bit of valuable information to their prospect whether it’s from your website or brick n’mortar store.  This give-away does come at a price to the prospect, but it’s not money,  it’s their name and address (or email).  This is the holy grail of all marketing because once you have this information, you can continue to market to that prospect forever.

Now it’s YOUR turn:

• What steps do you need to take to implement the above strategies?
• What support will you need? Do it yourself? Hire an expert?
• When are you gonna do it? TODAY!

Donna Payne is the Chief Web Goddess of The Web Coach.net a web development, coaching and marketing firm, and is known as the gal to call when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Learn Money & Time Saving Techniques that everyone should know when working with a web designer or building a website yourself. Download your FREE “Quick-Start Web Workbook” and accompanying MP3 at http://thewebcoach.net “Know PAYNE – Know GAIN!”
Follow me on Twitter.com/TheWebCoach and lets connect on Facebook!

Jenni is taking a trip to Washington DC this weekend, so I got her a pink Flip Video to play with.

Ok, the TRUTH.

I got it for me, for HER to video DC since I used to live there, and haven’t been back for quite awhile. I suppose, if I were single and childless, DC would be my preferred city to live. And since I’m really a country farm girl, I’d have to keep a little place in the country too so I could wander the creek and catch crayfish like my youngest daughter does.

Quality isn’t too shabby – considering it’s a very simple camera to operate. Simply turn it on, aim, and press the red button on the back to begin recording. Press the red button again, to stop.

And, it’s compatible w/my MAC. Yea! No issues there. @$129 US I consider that a pretty good buy.

Anyway, here’s my absolutely horrid bed-head self giving you a “welcome to work” test vid.

Here’s a great idea from the folks at 37 Signals. For users of Basecamp or Backpack check out this smart tip:

Editors Note: get up to date tips delivered to your inbox weekly! Subscribe to The Week In Review…The SECRET WEAPON You Hope Your Competition NEVER Finds Out About! Download your sample issue here TheWebCoachTips.com

Create an emergency Backpack page

Is your business prepared for an emergency? A good idea: Set up a Backpack page that puts everyone on the same page about what to do when things go wrong.

Let’s say you’re a company that makes web apps. Set up a page that explains: What do you do when something goes wrong or your app is offline? Whom do you call? What are their numbers? Maybe you need to explain your policy for how to inform customers. For example: After 5 minutes you should update your status blog. After 15 minutes you should send out a note on Twitter… read the rest of the article.