Archives

A look at the database behind the curtain

Sometimes, it’s easier to edit something in the database than use the dashboard. BUT only if you know what you are doing!

Come learn about the database that powers WordPress and how you can use it to your advantage.

Takeaways:

  • How is the WordPress database structured
  • How to change your password without logging into your site
  • What you can change about your site from the database and how

Sales & Customer Service for the Introverted Designer

Sales is all about relationships and managing expectations. We are all in sales, where we realize or not, like it or not. I’ll share some personal story around my start as an introverted artists and designer who was socially awkward and how I overcame that to become a top producing salesperson. How not being a salesperson can be your strongest asset in actually making sales, if you find your authentic voice, know your craft and get interested in the art and science of creative communication and psychology.

Though I have a framework for this including practical scenarios, it will be somewhat interactive and focus driven by preferences of those in attendance. We’ll be looking at the why behind methods from which you can build on. The first step is getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. We’ll do some of that, but I promise not to make it too scary.

This is not a talk about funnels, prospects, conversions and the like though that all is super important and we’ll touch on it. This is focused on communication tools and self work to overcome your internal roadblocks.

Takeaways:

  • You’ll get a copy of the slide deck to include a list of common sales and communications “challenges” and how to deal with them.
  • A process map of the anatomy stages of a sales cycle, (what to communicate when, how and why) specifically tailored to creative work.
  • Some basic personality assessment tools to clarify your personality and communication style, how to identify your clients and then how to adapt accordingly.

Logo design tips for WordPress….and Beyond!

What makes a logo effective on the web and in print? I’ll share tips for logo creation, color and typography selection, placement and more to make your brand work better online and elsewhere.

Takeaways:

  • Whether you design the logo for a client website or are give the logo files, this seminar will help you determine how to effectively communicate your brand, maximize your logo elements, and avoid mistakes that can dilute your brand and diminish the logo.

Slides (PDF)

Slides (PPT)

Where’s the Content? Effective Video Use in Your WordPress Blog

You’ve spent hours (maybe months) creating a gorgeous website or maybe you paid someone else to design it for you, but what’s next? How do you consistently add content to your site?

Learn tips and hacks to use video to create content for your blog, social media, newsletters and much more. Never run out of content again!

Takeaways:

  • Tips to Create a Marketing Calendar
  • Why and How to Transcribe Your Videos
  • How to Incorporate Video into Your Blog

Making Security Make Sense to Clients

As someone who builds WordPress websites for clients, you’ve probably learned that offering (or requiring) monthly maintenance contracts is smart business. It’s likely you’re including core software, plugin and theme updates as part of your maintenance plan, which ensures a steady income stream you can rely on and helps with your financial forecasting. But are you including website security as part of your project proposal and scope?

The security of your clients’ websites is often not a priority or is left till the end of a project (or sale?) as an optional add-on for the client to consider after going live. The value of a strong website security posture can be difficult to explain to clients, but when put in the context of their business and possible loss of revenue, it can become an integral part of your offering that separates you from the rest.

In this session, Adam will cover simple website security best practices that you can implement immediately for your own site and those of your clients. In addition, he’ll also offer advice and examples on how to best present the importance of website security during the proposal, scope, and maintenance package stages to your clients. Not only does this ensure your maintenance plans offer what every website needs, but also presents an additional revenue stream opportunity for your business.

Takeaways:

  • Learn why including security in your client discussions is essential to growing your business.
  • Learn how to break down the seemingly complex subject into bite-size nuggets to communicate the importance of security in terms your clients can understand.
  • Learn the simple security best practices that every website owner should employ.”

A Roadmap to Multimedia Sales Funnels

Whether you want your website to build a community, build your reputation, or build your bank account, you need to have a well defined sales strategy in place. Dynamic sales funnels aren’t just for “get rich quick” schemes or talking heads, they are a crucial component of helping you to reach the goals you set for your online presence, regardless of your industry or focus. In addition, incorporating multimedia, social engagement tools, and interactive resources will extend the length of your funnel by fostering more long-term relationships with your clientele.

Takeaways:

  • Diagram the main components of your Sales Funnel
  • Identify top priority Plugins & Tools to build your Funnel
  • Draft your Sales Strategy Roadmap

Site Optimization: Page Speed, Testing, & Optimization

The lecture will cover how to get your sites current page speed score, how to optimize it for faster load times, and why its important. We will examine multiple testing services, WordPress optimization addon’s both free and paid, and web hosts.

Takeaways:

  • How to test your sites page speed.
  • Image & Plugin optimization.
  • Why page speed is important.

Have You Tried Plugin’ it in: Client Support in WP

The purpose of this talk is to discuss potential events, situations, and problems that can arise when clients come into contact with WordPress and the best practices to overcome those issues. Additionally, it would cover how to ‘user-proof’ your site to help minimize client-caused damage. Learn how to properly address and handle client complaints and problems.

Takeaways:

  • Learn how to explore and identify various site issues.
  • Learn how to minimize potential issues caused by clients.

Stop It Now! Things Well-Meaning WordPress Developers Do That Hurts SEO

Have you ever launched a website only to return to find some annoying SEO has come after you and destroyed it? Has some obnoxious marketer bugged you for lots of little changes- outside the client’s scope and budget?

I’m sorry. That might have been my fault.

Let’s work together to help our clients. I’ll share my secrets on setting up a WordPress site for SEO success. While this won’t guarantee SEO results, but it will set up your clients for optimal Google love.