WordPress Blog Setup Packages

There are two Blog Setup Packages to choose from, both of which will get you up and blogging quickly.
The question for you is … how much do you want in place so you don’t have to worry about it later.

Please note….”Basic Blog Setup” isn’t the great grand poobah of blog or web design (which can, literally, costs thousands of dollars) – this is website/blog SETUP, with the latest best practices in website security, but with minimal design or customization…so it’s exactly what you’ll need to get going as a blogger – professional or otherwise.

**If you want a custom designed site, such as taking an existing site and converting it to WordPress, or changing the layout of a theme you like, please contact me directly.

Your site will include all the important, necessary bells and whistles, without all the extra unnecessary hype that you never learn how to use anyway.

(If you haven’t signed up for the Becoming A Blogging Maniac class yet, I strongly strongly recommend it! There is also a digital-only version of the class if you are good at self-study. Bea Fields provides an excellent library of resources and video tutorials)

You have 2 choices of Setup Packages, and the option to add on additional individual customizing/consultation/training if you want more guidance or tweaking of your site.
(Jump to side by side comparison.)

Your Blog Setup choices:

Level I

With your Level I Blog Setup Package, I will:

install the latest version of WordPress (requires a hosting account on a wordpress.org-friendly hosting service – such as Hostgator. please note, I will not set up or support blog sites hosted at Yahoo or GoDaddy.com. If you currently use either of these companies to host your site, you will need to get a hosting account with a different service. )
install your site using the latest “best practices” in WordPress website security
install up to 3 themes you pick from any of the free WordPress theme sites (or a professional theme you’ve purchased)
setup your permalink structure to improve SEO of your site
install standard plugins to work with your theme to improve functionality of your site and ease of use.
create up to 5 pages for you to post your text (you provide page titles and the order in which you want them to appear)
set up easy administration access so you don’t have to remember how to find the log in page
a 1/2 hour session (individual time with me) for instruction and/or consultation

What ADVANTAGES does Level I give you?

… not having to worry about how to install WordPress & databases, or how all of it works together.
Instead you will know they are set up properly and you can start blogging right away!

…not having to worry about whether your site is set up using the latest best practices in WordPress security. Instead you’ll know every security step that can be taken during installation is being taken.

… not having to worry about how to install the right themes or if they will work for you.
Instead, I take care of that for you, so you “try them on” to find the right fit – and you start blogging right away!

… not having to figure out how search engine optimization works with blogs, particularly with permalinks.
Instead, you will know it is set up properly and you can start blogging right away!

… not having to figure out which plugins to install, where to find them, or how to install them, much less verify that they are working properly.
Instead, you start blogging right away!

… not having to figure out how to set up pages before you even know how the blog works.
Instead, you will start blogging right away!

… not having to figure out or remember where the link is to access the administration dashboard for your blog.
Instead, you will find it easily – in a perfect spot for you – and be able to start blogging right away!

…not having to worry about “figuring out” everything on your own. Every theme is different, and each has its own little quirks. If you don’t know these from the beginning it can be extremely frustrating. Having, private hands-on guidance from me can save you hours of angst!

Level I Blog Setup Value: $397
Your registration: $277 (Your savings: $120!)

Eliminating excuses so you don’t fall farther behind…priceless.

Yes, I want to get started with the Level I Blog Setup Package now! **

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Level II

Your Level II Blog Setup Package includes**:

Everything in Level I, including using the latest best practices in WordPress security, PLUS I will:

install a premium, professional theme from iThemes.com. This comes with a one-year license for updates and support (choose from any of the themes listed here. (additional value: $57-127)
install your site using the latest “best practices” in WordPress website security ($150)
install advanced plugins to work with your theme (additional value: $75)
create a backup of your initial installation so you can restore your site if anything goes wrong ($100)
configure spam protection (requires a free WordPress.com user account) (additional $40 value – though some would say it’s priceless)
install your logo or image in sidebar or header (additional $50 value)
and a FULL 1 hour private session for instruction, customization, SEO strategizing, or whatever you want. (additional value: $100)

* to see which themes are included in the Level II Blog SetUp Package, go here.

What ADVANTAGES does the Level II Blog SetUp Package give you?

… assurance the professional theme will work properly and easily because it was designed by professionals who make their living designing blogs!

… confidence and excitement about a professional, crisp, clean (and creative) image, far outshining other blogs.

… having plans for growth built in via advanced plugins. I’ve thought ahead to what experienced bloggers often need, and want to make sure you have it so your blog will already be prepared to grow as soon as you are.

…simple, easy way to backup your site, restore your site, or migrate it to a new host, so you never have to worry about losing your customizations, content, or special settings.

… freedom from the spam robots crawling the web looking for comment forms to fill in. Not only is this a pain, it gums up the works of your blog and may affect your image in your community.

… branding and recognition by having your logo displayed where you want it – prominently, subtly, in-between. It’s your choice!

Level II Blog Setup Value: $642
Your registration: $397 (Your savings: $245!!)

Your peace of mind….priceless

Yes, I want the significant additional value of the Level II Blog SetUp Package! **

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** Please note, the blog setup packages are for basic setup. They do not include searching for a theme for you, arranging your hosting or working out problems with your hosting provider or domain registrar, or making design changes to your theme.

If you want help with additional items, such as:

changing font
changing font color
changing font style
changing background color or image
changing or installing images (beyond installing the logo included in Basic PLUS)
configuring widgets in sidebar
editing header size to fit specifications of theme
editing graphics or photos to fit the theme
creating a contact form
researching and selecting themes
setting up hosting or domain registration
verifying hosting services

you will need to arrange for customization.

Additional Option: one-half (1/2) hour consultation or basic customization….$50

A typical ½ hour service typically consists of:

Questions and answer session for basic blogging or technical questions OR
Corresponding with hosting services and/or assistants to work out arrangements, solve problems OR
Basic modifications, such as rearranging items in the sidebar, changing font or font color in specific locations, or slight modifications to a logo, OR
Locating and installing additional themes

If you want more than 1/2 hour assistance, simply change the # of units when you get to the checkout page.

**Upon signing up, you will be sent to a webpage with instructions. Please download the Blog Setup Worksheet on the instruction page and return the completed form to me a quickly as possible. You will also receive an email with these same instructions.

Remember that I cannot begin working on your site until you have provided all the information on this questionnaire. I may need to contact you for additional information. The sooner you can provide it, the faster I can get your site set up. If you would like my assistance in finding the information for this form, or would like me to set up your domain and/or hosting for you, just let me know. Regular rates will apply. Please contact me directly for this assistance.

***Please Note:
Not all hosting services are WordPress.org-friendly. “My recommendation is that you use Hostgator for hosting.

I also recommend you have your domain registered at the same place you host the blog. It’s not absolutely essential, but it definitely streamlines the process and prevents confusion down the road. If your domain is not registered with your hosting company, it can take 24-72 hours for the setting changes to take effect and blog setup to begin.