I had fun presenting around 3pm on Saturday: DIY WordPress Websites for Small Businesses & Non-Profits.  I know it’s always helpful to have access to the slides full of links & info for after you get home and decompress your head (information overload, anyone?).  Without further ado…

If you need more WordPress help or tutoring join me at an upcoming {free} community class.

Update Feb 2013: The video from this presentation is now available on WordPress TV. 

The post DIY WordPress Websites appeared first on Launch MiE | Classes & Coaching for Small Business Owners.

One of the first big decisions you’ll make when setting up your small business WordPress website is choosing a hosting company.  How do you know who is the best WordPress hosting company for you?  Here are the top 3 items to consider when choosing a hosting company for your small business WordPress website:

1. Are they WordPress friendly?

Do they offer a one-click WordPress installation?  Easy is good.  Let them do the behind the scenes work.

2. What is the allowed amount of space & traffic?

Unlimited is not uncommon.  Sometimes it includes unlimited sites, too.  Bonus!  (you serial entrepreneur, you)  Granted, if you suspect you’ll soon be featured in the New York Times you are going to want to make sure you have some dedicated server space.  But, for the typical small business shared hosting is more than sufficient.

3. Speed, security and backups?

Speed security and backups are no small matter.  A traditional host may have some help in place, but to cover all three flawlessly (without any work on your end) you are going to need managed hosting.  Now lets compare traditional hosting vs managed hosting…

Traditional Hosting Company Review: DreamHost

Save an Additional $25… coupon code LAUNCHMiE

For traditional hosting, we are big fans of DreamHost for their excellent combination of cost + service + WordPress friendliness (Disclosure: affiliate links are used, but we love them so much we’d sign up our grandma.  Our love is real.  Use coupon code LAUNCHMIE to save $25).

When you use a traditional shared hosting company it is up to you to make sure you are filling in some blanks with your speed, security & backups.  If you are the true and true DIY type, here’s what you need to know:

Speed

Let’s face it, shared hosting is slower than dedicated hosting. Long ago someone realized that since your website likely doesn’t change super often you can simply take steps to “cache” your site so when your site is called up to view a snapshot is presented rather than the browser having to read every bit of code that makes up your site, every time. This is super good since speed is important not only from a user impatience standpoint but also from a search engine ranking standpoint. WP Super Cache became the plugin of choice to solve this issue… but then came CloudFlare (which, conveniently, is integrated into your DreamHost account for free). They can do all your caching for you, no plugin required, plus they are on the lookout for attackers so you get some security help, too. Speaking of which…

 

Security

Believe me, it only takes being hacked once to get you all fired up and passionate about security. Back in the day, WordPress was a bit of a target and shared servers complicated the risk of being infected. But, we’ve come a long way since then. Of course, one of the most important things you can do to stay safe is to keep your WordPress + your theme + all plugins routinely updated. When a vulnerability is detected the fabulous community that is WordPress is quick about patching things up. So, those updates keep you ahead of the game. As mentioned above, integrating CloudFlare into your site is a good step toward improving your security. Finally, adding a plugin like WordFence or Sucuri will seal the safety deal. While Sucuri is the industry leader in this area, WordFence provides unbeatable bang for the buck (they even have a very robust free version). If you ever do get hacked, jump on over to Sucuri for a fast, easy fix. They offer a terrific, low-cost dehackifying service.

 

Backups

Oh backups. We all know we should. We all intend to. But, it’s so often not until after it’s too late that we make it a priority to do so. Don’t let this be you! While there are plugins that back up parts of your site, it’s hard to beat the functionality of BackupBuddy when it comes to a one-stop easy-to-get-your-site-back-up-if-it-dies shop. Their tools works so well that you can even use it to easily move your site from one domain to another. It packs it up and can unpack it again in seconds. The only caution here is that many servers get super slow when BackupBuddy is on if your site is anything more than a simple informational site. They are pretty upfront about the fact that they are working to fix that.

Managed WordPress Hosting Review: WPEngine

Somewhere a while back some super smart WordPress guys realized that it’s silly for everyone to have the same problems and be fighting to understand and implement the best solutions when it comes to speed, security and backups.  So, they put together a service called Managed Hosting where they cover all these bases for you, and more.  Sure, you will pay more than you would at a traditional hosting company.  But, to know your site is optimized, safe and always backed up is priceless.  Our favorite company that provides this service is WPEngine.  We’ll let them explain themselves:

Hopefully that helps you better understand how to select the best WordPress hosting company for your small business WordPress website.  Brought to you by Launch MiE.

The post What is the Best WordPress Hosting solution for you? appeared first on Launch MiE | Classes & Coaching for Small Business Owners.

There are so many terrific free or low-cost WordPress help resources out there.  As you know, we are big fans of DreamHost (Disclosure: affiliate links are used, but we love them so much we’d sign up our grandma.  Our love is real.  Use coupon code LAUNCHMIE to save $25), WP Engine and Elegant Themes.  But, when it comes to how-to’s tips and tricks these winners top the list.

WordPress Help: Videos + Guides

• Easy WP Guide: a free users guide to using WordPress
• WP Beginner: a plethora of useful articles & tips to simplify WordPress
• * check out their article on how to set up your business e-mail accounts – these guys are just full of helpful stuff!
• WP101: free WordPress tutorial videos, available at Launch MiE

WordPress Themes

• Elegant Themes!  Solid product, excellent support, great selection, unbelievable prices.  Perfect for beginners.
• ThemeForest: The etsy of all things digital.  Fancy WordPress themes galore!

Read more about WordPress theme templates

WordPress Plugins

WordPress is constantly adding more functionality to the core, reducing the need for plugins.  Plus, choosing the right theme can reduce the need further – especially if it’s packed full of shortcodes.  We all know that less is absolutely more when it comes to plugins.  However, for small business owners we still recommend these favorites:

• Yoast’s WordPress SEO: It’s like SEO for dummies… red light = bad, green light = good.  Got it!  Plus, it includes XML sitemaps… now doesn’t that just make your day?
• *WordFence Security: It never hurts to have a guard dog around!
• *BackupBuddy: Because you just never know.  ;>
• *WP Super Cache: Cache is good… but better yet integrate CloudFlare, instead (if you are with DreamHost it’s as easy as checking a box).
• Floating Social Media Icons:  Stay social with flare

*If you have managed hosting they’ve got these parts covered.  Read more about standard vs. managed hosting.

Bonus Randomness

• Dynamic Drive Favicon Generator: Because really, what site is complete without one?
• ShiftEdit: a terrific Chrome ftp explorer plugin that gives you beautiful and functional ftp control (should you need it!)

What are your favorite WordPress help, themes & plugins?

Do tell…

The post Favorite WordPress Help, Themes & Plugins appeared first on Launch MiE | Classes & Coaching for Small Business Owners.

It’s no secret I LOVE DreamHost for website hosting.  They have a fresh and friendly style, they take excellent care of their customers and they offer lots of perks + unlimited space.  If you plan to use WordPress (or one of the many other popular, easy systems to create your site) they also make it ultra-easy to do with with their One-Click Installers.  For the not-so-tech-savvy they make things simple, yet for the ultra techies they have robust capabilities.

Plus… if you sign up with the coupon code “LaunchMiE” then you can get an additional $25 off your order!  Just pre-pay for a one or two year hosting and you are all set for the bonus.

Here’s what you will get:

1 Year Hosting Plan
~ Set-up fee of $49.95 waived
~ One FREE domain registration for life (usually you pay an extra $10 a year other places)
~ $9.95/mo Hosting… unlimited space (most companies nickel and dime you to death with limits on the number of pages, MB’s, etc) AND unlimited domains (you can create websites for your business, your family, your cat… whatever… as many as you want and as big as you want without paying a penny more for hosting). Oh, and did I mention they automatically offer Private Hosting, too? Something else people usually charge more for.
~ $25 ADDITIONAL Launch MiE discount… bringing your total to just $94.40 for a full year domain + hosting!  You will not beat that anywhere.

2 Year Hosting Prepay
~ All of the above but the fabulous monthly rate of just $8.95/mo… or a grand total of $189.80.

One more reason I’m a DreamHost Girl is that they make it so easy to have multiple options for free e-mail. They have a program they offer for free (you would access it at webmail.yourdomain.com) but they also make it a one-click process to use the fabulous (and free up to 50 users) Google Apps software where you can have the super robust capabilities of G-mail manage your e-mails (available at mail.yourdomain.com), calendars, etc… all under your own domain. So, your e-mail will be “awesomeperson@yourdomain.com” – nothing screams unprofessional like having your customers communicate to you via “mycompany@gmail.com” - ya-know-what-i-mean vern? ;>

There really is no reason to choose any other provider, in my book.  So many perks, such incredible pricing, such ease of use plus excellent customer service = Yay for DreamHost!

The post Super Savings on DreamHost Website Hosting appeared first on Launch MiE | Classes & Coaching for Small Business Owners.

I have tried out dozens of theme tools over the past few years.  I’ve been enticed by the ones that promise to make things extra easy and I’ve checked out many companies to find the best selection for an affordable price.  No matter what I try, I keep coming back to my two favorite resources.

1. Elegant Themes

The mighty man over at Elegant Themes is not only talented, but generous.  He gives you access to literally dozens of themes for one low rate.  Plus, all of their designs are clean, intuitive and fresh.  Highly recommended! (Disclosure, although I use affiliate links I only promote this stuff because I really do love it) ;>

2. Theme Forest

Theme Forest is like the Etsy of digital stuff.  :)  They have much more than WordPress themes there, but I have found some really amazing themes, plugins and e-mail templates over there that make it easy to create like a pro.  You will pay per theme but still less than $40 for a fabulous WordPress template.  Check it out!

The post Top 2 Resources for WordPress Themes appeared first on Launch MiE | Classes & Coaching for Small Business Owners.

It’s no secret I’m a WordPress junkie… so a full weekend of information goodness is right up my alley!  Happily, this year I’ll be adding my two cents as a presenter on Saturday, covering DIY WordPress Websites for Small Business Owners and Non-Profits.  Are you signed up for WordCamp Phoenix 2013 yet?

I’ll be speaking at 3:10 on Saturday, January 19.  But, I’ll be around most of the day Friday & Saturday.  If you want to chat about your site come find me!  I’m always active on twitter during conferences, I’m (big surprise) @launchmie.

See you there!

The post WordCamp Phoenix 2013: I’m speaking appeared first on Launch MiE | Classes & Coaching for Small Business Owners.

Here’s the video from the event, all links are below (you can’t exactly see the screen in the video!)


Video streaming by Ustream

Virtual Office

Virtual Phone:  Ooma Phone System: www.ooma.com, Google Voice: www.google.com/voice

Virtual Fax: NextivaFax (AZ Local!): www.nextivafax.com, HelloFax: www.hellofax.com

Cloud Storage

File Storage & Backups: Dropbox: www.dropbox.com, SkyDrive: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/web-apps/

Music Sharing: Google Music:  www.music.google.com

Virtual Computing & Meetings

Remote Desktop Access: GoToMyPC: www.gotomypc.com

Virtual Meetings: AnyMeeting: www.anymeeting.com

Office Solutions

Online Solutions via Google

Email & Calendar: Google Apps: www.google.com/intl/en/enterprise/apps/business

Documents: Google Docs (exclusively in Google Drive): www.docs.google.com

Desktop Software Solutions

Email: Postbox: www.postbox-inc.com

Documents: LibreOffice (formerly OpenOffice): www.libreoffice.org

Accounting Solutions

Local Bookkeeping & Training: PENi Bookkeeping Services: www.penillc.com

DIY Full Accounting: QuickBooks: www.quickbooks.com, Outright: www.outright.com

DIY Limited Accounting

Invoicing & Time Tracking: Harvest: www.getharvest.com, FreshBooks: www.freshbooks.com

Receipt & Expense Management: Shoeboxed: www.shoeboxed.com

Marketing Solutions

Newsletters: MailChimp: www.mailchimp.com, Constant Contact: www.constantcontact.com, AWeber: www.aweber.com

Photo Editing: PicMonkey: www.picmonkey.com

Facebook Cover Photo Generator: Pagemodo: www.pagemodo.com/welcome/cover-photos

DIY Websites

 WordPress (Best!)

Hosting: Page.ly: www.page.ly, DreamHost: www.dreamhost.com (coupon code: launchmie), WebHostingHub: www.webhostinghub.com

Themes: Elegant Themes: affiliate link – thanks!

Weebly (Extra Easy)

Hosting: www.weebly.com

Themes: Div Tag Templates: www.divtagtemplates.com

Stay Curious, My Friend! For more information about or training on these or other technology solutions contact mie today.

The post 7 Awesome Tech Tools for Small Business Owners appeared first on Launch MiE | Classes & Coaching for Small Business Owners.

As a small business you have several options and your business model will dictate which will be right for you.  For example, if you largely do business through an online store or if you use a service like FreshBooks to process your invoices then you may already be set up with Paypal, Authorize.net, ProPay or another common payment gateway.  If you have an operating software in place, like MindBody for spas and health professionals, SimplifyThis for those who offer appointments and events or StudioCloud for photographers, you will have your CC processing integrated through your software solution.  If your business is not yet to the size where you have set up an operating software you will love easy solutions that have no monthly fee like Square.  Square provides you with a device that you plug into the earphone jack of your touchscreen phone that enables you to swipe cards, collect signatures and email receipts. Most major payment gateways now offer a mobile swipe device similar to the one that Square pioneered, but for the business owner looking for a flat rate and no monthly commitment Square is still the industry leader.

Whether you are a craft artist, a personal trainer, a photographer or any other type of a small business owner you really can’t afford not to offer a full selection of payment options to your clients.  And, with the right tools, it is easy and affordable.

The post How to Accept Credit Cards in a Small Business appeared first on Launch MiE | Classes & Coaching for Small Business Owners.

As a small business owner, we are often required to be a jack-of-all trades. And seeing as how there are not too many degrees to that effect, it is often through a combination of entrepreneurial intuition, diligent research and experience from school of hard knocks that we learn to run a business successfully.

Coming from a background heavy in accounting, I truly felt that marketing was my nemesis in business. I like the math involved in exact cause and effect relationships… and although some things are predictable, there is a decent amount of risk and unpredictability involved in making choices where to spend our time and money when growing our business. Nothing drives me more batty than when something that makes perfect sense has no effect, and yet something you’d hardly expect to help is fabulous. That, my friends, is the beast we call marketing.

Having taken a business from zero to gangbusters in less than a year–and with almost no marketing budget–I’ve become known amongst my entrepreneurial peers as a marketing and PR guru, which I find quite ironic, to say the least!  Here’s my special recipe:

1. Always, always, always use strong branding.
Do you have a constant, memorable logo? Do you use your themed colors, fonts & feel on everything from your business cards to your newsletter? So many small businesses let this slip through the cracks. We all know it takes a few impressions before people generally take action, and unless you connect your customer impressions for them your potential client may see your marketing over and over yet never remember you (insert sound of flushing money down the toilet!). Make sure to look from a customer’s perspective as you choose your branding and then stick to it 100 percent of the time.

The post The 3-Step Secret to Conquer Small Business Marketing appeared first on Launch MiE | Classes & Coaching for Small Business Owners.

If you have never started a business it can seem overwhelming.  Every state has different rules about how to set up your entity, heck, even the federal and state rules are different (which only complicates things if you live in a state that is subject to being taxed by the IRS… oh wait…).  ;>  Once you make it through all that you still have to determine the necessary licenses and permits for your city and sometimes even industry.  Talk about confusing!

I have started businesses in a few different states over the years and have become very familiar with the in’s and outs of what to look for.  Secretary of State?  Corporation Commission? Trade Name? Trade mark?  Gotcha covered.  Once you get the overview it’s really not so bad.  Take a look at this presentation from my “Launching a Business 101: How to Start a Business in Arizona” session at LaidOffCamp Phoenix.  You’ll see lots of detail to help you sort through the process as well as checklists and oodles of links to some awesome business resources at the federal, state and city level.  Have fun!  And, if you want help with this and all the other parts of launching a business make sure to check out my class calendar.  I’m here to help you learn how to start a business the easy way.

Best!

Christie

PS:  If you missed the event you can see the entire video over on Vimeo.  This video is from the April 2011 LaidOffCamp, not the March 2012 one.

Christie Simmons – Launching a Business 101 from Boyd Coleman on Vimeo.

The post How to Start a Business in Arizona appeared first on Launch MiE | Classes & Coaching for Small Business Owners.