This project came about when an existing client (Can-DE Fund) came to me with an idea he had. He’s a true entrepreneur and he’s also very spiritual. His idea is to combine texting with prayers. This is an interesting project. We decided to use WordPress for the bones of the site. Right now we do everything manually (posts, updating prayer counts) but our next step is to find a programmer to connect the API for the site we’re using to send the texts with WordPress. There’s a bunch more coming from this site, let me tell you. Later…

About 10 years ago, I had a friend email me wanting to know what it takes to build a website. I fired off about 15 questions and went about my way because nothing came of that project. But a kernal of an idea was there so I fished that email out of my Sent items. This was the beginning of a questionnaire I could use. I’ve been using and refining it since then.

I can tell from the permalinks that this article appeared last year on Smashing Magazine but it was highlighted recently. It got me thinking about my little questionnaire and how it stacks up against others. Actually, I wouldn’t call it little. It’s four pages.

I found this article endlessly helpful in my quest to write things down. Especially because, as crazy as it seems, given my propensity to write everything down, I DO NOT HAVE A GO-LIVE list. This is crazy when you think about how long I’ve been doing this.

My new Go-Live list will be different than it would have been had I started it earlier. Today it will include a whole section on how to move a WordPress site from a test folder to the live folder. It’s actually pretty easy and well documented in the WP Codex:

1. Backing Up Your Database
2. Moving WordPress

I learn something new every time I install and customize WordPress. This was extra true for Southwest RMC. This was an existing client looking to buff up his several-years-old site. We agreed to add more content, highlight a sister company and focus on his budding photography service. This client has enough knowledge and also comfort to work in the WP backend. We selected a template from Theme Forest, my current favorite source of high-quality templates. We agreed to the customizations. Before I even began this client forwarded me all his new content, neatly organized into a Word document. I’m extremely pleased with both how the job unfolded and also how it turned out. I wish all my jobs ran this smoothly.

A-Team Construction

The template I used is a DreamTemplate.com base chosen by the client. I had to redo the CSS a bit to work with WordPress.

I wasn’t blogging but I was busy installing WordPress as a CMS on every job I’ve done over the past nine months. I continue to refine my technique. The most fun has been creative use of CSS to make the site look like anything I want while still using the WordPress structure.

One thing I’ve started to do on every job is sign the client up for a WordPress.com account so that I can use the API. I had thought to use my API but changed my mind. I’d like to keep that separate. I’d be interested to know how others handle comment spam if not with Akismet (for which an API is required).

For Author Heather Barbieri’s website

Just finished this site for a Elaine Meyers, one of the best children’s librarians ever.