This month I took a Wordpress class to learn how to make a new webpage. Previously, I had used Yahoo Sitebuilder with its drag and drop design tools. Google reminded me that my website was not SEO, or search engine optimized. This was motivation enough to get thinking about what to do. That same week I sat down with some fellow artist to start a Facebook page for our local art group. We each brought our " computer". There was one iPad, one Samsung tablet, one laptop and various smart phones. It was quickly evident that each device showed the page different ways to fit the screen. One more reason to change my webpage. I had been used to designing it to fit a nice wide desktop screen. Times are a changing, time for me to try and keep up with them.The Wordpress class was invaluable. It was taught at the community college by a first rate teacher. Misty Lambrecht knew the program inside and out. I know I could not have learned the program without a class. But with instruction and guidance, I now have a better webpage that is up to date. There are a few things that need looking at, but the class offers free ongoing support. So, as my needs change with the site, I know there is some one to answer questions.As in any design project, there was first an idea. Then one has to let go of what you thought it should be, and let the idea grow. Then learn about new tools and skills to take the idea to a new place.One of the features I added to my site was a map app for the art fair locations. Now my customers can actually find the art fair from my site! Me, too. Very helpful!Check it out at www.theoregonweaver.com. Next week I will work on those small glitches ...learning is good.
I started with Wordpress 7 years ago with a blog and found it easy, and the help/learning was very helpful for me. In fact I just bought my domain and cutover last year with ease. I have not moved my ecommerce onto the site yet, partly because the budget is limited currently. But I love it, love The way wordpress sizes to most devices easily. I'm a big fan.
I chose a theme from the 2000 options on Wordpress that does just that. It is a mobile app friendly theme that reconfigures for each device. It makes laying out a page a little harder, but the templates within the theme make that conversion happen. So much to learn. It was fun!
When I set up each page, I used Google Analytics to determine if the page was search optimized., too. Having 250 words on a page was important. It was a great tool for that kind of feedback.
Hi Karen, Something to consider. More searches are now done from mobile devices than desktop computers. Google is favoring web sites built for mobile devices. That means dynamic content that expands and contracts depending on the screen resolution of the device. I've been told that the dynamic content also includes pictures.
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When I set up each page, I used Google Analytics to determine if the page was search optimized., too. Having 250 words on a page was important. It was a great tool for that kind of feedback.
Hi Karen, Something to consider. More searches are now done from mobile devices than desktop computers. Google is favoring web sites built for mobile devices. That means dynamic content that expands and contracts depending on the screen resolution of the device. I've been told that the dynamic content also includes pictures.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100