In a market where websites need to be built faster and easier (and cheaper), many are turning to Open Source CMS to get the job done. Unfortunately there are now thousands of CMS’s floating around the web and finding the right one has become somewhat of an ordeal.

A Content Management System (CMS) is a Web application that uses a database or other methods to create, edit, and store website content in a manageable way. Content is created and edited on the web in an administration section of the web application (referred to as the Backend). The resulting content is then displayed to the viewers on the regular site (referred to as the Frontend). In simple terms, it means a website owner can add, edit, delete, and manage content on their website without any knowledge of web code and design. Once the CMS is installed and the theme is designed, you are good to go. No more paying an expensive web designer to maintain your website.

Based on my experience, there is no CMS platform out there that compares with Wordpress. It is the most robust and feature-filled platform, which is not only easy to use, but also very user friendly. So far all my clients are really happy with the decision to use WordPress. WordPress is an amazing platform which can be customized to create personal websites, portfolios, e-commerce, galleries and photo blogs, magazine or news websites, article libraries and a lot more.

Although the Wordpress platform is a free download, it can be complicated to install and set-up. The right software is required and some knowledge of PHP and MySQL is necessary (HTML/CSS as well if you want a personalized theme). I can help. If you want a new website and you are on a tight budget, I offer my services for only $75.

Here’s what I will do:

1. Set up new hosting account (if necessary).
2. Set up new database which will store your website’s content and settings.
3. Download, upload, and install Wordpress.
4. Download, upload, and install popular and most useful plug-ins (such as Maintenance Mode, Automatic Upgrade, Audio Player, Google XML Sitemap, Twitter Tools, etc.).
5. Import content from previous site/blog (if necessary).
6. Redesign/customize a previously developed theme with a layout/concept of your choice (creating an entirely new theme from scratch will cost well over $75).
7. Offer indefinite support.

There are often concerns as to what it means when I say I will “Redesign/customize a previously developed theme”. Allow me to give you an example.

As you can see here, the core aspects of these two designs are the same. In fact, I loved the original so much, I chose not to modify nearly as much of the design as I would typically do.

There are multiple advantages to having a modified theme as opposed to designing and building one from scratch. I will mention two of the most important reasons. First, any new theme will have bugs to be worked out. With a theme that has been extensively used and tested, the bugs have been reported online and I am able to easily fix the problems before it goes live on your new site. Second, a modified theme can be completed within three business days at most. Web designers generally charge by the hour. A new theme could require up to 40 hours to complete, if not more, costing you a lot of money. Instead, I can create for you a customized theme that suits your wants and needs for a flat rate of $75.

One other important aspect of your new website will be image and branding. Studies have shown it takes a viewer less than ten seconds to develop a lasting impression of you based on your website’s homepage. Your website, logo, and graphics represent who you are to your visitors. For instance, which of the two websites below would you rather have represent you?

I would choose the second, hands down. Perhaps it does not suit your taste, but even so, it is far more attractive and professional than the first. Concerning image, I have helped countless people improve their appearances by “upgrading” their original designs, ideas, and concepts. Here are some examples:

Your site represents you. Even though I treat it as my own as I work on it, I want it to reflect you well. I will take any ideas you give me and try my best to implement them into your new website.

If you are interested in a new website for only $75, please contact me.