phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
Lessons Learned From Client TrainingHow to communicate with your web vendor to get the most out of your WordPress websites
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
ā Training courses - levels of wordpress knowledge OR it’s a build-a-site-in-a-day kinda thing
ā One-on-One training ā Online video training ā In-dashboard training ā Community Forums ā Support desk for themes and plugins ā Blogs and tutorials
INTRO
Types of training available
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #1
Every WordPress site is different
LESSON #1
Every WordPress site is different
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
User tips: ā Be clear with your web developer which bits you expect to be able to update, and ask for instructions as part of the handover
ā If you’re buying a theme, check that it comes with at least a basic level of support
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #2
Assume nothing
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
User tips: ā Be upfront with your developer on how much you know about the internet, WordPress, and websites in general
ā If you’re buying a theme, ask as many pre-sale questions as you can
LESSON #2
Assume nothing
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #3
Guide decisions instead of giving options
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
User tips: ā When it comes to design and options panels, allow your web vendor to help you make good decisions
ā Despite there being 3000 different homepage options, YOUR website probably only needs 1
ā It’s ok to ask for a mockup of the homepage before any development work is done
LESSON #3
Guide decisions instead of giving options
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #4
Shortcode has the word code in it and therefore it is scary
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
User tips: ā If you’re not comfortable with the idea of the shortcodes, flag it. In a custom design you shouldn’t encounter too many
ā Some themes use shortcodes to build layouts, so consider this if you are choosing a theme to DIY - it can become difficult when switching themes
LESSON #4
Shortcode has the word code in it and therefore it is scary
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #5
Simplify the interface
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
User tips: ā When you see your WordPress dashboard and menus for the first time, make certain you know what things are. If you don’t, politely ask for a run through
ā Look for the ‘screen options’ tab in the top right hand corner of your WordPress dashboard
LESSON #5
Simplify the interface
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #6
Be patient
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
User tips: ā Ask as many questions as you need. If you’ve only ever used Squarespace or Wix, expect a small learning curve
ā If you’re buying a theme to DIY, check that it comes with at least a basic level of support
LESSON #6
Be patient
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #7
Don’t ignore the conversation about SEO
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
User tips: ā Web developers and SEO’ers have different skill sets and rarely are experts at both
ā SEO services will be offered to you with seperate price tags and timelines
ā You may be referred to an additional vendor such as and SEO copywriter for a more tailored SEO services
LESSON #7
Don’t ignore the conversation about SEO
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #8
Take your developer hat off and speak like a human
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #8
Take your developer hat off and speak like a human
User tips: ā Let your developer know when you don’t understand something. This will remind them that they need to communicate with you better
ā The language a web vendor uses should not become a barrier to you understanding what is going on with your site - ask them to explain it in human terms
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #9
Be prepared
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
User tips: ā Unless pre-arranged, don’t expect to be taught how to add new functionality or design elements during your first website training session.
ā If you’re getting 1-1 training, list your priorities ā Prepare the material for a demo (text, images etc)
LESSON #9
Be prepared and have an agenda
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
LESSON #10
Empower, encourage and inspire confidence
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
User tips: ā Check online to see if there is a free WordPress meetup if there is one in your area
ā If using a theme framework, pay attention to the community using it
ā Never stop learning
LESSON #10
Empower, encourage and inspire confidence
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
BONUS...
Bring Snacks!!
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
TOOL KIT
I’ll pop all the links on my website
Some of my favourites...
phasecreative.com.au/wordcamp-sydney-2014 @phasecreative #wcsyd
Thank you :-)
Cath Beaton is a Sydney based WordPress consultant, trainer and web designer with a passion for helping small business professionals maximise their online impact.
Web: phasecreative.com.auTwitter: @phasecreativeEmail: [email protected]: 0402 040 049Location: Sydney