lessons learned from training clients to use wordpress
DESCRIPTION
Lessons I've learned from client training and tips on how to communicate with your web vendor to get the most out of your WordPress websitesTRANSCRIPT
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