Wednesday 15 April 2015

Web-savvy help needed for hapless numpty

So, there's the thing.  Meeting Sasha Wilkins (see previous post) really made me feel like a right numpty.  It opened my eyes to what I should have been doing for the longest of times, gave me a kick up the arse and, yes (let's be honest), made me madly envious.  It's not that I want to race around doing everything Sasha does (I'm way too lazy) or (don't laugh) be a digital media guru but I'd like to be a bit...tidier.
My website is so ancient, it would probably merit a place in the museum of website-building.  My blog is about as basic as it's possible to get.  I did get as far as buying a new template for my WordPress blog but then flailed around helplessly and made it look even worse than before.

What?  You want to see my shame?  Well, you're already here but, trust me, this is the best bit.
My WordPress blog is here:  Jane Alexander
And - *wince* - here's my website:  Jane Alexander
Now you've finished slapping your thighs in mirth, let's get down to business.  I really need to pull it all together, don't I?  Have one decent on-line presence.  I have shedloads of content - literally thousands of features and book excerpts that I could put out there.  But how? Biggest problem is that I just don't have a lot of dosh to spend on a fancy web design.  Come to that, I don't really want a fancy web design - I want something that I can update myself easily, quickly, efficiently.  But I also want it to look good.  No, scratch that, I want it to look great.

WordPress is the way to go, right?  A magazine format that looks clean and clear and can pull together all my features, (hopefully) sell my books, and have a nice corner for my blog ramblings too. If it could make a bit of money via affiliate links or advertising, so much the better.  I'd also love to feature some great photography so if any of your snappers out there would be up for my sharing your images (suitably labelled and linked of course), do get in touch.

Your thoughts?  Any brilliant WordPress fixers you know who have a strong philanthropic bent?  My brother has been nagging me about this and I have promised I will get a bit more savvy.  Find people, he said.  Ask them how much they charge and ask to see samples of their work, he said.  In fact, he said, send me samples of their work (see, he knows how web-rubbish I am!)

I also need a name for it - something that pulls together my interest in natural health, manic fitness, yoga, psychology, spirituality, travel, books, music, nature, mythology, dodgy humour, crap TV, love, friendship and pseudo beagles.  Something that would sound good before 'dot com' cos being an org of one is a bit embarrassing.  Help me out?  Best answer gets a prophecy from the Beagle Oracle (remember that?)  :-)
 


8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Try http://www.richardjohnsdesign.co.uk/
New local independent web developer - still putting everything together but might be worth a shot?..
Own website is still under construction, but has prices.

Sessha Batto said...

If you wanted a static site I would be overjoyed to do it for you gratis, my dear. I just redid my site so I understand the need for a good clean-up! WordPress and I, however, have a long and rocky history ;) but if there is something I can do, just wave in my general direction ;)

Unknown said...

Yes! Love a good makeover ;) I'd be glad to help, just give me a shout. I'm redoing my site right now, a whole rebranding in process. Spring brings motivation, yes?

internetg33k said...

I finally settled on a Wordpress theme that makes me feel a bit more polished. Poke around my page, and let me know if you have any questions - I'd be happy to help out in any way I can.

http://www.traciyork.com

Exmoorjane said...

@Anon - Huge thanks. I took a look but think I'll wait until he posts up some examples of his work. Also, he seems a bit 'shouty'! I'm a meek soul. :)

Exmoorjane said...

@Sessha - you are too kind, my friend. I really need something I can update pretty much all the time. I get sort of get a grip on Wordpress so think it's the way to go. xxxx

Exmoorjane said...

@Soli - Well, not feeling wildly motivated but hoping to go with the energy of the season! Can't wait to see your new site...I may well shout. :)

Exmoorjane said...

@Traci - have been poking... :) Looking good, kiddo. I shall ask questions for sure. :) xxx

Deeply chuffed to see you three all here together, btw. xx