Archive for the ‘Free Web Resources’ Category
I’m sure WordPress will be a study of mine for years to come.
We’ve recently learned that Wordrpress MU (multi user) operates much faster than the standard WordPress easy install. If you load these two websites you may see what I mean:
Open two windows or tabs with your browser. Then open both these websites which use essentially the same tempate and tell me which one loads faster for you. After they are both open hit refresh and time them.
One is WordPress MU and the other is simply WordPress.
MU also has the capability of serving up websites underneath it. For example, you can offer websites and blogs to everyone under your domain.
It could by keystonealliance.com/Board, keystonealliance.com/Bob, keystonealliance.com/Some_Other_Person_or_Business
This is very powerful when dealing with large organizations. You can also use this for an Extranet very quickly.
Here is my Extranet using WordPress http://paontheweb.com/partners/
Notice it takes you directly to the log in screen. If you don’t have a Username and Password you are not getting in. Nor will this configuration allow someone to attempt to register.
There are some drawbacks with WordPress. Anytime you plug something in to enhance the system you may break another part of the system. This is because there are thousands of developers creating plugins. Also, when you see there is a plugin update the system can break with the update. Most businesses do not need the number of plugins we use making it unlikely your system will encounter an error.
One of the nice things we offer is a full system backup that runs daily and weekly. You do not need to rely on the WordPress backup which can fail to function as you would like.
All in all this is still the best web development software out there. It hooks into Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites via plugins or RSS feeds. It really can’t be beat!
Free Web Resources
There are many free resources on the web to help the new business owner get started. I will list some here. All of these are self help. It may give you a better appreciation for what web masters go through to develop your web presence. Not all that calls itself a web master is truly a “Master of the Web.” It is important to remember that these resources change from time to time. What is true today may not be true tomorrow.
First you need a website or blog.
- Google Blogs. The best feature here is you can email in to update your blog. Kelly Web Sales even does custom designs for this system.
- Blogs are Easier to use than Google Sites. However, if you want, you can have both. Google Sites cannot be customized by webmasters at this time.
- There are many other free blogs and sites but stick with Google. Many smaller ones have gone out of business.
Next you need to list your blog or website.
- First is to get listed on Google Local.
- Next look for related website directories both by your category and your location. See if you can get listed for free or pay a small fee. Don’t get suckered into high fees on sites with low traffic. It can be difficult to find out how much traffic a website gets. You cannot rely on Google Page Rank. A website with a Page Rank of 4 can get a thousand visitors per month or half a million visitors per month. Best to ask to see a statistics report before buying.
- Post articles on Blogs that allow you to do so.
- Find free online classified listings.
- If you are just opening look for free Events calendars online and post your Grand Opening or actual event if you have sales.
- Open a Facebook and or Twitter account and work it. MySpace has really died off. These things will continually change.
Below are some resources we have started:
State Wide Directories
PAontheweb.com serving Pennsylvania – www.PAontheweb.com includes free Blog, Events and Classifieds as well as directory listings.
NYontheweb.com serving New York – www.NYontheweb.com
FLResource.net serving Florida – www.FLResource.net
Florida’s Websites serving Florida with updateable listings – www.FloridasWebsites.com
MDWebsource.com serving Maryland – www.MDWebsource.com
DEWebsource.com serving Delaware – www.DEWebsource.com
HIontheweb.com serving Hawaii – www.HIontheweb.com
TXontheweb.com serving Texas – www.TXontheweb.com
NContheweb.com serving North Carolina – www.NContheweb.com
US Wide Directories
GolfersLTD.com serving the golf enthusiest – www.GolfersLTD.com
Regional Directories
EverythingOuterBanks.com serving OBX North Carolina www.EverythingOuterBanks.com
Blogs where you can Post free:
PAontheweb Blog – Add your Pennsylvania business.
Remodeling Public Access - Add your remodeling business.
Outer Banks on the Web – Add your Outer Banks NC business.
