Wordpress and Theme Installation

Okay, you’ve read my stuff and decided you want to use Wordpress because anyone can use Wordpress. (Really, it’s that simple. I’ve put technophobic, geriatric artists on Wordpress and they are “webmastering” away for state-wide organizations.) But perhaps you’re a little nervous about all that nerdy installation stuff.

Or maybe you’ve found the perfect commercial theme, but you just aren’t comfy with the whole FTP, correct sub-directory stuff.

Or maybe you’re fine with Wordpress installation, but don’t have time to follow the recommended initial set-up and SEO configuration stuff.

Understood. I can help.

Need a hosting service or commercial theme?

Great! You are eligible for a US$50 discount if you purchase your hosting service or commercial theme through one of my affiliate sponsor links. So don’t buy your hosting or theme just yet. Let me explain.

When you use the Recommended Sponsor affiliate links throughout my site, I get a referral payment. So I can offer you a discount on service (it’s like Apple dropping the price of the iPhone because AT&T pays them a fee for each new iPhone plan they sell). Keep reading until you get to the price part.

What Do I Do?

  • Install Wordpress (including setting up the necessary MySQL database).
  • Set-up your initial Wordpress configuration settings to optimize for search engines.
  • I’ll create an administrator account in the username of your choice.
  • I’ll create an information file that will include all the “stuff” you may need at a later date like your back-up admin log-in, hosting service info and your administrator account.
  • If you’ve purchased or downloaded a theme for your site, I’ll upload it and activate it. But I don’t won’t do all of the initial configuration. (But I will show you where the options are located.)
  • Install and activate the following plugins:
    1. Google Sitemap Generator
    2. wp-spamfree OR Askimet,
    3. Headspace 2 OR All-in-One SEO (if needed, some themes include SEO optimization)
    4. a social networking plugin such as Subscribe to Comments, AddToAny, ShareThis
  • Give you the Beginner’s Guide to Wordpress (which walks you through step-by-step adding and editing post, pages, images, links and everything you need to start creating content), the Basic Administration Guide to Wordpress (which walks you through the basic administration tasks like adding and updating plugins, changing your settings, adding a new user and so forth) plus the video guides.

What I Don’t Do As Part of This Package?

While I like being helpful, there do have to be limits. So the following are examples of what is not part of this installation package (although some of these services are available).

  • Converting Your Site to a Wordpress Base — That is a whole different service. I can offer some suggestions but this is simply installation and initial, core SEO set-up.
  • One-on-One Wordpress or Web Training — One-on-One consulting, coaching or training is available, but not part of this package (although if you have one simple question like “I forgot. How do I notify Google, etc. to come index my new site?” or “Where are the options for this theme?” I can answer that). It’s not that I don’t want to help. It’s just that my business watchdog says I have to set limits.
  • Tech Support — Sure, I can answer a quick “Uhm, my hosting service has this backup wizard? Should I use be using it?” or “My assistant forgot her Wordpress password. How do I give her a new one?” But dedicated support (like doing all your upgrades) doesn’t come with the package. Like I said, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but what would happen to your business if you spent half your day working for free? (And if you’re still feel I’m mean, please check out this hysterically funny but too true, 2-minute video at Renegade Writer. ) But you can arrange some one-on-one consulting, coaching or training. I am all about helping you (or your staff) help yourself.
  • Moving you site or your blog — This is a clean, new installation. I can direct you to information on moving your site or your blog, but this package does not include moving content. Content is your responsibility.
  • Customize your theme — Nope. Sorry. I’ve got some information and tips on modifying Wordpress themes on my site and if your theme has editing options (like Thesis, for example), I’ll show you where the options are found in the Wordpress administration, but I won’t make that “simple little change” for you. (Although I am compiling a list of some folks who can be hired to do that for you.)

What Do You Do?

If you’re ready to go, you can click the correct Add To Cart button (Starting From Scratch or I Already Have a Hosting Service) below and I’ll get you a step-by-step checklist.


Starting From Scratch — US$49.00
I’m buying my hosting service and/or commercial theme from your Recommended Sponsor affiliate links after you send me the details so show me the discount.


I Already Have a Hosting Service — US$109.00
I have a hosting service and I checked that they support Wordpress, but I’m a busy person and want you to take care of the installation and initial set-up for me.

If you need more information, here are the details

If you are Starting From Scratch, you need your domain name (the .com or .net web address) and you need a web hosting service (this is where your web site files will be located).

  1. I send you some simple step-by-step instructions. You follow them. In the end you will have your domain name and your web hosting service (from this very small selection).
  2. You then choose a theme from a much larger selection. (This is where you may eat up some time. So many choices! But I do include some tips on selection to help you decide.)
  3. You send me an email with the information I ask for in the instructions (there’s even a handy checklist form).
  4. It takes between 12-72 hours for your domain name to spread out through the Internet. Within a day or two after that, I will install Wordpress and do the rest of things mentioned above.
  5. I will then send you instructions on how to log into your new site, give you the link to download the Beginner’s Guide to Wordpress and the very basic Administration Guide as well as the videos.
  6. You then add your content, follow the instructions to let Google et al know your site is up and change the passwords to your hosting service and Wordpress username. (For your peace of mind and my protection.)

Easy-peasy, as my aunt used to say.

Click the button, if you are ready to launch!


If you Already Have a Hosting Service, you need to make certain they support Wordpress installation (see the requirements below) and you have the FTP access information.

Wordpress Requirements: MySQL 4.1.2 or greater, PHP 4.3 or greater and the mod_rewrite Apache module.

You’re hosting service doesn’t support Wordpress? You have a couple of options.

Option 1: Choose a new hosting service. (Which makes you eligible for the Starting From Scratch discount, but someone will have to move your present site content to the new service. Contact me if you need this done. There are some additional options and decisions you will need to make)

Option 2: Keep your present site up and add a Wordpress “blog” or section linked to site. (Again, there are more choices you have to make. I can send you a brief checklist and guide.)

When you have ordered the service,

  1. I will send you a list of the information I need (it’s in a handy checklist form).
  2. Meanwhile, you can be choosing a theme. (If your web hosting service configuration doesn’t support automatic installation of themes, I will provide you with instructions on what to do next.)
  3. Within a day or two after that, I will install Wordpress on your site in the location specified in the checklist form and do the rest of things mentioned above. If I have any questions, I will contact your web hosting service and notify you.
  4. I will then send you instructions on how to log into your new site, give you the link to download the Beginner’s Guide to Wordpress and the very basic Administration Guide as well as the videos.
  5. You then add your content, follow the instructions to let Google et al know your site is up and change the passwords to your hosting service and Wordpress username. (For your peace of mind and my protection.)

That’s it. Click the order button, when you’re ready to start!


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