I can say without a doubt that this is true.
Listening to other people moan about their technical problems is about as tiresome as listening to them give out about their partner.
So I won't. But let's just say this week the Happy Womb has been re built three times, went AWOL on numerous occasions, changed hosts, changed software, drove me cuckoo.
OK, sorry, a little moan, but now to share what I have learned, to save any of my dear readers the same stress if you find yourself in a similar situation. I will break it down into simple parts and share my e-love with you...
1) Did you know WordPress is not just WordPress? Oh yes. There are two: Wordpress.com and Wordpress.org. Am I the only idiot who did not know this?
If you want a personal blog. You go for .com. Like blogger but sharper and more modern looking. It is free software and free hosting.
BUT
If you want to build a site for a business. Basically if you want to be able to earn money from your site using a shopping cart, the WordPress.org is what you need.
Simples... no?
2) Well, no. Because to use WordPress. org you need a HOST for your domain. You also need a URL. Which you can buy via them, or many other places. So I had my URL (www.thehappywomb.com). But now it was parked on WP.com
3) So to find a host - there are hundreds out there. And they cost. Between $50 and $150 for a simple package. Where to start?
Well I can say, without a shadow of a doubt - go with HostGator - they are in the top 10 hosts,they are some of the most affordable packages, they have won masses of prizes, but best of all, and this is INVALUABLE - if you get in a pickle - which I did every day for four days, you have instant free support - by free phone in the US, and by instant messaging. And they're SO nice, and SO helpful. And rather than doing the whole "computer says no" routine. They understand what's wrong. And then fix it online for you in minutes. They fix all the things that you have spent 24 hours singlehandedly buggering up. For free. And I didn't ever have to wait for more that 3 mins for service. They are open 24/7 - and staffed by the sort of young men you would definitely bring home to meet the parent - if you weren't already married. If you're in the market for a domain host - do not think twice - just step their way.
HostGator also has an easy to use control panel and one click installation of most of the software you need to use.
5) Then I was wondering how do you put together an e-book cover so that it looks the real deal - and found this - it looks a great resource on all aspects of blogging too.
http://www.standoutblogger.com/tutorials/tutorial-how-to-create-an-ebook-cover-with-photoshop/
6) And finally, I wouldn't be embarking on any of this if it was not for the inspiration and practical goldmine which is Leonie's Business Goddess e book
So there we have it a round up of my techie week.
I wondered about making it rich and red - like a womb space or a red tent - but there are a lot up like that. I though pink - but I know a lot of alternative women are anti pink - I am currently going for light and clear...
What do you love in a website, and what do you hate? Dark colours or light. Flash screens or simple? I would really value your input...
Good gosh, how do you even still have a computer I would have chucked it through a window by now! I love the host help that has been provided, that is the kind of thing I wish all sorts of online things would have.
ReplyDeleteBeing really honest I think the heart of the womb, especially as one of them is a man's hand does say pregnancy to me, but I do love that I really spells out I love my womb... much love my sweet x x
Ha! Well spotted! Never saw it was a man's hand! Just all the non pregnant bellies are FAR too skinny.... and I don't want to volunteer my own.
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to what you come up with, Lucy. I know all this web stuff is confusing.. I'm glad you had a good experience with Hostgator as I have some hesitations BUT customer support is a MAJOR consideration. That is worth its weight in gold.
ReplyDeleteI think light colors/simple design would suit your purpose really well. I would recommend playing around with other themes, but you are probably already doing that. :)
I'm so excited about this new project of yours and so relate to the frustration. I was very grateful for hostgator's instant support when I Was making my blog's transition - it came in so very handy!
ReplyDeleteAs for what I like in a website, simple simple simple. Light or dark doesn't matter to me, just not white text on a dark background, of course.
Lucy, I'm very excited to see where you go with this!!
ReplyDeleteI like simple and clean websites too, especially for something like this where you don't want to detract from the words.
And, if you need any help with WordPress let me know - I love WordPress, but it can take a bit of getting used to!