Exclusive Offer To All v7Network Blogging Challenge Members

I had the pleasure of meeting Cricket when I joined the v7Network forum. The moderators, Mentors are a great bunch of people. They really make you feel at home. Somehow I got the attention of someone there and was given the title Mentor myself. It's an honor for anyone to be noticed. Thanks guys and gals!

So, on with what todays post is all about.

To All Members of the v7Network 30 Day Challenge

Over the past few days I've seen many blogs posted in the challenge. Some are new as a result of this challenge which is a great idea! Something I've also noticed is how many are using the basic setup from WordPress with an image at the top. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever. For those who'd like to make it more personal or business but are not web designers read on.

Today I thought I'd offer my time at no charge to help anyone of my fellow members who'd like to add a theme but need a little help with adding it to their website. There are many free themes on the web and for the most part those will work just fine. Since I can't offer my time fully for free here are some excellent options and information for you to review.

What's a theme? Well, it's like a new paint job for your car. Heck, it can even make the car look like a totally different car! Back to themes, they are also referred to as skins. But, since they also change the location of menus, add more options for layout. They are called Themes.

• A Little Help please... FREE Consultation
  
  If you'd like some assistance with your WordPress site. Shoot me over an email directly at info@snerdey.com and get on my calendar. Let me know what your blog url is and what you'd like for it to look like. Take a look at all the free themes on the web. We can visit about it and do some research to make sure it's the right theme for you. This is a free consultation to help get you in the right direction. I'll even provide you with typical instructions on how to do it yourself. Most of the themes all come with directions so it will depend on your technical skills too. I'd be happy to read over the instructions and advise if this is something you'd be comfortable tackling yourself. Otherwise I'd have to dedicate a couple of hours to your project thus I had to create some premium options below.

• Just The Top Image... FREE Labor
  

  If you'd just like to replace the top image with a custom image or some company information, kids photos etc.. I'd be happy to create those at no charge as well. These would be more fun anyway as I totally enjoy editing photos. Now, if you need a photo to use and don't have something to use. Don't just go grab something off the web. You want to own that image so you have the right to use it. Free downloads.. well, where did they get those photos? I'd visit Fotolia as they have zillions to choose from for like $1 but before you choose you should contact me to insure you get the right size as you'll want it not to be too small or too big. Then once you have the image send it to me, let me know what you want on it. Please don't abuse this offer so you'll want to send me as much detail as possible so we're not spending hours on a 15 min project :)

Premium Service

Well, I can't spend all day working for free. So, for those that require more work or just don't want to mess with the themes. I have some ideas to help you not only save money but you can also have an amazing looking WordPress site for just a couple of hours of my time. Time is money and my rates have not changed since 2004. Not too many will post hourly rates but not me. My hourly rate is $35 and I always quote not to exceed so many hours. If I do, either I eat it all myself as I don't charge if I'm not able to get it to work for you either.

Premium Themes

We have a huge selection of Premium WordPress Themes here at Snerdey Web Designs. You can search through 100's of them. We also install other theme suppliers such as ThemeForest. Now there's always an issue with plugins etc.. we're not able to insure they are compatible with your website. If you purchase a theme and we're not able to get it to work on your website we will not charge you for our labor. Mostly, you'd get them to work by disabling a plugin and then tackle that plugin issue on your own or replace it. The process can be rather complicated but we're used to it :)

I hope you've enjoyed my post today. Be sure and come back tomorrow for more.

Snerdey

So, how can Snerdey help my business?

That's an easy question to answer! Might be a little long winded as we do many things so let's take a look at what we do that save our clients money everyday.

Hosting Services

Since 2004 our hosting accounts started out at 2GB for $69.00/year and we're still at the same low price today in 2011. You have your choice of a cPanel server or our Rackspace servers. The cPanel is the most popular choice for many clients that choose to manage their own accounts, websites. Our Rackspace servers are more streamlined for basic functions of email creation and databases. Already have hosting.. no problem, we'll work with them directly for you to insure your new website from us will work on their servers. Not all hosting services are the same.

We don't like keeping all of our client accounts in one basket. We're currently maintaining services with two data centers with plans to expand into our third data center in 2011.

Data Center One

Orlando, Florida
cPanel Server

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Data Center Two

San Antonio, Texas
RackSpace Server

Domain Names

Normally clients already have a domain or one in mind. Domains are cheaper these days as many companies give them away for free. But, it's all being paid somehow somewhere. So, we don't try and hide any charges. We started out in 2004 at $15.00 / year for a domain. But, over the years we've learned a lot about domains like keeping up with expiration dates! You'd think that would be a breeze. Try it a few times everyday from the year before keeping up with all those renewals, subscriptions etc.. For those that prefer to have us handle the domain needs we're now charging a flat fee of $20.00/year. You'll need to do your research and find a domain name that's available for you to purchase. I'd suggest using a website like DomainsBot - then just let us know what all choices you found. We'll be happy to consult with you to help make the best decision for your website address.

Website Templates

In the beginning, Snerdey.com was once a new website too, when you think of creating a website for a company it's easy. When it came time for us to promote our website promoting templates we looked at many options as most of us are coders, programmers. So, templates came to mind. Started surfing the net and found many options and decided to go with TemplateMonster. We liked it so much we joined their team of affiliates (over 160k of them!) Never thought it would turn into what it is today. The #1 Template Supplier on the net! We help you save money when purchasing a template with our 10% daily discount.

Website Consulting

We actually do not charge to help you determine if a website template or our services are right for your project. This helps everyone involved save time and money. Even if you don't choose our services at least you'll have a better understanding of your options.

Website Quotes

Don't have the extra time to spend searching the 1,000's of templates and options available to you on the website. Take a moment to let us know what you have in mind. We'll search our website for a few options to send you. You'll be able to click a link and view the designs. Keep in mind you're looking for the look and feel of the layout. Not so much the colors, images as those can be modified.

Template Editing

Sometimes clients get the idea that templates are supposed to be for anyone to be able to purchase and add to their website. They go purchase a website template and start spinning wheels right off the bat. Webdesign is not for everyone and not all templates are the same format or platform if you will. There are WordPress Themes, Full Website Kits, Flash 8, CMS Software view more templates here. There are over 16 types and dozens of categories. It can get rather confusing. We offer our consulting services at no charge for our Hosted Clients.

Custom Websites

Sure, there are those special projects that require breaking out the scratch pad and creating a website from a blank page. Hopefully the client has an idea of what they'd like to have on the website including colors, how many pages and what all they want it to do. This is not the cheap route as you're asking for something unique. We'll do our best to make the price fair to everyone. Just because your asking for a custom website does not mean it has to be outragously expensive. Not everyone is a graphics editor, coding specialist or even know what FTP means. So, that's when we come into play. No, we're not going to ask you what you budget is for the project. We'll listen to you, give ideas and suggestions. You'll make the choice that fits best for you.

What's with the Freebies?

TemplateMonster is big on giving away freebies, free trials and all kinds of discounts. Currently with every template purchase you'll get 1 year free hosting for your new project! More bonuses included and are subject to change without notice.

Any questions?

We're here 24/7/365

Visit Online Live Chat

877-619-6609 Toll Free

512-868-7762 Texas

That's it for today, be sure and come back for more tomorrow.

Snerdey

What does a Farmer and Webmaster have in common?

Right off the bat they both get up at the crack of dawn. Yeah right! Most webmaster's get up in the afternoon! So, this story is about those early birds. The farmer has a rooster to wake them up as the rooster crows every morning. The webmaster has the smell of fresh coffee brewing in the morning via the auto timer on the coffee maker. They are both up and ready for a full days work. So, let's see just how they are the same.

The farmer will need to tend to the heard. Most have cattle or some livestock they've invested into for the market or maybe a horse just for riding. Now the webmaster has clients as livestock. They all need to be monitored, checked, tested via the maintenance contracts they've got going on. All of this happens before any projects are started.

The webmaster then checks email, tweets something and even might post a new photo on Facebook. While the farmer is checking the gas tanks, oil and insuring the machines are greased up and ready for plowing.

Now, the farmer is riding a tractor and the webmaster is sitting in their chair at the desk. The computer is their machine that they use to tend to the crops or the internet shall we say :)

When the day is over the farmer is able to look back and say "Yep, I've taken care of everything just need a little more rain" the rain helps the crops grow thus the ROI is the sale of the corn, wheat, potato's etc.. Now, the webmaster is able to look back and say "Cool, I've got all the sites updated, online marketing is running, online advertising and says I just need a few more clicks and sales" thus this is their ROI. Return on investment is the key to monitoring any business.

So, what's the difference in the Farmer and the Webmaster?

Physical Stress vs. Mental Stress.
ROI is higher for the Webmaster in the long run.
One gets filthy dirty while the other is always clean.

How do I know this, why do I think it?
I was raised on a 500 acre farm from the age of nine till I was fifteen. It was hard work and the only thing I got was my room, food, clothes and a go cart. Friends were a miles apart. I'm happy that I was able to experience the life of a farmer. But, when the telephone tech showed up to repair our phone. I asked a lot of questions. Three years later I was working for South Western Bell as a telephone contract installer.. that's another story.

Hope you've enjoyed todays thoughts.. come back tomorrow for more.
Snerdey

What Does Your Website Do Anyway?

It's the 1st Monday of the New Year 2011

Happy New Year Everyone!

Believe it or not I was fast asleep by 9:30pm on New Years Eve! 1st time for everything. Lately the orders and scheduling don't care too much about holidays. Next year, it's going to be a little different for sure! Well, it's too big of a day not to mention a few things in my 1st post of the year. Normally I'll just blurt out what comes to mind. So, let's get this party started!

For starters our good friends over at the V7Network posted a 30 day blog challenge for those that blog and those that don't that have been thinking about having a blog. It's a great idea to motivate other website owners or professional bloggers to get back in the routine of posting daily blogs, including me! Pretty sure anyone is welcomed to join. The official notice is on the home page of the v7Network Blog, it's never too late to start blogging!

One of the most common things my clients visit with me about during our initial conversation is what is the website job? What is it you want it to do for you? I hear all kinds of ideas go from dream stage to project completion. Being that many are webmasters, newbies and small business owners. Questions are bounced around and the concept is brought to light so everyone's on the same page. Corporate projects tend to know exactly what they want and have a set business model in place.

Most website owners create a site with the intentions of doing the same as everyone else. Get noticed, make sales, increase clicks or return on investment. There are so many ways that a website can bring in results. The most popular ways is to create a website promoting someone else's product or services. Typically referred to as affiliate programs or reseller accounts. Many of the businesses running this type of marketing require you to have lots of traffic or an established site as they don't want to have 10,000's accounts just sitting out there on the web doing nothing.

Even if you're creating a website with your own unique niche product. There's nothing wrong with sharing the limelight with others. Most bloggers use some form of making money, donations etc.. or promoting their services like I normally do.

I've used this referral program to help others Monetize their websites or blog using a company that has it's own network of websites via it's Advertisers and Publishers services it offers site owners a way sell or buy advertising on the web. If your new to this they are currently offering a Free $20 Trial. That's how I joined and you can cancel anytime.

Coming up..

We're always gearing up to tackle the task already at hand. Snerdey is currently in our 7th year and come June 2011 we'll be starting our 8th year! So, be sure and join us on Facebook so you'll be notified of the celebration with online sales and specials.

Currently creating a new site for my own website. The goal was to have it ready by January 1, 2011. Lucky for me I can keep pushing back my own sites to insure clients projects are moving along. The website is a few months in the making already so I don't mind putting it on the back burner. Gives me lots of time to work on making it user friendly and as informative as possible.

I'll also be mixing it up my post with both business, personal and just life in general. Maybe even share a few BBQ tips now and then. I think those 3 Guineas have it made... they are just up there on that roof checking out that sunset. Not too concerned with checking emails, fixing codes. Those birds are indeed living the dream.

Thanks for tuning in today.. come back tomorrow for some more.

Snerdey

Happy New Year 2011 From Snerdey

Wow it's already January 3, 2011

Officially the 1st Monday of the new year. It's also the 1st post of the year. Lot's of 1st will all be happening this year. You know you hear people say the're spinning plates, wearing many hats? That's how most web designers are. They are happier with lot's of things to do everyday or a weeks worth of work done within a day. The one thing that most designers are is fast.

If they are not careful they'll overlook something, save an email in the wrong place.. lot's can start to snowball when we focus on one website too long. This year will be no different except busier than last year for me. History has proven this since day one and my calendar is looking more like a menu in a restaurant. I'd like to personally thank all of our clients, partners, affiliates and so many friends for your support throughout the years. Here's to your continued success!

What's new this year?

With each year that comes and goes it's always the 1st day of the new year that is full of visions both past and future. We're lucky as humans as we're able to make choices everyday that have a direct affect on tomorrow. Here's to yours, ours and loved ones that the year 2011 brings many of your good visions to light. That you're able to close the door to the past and enjoy the new year as it's intended to be... full of life, love and happiness.

It's not always about sales and specials :)

Did I just say that?

There's a new calendar on my desk with January 01, 2011. Oh man, it's good to start the new year on time and I'm thankful to have so many happy clients. When your're a freelance web designer that also caters supplies to webmasters both newbies and seasoned coders as well as maintain you own clients websites. There's also 2 data center accounts for hosting, emails for clients and about to add a 3rd as I don't like keeping them all in one data center. You just have to wear a lot of hats in this business. Sometimes those hats are full of information and experience, some are still learning as well so I have to rely on my network of partners, affiliates and team players that all share the same goal of customer satisfaction.

Customer satisfaction has always been the #1 goal of my work. Many times in the beginning I quoted low knowing I could knock out a job real quick and save them some money, get me a sale. Well over the past years there's been a lot of changes to the web and lots of new rules of the road if you will. With search engine companies switching up search results one really has to tend to their website. So many website owners tend to just create the few pages and walk away from it. That's like starting in a race and running 10 feet to stop. The rest will indeed pass you by with fresh content, new pages, blogs, tweets.. social marketing .. heck, all kinds of marketing not to mention common SEO practices.

Snerdey has the support of 100's people behind the name. I love to consult with clients, kick the can around with ideas then come up with the design with not only what they want but most importantly .. what they can afford. Which brings me to something that one needs to consider when starting a new website. As with just about anything in life.. you get what you pay for.

So before you spend a dime on anything. Feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to take the time to review what you have in mind. I'll be happy to supply you with a list of options or even if need be refer you to one of our partners we trust. It's all about who you know.. not how much you pay.

Best of luck to everyone with this new year. Thank you for choosing Snerdey.com for your website services. As promised our rates are still the same as they were in 2004 with no plans to increase. Money is important but it's not everything :)

Snerdey was established June 2004 and now in it's 7th year.. our official celebration will be June 2011. Be sure and sign up for our new upcoming newsletter so you don't miss out on the good deals and freebies we've got planned.

Join our Facebook Here

Respectfully,

Snerdey