As a WordPress designer, my custom-crafted WordPress websites all include responsive design and development, a custom theme and plugin, SEO-friendly code, social media integration, retina-ready graphics, hardened security, ongoing maintenance, and more.
WordPress Content Management System
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) and blogging tool that allows you to easily manage the content on your site as often as you wish saving you time and money. WordPress currently powers more than 43% of the web with its intuitive interface and vast community. It’s completely open source you so you are free to do whatever you want with it. I highly recommend checking out your local WordCamp—it’s a great way to learn about everything WordPress!
Responsive Development
As a WordPress designer, my websites are built using the responsive approach to web development with a design that adapts nicely for optimal viewing on all screen sizes and devices. Whether your website is viewed on a 50-inch TV or the smallest smart phone, your site will allow visitors to easily engage with your content.
WordPress Designer Geeky Stuff
How exactly do I make custom WordPress websites? I use HTML5, CSS3, PHP and JavaScript as well as local development with Git, SourceTree, MAMP, Sass, Codekit, and Sublime Text. This WordPress designer also uses Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for design mockups and layouts.
Custom Theme and Plugin by a WordPress Designer
For each website I build, I create a custom WordPress theme (the look and feel) and custom plugin (the functionality) that follows WordPress coding standards and includes the front-end framework Bootstrap. Your website is specifically tailored to your needs keeping your site lean, efficient, and easy to use.
SVGs, Icon Fonts and Retina
Just like in print, vector graphics can enhance your website design. I make sure to use SVGs whenever possible for their crisp, clean appearance and fast loading speed. I use Font Awesome for vector icons and social logos. Your site will look great on all retina and high pixel density displays.
SEO-friendly Code
I write search-engine friendly code and structure all websites with keywords and metadata in all the right places. I also configure the Yoast SEO plugin which allows you to take your site’s SEO even further. I’m also happy to share advice on how to optimize your website for SEO by following my own experience with optimizing my website and making friends with Google.
Social Media Integration
I make sure your website and content is easy to share on social media and that your website has the right tools to stay connected. This includes social media sharing buttons using Jetpack and appropriately-sized images for sharing blog posts.
Intuitive Admin Area
Out of the box, WordPress is extremely intuitive. I extend this by using WordPress’s native Gutenberg editor, Advanced Custom Fields Pro, Gravity Forms, and my own custom plugin, so every piece of content—projects, testimonials, forms, you name it—is 100% editable and easy to update.
SSL, Security and Backups
I follow WordPress security best practices and use tools including iThemes Security or Sucuri to harden all custom WordPress sites I develop. I’ll make sure your new site launches with an SSL certificate so any information collected on your site—even if it’s just an email address—is encrypted and safe. I also ensure scheduled backups are in place so you never have to worry about losing your content.
Cross Browser Testing
Using my favorite tool for cross browser testing, I test your website in all modern browsers including those made by Apple (Safari, iOS), Google (Chrome, Android), Microsoft (Edge), Mozilla (Firefox), and Opera. I also ensure that users of Microsoft Internet Explorer 11+ get an appropriate experience.
Web Hosting Guidance
With so many web hosting options out there, choosing the right web host and plan can be daunting. I’ll point you in the right direction and provide guidance on selecting the best hosting for your specific needs. For smaller, marketing-based websites I usually recommend SiteGround. And, for larger, eCommerce websites or heavy traffic sites, WP Engine or LiquidWeb are great choices.
Ongoing Website Maintenance
After we launch your site, I offer a maintenance package to help make sure that your WordPress site is regularly updated, stays secure and out of the reach of hackers. I want to give you peace-of-mind that the backend is up-to-date and trouble-free so you can focus on your business—not staying in-the-know about plugin vulnerabilities and security breaches. That’s the stuff I like to geek out about 🙂
