New JohnLWood.com that is..
“Old John isn’t going anywhere!
New technology forced me to update this website which up till now has been a “door” to my virtual sandbox. If you are not familiar with what a “sandbox” is, for web designers, it is a place to play with website design. In most cases that design is done on server that is not actually on-line, but as with some web content management designers, I prefer to work in the real space of the Internet. Working in a semi-private or secured on-line environment allows for testing in the real world.
As of this blog, this site is using a new mobile-responsive framework. I can say enough p
ositive about how a bunch of smart members of the WordPress open source community are working to create mobile-responsive WordPress theme frameworks. As a full-time WordPress shop, I am focused on bringing my clients as well as my personal web projects forward with technology. With this framework, WordPress has taken a bold step to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to informative, high ROI websites.
Even better, unlike many premium theme companies, this framework isn’t expensive. Even better, the current pricing structure doesn’t reach back in your wallet for additional features, access to forums or updates.
Just like infomercials, if you choose to launch and then customize your own WordPress, your results will probably be different from mine. In most cases you need to create graphics, add plugin functionality, know some CSS and in some cases, customize a child theme. Then to get the best results from the blog, it doesn’t hurt to know what Google does and does not like. IF you do everything right, not only will you have a great website that will keep your fans and clients informed, but you can also raise your search engine ranking. Google likes blogs and I have had plenty of success improving client site SEO.
I am what some might call a WordPress “specialist” with certain expertise in the platform. This site took me approximately eight hours from launching the WordPress to finishing this first blog. You do have to know a bit more than your log-in to maximize a stand-alone WordPress installation. Eight hours for a personal project ends up equaling about 20 for a client. You have to think harder for clients!