By: Linda Chapman

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the visibility of a website or a web page in search engines via the “natural” or un-paid (“organic” or “algorithmic”) search results. In general, the earlier (or higher ranked on the search results page), and more frequently a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine’s users. SEO may target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, video search, academic search, news search and industry-specific vertical search engines.

As an Internet marketing strategy, SEO considers how search engines work, what people search for, the actual search terms typed into search engines and which search engines are preferred by their targeted audience. Optimizing a website may involve editing its content and HTML and associated coding to both increase its relevance to specific keywords and to remove barriers to the indexing activities of search engines. Promoting a site to increase the number of backlinks, or inbound links, is another SEO tactic.

The acronym “SEOs” can refer to “search engine optimizers,” a term adopted by an industry of consultants who carry out optimization projects on behalf of clients, and by employees who perform SEO services in-house. Search engine optimizers may offer SEO as a stand-alone service or as a part of a broader marketing campaign. Because effective SEO may require changes to the HTML source code of a site and site content, SEO tactics may be incorporated into website development and design. The term “search engine friendly” may be used to describe website designs, menus, content management systems, images, videos, shopping carts, and other elements that have been optimized for the purpose of search engine exposure.

– Wikipedia

By: Linda Chapman

All websites I design incorporate a content management system like WordPress (which is actually a software program created for blogging) which makes it easy to edit your own content online.

With a little bit of effort, it’s easy to learn to use WordPress. This video takes you through the basics of editing a page or a post through the WordPress back-end.

There is a multitude of Youtube how-to videos about using WordPress. Here’s just one example which gives you the info you need in just two minutes.

How to edit a page in WordPress

This wordpress tutorial demonstrates how to edit a page in WordPress. Essentially a post and a page edit the same way in the WordPress dashboard.

Tips for choosing a domain name (your”dot com”)

By: Linda Chapman

• Domain names may include letters, numbers and hyphens. I recommend using letters only as it’s less confusing.
• Shorter is usually sweeter. At this point, many shorter domain names have already been taken, but many are still available. (You may need to get creative.)
• Make it easy to spell over the phone. If you use “dr” or “doctor” as a part of your domain name, keep in mind that you will be forever having to specify how that is spelled.
• Include your domain name in your outgoing voicemail message. This allows callers to get in-depth information about your services even when you’re not available to take their calls. Be sure to spell it out if needed.
• Dot com may be preferable over dot net (.net) and dot org (.org). Why? Because people generally think of dot coms first, and when guessing (or recalling) your domain name they may be apt to add a dot com to your name (or business name) to find you.
• Always register your own personal name, e.g. marybrown.com or johnsmith.com – if available. That gives you control over what content is posted and associated with your name.
• Register your business name. If it is too long, you can register a second, shorter domain to use as your primary. For example, HeartCenteredBodywork.com is bodyworker Joyce Eells’ website. She also registered JoyceOKC.com which we set up to forward to her main website. She uses the shorter version in advertising and on business cards.
• Your preferred domain name is not available? Try adding a modifier (like your city name) to the name you were wanting. For example, if psychotherapist.com was what you wanted, try psychotherapist-chicago.com or something comparable.
• Consider including a relevant keyword in your domain name. This can potentially boost your search engine rankings for that keyword when people search for you. JaneSmithCounseling.com or ToledoCouplesTherapy.com are two examples of this strategy.
• When brainstorming, get feedback from peers. Domain name consultation is included in your website package with me. I’d be happy to discuss the pros and cons of specific names.

Keeping It Simple

By: Linda Chapman

Over the years I have developed a way to provide a great service for a relatively low price by keeping the website creation process simple. Here’s a quick outline of how the process works for my web design clients.

Layout/Template

Choose a layout from the Portfolio. Other layouts may be available for your review: Just ask. You can also show me a site that you like which is not in my portfolio and I will let you know if I have something similar. In general, the modifiable aspects of your site are the color scheme and photographic theme.

Photographic Theme

Once you choose your layout I will advise you about specific requirements for photos for your site. The web package includes a dozen royalty free stock photos which you will choose from a database of millions of professional images. If you prefer, I can make the choices for you. You can also provide your own photos provided they are high quality images and meet the requirements of your layout. I’d be happy to advise you.

“What you see is what you get”

Occasionally people ask if I will modify the layout or “template” for their site, e.g. “Move this here and that over there.” In general, I do not make custom layout modifications at the very low price point I am offering. (When I refer to the “template” or “layout” I am referring to the “bones” or visual structure of your website, much like the blueprint for a house.) In addition, if you see certain features on one site they are generally specific to that layout and not transferable to a different layout. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask! Sometimes I can accomodate small changes.

If you have a very specific creative vision which you’d like to have executed, you can definitely find someone to make that happen —  But probably not for the price of my 12-page package.

Content

You provide the content (text for the pages) unless you wish to hire me to write your site, which is an available option for an extra fee. Typical content for a psychologist, therapist or health professional may include:

1. Home page / Introduction
2. About / Bio page
3. Services
4. Specialization 1
5. Specialization 2
6. Specialization 3
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Fees & Insurance
9. Client Forms
10. Resources and Links
11. Location
12. Contact

Your Domain Name

I am happy to consult with you about a domain name. That’s included in your package. Here are a few tips as well.

Web Hosting

Your first year of web hosting is included free of charge with your package. Subsequent years are 59.00 (USD) per year. Web clients who host with me get extra benefits like discounts on future webmaster servivces (as needed) and a free “Backlinks Blast” to help your site get indexed in the search engines. Questions about web hosting? Check this brief intro.

Support

Your package includes one hour of phone support (beyond the initial free consult) and unlimited e-mail support through your site’s creation.

Get Started Today

Have you felt overwhelmed by the prospect of creating a website for your health or therapy practice? Maybe you’ve tried do-it-yourself solutions and have felt dissatisfied with the results. Unlike your average web designer, as a psychotherapist I have a unique perspective on your needs. With my help you can forget about the technical side of things. I’ll handle it all for you and answer any questions you may have. That frees you up to do what you know and love.

I have the ability to help you create a dynamic site which projects a sense of accessibility and communicates your warmth and openness to the needs of potential clients. This, in turn, translates into satisfied clients who communicate your worth to their families and friends. It’s synergistic.

Call me at (888) 612-1326 to get started with a free half-hour initial consult. I look forward to serving you. – Linda Chapman

By: Linda Chapman

Q: What is web hosting?
A: Web hosting is a type of Internet service that allows individuals and organizations to provide their own website accessible via the World Wide Web. Web hosts are companies that provide space on a server they own or lease for use by their clients. Simply put, it’s the world-wide web connected computer server where your web pages are stored and served.

Q: Is the first year of web hosting free?
A: Yes, the first year of web hosting is included free of charge in your design package. You will receive an invoice on or around the anniversary date of your purchase to renew your web hosting. The annual webhosting rate is 59.00 per year (USD).

Q: Are there any other monthly maintenance charges for my website once it’s completed?
A: There are no monthly maintenance fees or contracts. You can contract with me for additional work on your site once it’s online at my current hourly charge.

Q: What if I want to move my web hosting account to a different provider?

A: While I will do everything I can to make your web hosting experience with me a positive one, I understand that sometimes people have needs or preferences to host elsewhere. Just ask for details.

Q: I am not a web design client. Can I host with you?
A: Hosting services are reserved for my web design clients at this time.