Services

What is a blog?

Blogs are websites that change dynamically as you add content. They provide a quick and simple way for you to get your business online and in front of qualified prospects and customers fast. They are built to make frequent (in some instances daily) updates as easy as typing.

Unlike a website, you can set one up yourself (yes you can) for free through many web hosts in just a few minutes. This barebones instant installation not complete, however. You must add the functionality you need (through free or paid plugins usually), adjust the settings to suit your marketing needs and add the content that makes it yours. Completing these steps can take hours or days depending on your familiarity with Wordpress (the blog platform I recommend and use).

My basic turnkey installation

I can set your blog up for you to include the essential plugins (10-20) and administrative settings that will get you off to a good start with the search engines and your customers. Here's where you can find details of all the ingredients and steps I take on your behalf when setting up your blog.

My premium turnkey installation

I can also go beyond a basic installation to provide some of the first offpage linking and promotion steps that could lead to front page search engine rankings and thousands of daily visitors. Though I will never guarantee you will achieve a certain search engine ranking, using my start-up methods, I can get your site indexed (so potential customers can find you) within days and sometimes even hours without using costly PPC advertising.

Articles that drive qualified visitors to your website, or newsletters that keep your membership group informed are as vital to your success as a succinct and persuasive brochure or a well targeted direct mail letter. They're also the staples of any good freelancer's portfolio, including mine.

What people find when they arrive on your website or blog when they click on links in those vehicles is just as important. A static page written for your website qualifies as a one time project. Acting as your "official" blogger (as a ghost or not) or one of your contributing bloggers would qualify for a relationship fee arrangement.

As much as I love project variety, I hate budget surprises and I'm willing to bet you do too. Most of the work I do is quoted on a project, as opposed to an hourly basis.

Of course, in order to arrive at that estimate, you and I will probably have to exchange a few emails or talk on the phone to define your project needs first. I can be reached by phone 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday (CST) at 815-289-4709. You may also email me anytime at: info@lizmicik.com.

Web Packs

Quick fixes are rarely completed quickly (thank you Mr. Murphy). But when all you need is a simple picture swap on your website and maybe a calendar update or two, you shouldn't have to spend like you're redesigning your whole site.

Article Submission Packs

Maybe you already understand the importance of using articles online to improve your search rankings and credibility, but you just don't have the time to write one or two a month. And while you know that submitting articles through an automated means or to the wrong sites can get your site banned, manually submitting them to the right distribution points is a tedious, time sucker.

Those are two illustrations of when buying some of my time can really lighten your load. If you aren't sure how much of my time it might take to get what you need done, please call or email me before ordering a website service pack.

While creating an editorial calendar for a newsletter may be a one time project, the need to fill it month after month with vibrant, useful content is one reason clients come to me in the first place.

My goal is to establish a long-term relationship with my clients. Over time, working together normally becomes easier, with less time being spent on both sides. I think that should be acknowledged and negotiated within reason.