Practical Social Media: How to Create Killer Websites with Little to No Budget

Attended

Hosted by Steve MacDonald & Mark McLaren in Mercer Island, Washington

Type: Educational Workshop
When: Tuesday, March 31 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Fee: Free

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Event description

Please plan to come a few minutes early as we are starting promptly at 6:30 PM in the Luther Burbank room in order to have time to complete the full workshop.

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This event is now full. We are offering it again on April 28th:
How to Create Killer Websites - April 28, 2009.
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In today's connected world, most everyone will come to your website prior to deciding whether or not to purchase from your business. 40% of all consumer spending and 85% of all B2B transactions begin today with a web search. Your website experience will either accelerate the purchase process or end it on the spot. Today, you can't afford to have a static website that acts like an online brochure. You need a site that looks like you hired a team of graphic designers. A site that has the ability to stimulate interaction and participation. A site that gives you complete control to make changes instantly. A site that is prepared for the world of social media.

In the past, a website that could do all this would have cost thousands of dollars and taken skilled programmers months to build. But those days are behind us. Thanks to "open source" software called WordPress and the efforts of a huge community of programmers and website users, you can have all this with little to no budget. WordPress websites are indistinguishable from traditional websites, except by their exceptional new capabilities. The power to have a website that you would be proud to attach to your company and reputation has now been placed into the hands of every business. Come and receive a step-by-step introduction with screen shots and specific directions that you can take home that night to create your own WordPress website. The results will stun both you and your customers alike.

The number and complexity of marketing options available online can be overwhelming: traditional website solutions like FrontPage, Dreamweaver and Contribute, new "CMS" (content management system) -based websites and blogging services like Blogger.com, WordPress.com, and "self-hosted" WordPress websites—how do you know which format is best for you?

We have looked at all the options and evaluated them based on our combined 30+ years of experience in marketing and online media, and we will give this knowledge to you. And the best part is that it doesn't have to be that complicated!

Once you select a website platform, there are even more things to consider: the question of whether or not to use a blog—or the more basic question: What is the difference between a website and a blog? Widgets, plugins, RSS, search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, integration with other forms of social media like Twitter, Flickr and YouTube. Are all these just "Web 2.0" fads that traditional businesses should take with a grain of salt?

At the very least, you want to be able to judge the potential marketing value of these new features and services and see examples of how they are being used. But our experience has shown that there are valuable ways to use these technologies today that will bring more traffic to your website, present your brand in a compelling, professional manner, and accelerate the purchase of your product or service. This seminar will show you the best place to start and give you the tools you need.

No discussion on social media or website development would be complete without also creating the right brand foundation. Otherwise your new website would be like having a gorgeous five-bedroom family home without the family. Come prepared to learn the secret to creating a brand promise that engages with your customers at levels beyond where your competition has ever even thought to venture. Based on decades of branding experience and working with Fortune 500 companies, your brand promise is absolutely step one in your new success.

About the Presenters
Steven MacDonald is the founder of StudioHDV, the Practical Social Media Newsletter and the e-commerce site, The Designer Jean Company. As a marketing consultant and online retailer, Mr. MacDonald uses every method of branding and social media that he recommends for his clients. His first-hand knowledge and Fortune 500 marketing background with companies like Coca Cola, VISA, Nike, P&G and more provides a unique backdrop to help companies wade through the new world of marketing opportunities and social media tools. Spanning more than two decades, he has been the VP of Strategic Planning for Mazda, EVP of a regional marketing firm, partner in a successful advertising agency and CEO of a dot.com. He is on the Thought Leadership Board of a national marketing group, spoken at companies like US Airways, and been published in business journals.

Mark McLaren is owner of McBuzz Communications LLC, a company he founded in 2005 specializing in online marketing services, including WordPress website development, social media marketing strategy, search engine optimization, and business blogging. He is a member of the organizing committee for the upcoming WordCamp Seattle conference - a day-long gathering of WordPress designers, developers and users. He has done work for major corporations like Nova Chemicals, for the USA's largest nonprofit urban housing developer, for public relations consultancies, travel industry websites, and many others. Past Biznik presentations include Introducing Web 2.0 and Introducing Twitter. Mark is also the creator of a popular series of online video tutorials for WordPress called Business Blogging 101.

32 Bizniks attended this event

Barbara Jacobucci

Search Marketing Director

Renton, Washington
Beryl Fernandes

consultant

Seattle, Washington
Brian Glanz

websites and software

Seattle, Washington
Denise Marinacci

Growing your Business in easy-to-use...

Edmonds, Washington
Doug Farnham

Manufacturer's Representative

Renton, Washington
Eduardo Barrera

Hanna Somatic Educator

Freeland, Washington
Ellen Fowler

chef

Seattle, Washington
Helen Martin

Green Certified Realtor, Referrer

Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Washington
James Seligman

Affiliate Marketer/Blogger

Kent, Washington
Jan Sheeley

Dir Business Development and Account...

Bellevue, Washington
Jim Dickeson

Import Export Geek

Mercer Island, Washington
John Robertson

Rent-A-Marketing-Manager

Burien, Washington
Julie Metteer

E-newsletter & postcard marketing maven

Kirkland, Washington
Karen Andersen

Real Estate Consultant

Issaquah, Washington
Katherine Burks

Visioning Consultant

Seattle, Washington
Kathy Johnson

Paint Color Consultant / Artist

Seattle, Washington
Leila Anasazi

ghost blogger, author, book artist

St. Louis & Seattle, Washington
Liz Pritchard

Mental Health Counseling & Consulting

Renton, Washington
Maren Finzer

Personal Branding

Edmonds, Washington
Mark McLaren

Online Marketing Consultant

Seattle, Washington

Plus 12 more. [show all]

Discuss this event

Posted by John Robertson, Burien, Washington | Mar 06, 2009

This looks great. I've had a recent epiphany that I am behind the curve in offering current technology to my clients - thanks for making this so accessible!

John Robertson - Rent-a-Marketing-Manager
Posted by Steve MacDonald, Seattle, Washington | Mar 06, 2009

You are welcome. There is so much to learn in the world of social media and internet marketing...but it doesn't have to be so hard. I'll look forward to seeing you at the event.

Register for The Practical Social Media Newsletter Here
Posted by Mark McLaren, Seattle, Washington | Mar 07, 2009

Thanks for your comment, John. I'm excited to be teaming up with Steve on this. You'll be glad you joined us!
Posted by Pamela Ziemann, Bellevue, Washington | Mar 09, 2009

What timing! This is exactly what I need right now. Thanks for hosting Steve and Mark. Can we learn to update an existing site or is this a whole new animal?
Posted by Mark McLaren, Seattle, Washington | Mar 09, 2009

Hi Pam, We will be giving a quick tour of how to get started with a "self-hosted" (also called a "third-party hosted") WordPress installation, including some basics on creating a new page or post and editing a page or post. Sounds like you might benefit from a follow-up WordPress seminar, which is in the works. Nothing definite on that yet.

In the meantime, you might like to check out some of the tutorials on my WordPress tutorial site at http://mcbuzz.wordpress.com
Posted by Pamela Ziemann, Bellevue, Washington | Mar 09, 2009

Thanks for the tutorials Mark - Yikes, a new term Child Pages... Look forward to hearing more.

~Pamela
Posted by Maren Finzer, Edmonds, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

Thanks for the invite, Mark. I'm just now creating my website on Typepad, and I'm sure this will use similar steps and will be invaluable. I wish it were tonight, I'm stuck on a few things!
Posted by Mark McLaren, Seattle, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

@Maren Great! See you there. We will look forward to your insights regarding Typepad! And you can always export to WordPress if you decide that it's not working for you.
Posted by David Johanson, Bellevue, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

do you guys know anything about Seattle based "wet paint"? might be a neat site to sent business on a budget
Posted by Mark McLaren, Seattle, Washington | Mar 10, 2009

@David Johanson
Hi David. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm familiar with Wetpaint. They offer a hosted wiki website service that's great for social networking, but may not be the best platform for a business website.

They also offer some other services like "Wetpaint Injected" that can make websites more interactive and increase their visibility in search engines by adding a kind of mini wiki to the site.

Very interesting "Web 2.0" stuff, for sure. In fact, Wayne Bishop and I talk about wikis in our Introducing Web 2.0 seminars, but in this seminar, Steve and I will focus on creating a killer website with WordPress.
Posted by Barbara Jacobucci, Renton, Washington | Mar 12, 2009

Hi McBuzz! I look forward to hanging out with you again and to walking away with some great 'a ha' moments. See you there!
Posted by Mark McLaren, Seattle, Washington | Mar 12, 2009

Excellent, Barb! We'll see you there!
Posted by Wendy Olsen, Kent, Washington | Mar 13, 2009

Is there a waitlist? If so, put me on it! This looks like a very exciting opportunity!
Posted by Steve MacDonald, Seattle, Washington | Mar 13, 2009

Wendy, we will be scheduling another event shortly. Unfortunately there is no wait list with Biznik. But there are people that drop out from time to time.

Steve

Register for The Practical Social Media Newsletter Here
Posted by Kate Phillips, Carnation, Seattle, Washington | Mar 17, 2009

I can't make this one (even if there were space), but please give me a heads up if you schedule another! Looks fantastic.

Practical Prosperity and Financial Healing
Posted by Mark McLaren, Seattle, Washington | Mar 17, 2009

@KatePhillips Hi Kate. Thanks for your interest. I put you on our list of folks to notify about upcoming seminars & events.

If anyone would like to be added to the list just send me a message.

Mark
Posted by Liz Pritchard, Aurora, Colorado | Mar 17, 2009

Mark,

Please add me to the list.

Thanks!
Liz Pritchard, MA
Mental Health Counseling and Consulting
www.lizpritchard.com
Posted by Gil Pauley, Bellevue, Washington | Mar 18, 2009

Mark,

Looks like a great event. Can you let me know when you do this one again? Please add me to the upcoming list. Thanks.

I looked at the McBuzz link for Wordpress tutorials you posted--great stuff.

I am interested in learning how to convert permalinks into "pretty permalinks", ie as follows:

http://www.brooksidedental.com/blog/?p=166 is an example of one of my permalinks. My understanding is that a "pretty permalink" of this

http://www.brooksidedental.com/blog/cosmetic-dentistry-for-men would be much more valuable in your ranking and general SEO.

I have read the WordPress info on how to do this, but I don't understand it exactly and I am afraid to mess up my blog if I don't do the code correctly.

Thanks Gil
Posted by Leslie Sierra, Seattle, Washington | Mar 19, 2009

Hey Mark! Please add me to that list too! Any chance of a night other than Tuesday?? The Wednesday nights work perfect for me :-) thanks!

Leslie Sierra

Sierra Design Solutions

info@LeslieSierra.com
Posted by Christa Gardner, Seattle, Washington | Mar 20, 2009

I'd love to jump in if someone jumps out. Thanks!
Posted by Rachel Rausch Johnson, Renton, Washington | Mar 20, 2009

I'd like to be on the wait list too. last night was really great!

Rachel Rausch Johnson-makes pretty pictures
Posted by Julie Metteer, Kirkland, Washington | Mar 25, 2009

I'd like to join in as well if you have any cancellations. Thanks!
Posted by Debbie McPhillips, Seattle, Washington | Mar 25, 2009

Hi Mark,

Please put me on the wait list and let me know if/when you schedule this event again!!!!!

Thanks!! Debbie
Posted by Janine Parris, Mill Creek/S. Everett, Washington | Mar 25, 2009

Hi Mark, Please put me on your list too. I'd love to attend this. Thanks so much.

Janine jparrisa@yahoo.com
Posted by Mark McLaren, Seattle, Washington | Mar 25, 2009

Hi All, Please note

ANOTHER KILLER WEBSITES SEMINAR IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 28th

Practical Social Media: How to Create Killer Websites with Little to No Budget

http://biznik.com/events/practical-social-media-how-to-create-killer-websites-with-little-to-no-budget-0
Posted by Gretchen Krampf , Washington, DC, Seattle and Orcas Island, Washington | Mar 27, 2009

Sorry to miss this event. Have to travel to DC unexpectedly. Gretchen

Leadership Coach and Process Consultant
Posted by Nancy LaMont, Marysville, Washington | Mar 28, 2009

Steve, I have to bail out on this event but will look for an opening for your April event.

My passion is organizing, if yours is not, Buzz me!
Posted by David Kuhns, Kirkland, Washington | Mar 31, 2009

Steve: Didn't realize my son has a soccer game at 7:30 in Kirkland .. thus... sorry I have to miss it! Dave Kuhns www.cyranowriter.com

Soo.. I'll give up my seat!
Posted by Julie Collinge, Covington/Kent/Maple Valley, Washington | Mar 31, 2009

I am so disappointed I can't make it tonight. I have my kids Science Fair tonight and swimming lessons. I've overbooked. I hope I can make it to another event!!

Julie Collinge www.prosimiandesign.blogspot.com
Posted by Hsuan-Hua Chang, PCC, MS, Seattle, Washington | Apr 01, 2009

sorry. I have to cancel the last minute. Got a nail in my tire.

CoachSeattle brings clarity & fun to biz development.
Posted by Tom Todd, Seattle, Washington | Apr 01, 2009

The 'old school' static websites versus WordPress websites is like comparing black & white TV to color!

I've completely changed my website development model from creating static HTML websites to customizing WordPress websites. Just purchased a WordPress developer's theme package that has added a whole new element of excitment to my business.

I feel like a kid in a candy store with all widgets, plugins, themes, and of course RSS feeds. So many to explore...so little time!

Steve & Mark, thanks for hosting this event. As much as I already know about WordPress, I learned a ton more tonight.

Tom
Posted by Mark McLaren, Seattle, Washington | Apr 01, 2009

Thanks, Tom. Glad you were able to attend. There really is a huge difference between old-school static websites and WordPress websites.

Steve and I are looking forward to more feedback about this first run of our Killer Websites seminar.

If any of you missed this one, note that there is another Killer Websites seminar scheduled for April 28th at The Village Bellevue.

I'm also planning to create some more advanced seminars on WordPress that will pick up where this one leaves off. I would love to hear people's ideas about that.