When I first started my business I offered to design probono in exchange for referrals who actually signed contracts with me. So it had a value attached.

If you decide to do probono work, I would suggest breaking it down into what the value is in dollars (as if it was a paying client) and write up a quick agreement for you two to sign. It can be very easy for one side to lack while the other is doing the work as agreed (you.) So if you have something that states the agreement in specific terms "I will do this for you which holds a dollar value of _ and in return you will do this for me which holds a value of ___"

I like probono work but it has to serve a good purpose for my business, or be a challenge I haven't had yet. Does this all make sense? I sometimes suck at explaining myself haha

Actually Emma, Wordpress does have levels to upgrade memberships which aren't free.

If you want just a basic blog with no real customizing just using the tools they have, it's free but if you want to have a custom blog designed and developed for you, you do have to purchase a membership. You would also need someone to design and develop as it's not easy. But I wanted to clarify that. Wordpress is great though. I've been using them for awhile now.

The most valuable lesson that I have learned over the years is that I can't please everyone!

In my business, pleasing clients is extremely important but even if I do everything to the best of my abilities, that doesn't mean my client is happy and it's my job to figure out why. However, sometimes it just comes down to who I am and who they are and are we a match to work together?

All I can do is my best and take it one step at a time.

No problem!

I just added all your information to my list. If you don't mind, I'll keep you on there for e-news purposes!

Nicole aka Nikki

I agree to promote it as it is but don't limit your mom & pop reality to what you can provide to your audience via an online presence.

Go above and beyond so that being a mom & pop business doesn't take away from your services and business.

Believe it or not I bank of Bank of America and although I don't always like their services, their business services have exceeded my expectations by far! Little fees, they hardly hold any checks and they are all about making sure you know the easiest way to operate your business accounts.

Wow, I am actually very impressed with your web site especially for someone who isn't a designer, what you have right now is perfect for your industry. It's clean, easy to navigate, not flooded with graphics, BRAVO!

My only suggestion is to take the photo of the computers and mouses out and put maybe 2 more "Learn More" blurbs, it will flow well. The photo is sort of out of place. Other than that, Great Job! For SEO purposes you did a great job at having a sitemap, several links on the home page and again, extremely clean. I would actually like to feature your site in my e-newsletter that I send out to over 5,000 of my clients.

Great job!