I offer my clients a wide range of services, from which you can select – in à la carte style – the components that meet your requirements. Above all, I cater to the needs of the Internet novice, and enjoy creating a comfortable “online home” for clients who are venturing onto the Web for the first time. Establishing a Web presence can be an intimidating and overwhelming undertaking for the uninitiated, but I see my role as one of facilitator and source of support.

Domain name registration

Don’t yet have a URL (Web address) for your business? No problem! I’ll work with you to select an appropriate – and available – domain name for your business. Newton Designs will help you secure YOUR spot on the Web.

Website hosting sign-up

Once you have a domain name secured, the next step is to find a company that will host your site. I will work with you to assess your needs, determine the best third-party provider to host your site, and get you set up. Siteground is one of my favorites, but the choice is up to you!

Email set-up

Most Web hosting packages include email accounts that can be directly accessed using your email client of choice (or a Web interface), or else forwarded to your current email address. I’ll help you set up all of this.

WordPress installation and set-up

I will install WordPress on your website and get all the settings chosen to optimize the appearance of the site. If you have an existing (non-WordPress) site already live, I can build WordPress on a staging area and move it to “live” when we are ready to launch the new website. If this is your first website, I can create a “coming soon” splash page as your homepage, allowing visitors to contact you while we are still building your new site behind the scenes.

Website layout and design

There are thousands, if not millions, of WordPress themes floating around online. Over time, I have come to adopt one specific theme that is completely versatile and can be used on a wide range of company sites, from e-commerce shops to non-profits to artists and beyond. Using this theme, I make sure the site employs responsive design.  It is also updated quite regularly by its developer.

Content creation support

I offer editing services to assist clients in preparing text for their websites. Although I count on the client to provide the initial content, when requested I will edit the material. Writing for the Web is very different from writing for print publications, and I can help clients “massage” text so that it will flow well and work in the online world.

E-commerce set-up

If you are selling products or services through your website, I will work with you to find and install the best e-commerce/shopping cart plug-in to fit your needs.

Contact forms

Customer contact forms (or any other type of interactive form) are a breeze to set up using WordPress. Incoming form submissions can go directly to your email.

Custom blog

Before WordPress was an all-encompassing content management system and website building platform, it started as a simple blogging tool. Its blogging capacity continues to this day. Very easy to use, you’ll be ready in no time to keep your customers up-to-date on the latest business happenings.

E-mail newsletters

Popular newsletter management systems like Constant Contact and Mailchimp are easily integrated into WordPress websites. I can help you set up (and maintain, if you choose) multiple e-mail newsletter campaigns. We can set up the newsletter design to complement the design of your website. E-mail newsletters are a great way to build your customer base, keep customers informed of news and/or new products from your business, and generate more traffic to your website.

Search engine optimization (SEO)

Once your site is built, you need to let people know where to find it! Creating a WordPress-based site that utilizes responsive design is already a great first step in achieving great SEO. I will make sure the site is otherwise search engine friendly, and also install a WordPress plug-in or two that promote optimal SEO.

Website maintenance and ongoing support

To encourage people to come back to your site, it is essential to keep the content fresh and give them a reason to return. I work with clients to perform needed updates and revisions. Since we are using WordPress, you can also take advantage of a very easy-to-use admin panel and make updates yourself! It is totally up to you, the client, as far as how much updating work you want to take on, and how much you want to send back to me. I am here to help at any time. As your business grows, you may have future needs to expand your site, for example with a shopping cart or new featured products. I will work closely with you and help you assess how to best show off your latest endeavors. As a “thank you” for choosing Newton Designs, I offer all clients four months of free maintenance (one hour per month) upon launch of their website (any time beyond the four hours can be billed at my regular rate).

It is important to keep all components of your site up-to-date: the WordPress platform itself, as well as your theme and all installed plugins. I visit all client sites every 6-8 weeks (in addition to content updates) to make sure these parts are kept current. I do not charge a retainer for these services and only charge my usual hourly fee. These routine updates typically take 15 minutes per visit.

Matching print products

My work doesn’t have to end with your website. Now that you have an online presence, wouldn’t it be great to have business cards, letterhead, and other business stationery that match your new online look? I can provide you with high-resolution graphics that you can have printed, or else I can place the print order for you, to be delivered to your door. Be sure to ask about these add-on services!