My specialty is training. I have a gift for distilling complex information into easy-to-understand instructions for beginner and intermediate audiences. I can do some coding, but I don’t do heavy coding and trust me when I tell you I cannot do design. Happily, I know many professionals who can help you with every aspect of your blog, website, or various social media needs. I know designers who can create a custom WordPress theme for you or just do a basic header and some buttons. I know other designers who can create a custom Facebook Welcome page for you or create a phenomenal Twitter background. Already have your graphics, but you aren’t sure how to put it together? No problem. I also know some amazing women who work wonders with code. These are my recommendations. I’ve worked with each of these people and I can recommend them without hesitation.
Designers
- Simply Amusing Designs (http://simplyamusingdesigns.com/). Karen Lewis and I have worked on several major projects together. At one point we hosted a weekly online radio show called Behind the Blog. These days Karen’s flourishing design company, Simply Amusing Designs, is busy with projects ranging from banners and buttons to complete branding packages to custom Facebook Welcome pages. Karen’s clients include Jacqueline Whitmore (an etiquette expert who appears regularly on The Today Show), Natalie MacNeil of She Takes On the World (this blog won the Stevie award in 2010 for best business blog), and Shameeka Ayers of The Broke Socialite and host of Lavish! in Atlanta. Karen works with Lisa Boyd (see below) who does coding and implementation, and I help train her clients on how to use their new digs. Karen designed my custom Facebook Welcome page for Blogging Basics 101 (and I coded it). Go ahead, take a look at her portfolio and prepare to be amazed.
- Graphically Designing (http://graphicallydesigning.com/). Darcy Milder is one of my favorite people. She is talented in so many areas I just don’t know where to start. Not only does she run a successful design business, but she and her husband are also professional photographers (more info further down the page). Darcy has worked with some of the biggest names in blogging (anyone ever heard of some gal named Nester?) to help them create beautiful brands. She’s also created custom child themes for Genesis (a premium WordPress theme) and sold the themes to Genesis!
- DCR Design (http://www.dcrdesign.com/). Jo-Lynne specializes in Thesis customization for WordPress.org blogs, but she’s been known to work on Blogger and TypePad as well. She can design your Twitter background, help you brand your Etsy shop, or keep it simple with a header or button re-design. She works hard to give you a clean,uncluttered design that reflects your personality and writing style.
Coders
- Lisa Boyd (http://lisaboyd.com/services/) has long been my go-to gal for any questions I have about coding, databases, migrations, and the like. She taught herself everything she knows, and she knows a lot. She offers hosting, can set up WordPress for you, and can even migrate your blog from another platform. She’s a WordPress junkie, loves Diet Coke and her motorcycle, and plays a mean game of softball. Best of all, though? She’s patient with your questions and clear with her directions. You’ll love working with her. I do.
- Daisy Olsen (http://daisyolsen.com/services/) is one of the top WordPress gurus around. She hangs out in the Genesis forums answering questions and speaks regularly at WordCamps (local WordPress conferences). I have yet to find a coding question Daisy can’t answer. She’s the one coders ask when they can’t figure it out. She isn’t taking on clients at the moment because she’s working full time with the folks at Genesis, but I wanted you to be aware of her. I encourage you to check her website regularly if you need help. When she open her queue, get in early.
Photography
- His & Hers Photography (http://hisandhersphoto.net/). Randy & Darcy Milder are based in Des Moines, IA. Randy’s urban style makes him a favorite with tweens and teens (especially when it comes to senior portraits); Darcy specializes in newborns and small children. Randy took my headshot and I’m here to tell you: I never like pictures of myself, but when he showed me the picture he took (still on his camera no less!), I had to concede that I loved it. Randy and Darcy help you feel at ease and will take pictures you’ll be proud to show off.
- KMR Photography (http://kmrtulsa.com/). Kenny Rugiano is based in Tulsa, OK. I was lucky enough to work with Kenny to create the image I use for my MelanieNelson.com website. Click over and check it out, I’ll wait . . . I know! It’s awesome, right? Kenny is creative, but open to your visions and ideas. He and I met and brainstormed various ideas, then he made it happen and I couldn’t be more thrilled. He’ll tell you that people are his favorite subjects — he photographs all the major milestones of life as well as photo editorials for various publications.
