Sometimes when we use the services of a provider for the first time, we need a great overview of how they work before we start entering in to any sort of contract with them.

Because of this, I thought I’d spend a few minutes outlining how I work with my customers, in case you’re wondering what I do, how I do it, and what you can expect if you bring me on board to build your blog  (or website or sales process i.e. the setting up of the process to sell your product or service).

My first step when I take on a new customer is to work out with you exactly what you need from your blog.

I prefer to have a teleconference with you in the first instance to establish:

• What you need a blog for – what you would like it to achieve

• What functionality you would like to maximise effectiveness

• What style and layout you would prefer to choose, from a range of themes for your blog

• Your preferred colour scheme and logo suggestions

• Any plans for further future expansion of the site to increase functionality or purpose

• What pages you need set-up

• Do you want a opt-in process

• Any social networking required

• SEO requirements

• Navigation

• Timescales!

(When it comes to the process of selling your own products or services there are many more questions!)

When we are both really clear of the possibilities and plans for your blog, and what you are looking for, I can then go away, and establish the pricing based on exactly what you are looking for. I’ll get back to you with my quotation, and my timescales for completion, and once you give the go ahead, I’ll start work!

The first steps for setting up your blog include getting your theme and template ready, registering a domain name of your choice (which I can help you decide upon) and doing comprehensive keyword research to make sure your text and SEO are right on the money to get you as much as traffic as possible. I’ll share this with you as we go along, so you know how to write targeted and precise articles for your blog to maximise traffic through the site.

Once I’ve built your site, I’ll show you and request your input, asking for your opinion on the style, layout and completed content, and we will then work together to finalise any additional elements which you may want to incorporate, such as backups, social networking icons and affiliate links to other resources.

Then it’s up to you to generate some good content for it to support your customers to find what they need. If this isn’t a strong area of yours, I can put you in touch with a writer who is trained in SEO and can undertake ghost-writing on your behalf.

I’m always available for ongoing support, as we go through the process, either through Skype, e-mail or telephone, so you never need to feel out of your depth with the blog. I’ll also be on hand once your blog has launched to offer advice or guidance as you need it.

I understand that setting up a blog can seem daunting at first, and we will go at a pace that you feel comfortable with. I can draw from a pool of resources for writing, graphic design or programming support as and when you may need it. After you’re up and running, I’ll check in with you from time to time to see how you are getting on, and I’m available for optimisation advice and any other queries you may have.

My relationship with my customers tends to be a long-term partnership, where we work together on future projects, refine the blog, update it periodically and work out how to take your business to the next level.

So, that’s my service in a nutshell. If you have any questions get in touch – it could be the start of a long and beautiful relationship!