How I Built Our New Website
by Karen Jurgens
It’s been almost a month since the new Krystal Glass Company website design was published. The goal was simple- make it more user friendly and informative, easier to navigate and easier to find what you’re looking for when researching custom glass etching like big, awesome pictures that show lots of detail. The reviews are very positive. Thanks to everyone that responded with their comments, especially the loyal fans who gave generously of their time critiquing all the pages with me.
The question I’ve been hearing a lot lately, especially from fellow small business owners who would like to do the same, is “How did you build it?”. It’s no secret. I used WordPress. It’s an easy-to-use open source CMS, content management system, and there are loads of resources available to help get you started. WordPress is huge, used for millions of websites and seen by tens of millions of people every day. I needed something that is easy to edit because we are constantly adding new pictures of our completed art glass projects.
The best part about WordPress for me is that you don’t have to be a graphic designer or know any HTML code. Themes, or templates, provide the basic layout and page design, colors, fonts, etc., and you can customize them. I used a theme called Divi by Elegant Themes for the Krystal Glass Company website design. Elegant Themes is one of many companies that offer WordPress themes. They published a great post recently called The Best WordPress Courses To Take Online.
Because of its popularity, books and classes on WordPress are plentiful. I like courses taught in a traditional classroom setting with a live instructor because that is what I’m used to. I found a WordPress class in South Florida taught by Manny Sarmiento from New Media New Marketing which was excellent. I highly recommend it, and if you don’t catch everything on the first go-round, a free retake within six months is offered. This was a great opportunity to get the site setup, add the content, make a few mistakes, form some questions and then go back in to hone the skills.
Feel free to call if I can answer any questions, and I will share what I’ve learned with you.
~ Karen
Karen Jurgens is vice president of Krystal Glass Company. She provides superior custom fine art glass to clients and interior designers with service that exceeds expectations. Karen oversees operations, the company’s website and Internet marketing. Her background is in public relations, marketing and computer training for corporations and colleges. In her spare time Karen enjoys exercise, travel, music, and movies at home with her husband Glass Artist Peter Edward. She can be reached at Krystal Glass Company at (954) 973-2998. Follow Karen on Twitter
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