Here you’ll find answers to all your burning questions about WordPress 101, my 4-week e-class on setting up your WordPress blog. And if you don’t see your questions/answers here, please email me at janeboursaw@gmail.com.
What is the e-course schedule?
WEEK ONE: Blog Basics. We’ll brainstorm on your niche, brand and blog name, then get you set up with a host and domain. From there, we’ll install WordPress on your domain and get you your very own blog!
WEEK TWO: Best Themes, Plugins, Widgets, and More. Now that you’ve got WordPress installed on your domain name, we’ll dig a little deeper into the best themes, plugins, widgets and other stuff.
WEEK THREE: Writing Great Posts. In this lesson, we’ll cover how to write great posts, using tags, categories and links. I’ll also show you where to find great images and videos, how to size and make them Google-friendly, and the best online and offline programs for working with them. Yep, you’ll be an expert blogger by the end of week three!
WEEK FOUR: Drawing Traffic and Creating Community. We’ll talk about ways to draw readers to your blog, create a community for them, and dip your toes into the social media world.
How much does the e-course cost?
$250. This buys you four weeks of email support, feedback, and critiques on your homework and brand new blog. I’m also happy to walk you through things over the phone. The class site is located at WriteBlogLearn, a Moodle-based program with forums and other fun ways to interact with each other and me. And if you want to try things out and play around, you’re welcome to play in Jane’s Blog Sandbox.
How do I sign up?
SIGN UP using the PayPal link on the right-hand sidebar of this site, then send me an email and let me know which class you’ve signed up for. You may also pay with a money order or check drawn on a U.S. bank. Send to: Jane Boursaw, 12875 Bluff Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686
How do I access the lessons? Do I need special software?
The lessons are located at WriteBlogLearn, a moodle-based program with forums and other cool ways to interact with each other.
Do I have to be in a certain place at a certain time?
No. I send a note out every Monday morning, letting you know the week’s lesson has been posted. You can read the lessons and do the assignments at your convenience.
Where do I send my questions or assignments?
Post them on the class forums or email me, janeboursaw@gmail.com.
How much time should I set aside for class work?
A good goal to shoot for is 6 to 8 hours a week, though the more time you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. I really want students to pepper me with questions, because everyone should end the class with a working blog and a good understanding of blogging.
What’s your teaching style?
I love helping people be successful, and I try to go above and beyond to make that happen. I’m chatty and down to earth. I try to explain things in clear ways, without a lot of jargon. And I always try to have as much fun as possible.
What kinds of questions can I ask?
Anything related to blogging and the course material.
Do you cover technical questions related to WordPress.org?
Yes, I’ll answer basic questions related to WordPress.org, such as setup, themes, design, plugins, widgets, etc. If you’re looking for someone to do more complicated design work, I’ll refer you to web designer extraordinaire, Ron Doyle.
What if I need to take time off during the course?
No problem. If you need to take some time off due to a crisis or (better yet!) vacation, I’m happy to extend the e-mail support for however long you were off so that you get the full four weeks of support. Just clear it with me first, to make sure I’m available.
I’ll be away when the course starts and would like to start a few days late. Is that okay?
Again, no problem. If you want to sign up after the course session has started, I’ll get you set up on WriteBlogLearn at your convenience, and as soon as I receive your payment, you’ll have access to the rest of the lessons on schedule. And I always leave the class open for an extra week or so for any additional questions or feedback.
Will there be any interaction with the other students in the course?
Yes! I encourage lots of interaction on the class forums.
When will you answer my questions/critique my assignments?
I’ve set aside Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for class email, but I’ll try to get back to you in between those times, as well. You can post questions on the class forums and send me assignments any time you like. I’m also happy to walk you through things over the phone.
Do I have to turn in my assignments for critiquing?
No. You can do the assignments on your own if you wish.
At the end of the e-course, what will I have?
A working blog and a good understanding of how to be a successful blogger. I also give everyone a PDF file of all the lessons and info covered in the class.
Do you make a living blogging?
Much of my work is blogging, although I still do some straight freelance writing assignments for print and online publications. It’s good to diversify, so that you’re not counting on one or two gigs to pay the bills.
What are your credentials for teaching this course?
I’ve been a freelance writer and editor for 30 years and a blogger for 8 years with such sites as Variety, Moviefone, PopEater, and People.com. I also write about movies and TV at my own blog. My feature articles have appeared in Variety, Family Circle, Woman’s Day, Ladies’ Home Journal, Fitness, USA Weekend, Christian Science Monitor, AARP, iVillage.com, and many other print and online publications. My celebrity profiles have appeared in American Eagle Latitudes, Emmy magazine, Valley Life magazine and others. I also write syndicated family movie and TV columns based at Reel Life With Jane.
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. You have two weeks from the start date of the course to drop out and get a full refund. After two weeks, refunds are on a case-by-case basis.
I have a question that’s not answered here. What should I do?
Email me at janeboursaw@gmail.com.
And please tell your friends about my online classes. Feel free to guide them to this site or email me.
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