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how to go about building on wordpress for clients.

by kevd10
15 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
    • |
Lets say we get a client. We are using wordpress to build their site. How do we go about it?

For example, do we get the log in details of the host they use and build it right there on their host? Or can we build it on our own host? (dont see how this could be possible). Or do we need to download wordpress and our own server and build it on our computer?
#building #clients #wordpress
  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    No offence... but since you are lacking even the most basic knowledge regarding web site development - your plan to get into the "web design" business seems to be a bit premature.

    Next, considering that in another thread you complained about not being able to understand the basics about how WP themes work... it just doesn't make sense you want to offer to build WP sites for clients. (Blind leading the blind...?)

    As for an answer: you can and SHOULD master both ways
    - having (multiple) local install of WP to experiment and to develop your own skills, using somerthing like XAMPP, for example;
    - having a specific domain for development in order to be able to show the progress of your work to the client

    p.s. If you don't know how to build a client's site on your own domain's subdomain or subdir - you really should go back to learn the basics before scamming people into paying you for something that you don't know how to do.
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    • Profile picture of the author kevd10
      thanks for the response, sarcasm in tow.

      My point is, if I build a wordpress site on my own subdirectory, how do I then transfer that over to the client?
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    • Profile picture of the author kpmedia
      Originally Posted by Istvan Horvath View Post

      No offence... but since you are lacking even the most basic knowledge regarding web site development - your plan to get into the "web design" business seems to be a bit premature..
      I want to be a doctor.
      I bought some aspirin and a thermometer from the drug store.
      Now what?

      (:rolleyes
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrew H
    My point is, if I build a wordpress site on my own subdirectory, how do I then transfer that over to the client?
    In it's simplest sense a website is just files on a hard drive, you can transfer it to another server by just moving the files. Obviously this is extremely easy if your website consists of just one index.html file with no database.

    With wordpress you have to transfer the files as well as the database. Then there is likely some configuration issues that need to be tended to (check config files for URL settings, clearing cache, file permissions, etc).

    Usually for development versions of website I will spin up a temporary VPS at DigitialOcean on an IP address, so the client can view the work on the IP, then when it's complete I transfer everything over to their host and destroy the VPS instance at DigitalOcean.

    But herein lies the problem: judging by the way you asked the question, you clearly are in no position to be selling any web design services as you seem to lack even a basic understanding of how websites work. Your probably best learning the basics before asking questions about how to transfer 'clients' websites.
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    • Profile picture of the author kevd10
      John Durham is one of the most respected guys on this forum. Are you suggesting that his post about becoming a web designer from nothing is ill informed? Fair enough he advises to use homestead but the principles are the same. Get used to the idea that you dot have to be an expert in a field to sell those services anymore.
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      • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
        Originally Posted by kevd10 View Post

        John Durham is one of the most respected guys on this forum.
        Except that he's banned right now...

        Originally Posted by kevd10 View Post

        Are you suggesting that his post about becoming a web designer from nothing is ill informed?
        I didn't see the post but I am inclined to think he is absolutely wrong.
        It happens that I deal with WordPress since 2004 (version 0.7) and before I already knew how to hand code simple HTML sites - however, I do continue to learn all the time as WP itself and the HTML/CSS standards evolve.


        Originally Posted by kevd10 View Post

        Fair enough he advises to use homestead but the principles are the same.
        Yep, the principles are always the same: learn the freaking basics before you start doing it!
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  • Profile picture of the author PongSet
    The development of your client's website can be done anywhere, your local machine, your own hosting or directly on client's host... doesn't matter, depends on the agreement.

    If it's a WordPress site, you can use "Duplicator" plugin to move between hosts.

    But as suggested, you should know all this before you sign a deal with clients.
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  • Profile picture of the author znan
    Originally Posted by kevd10 View Post

    Lets say we get a client. We are using wordpress to build their site. How do we go about it?

    For example, do we get the log in details of the host they use and build it right there on their host? Or can we build it on our own host? (dont see how this could be possible). Or do we need to download wordpress and our own server and build it on our computer?
    I would recommend building the site(s) on your local machine using something like WampServer and also have your own hosting account(s) with unlimited domains in which you can upload the websites when they are finished.

    You can also upload them during the creation process so your customers can see how you are doing. So you definitely need your own host anyway.

    Whether you upload the sites to your hosting account or theirs, the process is the same. And it will come down to your customer's decision/preference.

    Keep in mind that if you use your hosting account, you can usually charge them a small fee to keep the site online (usually less then what they would pay for their own hosting).

    But as Istvan Horvath said, make sure you know what you are doing before you go around asking people money.

    znan
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  • Profile picture of the author shahriyar
    Originally Posted by kevd10 View Post

    Lets say we get a client. We are using wordpress to build their site. How do we go about it?

    For example, do we get the log in details of the host they use and build it right there on their host? Or can we build it on our own host? (dont see how this could be possible). Or do we need to download wordpress and our own server and build it on our computer?
    I always build the site on my server, usually a sub-domain (dev.mydomain.com/clintsitename/). It helps me to show the progress to the client while its been built and easy for the client to pick out errors or changes he needs, and easy for me to fix the error right away.

    After the project is complete, I use a software called WP Twin to backup it up and use it to unpack it on the client's server. It can be done manually but its just my preference.
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  • Profile picture of the author nettiapina
    Have to agree with other commenters. OP, this is pretty basic stuff. It's not that you ask, but the way you ask that makes me nervous.

    I used to build sites on my dev server, but nowadays I'm just using a cPanel account on my WHM reseller plan. As @shahriyar said above, having a live dev site makes it easier to show the progress to the client. I don't touch client's site or even their production server until I've got the permission to publish.
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  • Profile picture of the author shahriyar
    Originally Posted by kevd10 View Post

    For example, do we get the log in details of the host they use and build it right there on their host?
    One more thing, after you have uploaded/published the site on their server and the project is complete, delete their server's login details (whereever you have kept it) and inform them that you have deleted all login infos.

    So, if their server gets hacked, say 1 month later, they won't come to you asking about it.
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    • Profile picture of the author nettiapina
      Originally Posted by shahriyar View Post

      So, if their server gets hacked, say 1 month later, they won't come to you asking about it.
      You are joking, right?

      If a WordPress site gets hacked in a month it's indeed (partly) your fault, and you should fix it. If it's been a year and they don't have a support/update contract then it's more billable work for you.
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      • Profile picture of the author shahriyar
        Originally Posted by nettiapina View Post

        You are joking, right?

        If a WordPress site gets hacked in a month it's indeed (partly) your fault, and you should fix it. If it's been a year and they don't have a support/update contract then it's more billable work for you.
        Well, not necessarily. Clients can install vulnerable plugins the next day, mess with the security plugins, disable firewall etc. and I have seen multiple cases where this happened. In these cases why would the developer be responsible?
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        • Profile picture of the author nettiapina
          Originally Posted by shahriyar View Post

          Well, not necessarily. Clients can install vulnerable plugins the next day, mess with the security plugins, disable firewall etc. and I have seen multiple cases where this happened. In these cases why would the developer be responsible?
          I'm glad I don't have too many would-be webmasters as clients, but mostly very cautious managers and business owners. You're right, and I can imagine a scenario where I would also just publish and leave.

          To answer your questions: contracts. I'm using a ready-made pack created by an industry association. More than €200 per year but worth every cent.

          I guess it might be the cultural (and legal) differences, but people around here usually understand that you're not responsible for their actions. I also make clear in the offer that anything beyond the initial site building isn't included in the price, and that I'm offering monitoring, backup and update service for a fee.
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  • Profile picture of the author Clyde Dennis
    Originally Posted by kevd10 View Post

    Lets say we get a client. We are using wordpress to build their site. How do we go about it?

    For example, do we get the log in details of the host they use and build it right there on their host? Or can we build it on our own host? (dont see how this could be possible). Or do we need to download wordpress and our own server and build it on our computer?
    OP If you still need help with this PM me and I'd be happy to get you going down the right track. To be clear I'm NOT going to do it for you, but I'll certainly walk you through the process.
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