so you can level up your website today

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Are you having analysis paralysis about moving to self-hosted wordpress? Here’s how to get past it today!

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The bigger picture: getting started with online presence

Today’s chat is on fixing common website mistakes that destroy your online presence, starting with your hosting.

But first, a pep talk.

I recently posted in several of my writer and solopreneur facebook groups with a simple question: what’s your biggest pain point at the intersection of technology and your work?

There were many great answers with one thing in common: cutting through the clutter to figure out what’s important. In this series, we’ll identify the top seven most important things you need in place for your writer presence, and talk about the simplest way to obtain them.

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the frustrating pace of platform

One thing I sensed–no matter their top pain point–was the frustration leaking through their words.

I’ll encourage you to think of your presence–and platform–as a process. Give yourself time. This is vital to keep yourself from becoming discouraged. There is always more to do, and it always takes longer than we think.

I’m the queen of doing this wrong. Whether I’m clicking through my to-do list, waiting in a line, or stuck in unexpected traffic, delays make me nuts!

Trust me, I’m working on it!

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Identify limiters:

When you’re excited about a goal, it’s natural to want to conquer it immediately. But there will always be things to improve, so don’t let yourself be hurried by an ill-advised preparation timeline.

By this point, you probably have some ideas on your biggest limiters. If so, think about what could potentially stand in the way of your goals. Time? Money? A frequently changing work schedule? Keep these things in mind as you’re building your timeline and choose your focus areas from among these seven.

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Determine focus area

Your focus area could be many different aspects of your platform or website. For example, maybe you’re nonexistent on social media or your website hasn’t been updated since the days of MySpace. Don’t make the mistake of trying to focus on everything. Pick the areas where you need the most work.

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Backwards plan and checkpoints

Having a huge goal that’s extremely far away can be tough without milestones along the way. For example, if you want to be Stephen King, you need to finish a first draft. 🙂

Instead of having one giant goal too far away to motivate, set up intermediate goals along the way.

Now I promise we’ll get back to self-hosting. For this example, let’s say our goal is to have an awesome website. This article is about self-hosting, an essential first step of the process.

PS…there’s no point in fixing up your current site, if you know you need to switch.

Example One: To develop your online presence you need active social media, a consistent message, a clean website, and a portfolio that serves as your resume.

Example Two: To achieve one of these points, say, a clean professional looking website, you need a domain name, hosting, a premium theme, copy that describes your services, etc.

Process goals

Within the focus areas you outlined, determine process goals for each. These are daily or weekly actions that work towards your checkpoints and long-term goal.

Example One:  Focus Area, Backwards Plan, and Checkpoints

For example, for social media let’s say you decide to focus on facebook. Your goal may be to fix up your business page, then engage your ideal reader three times a week. A process goal would be to post and share great content, while a checkpoint would be reaching traffic or engagement goals.

Now that we’ve got the brain juice flowing, I hope you’ve reframed self-hosting as a simple, but essential first step towards your dreams.

Now let’s get to it…

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the importance of self-hosting

Here’s the scenario: I meet someone impressive in a facebook group.

Wow, this person has really got it together. This is someone I need to be following.

Then…I go to their site and realize they have a blogspot address. Or an aol email. Woof.

If this is you, know your presence is sending a mixed message. Your words and work tell me you’re someone to be reckoned with. But your online presence is saying something else entirely.

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To be taken seriously and monetize–if that’s what you want–you need to go self-hosted.

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Buy into that and it’s time to choose a hosting provider.

For many bloggers and writers, this is where the analysis paralysis starts. You go to Pinterest and search “best hosting” or read the advice of your favorite blogger. Then before you know it, three hours have passed and you’re no closer to your goal.

Why it’s not your fault:

The problem? Many of the top bloggers and writers are basically making commercials for hosting providers such as Siteground and Bluehost because of an affiliate relationship.

Now don’t miss my point. They’re not actually doing anything wrong. But sometimes these posts make it seem like you’re making a pivotal decision: choose wrong and you’ll destroy your blog’s credibility.

But… what if I told you as a new blogger or writer, you’ll probably notice little difference between the major hosting providers and their services.

Let me repeat that. You can just…choose and let the analysis paralysis stop you from choosing a hosting provider today.

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Note: I’m actually an affiliate for HostGator, and you can use this link to receive hosting for as low as 2.95/month. My site’s never gone down, I’ve never had real issues, and the one time I called for support they were quick and helpful.

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What this means:

Knowing there are tons of legit hosting options out there means you can make an easy decision. Just pick one!

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If you want to read a more detailed comparison of the major companies then check this out.

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The ultimate lesson is this:

Don’t let analysis paralysis hold you back. Choose then celebrate your win!

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Actionable tips for migrating today:

• Pick a hosting provider from among the major providers such as hostgator, blue host, or siteground. If you already have a domain name with a specific hosting company, then consider that one.
• Sign up for basic hosting
• Export your old content. Use a solid tutorial like this one, if you need a more step by step approach.
• Breathe. That’s all you have to do today.
• Your next step will be picking out a great new premium wordpress theme. Check out all the great options available on Themeisle.

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questions for you

Did you start out self-hosted? Did you find it harder or easier than you expected to migrate? What’s your biggest pain point at the intersection of technology and your work? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

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join 1017 other writers improving their online presence to keep their life-changing message in front of the world.

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more ideas to help you:

• Social Media Platforms for Authors
• 21 ways to level up your author website
• Listen to your wip on the go with google docs
• Get Published Podcast- Using Pinterest to Build your Email List
• 21 Online Tools Writers Need to Make an Impact
• What’s your definition of writing success

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Like this idea? Pin it!

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