Website Kick Start ecourse by Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl

Are you ready for a website you're proud of?

You want a website that "speaks to your customers." You want a site that gives them the information they need in a style that suits you. You want to create a community and tell your story.

Website Kick Start teaches you to create a custom website perfect for launching your business, ecourse, or online community. No more "how'd they do that?" No more "I wish I had a site that told my story..."

Website Kick Start will empower you to create an intimate interface between you and those who need what you have to offer.

But building a website is difficult, right? And expensive? And time consuming?

Well, it can be. I have a lot of clients that have built difficult, expensive, time consuming websites. And they look great! But I also know that building a functional, great looking website doesn't have to be that way.

Entrepreneur, meet Wordpress.
Wordpress, meet entrepreneur.

Wordpress is free, open source software that allows you to build a website that even you can maintain. Yes, I'm talking about you. Wordpress was designed for blogs - but it's evolved and is now one of the top platforms for building any type of website.

You learn how to build a website using Wordpress. Your website will look good, function better, and help you attract more sales to your business.

You learn how to mess with code in a fun, stress-free way. You discover how to create the essential page structure for your website, how to organize the information to convert the most visitors, and how to create a destination resource to attract new customers. I help you choose the right plugins to make your site do what you want it to do. I help you make your site "shareable."

You learn how to please your inner control-freak by acquiring the skills you need to alter & adjust your site on a whim.

If you're looking to kick start your website, this is the place to be.

You learn by example. With pictures, instructions, and multimedia. You'll be able to ask questions & get them answered. You'll also be able to network with fellow classmates - support each other in your launch, get additional feedback, and, oh yeah, make some new friends!

No need to show up to "class" at specific times. The course is taught on a course site that's always at your disposal - even when the course is long over.

Here's what you learn:

One week before the course starts, you'll receive resources to help you begin envisioning the design you'll create.
Week 1 - Install Wordpress, your theme & child theme.
Week 2 - Create & style your header and background using HTML & CSS. Get more comfortable with HTML & CSS while styling basica elements of your site.
Week 3 - Install important plugins & develop a content strategy to benefit your visitors & SEO. Create your menus & forms.
Week 4 - Design your details.
Week 5 - Build a resource.
Week 6 - Launch your site!
BONUS - Using Google Fonts
BONUS - Creating custom page templates.
BONUS - NextGen Gallery 101

In each lesson, you'll learn some best practices of web design so that your site is easy to read and goal-oriented. You'll also learn about maximizing Wordpress as a website platform because I'm a firm believer that you haven't really learned something until you understand it.

BONUS - Three Q&A conference calls on web design strategy & marketing your online business with Tara Gentile.

February 14 - Design Q&A - 8pm Eastern
February 28 - Content Q&A - 8pm Eastern
March 6 - Marketing Q&A - 8pm Eastern

All calls are recorded.

Here's what you'll need:

A web host. This is the service that enables your site to be on the web. If you have one already, awesome. If not, I highly recommend Host Gator. Use code "websitekickstart" to get $9.94 off your first hosting purchase with them!
A domain name. If you have one already, awesome. If not, you can register one through your web host or a service like Register.com.
The will to succeed. I'm going to take a lot of the guesswork out of building your own Wordpress website. But I can't do it for you. You'll get frustrated - but only in service of your dreams. That can be a great feeling if you let it!

Helpful but not necessary:

Photo editing software. Photoshop, Pixelmater, GIMP... there are lots of choices. If you don't already have one, I recommend Picnik.com.

When you register for the course, you'll get a list of other course "materials" that include a few free downloads from around the web.

Student Site - Space Cadet Creations

Stephanie Alford, owner of Space Cadet Creations:

I knew for a long time that I needed a really good website for my business. Website designers were too expensive for me, and dabbling in it myself just made me realise I was in way over my head.

So I signed up for Website Kick Start, but honestly? I really didn't know if I had what it takes to build a website...

Well, here I am, six weeks later, and I am TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY! The course was fantastic. I discovered that this is more than a build-a-website course. This is Tara teaching me how to build a website that entices my customers and gently leads them from page to page, from product to product in a purposeful way.

I now have a website that is so much cooler than anything I had been imagining before. And... and... I built it myself (MYSELF!). I can continue to work on it and change it as my business grows. I am thrilled with this course and the results. So glad I signed up for it!

Now on to the questions...

What if I don't have a technical bone in my body? If you don't technically have a bone in your body, you have bigger problems than a website, my friend. If, however, you mean that you're concerned you won't pick up on the code & mystery internet language, I understand.

Here's the thing, I can't get around it. If you are horribly adverse to figuring this out, your money will be better spent getting someone else to do this thang for you. But - I'm pretty confident I can teach most people, via example, silliness, and some screencasting, how to do this.

If you like a bit of a challenge, even if you haven't written a lick of code in your life, I can help you.

What if I already have a Blogger or Wordpress.com blog? You know, those platforms are great. But did you know that you don't really control your content?

You are also diluting your search engine optimization having your web presence spread out across multiple platforms. Wordpress allows you to have complete control over your web presence and maximize its impact through plugins, tips, and tricks!

What if I already have a website? Then why are you here? No, seriously, I know why you're here. You have no idea what you're doing with it.

So you either want to maintain your current site or start from scratch. Or maybe you want to move your Blogger blog to Wordpress. Or maybe you want to set up a private blog to teach your own ecourse. Yup, I can help with all those things. Some of the coursework won't be completely relevant to what you're doing... but what you learn will help you immensely. If you have a specific situation you'd like to discuss, email me - hello AT taragentile DOT com.

What if I don't have much time? No lie, this is going to take some time. But you can choose to invest more time in the parts that matter most to you and less time in those that don't.

Also, I'm going to have each task broken out into pieces so that you're not overwhelmed. Do what you can, when you can. Little goals mean big results.

Will my website looks like HERS? Well, I'm not exactly sure who you mean... but I can tell you I will give you enough ideas that most of the finished websites will look pretty different at the end of the course!

You should start thinking now about what you want your website to look like. Gather inspiration. Create some images to use.

I also can't guarantee that you'll get all the information needed to create sites that are JUST LIKE your favorite shoe company's or your best friend blogger's. You see, those people spent between $1k and $10k+ getting a designer to do their sites. This course is designed to give you the tools you'll need to create something you're proud of, that's unique to you, and also easy to maintain.

Will I be able to sell stuff from my website? Yes and no. You learn how to incorporate a service like e-Junkie or PayPal into your website (as you see on this page and taragentile.com) but you will not learn the specifics of adding an ecommerce cart to your website. However, there are several Wordpress plugins that allow you to do just that. But, baby steps, dear, baby steps.

Student Site - Art Asana

Eliza Tobin, the artist & yogi behind Art Asana, did a lovely job creating an inviting space that reflects her art & her lifestyle.

Eliza also moved her old Blogspot blog into her brand new Wordpress website with ease & grace.

About la Professora

I'm Tara Gentile, a business coach & blogger. I investigate the ins & outs of the New Economy as well as run Scoutie Girl, a creative lifestyle magazine. I’m on a quest to redefine commerce as the creation & distribution of meaning, relationship, and experience.

I know how this website thing works because I use mine & my skills to earn a full-time living & take care of my family.

I work equally between the logical and creative sides of my brain. So I know how to do very mathematical, technical things but communicate them in way that makes sense to artists, creative entrepreneurs, and internet laymen alike.

I've been featured on US News & World Report, Daily Worth, Problogger, BlogHer, The Mogul Mom, and many other media outlets.

Start to Finish: Here's What You Get

By the end of 6 weeks, you'll have a 5 page website (including blog) that looks good and you'll know how to maintain it.
You will have an understanding of basic HTML and CSS.
You will have your questions answered by a dedicated (and super friendly!) support technician - he's my brother and he's a whiz, it's cool - and receive feedback from the group.
You will always have access to the information on the course site, including updates of material & new bonus modules as they become available with future sessions.
You will have a network of other business owners to help you launch your site. We'll communicate via a private Facebook group.

Student Site - Apples and Orange

Deanna, the designer behind Apples and Orange, created a new web presence for her brand new shop.

Deanna focused on little details - like how the background changes subtly on each page - to make her website truly unique. She's out to change the world with her art and this new website is one of the first steps in that direction!

The Website Kick Start ecourse has been one of the best investments I've made this year. I learned so much.

Going into the class I had some web experience and had spent a little time in WordPress but I just couldn't get it to click. Now, because of Tara's knowledge and easy teaching style, I have a new website with all the features I wanted (and more!). I would not have been able to accomplish this in the time frame I did without her. --Deanna

Ready to register?

This wild & crazy ecourse starts on February 7. If you stay on track (and no problem if you don't!), your website will be ready around March 13.

The investment for this course is $297.

After you register, you'll be redirected to the course site to create a profile.

Ready to really jump start this business of yours? Add on my brand new email marketing course - Email Marketing Kick Start - for just $50 more (save $47). You pay $347. You'll get an email every day for 30 days to help you create profitable, passionate communication with email marketing.

What's different about this course?

Can you find this information elsewhere? Sure. I taught myself how to do what I do using resources from all over the internet and a never-say-die attitude.

But what you'll get with this program is different. You get SUPPORT.

Don't get something the first time you read it? No problem, let me know and I'll put it a different way. When I teach an ecourse, I teach it.

And answering questions & providing insight directly to you - and in response to you - is part of that.

What others have said about working with me:

Super teacher! You’re lessons are clear and concise, the multimedia presentations are well thought through and extremely well executed. I can tell I’m learning from someone who has invested a great deal of time and experience in her profession! It’s been an awesome class Tara. I really appreciate your encouraging style, and your confidence in your students.
- Alexis Hartz

I just wanted to Thank You for this awesome course. It kind of fell in my lap and that never happens for me, you were right that its making me feel kinda smart! I am having such a good time rediscovering how to use my brain again. I have been doing just the stay at home Mom thing and its not enough for me anymore. This is helping me get more focused.
– Jennifer LaRosa Hicks

After spending most of the last year changing my business focus, I took a cold, hard look at my blog. And nearly fell asleep from boredom. I immersed myself in the art and science of blogs, but none of it really "clicked" until I spent just one hour with Tara brainstorming about my blog, as well as other social media outlets for my business. Best. Hour. Ever. She is fantastic and I look forward to many more fruitful hours with her!
-- Brenda, phydeaux

I’ve already recommended the course to some of my friends. Thanks Tara, it’s like getting the insiders scoop on how all this works. Really appreciate your attentiveness and help.
-- Jinger, Mango Girl Designs

Consider that a less-than-custom Wordpress website can easily start at $600. Coaching with me costs $280 per hour.

This course gives you the knowledge & confidence you need to create a website, maintain it for the long haul, and gives you a fundamental understanding of what makes a good website work.

The value is immense.

If I can make $1000-$5000 on a single website, why give you the information at such a small investment? Because I like to make an impact. Launching sites one at a time is slow going. I'm looking to put 75 brand new websites out into the world in March 2012. Wanna help?

Add Email Marketing Kick Start for just $50 more (save $47).