Bridging the Gap from Content to Profit
Website Blueprint
How to build a website with WordPress
If you need a website and don't know where to start, or if you're looking for ways to make improvements, this Blueprint is for you!
Disclaimer
In some cases I'm an affiliate for the products listed below. If you end up making a purchase through one of these links, I will earn a commission. These commissions help cover the costs for The Cloud CEO and keep it running.
Any commission earned does not increase your price, and in some cases the links below provide additional EXCLUSIVE discounts or even FREE trials.
The Basics
Start with the right website foundation
1. Hosting
In order to have a website, you need a place to put all the "stuff". Web hosts store everything for you and make it available for others to see.
If your goal is to make money online, you need to have a webhost that is fast, secure and will respond quickly if you have any issues.
2. Domain Name
Your domain name is the address of your online business. If you want people to visit you and see what you have to offer, you need a great location.
On the internet, location = domain name.
3. Website Software
If you want to do "stuff" with your website and not just store files, you'll need software that makes everything work together.
From Blogs to eCommerce, the right Software is Essential
Recommendations
WPX Hosting
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
WPX offers solid hosting at an affordable price. If you're looking at building landing pages, capturing leads, or starting an eCommerce store... WPX is lightning fast!
Namecheap
Overall Rating: 4/5
Namecheap offers affordable domain name registration and has the features you need to manage those names, no matter what your goals are.
WordPress
Overall Rating: 5/5
WordPress is a BEAST! While it was originally made for blogging, it's flexible enough to handle tough needs, even eCommerce through plugins.
REQUIRED Extras
If you're using Wordpress, these plugins are essential!
1. Theme
Every WordPress Site needs to look good! Themes are a way to apply a custom design to your whole website in a few easy steps.
2. Forms
You need a way to capture information from your visitors. Forms let you create fields to capture Name, Email, Addresses and MORE!
3. Email
Make sure your site can send messages so you can engage with your site visitors and members.
Recommendations
Thrive Theme Builder
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Thrive offers great tools that are focused on getting you leads and customers. Thrive Theme Builder is a great way to create a custom look so your site can stand out!
WP Forms
Overall Rating: 4/5
WP Forms is a powerful and easy to use solution to build contact forms in your WordPress site.
WP Mail SMTP
Overall Rating: 4/5
Having problems with your WordPress site not sending emails? Over 1 million websites use WP Mail SMTP to send their emails reliably.
Conversion PLUGINS
Lead Generation and Revenue Growth
1. Landing Page Builder
A landing page is a great way to keep website visitors focused on what can help them the most. Content is typically hyperfocused on the one big action you want them to take.
2. Lead Capture
A landing page is a great way to keep website visitors focused on what can help them the most. Content is typically hyperfocused on the one big action you want them to take.
3. Speed
Speed dosen't kill... It converts! If you have a slow site you'll loose potential customers so you need to make sure your website is as fast as possible.
Recommendations
Elementor Page Builder
Overall Rating: 4/5
Elementor offers a solid solution to create your landing pages. Everything from drag-n-drop to form creation is included!
Thrive Plugins
Overall Rating: 5/5
Thrive offers a TON of conversion based plugins. From lead capture, to pop-ups and yes even their own landing page builder. highly recommended!
W3 Total Cache
Overall Rating: 4/5
Caching plugins make your site as small as possible. The smaller the size, the faster your site!
Content
Without Good Content, Nothing Else Matters
1. SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the way search engines, like Google, understand what your content is about so that people can find it. If noone can find your content, then its
2. Graphics
Whether you need an image for an article, a video intorduction for YouTube or a Presentation to land your next big client... Having good graphics will make your brand stand out.
3. Organization
Having a lot of content is great! But once you reach a certain point it can become overwhelming. Making sure you have a good organization strategy will help you keep your sanity as your site grows
Recommendations
Yoast SEO
Overall Rating: 4/5
Yoast will evaluate your blog posts and pages to let you know if the content should rank well and how easy it is to consume. It also provides insight on what changes you need to make to improve.
Envato Elements
Overall Rating: 5/5
If you've ever tried to hunt for images or other graphics, just to come up empty handed OR find something but it costs a fortune? If so you're going to LOVE Envato Elements!
Nested Pages
Overall Rating: 4/5
Nested Pages lets you organize all of your pages on WordPress so they are nice and organized. A must have if you are creating campaigns with landing pages, thank you pages and more.
Mark Beall
I'm Mark Beall, and I'm here to help you grow your online business by maximizing your results through effective use of YouTube and optimizing your sales process. Whether you're looking to increase your leads, drive more sales, or simply make your business more efficient, I've got the expertise and experience to help you get there.
I've got multiple YouTube channels with over 5 million combined views and a six-figure how-to brand in the home improvement space. I've even generated multiple six-figures in affiliate revenue for some well-known brands, all through utilizing effective optimization strategies.
But here's the thing, I'm not just an online marketing expert. I've also got a background in IT, so I can help you even if you struggle with technology.I know how to make complex technical concepts easy to understand and put into action, so you can see real results in your business.
I'm passionate about helping entrepreneurs like you grow your business and achieve your goals. That's why I'm here, ready to share my expertise and guide you to success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, I'm here to help.
Simple and easy.
Building a Website from Scratch Checklist
Building a website from scratch is easy, if you know what's required and the order you need to build it in. Our checklist will lead you through the steps needed to create an awesome site!