That’ll Buff Out | New Custom Theme for Rachaelbutts.com

Rachael Butts — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:48 +0000

You may have noticed our old design of Rachaelbutts.com looking a little “scratch & dent sale-ish”. There was a really good reason why. We were busy! Busy making custom WordPress websites for our clients. We are proud to announce the relaunch of our new website. We have added a whole step by step guide for our process as well as detailed explanations of each of our services. You may have also noticed we added a few new ones. We updated our portfolio and added some new and very talented team members.

Some much needs technical updates: html5, css3, and custom post types!

While we are still working out a few minor details please take a peak around and let us know what you think!

-Rachaelbutts.com team

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Rachael Butts — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:26:23 +0000

Hi Gang!

We have been having a fun month over here. We are inches away to launching our new Rachaelbutts.com site, and we are very excited to share it with you! In the meantime you can view what we have been working on this month.

Designs

Surveys Observer Logo Samples ( client chose sample 1)

Web/Photoshop Designs

Fusion Academy Homepage Design

The Pie Academy Homepage design

OLA Homepage Design

Development

Customized Woo Theme Surveysobserver.com

Customized Thesis Theme Orchardcovephotography.com

If you are interested in working with WordPress designer Rachaelbutts.com contact us here.

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Rachael Butts — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:30:10 +0000

Hey Gang!

Here are the latest WordPress Designs we created last week. We were busy doing a lot more development this month than designs, but still managed to complete Rising Above Enron, and Homepage first sample for Sactown construction. I also sneeked in some Sunday work to create the new about page for the new version of rachaelbutts.com. Enjoy!

#1. Woo Theme Customization and 3debook cover for a great new client Carey Falter ( cover front provided by client)

#2. Sactown Construction Redesign

#3. About Page Rachaelbutts.com

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Rachael Butts — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:35:10 +0000

I started a new category called ” Recent WordPress Designs” because I thought it would be neat for my readers to see each design I do each week and keep track of the progress of each one as we take it from wireframe to development. If you were unsure I do all the designs and I have my magic team of developers who develop them for me. It is a group process , of course. Included in this category from time to time we will add some misc. designs as well. This week I created a mini moo card design which I was introduced to by one of my clients. They are suuuuper cool, and I even designed and ordered some for myself! They are really neat because you can up too 100 different designs on one side, and then the other side has a consistent design like your contact info which is really great for all types of clients. I highly recommend them!

# 1 Homepage and Logo design for Pulmonary Hypertension R.N.

#2 Homepage sample for redesign of AIID.edu

#3 Mini Moo Cards for Erica West who created Wilgrace Coaching website

#4 Mini Moo Cards for Rachaelbutts.com

#5 Finally…I updated my twitter background

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Look for launch of Rachaelbutts.com redesign coming early 2012

Rachael Butts — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:42:57 +0000

We have been busy like little elves working on lots of new clients sites. It seems a lot of clients typically try and get a redesign or new site completed before the new year as a tax deduction. We don’t complain about this of course.

Luckily, we are happy to announce one of the newest elves ….uh….I mean team members to Rachaelbutts.com, Jamie Brewer. Jamie is a WordPress web designer and developer from Kansas City, Mo with over 7 years of experience. His sharp attention to detail, ability to work under deadlines, and experience in the corporate world make him a perfect fit for us. Jamie also skateboards, so how could we say not to that?

We are excited to have Jamie on our team. He has been working hard on a large site we are about to launch, so look for details on that coming soon!

Because of Jamie’s awesomeness , I was able to finally start the redesign process of our site here at Rachaelbutts.com. I actually started on it this past April. You can read here how we created the illustrations for the site.

We are planning to launch early 2012, and are excited to finally be off of the Thesis framework which will hopefully improve our SEO, and well, bragging rights. This is long overdue, but what can I say? It isn’t a bad thing to be so busy, cobbler’s children, uh, I forgot the third excuse.

So, without further adieu the unveiling of the homepage of the new Rachaelbutts.com website.

P.s. We do listen to feedback and will take it into consideration as we move to the development phase.

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WordPress Vocabulary Lesson

Rachael Butts — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:16:13 +0000

Lately I have had several clients that have wanted to add items to their WordPress websites, but didn’t exactly know what words to use to tell me that is what they wanted. I have compiled a vocabulary list to help “decode” some of these puzzling terms. Take some notes, share, and enjoy.

#1 Favicon

Dictionary definition:

A favicon or Favorites Icon is a small graphic that is associated with a page or Web site. The favicon allows the Web developer to customize the site in the Web browser, both in the tab bar that is displayed in many browsers as well as in the bookmarks when a site is saved.

It was named the favicon because it was first developed in Internet Explorer, which calls bookmarked sites “favorites” and this icon was displayed in the favorites menu.

Most site favicons are designed as a small rendition of their logo or other branding mechanism.

My definition:

It is that little image that appears next to your site title at the top of a url , tab, or bookmark. Mine is a WordPress logo , that is also part of my logo.

Super Awesome Favicon Generator: Favigen

#2 Slider

Dictionary Definition:

none

My Definition:

A slider is a set of images that uses a gallery to pull images from and the images transition between each image with either a fade, checker, rain etc.

Super Awesome Slider :

Nivo Slider ( also available in WordPress plugin, and widget)

# 3 Wireframe

Dictionary Definition:

It is a visualization tool for presenting proposed functions, structure and content of aWeb page or Web site. A wireframe separates the graphic elements of a Website from the functional elements in such a way that Web teams can easily explain how users will interact with the Web site. A typical wireframe includes:

(1) key page elements and their location, such as header, footer, navigation, content objects, branding elements, (2) grouping of elements, such as side bars, navigation bars, content areas, (3) labeling, page title, navigation links, headings to content objects, and (4) place holders, content text and images.

My Definition:

A wireframe is a really ugly version of a design layout. It is to show the client the placement of elements on the page, before we take it to actual design.

Super Awesome Wireframe Tool:

Mockingbird

# 4 Plugin

Dictionary Definition:

A hardware or software module that adds a specific feature or service to a larger system. The idea is that the new component simply plugs in to the existing system.

My Definition:

Really cool free and premium pieces of code and can help your site do magical things.

Fun Fact:

Out of all the CMS’s WordPress has the most plugins developed for it. Just another reason why WordPress rocks

Super Awesome Place to Look for Plugins: WordPress Plugin Repository

# 5 Widget

Dictionary Definition:

Widgets are used by some blogging applications, such as WordPress, to enable bloggers to customize the appearance and content of their blogs without CSS, HTML or other coding knowledge.

My Definition:

Widgets are used typically in the sidebar of your site. You can easily drag and drop items into your sidebar including recent posts, categories, text ( html), etc. You can also install plugins that work as widgets in your site.

Super Awesome Widget Tip: Use the widget text box to place in html for things like Facebook Like Box, images, links, opt in boxes.

#6 Opt in Box

Dictionary Definition:

Express permission by a customer, or a recipient of a mail,email, or other direct message to allow a marketer to send a merchandise, information, or more messages. This is themethod generally used by most direct marketing firms,subscription or non-subscription periodicals, informationsuppliers, etc. After the opt in, the marketer will keep on sending the material or messages until the recipient chooses to opt out.

My Definition:

A box that includes a place to enter your name and email which then creates a “list” for you to send your recent updates, blog posts, and specials

Super Awesome Opt in Box Generator:

Aweber

Side Rant

As someone who has been working with WordPress for several years. It frustrates me to the tenth degree that people still type WordPress “WordPress”. WordPress is a trademarked logo, and the “P” should always be capitalized. I see other WordPress designers on the first page of Google ( I won’t mention names, who STILL continue to type WordPress incorrectly. Please be aware of the fact that as a company I won’t even hire developers to work with that use WordPress improperly, and neither should you, because that means they are not in tune with the WordPress Community.

Super funny plugin to type it correctly for you: OZHS Correctly Spell WordPress

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Rachaelbutts.com gets a facelift

Rachael Butts — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:25:35 +0000

I rarely write personal blog posts. Most blog posts are all tutorials, but I thought I’d address the elephant in the room…me! Yes, it is true I got a facelift. No, not physically silly, I am only 28. Let me clarify. Rachaelbutts.com got a facelift. It was a long time coming. We are so busy around here making WordPress websites to work on our own, but it just had to happen! Rachaelbutts.com is 7 in .com years and 2 in design, so that is like what, 150 in in total website years!?

It all started with an idea from my mom. We were talking about the fact I need to update my design and she sent me this pic as inspiration. She thought the idea of not actually showing my whole face would make it not so much about me, and more about “us” and what we do…making WordPress websites.

I thought well I do have really tall ceilings and I could have my fiance take a pic of me from the top of the stairs and I could Photoshop the rest, but I thought I really need to take it to the next level. I started on my hunt for a professional photographer in Phoenix, and I posted an ad on craigslist. I got a flood of response. Some really sucked, some were creepy and then I found one just right. Josie Bryant of JosieKP roductions replied to my ad and I explained my vision for the project. I told her I needed someone to shoot me at an imaginary desk with a couple desk items, and the rest would be Photoshopped in. I also explained that is was really important that we get the angles just right or it wouldn’t translate. Plus, we needed to shoot multiple items separately at the same angle so we can place them all together in one image. She said she has a studio, we could shoot on a white background, and that she had a a ladder and could make it work. I was thrilled to say the least. I made an appointment for the following week, and gathered all the items I wanted pics of.

Here are the pics we used to create the images on our new site.

I had to sit on this teeny tiny stool, and use a prop desk to get the effect of putting my feet up

This is the actual lamp on my desk, and my engagement pics of Ryan and I

This is the hardest working member of my team, my laptop

My skateboard. Yes, I really do skateboard. If you want to see my scars from surgery pm me.

My best gal Foxy and her little owl toy. I have a thing for owls, and I make her like them. I hear no objections.

Top view of Foxy to get that birdseye effect.

What? You were expecting more? This is where the next part comes into play. I am pretty handy with Photoshop, but to get that digital illustrative feel I needed to hire an Illustrator. For this part I ran a contest on Freelancer.com for the header of the website. Their contests are super cool. You pay a fee, place an ad for what you are wanting to accomplish, and upload your files. In this case I uploaded my inspiration pic, all the images from the photoshoot, and where I wanted what on the image. I had 25 entries, but my favorite was a fellow named Harry Martawijaya . During the contest people submit their entries, and then you can leave them feedback. I only needed to have Harry revise a few things, and then I selected him as the winner.

Here is was his final image using my pics he added the desk, chair, mouse pad,and rug.

I loved what he created, but I needed a footer. I contacted him outside of the contest and sent him my details for my idea for the footer. I explained I wanted Foxy my cutie pie papillon puppy on a chair ( I sent him an example of one I wanted) and that I wanted a dog bowl and some biscuits along with her favorite toy the pink owl. He said he could do it no problem.

This is what he came up with for the footer.

So, that is the story of how we changed the look of Rachaelbutts.com. It was really fun to see the idea come to life one step at a time.

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Rachael Butts — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:15:06 +0000

We want to hear from you. We want to know what tutorials you would like to us create regarding anything WordPress. Anything from beginner to advanced. We want to hear it all. Once we select the tutorials that we will be creating we will contact you, and feature you on our site with a notable mention in the tutorial.

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RachaelButts.com is hiring WordPress designers/developers

Rachael Butts — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:54:51 +0000

We’ve been in the business of creating custom designed web sites since 2009 and we are looking to expand our team by one (possibly two) remote, full-time to part-time designers/developers. If you are interested in building custom web sites and making a decent income from doing so – this opportunity may be of great interest to you! Our projects will challenge you and if you’re up for it – then we’re up for talking with you!

Here’s the down and dirty:
Minimum Requirements:

Documented experience in graphic design and web development
Experience with WordPress is a must
HTML/CSS knowledge is a must
Good communication skills.
Excellent time management. Ability to work on a deadline
While the number one qualification for this opening is a strong sense of design (aesthetics) along with strong web skills, we’re also looking for individuals with great critical thinking skills, a good work ethic and customer service skills.
We run shop like a consultancy, which means you need to know your stuff- and their stuff (whoever they may be).
Do you have references from folks you’ve worked with in the past on web projects?? I’d LOVE to hear ‘em!
An online portfolio of work or client sites you can point me to so I can see your work in action? (screenshots are nice, but I like to dig a bit more beyond the pretty, ya know)

Types of Projects we’re doing lately:

WordPress web sites, mainly (some with and some without a blog) for small and large business, multisite networks, social communities and lots of social media integration.
WordPress with E-Commerce (Cart66, Shopp or WP E-Commerce experience greatly appreciated!)
WordPress MultiSite (and BuddyPress)
Membership sites with WordPress
(…do you get a feeling that we do a LOT of WordPress sites??? we do!)

Work Environment

Your home because this is remote work – how cool is THAT?
In your pajamas, if you like

We’re looking for someone who

Thinks design is about solving problems, not making them
Likes to have a lot of fun tinkering around inside the guts of a blog
Gets more kicks out of removing elements from a page than adding them
Wants to learn, push themselves, and make the web a better place to be!
Wouldn’t mind making a few extra $$’s doing something they love! How much, you say? Well, why not apply and find out (hint: we ain’t talking about coffee money here!)

If you’re interested – you can apply using this form only (any other method of application will most likely get overlooked – – so don’t try to DM on Twitter or send a message on Facebook — please use this form only.)

I give each application consideration – but please do be patient as I go through all of the applications received. I will read them all and will be contacting you within the next week, or two. Thank you!

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WordPress Designer Tutorial for Moving a WordPress Site to a New Domain and Host

Rachael Butts — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:10:07 +0000

I have been meaning to add this post for quite a while. I have seen a lot of different tutorials on this issue, but none that were really accurate. They were either in geek speak or just way too generic.

There are a couple different scenarios for moving a WordPress site.

#1 Moving a site on the same domain or folder

#2 Moving a site on the same host with the same domain name or different domain name

#3 Moving a site from another host and domain name ( this is the one we will be going over today)

Reasons why you need to move a site from a different host and domain name

a. Your site is incredibly slow and you think your new host will help

b. You decided to change identities and need to move your site to a new domain name

c. You built your new site/theme on a test domain area and need to upload it to the live site.( I do this when creating clients websites)

Click Here to watch the video tutorial of the steps

Step 1

Login to your FTP client*You will need to use a 3rd party FTP client like Filezilla, since most hosting panels don’t allow for downloading folders

Download your WordPress files to your local hardrive *I normally can get away with just downloading the following: theme, plugins, htaccess ( if you have one) , uploads, and if you have images and extra css folders outside of wp-content copy that too. Please also note if you are wanting to bring over everything then you can download and upload everything but if you are just move your design, pages, images, and plugins which is 99% of what you will ever need to move a whole WordPress website.

Login to your old WordPress site and click “tools” “export” and download your pages and posts

Step 2

Login to your host.

Go to php MyAdmin under “databases”

Find the database associated with the site you are wanting to move.

If you have a lot click on one of the databases and click wp_options and look at the sitename. This will tell you the website you are exporting. Make sure you click back on the database name to download the whole database.

Click export

Under “tables” click “add drop tables”

Click “go” and it will ask you where to save it * I normally put a folder on my desktop with the WP files I downloaded along with the mysql database

Step 3

Log into your new host

Go to phpMyAdmin ( assuming you already have installed WordPress on your new host, you can do a regular WP install )

Go find the database associated with you new WordPress install.

Click import

Upload the mysql database you you downloaded

Click “structure” “wp_options” and change the site url to the new site url *your username and password will be your old username and password, if you would like a new one you can change it in the dashboard of your WordPress site or you can go to wp_users and change it there.

Step 4

Step 5

Login to your new WordPress site

Go to “settings”

Click “general”

Where is says “site name” is will say your old url so change it to the new one.

Step 6

Go to themes and activate the theme you were using

Go to “tools” “import” and import the file your old WordPress site gave you

Go to plugins and activate the plugins you were using *sometimes you will have to go in and place the settings you had previously for your old plugins so you can take a screen shot or write down the settings you had

Go to your widgets and place back in the widgets you had *sometimes you will have to go in and place the settings you had previously for your old widgets so you can take a screen shot or write down the settings you had

That’s it! Sometimes you need to poke around and see if you made internal links in the pages and you will need to change those, as well as images.

You can use the plugin Search and Replace to find the links for your embedded images.

Best wishes!!

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