Janet Barclay

Now that you’ve dipped your toe into the power of plugins, you might be ready to wade in past your knees and look at ways to really enhance your site. Creating premium content which can only be accessed by logged in users is a great way to create an additional income stream or provide extra value to your regular clients. There’s a ton of both free and premium plugins that allow you to restrict selected content, but each has different capabilities, so don’t simply go with the ...cheapest option. Instead, assess your needs and choose the one that has the features you require. Before you begin your search, ask yourself the following: * Do you simply want to share certain resources with clients you’re working with, or are you planning to sell content? * Will clients require different levels of access? * What type of resources will you offer? Will they be in the form of one or more courses? * Is there a time limit on how long they can access it? * Would you like people who sign up to also be added to your email list? Depending on your answers, you may need some of the following features: * integration with PayPal and/or another payment system * integration with an elearning plugin * ability to set expiry dates on access * integration with email service This is by no means a complete list of available features, so once you’ve narrowed down your options, see what else they offer. There might be a function you hadn’t even thought of that could make one a better choice for you than others.

Janet Schiesl of Basic Organization Professional Organizing Services loves what she does, and if you'd asked her a year and a half ago if she'd ever develop a product, she'd have said no. Then she spent months at home, not working hands-on with clients during the pandemic, and this happened.

As you dip your toe into WordPress, you may wonder which plugins you need. Some add features to the front end of your site. For lead generation, you’ll want a form plugin. For social media engagement, you may need social media sharing buttons and/or icons linking to your social media profiles. Only use those that will help you reach your website goals. Other plugins add functionality to the back end. Although they’re not as fun to think about as the others, they’re even more ...important. The worst can sometimes happen, so it's best to be prepared. One essential plugin will create backups of your website on a set schedule and allow you to easily restore a backup should anything go wrong. Make sure your backups are saved in a different location than your website. Otherwise, if the server crashes, you have nothing to restore. You also need a plugin to protect your site from hackers and malicious bots. A good security plugin will block unwanted visitors and regularly scan your site for vulnerabilities. Other plugins help you improve your loading speed, optimize your content for search engines, or integrate forms with your email marketing service. Most free plugins offer paid upgrades to access premium features and support, which you’ll need to renew every year. But why get your feet wet? Sign up for my Website Care Plan for access to premium plugins that would cost you hundreds of dollars per year if you were to purchase them directly.

What do you do when you’ve got the itch to organize, but your space is already in good order? Why not organize your website? Yes, you read that correctly. Keeping your website organized can make a big difference to how it ranks in the search engines. Digital marketing consultant Geneva Bell has a few tasks to help you get started.

Many of us have been stuck at home for over a year now, and even those who have managed to get away have been quite limited. But with a glimmer of hope on the horizon, we can finally think about traveling again. With that in mind, I’m inviting you to share your travel planning advice with my readers in the next Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival. It’s a great way to generate traffic to your blog and it only takes a minute.

Are you excited about creating your first website? You should be! With all the great website building tools out there, you may be tempted to jump in with both feet, just like the little guy in the photo. Please don’t. Take the time to make some important decisions first, so you don’t get in over your head.... Be specific about things like: * Who is your target market? * Why would they visit your website? * What do you need your new website to achieve? When you’re really clear about this, you’ll have a much better shot at success. In other words, picking a WordPress theme should never be your first step. First, write your content and plan the information flow for your site. Your website design should highlight your message, not the other way around. Figure out the best way to present your content so potential clients will want to connect with you. You can then choose a theme that’s as close to your vision as possible and that lets you easily change colours, fonts, etc. Otherwise, you won’t have much flexibility unless you know how to write or edit code. The WordPress theme repository is the only place you should look for free themes. Although you can find free WordPress themes across the internet, some of them insert malicious code or undesirable links into your site, and it will cost you more to hire someone to clean up the mess than you’d pay for a premium theme in the first place. You might not be able to find a free theme that meets your needs, but don’t despair. Many free themes also have paid or premium versions which include more features. Premium themes usually require you to renew your license every year. This allows the developers to earn an income so they can keep your plugin up-to-date. Avoid theme marketplaces, which sell themes developed by third parties. Some of my clients have run into problems which couldn’t be resolved because the developers were MIA. Whether you’re using a free theme or premium, make sure the one you choose: * is responsive (mobile-friendly) * is compatible with any plugins you’ll be using for key functions like eCommerce, eLearning, etc. * offers good documentation and support * has recently been updated and is compatible with the current version of WordPress * has good ratings and reviews Matching your personal brand and vision to a WordPress theme can be overwhelming, for sure. Partnering with a web designer who can select and customize your theme might be just what you need to get from confused to confident.

My latest organizer interview is with Debbie Rosemont, founder of Simply Placed - Professional Organizing and Productivity Consulting in greater Seattle, Washington. Since Debbie is a Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival Superstar Blogger, I was excited to have this opportunity to get to know her a little better.

Your Organizing Business: Interview with Debbie Rosemont, Certified Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant -

In the latest post in my series covering the key pages of your website, I describe ways to show potential clients how great you are. https://ecs.page.link/NgsFw

Ive been working virtually for 17 years (how is that possible?!?) and have discovered some great online tools for managing client paperwork. I hope youll find them helpful! What apps do you use in your business?

For this edition of the Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival, I asked my readers to share their organizing case studies. Some bloggers described their work with a client or family member while others shared their own organizing stories. If youve ever wondered about the organizing process and its outcomes, youre about to find out!

Your Organizing Business: Organizing Case Studies Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival -

I've been working virtually for 17 years (how is that possible?!?) and have discovered some great online tools for managing client paperwork. I hope you'll find them helpful! What apps do you use in your business?

Your Organizing Business: Managing Client Paperwork when youre not meeting face-to-face -

Have you downloaded your free copy of "5 Things Every Professional Organizer Can Fix on Their Website in the Next Week to Attract More Clients"? https://ecs.page.link/tu3N6

For the next Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival, rather than a specific aspect of organizing or productivity, Im inviting you to share a case study. Case studies make great blog posts because they accomplish so many things at once: They attract readers, showcase clients, educate customers, and show off the benefits of using your business. A case study gives people concrete information they can use and shows the results that your business gets. If youve already shared a case study on your blog, heres an opportunity to get some more eyes on that post. And if you havent, maybe its time you did!

Ive had the honor and pleasure of working with Sue West, Productivity & Organizing Coach for 7 years and have known her even longer. She is a remarkable woman and I wish her all the best as she begins the next leg of her life journey. You can read all about it here: https://mailchi.mp/29344f2a/a-short-story-and-a-longer-one

Your Organizing Business: Tell us your success stories in the next Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival! -

I've had the honor and pleasure of working with Sue West, Productivity & Organizing Coach for 7 years and have known her even longer. She is a remarkable woman and I wish her all the best as she begins the next leg of her life journey. You can read all about it here: https://mailchi.mp/29344f2a/a-short-story-and-a-longer-one

Have you been thinking about creating an online course? My latest blog post will help you get started.

Although September isnt bringing us the new beginning were all waiting for, its definitely a time of transition. In this months newsletter, I share resources to help you and your family get back to school or back to business. https://mailchi.mp/384e28c4db48/2020-08

Your Organizing Business: Creating and selling online courses: what you need to know -

Although September isn't bringing us the new beginning we're all waiting for, it's definitely a time of transition. In this month's newsletter, I share resources to help you and your family get back to school or back to business. https://mailchi.mp/384e28c4db48/2020-08

There are valuable reminders here for all of us!

One of the things I love about my job is the opportunity to work with other professionals. This week I participated in Career Professionals of Canada's first Work-Life Strategist Development Team meeting. Although I've been working on their websites, including their course site, for many years, this is the first time I've been involved in the development of a course. So exciting!

What does back-to-school look like in your area? If you or the students in your family will be learning at home even part of the time, you'll want to check out this months Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival. My readers contributed great tips about online learning, setting up a homework station, and much more. Our sponsor for this edition is Melissa Rogers of Modified by Melissa, who has developed two Back-to-School Guides, including one specifically for Remote School Planning.

Do you have a testimonials page on your website? Its not a bad idea!

Your Organizing Business: Learning at Home Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival -

Do you have a testimonials page on your website? It's not a bad idea!

One of the challenges I faced as a professional organizer was trying to help people who were truly in need of my services, but didnt have the financial resources to budget for even a half-day session. Ive recently blogged about alternatives to on-site services, including virtual organizing and coaching and the creation of digital products, and I know many of you are now offering these options, if you werent already. But for clients who really need a higher level of support, you may want to consider sliding scale fees. Amanda Dodge has given this a lot of thought, and Im pleased to share her insight with you.

Your Organizing Business: How to Create Sliding Scale Fees for Your Organizing Business -

As service providers, sometimes we get frustrated with our clients. Maybe they don't respond to our emails, or complete the work they need to so we can do the work they've hired us to do. One thing I've learned over the years is that in many - maybe even most - cases, it's because we haven't communicated our processes clearly enough. In other words, it's not their fault, it's ours! This is such an important thing to understand and remember that I was delighted to find out th...at Standolyn Robertson had written a book called Managing Client Expectations: A Guide for Organizing Professionals. And I was equally delighted when Hazel Thornton is Organized For Life agreed to write a review of it for Your Organizing Business! Read Hazel's review here: C

As service providers, sometimes we get frustrated with our clients. Maybe they dont respond to our emails, or complete the work they need to so we can do the work theyve hired us to do. One thing Ive learned over the years is that in many - maybe even most - cases, its because we havent communicated our processes clearly enough. In other words, its not their fault, its ours! This is such an important thing to understand and remember that I was delighted to find out th...at Standolyn Robertson had written a book called Managing Client Expectations: A Guide for Organizing Professionals. And I was equally delighted when Hazel Thornton is Organized For Life agreed to write a review of it for Your Organizing Business! Read Hazels review here: C

Your Organizing Business: Book Review: Managing Client Expectations by Standolyn Robertson -

Thank you for the nomination @lindasamuels - you are one of the most supportive women I know. #challengeaccepted #womensupportingwomen #womenempowerment #blackandwhite #blackandwhiteselfie

You don't have to be a designer to benefit from the prizes in this giveaway! Who couldn't use: - Lifetime access to Depositphotos? - $500 in AppSumo credits?... - Pens and sketchbooks? - an ultrawide monitor? - a tablet with stylus? And that's just a few of them!

Back-to-school season is upon us, but things are a little different this year, due to COVID-19. In some areas, schools will not be re-opening but instead will be delivering online education. Even where schools are open, parents may choose to do home schooling, possibly for the first time. Distance education really isnt new, especially for adult students and those in remote areas, but it does require a different approach than attending a physical classroom. For this months edition of the Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival, Im inviting you to submit a blog post about Learning at Home. This includes home schooling, remote learning, or any other form of education that takes place primarily in the home. Please note that you do not have to be a professional organizer or productivity consultant to participate.

You dont have to be a designer to benefit from the prizes in this giveaway! Who couldnt use: - Lifetime access to Depositphotos? - $500 in AppSumo credits?... - Pens and sketchbooks? - an ultrawide monitor? - a tablet with stylus? And thats just a few of them!

Your Organizing Business: Share your best tips for Learning at Home -

Summer. Its got a different feel to it than the rest of the year, and its not just about the weather. And the summer of 2020 has a flavor all its own. This has made it difficult to know what to write about in this month's newsletter, but I hope youll find something helpful here. https://mailchi.mp/d5ed8521d595/2020-07

Over the past few years, Ive attended a number of Better Business Expo trade shows, where Ive made some interesting connections in various industries. One of the exhibitors recently reached out to me about writing a guest post, and I am very pleased to introduce you to Ownr, a company that helps Canadians to start and grow their businesses.

Your Organizing Business: How to Promote and Grow your Business as a Professional Organizer -

Martin Huntbach from Jammy Digital says that "Your shiny new website is not a golden ticket to success. It takes hard work and constant improvement. Your website is simply a vehicle that can help you get there BUT you are the driver." He's absolutely right! Read his article for helpful tips to make sure your website is a success. https://ecs.page.link/Ak1uY

Sometimes it's hard to come up with a blog post. Trust me - after nearly 14 years of blogging I've been there too! And once in a while I've had a little help - yes, I admit it. I've occasionally bought PLR from a quality site like Content Sparks, then tweaked it to use my own voice and examples. Have you tried it? It's very helpful! I've just found about some new bundles that are up to 50% off until Thursday, July 23rd, and if you're a productivity or business coach, I think ...you'll find something here you can use. (Disclosure: this is an affiliate link and I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase.)

Here's your chance for a little shameless self-promotion! If you sell products on your website, add your link to the comments so everyone can see what you offer. If you're thinking of selling products online, or you want to improve your results, check out the tips in my latest blog post.

Sometimes its hard to come up with a blog post. Trust me - after nearly 14 years of blogging Ive been there too! And once in a while Ive had a little help - yes, I admit it. Ive occasionally bought PLR from a quality site like Content Sparks, then tweaked it to use my own voice and examples. Have you tried it? Its very helpful! Ive just found about some new bundles that are up to 50% off until Thursday, July 23rd, and if youre a productivity or business coach, I think ...youll find something here you can use. (Disclosure: this is an affiliate link and Ill earn a small commission if you make a purchase.)

Heres your chance for a little shameless self-promotion! If you sell products on your website, add your link to the comments so everyone can see what you offer. If youre thinking of selling products online, or you want to improve your results, check out the tips in my latest blog post.

Whether youre a material girl who lives to go to the Mall or a minimalist who buys only what you need when you need it, shopping has changed in more ways than we could have ever imagined just a few months ago. Popping out to pick up a few things is no longer practical, due to line-ups, stock shortages, recommendations to minimize outings to the essential, and even store closures. Instead, were shopping online, having items delivered or held for curbside pickup, or heading o...ut to the store with lengthy lists in hand. Being an organized shopper is more important than ever before, and these skills will always be valuable, even if and when things go back to the way they used to be. For this months edition of the Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival, I invited my readers to share their blog posts about Organized Shopping. Read on for tips about grocery shopping, holiday shopping, shopping for organizing products, and even changing your spending habits!

Your Organizing Business: Organized Shopping Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival -

We've all had to be adaptable in both business and our personal lives, especially this year. In what ways have you had to adapt?

Weve all had to be adaptable in both business and our personal lives, especially this year. In what ways have you had to adapt?

A fun look back at the early days of the World Wide Web... If you have any of these features on your website, it might be time for a change!

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Judith Kolberg of FileHeads Professional Organizers and Squall Press. An organizing industry veteran, Judith serves international and national clients, virtually and in-person.

Your Organizing Business: Interview with Judith Kolberg, Organizing Industry Thought Leader, Author, Publisher & Book Coach -