Saving time always make me feel more productive. But let’s face it, sometimes you have to spend a little time (and sometimes a little money) upfront in order to make things easier for saving yourself a lot of time in the long run. I find this to be especially true when it comes to building out a line of simple client sites. None-the-less, these tips will ultimately save you time.
1. Think through and develop a plan.
Having your ideas and a basic process in mind before taking action will save you time once you actually begin taking action. Researching tools like WordPress, WordPress plugins and WordPress themes can help you to determine a solid foundation from which to build from.
2. Invest in tools that simplify your tasks.
Spending money is always part of saving time. Spend money on things that are built to do things better, faster, stronger – we have the technology.
WordPress is free but some of the associated plugins and themes are not. Invest in only the WordPress plugins and themes that can simplify your tasks or shorten the length of time it takes you to do them. Watch for coupon codes to help offset any costs you do incur.
One example of a premium WordPress plugin is BackupBuddy plugin by PluginBuddy. BackupBuddy is a really helpful premium tool that combines creating backups, the ability to restore sites from backups and/or migrating a complete website from one location to another in a simple step by step process. What used to take at least an hour can now be completed in minutes. And here is your first coupon code: Kerry25 for a 25% discount.
3. Build a prototype site that you can duplicate.
Build a site with WordPress that contains all of the basic function, style and data that you plan to use in every simple site that you want to offer.
Use the famous 5 minute install to get started and add some fun ipsum placeholder type for content. Once you have the basic structure created for the type of simple site you need to recreate for your clients you can clone it and replace your filler content with the client’s specific information.
4. Set up an organized development area.
Having a designated place to go to host your prototype and eventually build out your simple sites will save you time when you are ready to begin building out your first complete simple client site.
Some developers prefer to develop on a localhost. The set up a server right on their own computer. Others prefer to develop on a live but protected area. Another option might be to simply develop completely live and use your development area as a demo at the same time. It is important to not that the best choice, is the choice that works best for you.
5. Create and keep a folder containing up to date copies of your common “must-have” theme or themes.
Developing with a theme that you are comfortable and knowledgeable with will save you the time of having to learn the ins and outs of many different themes. Check out some of the awesome themes on WPMUdev that are available.
Upload this folder of themes to your WordPress prototype site via FTP to save time compared to uploading the themes individually.
6. Create and keep a folder containing up to date copies of your common “must-have” plugins.must have plugins
If you have been developing for awhile, you likely have a list of some top plugins that you always use on every site. If not, a great place to start your research is within this recent WPMU post called The Top 100 WordPress Plugins for Your Site.
Upload this folder of plugins to your WordPress prototype site via FTP to save time compared to uploading the plugins individually.
7. Out source work you know that others can do more efficiently.
Learn to recognize your strengths and your weaknesses. Knowing when you need help and getting it, is going to save you time.
If WordPress installations are not your thing, find someone to do your professional WordPress installations for you. Use tutorials to help you set up your first localhost or hire someone to help you through it.
8. Find and gain access to reliable resources.
Knowing where to go to find help is going to save you time. Asking for help can save a lot of time and can reduce the amount of research you need to do. Just till be sure to do your own due diligence.
The WPMU blog and WPMUdev are fantastic places to start for doing research, finding answers and getting involved in the communities.
9. Learn at least one new thing each day.
Learning a new skill each day makes one less thing you need to research how to do later and can save you time long term.
10. Practice, practice practice!
Using the skills you have regularly can reduce the length of time they take to complete and save you time.
By spending a little money here and a little time there you can develop your very own time saving WordPress system to build out your line of simple client sites fast.
Instead of saving your plugins into a folder (which is practically impossible to keep updated, and takes forever to FTP upload), you can use a plugin like WP Install Profiles. You install their plugin on your website, and using their free service, you can save your favorite plugins into groups. You can then install those groups of plugins on any WordPress install. It simply grabs the latest version of each plugin in the group and downloads and installs it into your WordPress site. Very quick and easy.
Great time saving tip – Thanks Mike!
Does this allow for premium themes and Plugins too or only plugins within the repository?
Only WP Repository, I believe.
Bummer, this could be a deal closer for me. I use too many premium plugins that I consider to be must-have.
Oh, I almost forgot about this service (since I haven’t gotten around to installing it yet). InfiniteWP. It seems it will do what you are wanting, and a lot more.
Infinite WP is a time saving tool however, it is not really designed for use during the initial build of the simple sites.
Infinite WP is an awesome tool for managing a bunch of sites once you have them all created, sold and are now responsible for keeping them updated.
1+ for another way to save time though!
Can’t agree more about the #9: “Learn at least one new thing each day”. If you build up your knowledge every day, do the math: in one year you’ll be pretty good.
That’s exactly why I created the daily wordpress reference: http://dailydocumentation.com/wordpress/ .
Thanks for this post!
The one thing I do know, is how much I really don’t know yet. I just signed up!