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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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February 17, 2016

The Other Side of Blogging

“I just want to make the pretty things and write all of the words!”

That was my lament to a group of precious blogging friends a couple of weeks ago when I was up to my eyeballs in issues with what we refer to as the ‘back-end’ of blogging. It’s the side of things that we very rarely talk about in blog posts and for good reason. It’s not pretty. In fact, a lot of the time it’s downright ugly. Kind of like my own back-end. šŸ˜‰

Years ago, when I began blogging, I had NO idea how much technical jargon would soon be apart of my life. It wasn’t long before words like HTML and SEO and cPanel were apart of my regular vocabulary and when my son asked ME instead of his dad to help him with an online coding class I knew that I had reached a new level. And I may have gloated just a bit.

The fact of the matter is that in order to be successful at anything we do, we have to put effort into learning everything we can about it. I really just want to do projects and write stories but that’s not all there is to this blogging thing. So, begrudgingly, I’ve had to learn more about the technical side. But, most of the time, it’s been a lot of trial and error. Actually, there’s probably been more error than anything else.

When we began blogging, most of our connections were with other newer bloggers and we were all trying to figure out this thing together. What we really needed was someone who understood the technical side AND was a blogger as well.

What we really needed was Lesley Clavijo and her new e-book ‘What the Tech?’.

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Whether you are brand new to blogging or have been at it for years, you know that what you need most is for someone to demystify the technical side and put the power in your hands to manage your blog yourself.

Lesley breaks things down into very easy to understand steps covering everything from blog design to coding. And, as a blogger herself, everything is written in a language that all of us can understand. We cannot say enough about how much she has helped us over the years and how grateful we are for her wisdom and expertise.

There are 3 different packages you can purchase based on your needs; Basic, Advanced and Master. You can read more details about these packages here.

But today you can enter to win a FREE Advanced package worth $75.

The master package includes:
  • 280 pages of blogging basics, advanced blogging technical tutorials, branding, logo design, coding, resources and much much more. Plus lifetime Ebook Updates
  • 150+ technical, social media and blogging terms defined and explained. Written in a tone that is easy to readĀ and understand. Lifetime Glossary Updates.
  • 10 page Blog Essential Workbook which includes: password log, blog design checklists, blog set-up checklists, maintenance guide, Ā HTML cheatsheet and Adobe Illustrator shortcuts and more. Lifetime Printable Update
  • Access to the Exclusive ā€œWhat the Tech?ā€ Facebook community where you will have a supportive and moderated environment where you can discuss blogging technical questions. Membership in this group also gives you access to free live trainers offered periodically. These trainings will only be available to MasterĀ Level buyers. The Facebook group will be one of your most valuable resources. Lifetime Updates.
  • 15 master level tutorial videos
  • 5 blogging basic tutorial videos
    • Blogging Essentials
    • Buying A Domain
    • Set Up Hosting
    • Install WordPress
    • WordPress Basics

what-the-tech-Advanced-Package-Giveaway!

Enter here to win

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Making the pretty things and writing words from my heart are my favorite parts of blogging. But, oddly enough, I’ve often felt the most successful when I’ve tackled the challenges that are the most intimidating and conquered them.

And we’re so grateful that we’ve had Lesley to help us tackle those challenges! Visit her blog, Chaotically Creative, for more techie tips along with fantastic DIY projects, crafts and recipes.

(This post contains affiliate links but all opinions are 100% my own)

29 Comments Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: review

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paula@SweetPea says

    February 17, 2016 at 3:37 AM

    My biggest challenge is time. I have ideas but since I work, very little time to execute them.

    Reply
  2. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    February 17, 2016 at 3:54 AM

    I sure wish I’d had this book when I started out, but I’ve found it to be a great resource for tending to some of those back end issues now!

    Reply
  3. Hope Williams says

    February 17, 2016 at 4:07 AM

    I knew there were things that go on behind the scenes that were not so pretty or fun! There always is in most anything anyone does. But once you learn how to swing at those curve balls, you are in the game! When you conquer hitting those curve balls, you can win the game! I have tossed around the idea simply because less than $700 a month on disability just does not cut it. The income would help us so much. But…… Kudos for not giving in and thank you for all you give. You both are a class act and I feel blessed for having found y’all! Blessings to you both, Hope

    Reply
  4. heidi @ Decor & More says

    February 17, 2016 at 4:49 AM

    The techie stuff is absolutely my biggest challenge! Thanks for hosting!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  5. Tracey B says

    February 17, 2016 at 5:42 AM

    My biggest challenge is getting started. I am so overwhelmed by the technical aspect (even though it don’t consider myself technically challenged) that I feel intimidated about taking the plunge. Content is not a problem – I just need to not feel like I’m walking in the dark!

    Reply
  6. Diane | An Extraordinary Day says

    February 17, 2016 at 6:17 AM

    “The unknown.” And seriously… stuff like coding and other technical jargon is pretty much the unknown for me. How I managed to set up a blog and run it all these years pretty much amazes me. God is good. I would love a resource that puts the coding info and details before me so I don’t have to search through “boards” and endless posts for my answers, always wondering if I’ve got it right. My fingers are crossed for a win.

    Have a blessed day!

    Reply
  7. Jann from Newton Custom Interiors says

    February 17, 2016 at 6:42 AM

    The technical part of blogging is definitely my biggest challenge! I am an older blogger (55 years old), and so I didn’t grow up with all of the technology that we have today, including computers. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  8. Sharon says

    February 17, 2016 at 6:57 AM

    My biggest challenge is photography

    Reply
  9. Heidi @ SimpleeThrifty says

    February 17, 2016 at 6:58 AM

    The tech stuff is mt biggest challenge because it’s so time consuming!

    Reply
  10. Mia says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:12 AM

    I realize there’s a whole ‘nother world out there in the technicalities of blogging that I know precisely zilch about– would love to read and learn. šŸ™‚

    Reply
  11. Emily @ Table & Hearth says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:20 AM

    I’ve been needing this very thing for so long now! So happy someone put it all into a book šŸ™‚ Thanks for the giveaway!!

    Reply
  12. Lesley says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:30 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing and hosting! You and your sis are the best! Good luck to everyone entering.

    Reply
  13. Deborah says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:37 AM

    The back end kills me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I entered but it only gave me ne option to leave a comment. I will have to o back and check to see if there are more ways to enter cause momma needs this šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 17, 2016 at 8:12 AM

      Hey friend! I just went in and added another entry option! I’ll be going through and letting all of the entrants know. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. Regi says

    February 17, 2016 at 8:49 AM

    Hmmm….this sounds right up my alley. As a newbie to the blogging world, I find that the technical side is what gives me the most grief. I may have to check this out! Thanks for the referral!

    Reply
  15. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    February 17, 2016 at 9:05 AM

    I’m debating the switch to WP so this would be a huge help!

    Reply
  16. Jaclyn says

    February 17, 2016 at 10:20 AM

    My biggest challenge right now is organizing my time. With 2 kids – 4 and 1, life is chaotic to say the least! I find it hard to sit down and focus on the back end of blogging, like getting the “perfect” look that I want for my blog. Trying to pick it back up after a long break, and I’m finding SO MUCH has changed in the past few years.

    Reply
  17. Sarah says

    February 17, 2016 at 11:18 AM

    I could really use this so I stop bugging Vanessa with all my questions! šŸ˜‰ The hardest part is knowing all the tools to get visitors, subscribers, and subsequently advertisers and sponsored posts. Also, what to charge for reviews and ad spots is all confusing, as well as the legal info to put on the website.

    Reply
  18. Diane Mansil says

    February 17, 2016 at 1:39 PM

    New to the blogging thing and it’s all mystifying for now.

    Reply
  19. Beth Ann says

    February 17, 2016 at 2:25 PM

    I think my biggest current struggle is definitely the technical side! I have drop offs galore at my site, so I need to drop my bounce rate and keep them around!

    Reply
  20. Janis Stufflebean says

    February 17, 2016 at 2:56 PM

    I have wanted to blog for years. Just too intimidated by the tech “stuff”!!

    Reply
  21. Tammy says

    February 17, 2016 at 7:01 PM

    Going blog tech broke…I really could use a book like this.

    Reply
  22. Gillian says

    February 18, 2016 at 6:49 PM

    My biggest challenge is setting up my website! It is so much harder than I thought! This book would be such a help!

    Reply
  23. Sandie Luck says

    February 18, 2016 at 7:40 PM

    WOW!! What a resource for those of us wanting to learn the nuts and bolts of blogging!! Thank you for sharing!
    Joyfully…~Sandie

    Reply
  24. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 19, 2016 at 6:14 AM

    My biggest challenge is definitely the tech part….I have to hire someone to assist me….hey, I learned to type on a manual typewriter and have never had any computer training…so I am so tech challenged!!
    This book/source sounds amazing!

    Reply
  25. Judy E says

    February 21, 2016 at 7:05 AM

    I have tried, unsuccessfully, to keep a blog going. Frustration has stopped me every time. With this resource, I think I could do it, at least a whole lot better than on my own!

    Reply
  26. Maria says

    February 22, 2016 at 7:11 AM

    I am literally just starting out and my biggest issue is getting it all together.

    Reply
  27. Susan says

    February 22, 2016 at 4:56 PM

    My biggest challenge is just doing it. The technical stuff makes me a little anxious, but not nearly as much as just taking the plunge.

    Reply
  28. Peggy says

    February 22, 2016 at 9:44 PM

    The technical part is very challenging and so little time to try to filter what I really need to know just to get started would be a blessing.

    Reply

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There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards of your labor! The whole family pitched in to get our bark spread around the yard (I’m the master at raking it until it’s nice and even) and by the end of the day we were all done. Now we can head into summer with our big yard projects completed! šŸ™ŒšŸ» Do you put in fresh bark every year?
Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’ Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’s your favorite thing about this month? Mind can be summed up in this quote…

ā€œIn early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.ā€ John Steinbeck
ā€œNo man is entitled to the blessings of freedom ā€œNo man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.ā€
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Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom and the principles upon which our country was founded. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables t I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables to pit next to our outdoor couch and when I spotted these plant stands at @walmart from their @betterhomesandgardens line I knew they would be perfect…and they are!! šŸ‘šŸ» This is not a sponsored post. I’m just happily sharing this great find and why we should always be open to thinking outside of the box when it comes finding solutions for our decorating dilemmas.

Now we’re ready to head into this beautiful weekend! ā˜€ļø
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But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

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*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ā˜ŗļø We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

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Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
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