The Toughest Website to Build…

…is always your own.

I’m currently working on another re-launch of LiftDevelopment.com. The first launch was in early 2008 when I first went full-time with the venture, version two was released August 2010, and this will be version three.

It’s crazy how after just 12 months I feel like the current site is completely out-dated and my capabilities as a web developer have improved immensely. I think a big part of it is just the evolution of WordPress (my platform of choice) and my switch to doing 99.9% of new website projects on the Genesis framework. Genesis really allows me to add in a lot of useful options into a new client website right from the start.

Oh yeah, and the current version of my own website is NOT running on Genesis. I almost don’t know what to do without all the options that Genesis provides. That being said, version three WILL run on my framework-of-choice.

Overall, I have a few goals for the new site:

• A cleaner, more simple design and layout. I’d like my portfolio to do the talking and I don’t want to distract from that. In fact, I’m going to make it so the newest additions to my portfolio are featured on the home page. I think that’s what potential clients really care about seeing.
• Less of the “we”, more of the “me.” I realize that the current version of LiftDevelopment.com uses a lot of third-person lingo when talking about the services I provide. Let’s get real: This is a one-man business. Yes, I team up with other folks on a regular basis but Lift Development is my company. I’d like this site to seem more personal since clients are working directly with me throughout the process.
• A responsive layout. I’d like this website to look great on your desktop PC. I’d like it to look great on your iPhone. I’d like it to look great on your iPad. Not only that, I’d like it to be easy to navigate and read on any device you can dream up. The next version of the site will respond to the context in which it is viewed and adapt accordingly without creating a bunch of separate versions. Read more about responsive web design.
• Even easier to update. When I launched version two of the site on WordPress, it was already easier to update than the first version. However, with features in WordPress like custom post types, posting the latest project that I’ve completed or the newest client testimonial should only become easier. And the quicker it is to post, the more I’ll do it (based on past experience).
• More video. I’m a firm believer in the power of video to build trust and reputation with your target clients. I’d like to get back to using more video with my business in the same way that I do on my other blog and video podcast.