Orange Ambition Design

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In the Way That Works for You

8 Go To Resources To Help You Go Pro With Web Design

Want to go pro? Here are eight resources to help you along your path of learning web design.  I’ve included books as well as online links to some great places to learn about topics that will help you with your quest to become better in the field.  One of the best things about working with WordPress is that it’s not necessary to be an expert in things like HTML, CSS or JavaScript; however, having a base knowledge of those types of programming will assist you in repairing bugs and customizing your WordPress themes.

WordPress Resources

Web Designer's Guide to WordPress--Jesse Friedman

Web Designer’s Guide to WordPress–Jesse Friedman | Photo courtesy of Amazon

 

Web Designer’s Guide to WordPress

The first is a book by Jesse Friedman called Web Designer’s Guide to WordPress. This book is beautifully laid out and includes code snippets and a link online to practice what you’re learning in the book.  The author covers planning (including wire frame, which is often overlooked), theme design, building with step-by-step instructions and then launching your first WordPress based website.  It’s available on Amazon.

 

 

WPBEGINNER.COM

This website is stuffed absolutely full of hints and tips to install, run and maintain a WordPress based CMS.  The archives have tips and tricks on everything imaginable related to WordPress.  Totally worth a visit to their site; expect to spend hours going down the rabbit hole of learning! You can visit them here.

EASYWPGUIDE.COM

If you are looking for a written manual which covers A-Z on what WordPress can do, this is your go-to resource.  It’s literally an instruction manual of most everything you’ll need to know in WordPress.  Well laid out, plain language instructions, I rank this as a 5 star resource.  Best of all, it’s free to download their PDF for personal use.  Go see them and take a look here.

 

HTML Resources

HTML5: The Missing Manual

HTML5 Missing Manual by Matthew MacDonald

HTML5 Missing Manual by Matthew MacDonald | Photo Courtesy of Amazon

This book by Matthew MacDonald, called HTML5: The Missing Manual, looks daunting at first glance.  At nearly 500 pages, it’s chock-full of screen shots and well written tips and advice.  This is another book which walks you through from beginning to end about the language and capabilities of HTML5.  Check it out on Amazon.

 

 

W3SCHOOLS.COM

This website is AMAZING!  It covers tutorials on all kinds of programming and design topics.  It has tutorials galore and also includes online tools where you can fool around with the code in editor boxes to see what it will do in real-time.  See the results immediately and even copy the code you just created so you can paste it into your own site.  Go visit them and learn, learn, learn!

 

HTML AND CSS: Design and Build Websites by Jon Duckett

HTML and CSS: Design and Build Web Sites by Jon Duckett

HTML and CSS: Design and Build Web Sites by Jon Duckett | Photo Courtesy of Amazon

 

 

Although seemingly more complex information is presented, it’s done in such a beautiful way, it is easy to learn from.  This book is particularly great for those visual learner types who need photos.  This book is beautiful and brilliant, giving the reader tips on every step of building and styling a web page.  Another great find on Amazon.

 

 

 

CSS Resources

CSS3: The Missing Manual

CSS3: The Missing Manual by David Sawyer McFarland

CSS3: The Missing Manual by David Sawyer McFarland | Photo Courtesy of Amazon

 

This book (yes, can you tell I’m an avid reader!?!) in the Missing Manual series is written by David Sawyer McFarland.  Cascading Style Sheets are what power the look of your website and this resource is a great go-to reference for anything CSS related.  My only wish for future editions of this book is that it had color photos in it.  It’s earmarked like crazy in my library with little tags to remind me where subjects like applying color gradients and transition effects are.  Add it to your shelf by visiting Amazon.

 

 

JavaScript Resources

JavaScript and JQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development by Jon Duckett

JavaScript and JQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development by Jon Duckett

 

You might be getting to the point where you’re a more advanced knowledge seeker and you’d like to know how JavaScript and JQuery work.  This book is a well written reference tool.  It contains an online link to the book with practice exercises and is filled with color images which show both the programming code on one side, and the results of the code on the other side of the page.  It’s a kind of “cause and effect” layout which is great for visual learners and is not over-burdened with complicated explanations.  Digging into this book helps you to understand the “how it works” side of WordPress and web design.  This one can be grabbed here.

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Customer Testimonials

Sherry is very capable, diligent and a bundle of information. I have and will continue to refer her to others. 

Phil H

Owner, Advantage Home Health Solutions

Anytime I have required assistance with my website Sherry has always been able to make the changes or provide me with advice that is very helpful.
David P

Author, Self-Publisher

When I was first introduced to Sherry at Orange Ambition, I was frustrated, disillusioned and stuck. My previous experiences with others designers left me feeling helpless and totally reliant on them, their ideas and their schedule. Sherry, was a like a breath of fresh air in my world. Working with her given me back my inspiration, creativity and vision. I feel empowered again. Another huge bonus, is that she is making suggestion that save me money. I highly recommend giving Orange Ambition Web Design for all your web design needs. Thank you, Sherry, I love working with you!

Carolynne M.

Owner, Living Life In Joy

Sherry’s attention to detail & responsiveness makes her my first choice for web design and IT support. Her consideration for online security and privacy is excellent. Thank you!
Andrew J

Real Estate Agent, CIR Realty

Its been 5 months since I last posted a Review and I just have to post another one because in those 5 months Sherry has been able to mentor and teach me how to get our Ranking up to Number 1 with SEO on Google… Tonight when I went on google and searched in the Red Deer Area we were officially in Number 1 Spot on the Map. Her advice has helped us tremendously!! If you haven’t called Sherry yet WHY NOT?! She’s amazing and has helped us save so much money, while getting the most out of our Website!! Thank You Orange Ambition !!

Kayla C

Owner, West Country Pump & Filtration

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You’ll find Orange Ambition Design to be very responsive. Call, email, text, meetings online or in person. We’ll be there, on time, everytime. You’ll get to feel like our only client with personalized, responsive service.

Affordable Plans & Pricing

We have plans and packages to suit every size business and needs. And with billing by the minute, you’ll only pay for what you use and use every minute you pay for. We’re not lawyers, so we don’t charge like them. Pricing starts at $98/hour. Discounts available on package pricing.

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No charge stage hosting for your project for 30 days during the build and design phase. You’ll be able to check in and see the progress of your website build. Once your project is complete, we’ll help you get set up with affordable web hosting that suits your project and your budget.

Available to new website build projects for any of our clients.