I just met with a potential client and one of the tasks he needs is his website updated on a regular basis. His website was developed in Dreamweaver, I do not know code or Dreamweaver. I promosed I would look into how difficult it would be for me to pick up these skills.

I am not trying to sell him on this I was clear that I did not know Dreamweaver, but since all of my ohter skills fit his needs he is willing to work with me on this.

Any suggestions - experences - etc appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Barbara

Dreamweaver allows you to visually put sites together as well as code. You can view the site with both the code and design mode turned on so you can see how your site is actually put together. The basics of Dreamweaver is starting off by creating tables, then insert your images and text into each of the tables. It's similar to how you place data into tables within a word document. The difference is that all the elements in your file need to be activated to connect to other links or files that the client may want. There are a lot of tools within Dreamweaver that automate this for you. Here are some basic tutorials for Dreamweaver: http://www.adobe.com/support/dreamwe...ial_index.html you can probably go on youtube and find a lot of tutorials there as well. Good Luck.

Lily is correct that Dreamweaver allows you to visually work as well as with code. It is like building blocks, you take what you like and insert it here or there.

But, in your case you will be working with a site this already up and running. This is much easier than starting from scratch. With his site you will use FTP to download the site files, update the pages and then FTP it back up to the site control panel.

If you are not able to do all of that, you could also sub-contract that particular job out to some one who can work with it and you would be the one sending your sub-contractor the information to update.

Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Hi Barbara,

I have been designing and updating websites for almost the last 9 years and I first learned Dreamweaver when I was in school. While it is a great tool for some, I find that Dreamweaver tends to add a lot of unnecessary code to the web pages -- so while you can most definitely work in Design mode as mentioned above, it is a very good idea to have a good understanding of HTML and CSS too. In fact, I think that is probably where you may want to start.

VAF has had several chats that teach HTML and CSS. Here is a link to the Website Coding section of the forum: http://www.virtualassistantforums.com/website-coding

Once you have a good understanding of HTML and CSS, then working in programs like Dreamweaver will be a walk in the park Actually, if you obtain a good solid knowledge of HTML and CSS, you won't even need Dreamweaver to make website updates. I never use Dreamweaver to do this type of work.

Good Luck and congratulations on the business lead.

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Barbara, The ladies above are correct about Dreamweaver, I've been using it through many versions and can't imagine trying to "pick up" the program without some coding background, especially the complex program it is today. Now just because his site was created with Dreamweaver, someone with HTML skills could still update his site without too many problems, but by not having both you'd be on a pretty steep learning curve.

Don't let your lead get away, outsource that little bit regarding the site updates. HTH

Cheers!!

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Bernice
Energy Virtual Assistant

Thanks to all! I feel better already!

I know what you mean The VAF truly has a big heart with all of the VA's that offer advice and guidance.

I know that hiring a sub-contractor will not be easy but you can always ask Collette, she runs the VA Subcontractor's Road To Success group here on the VAF.

I am also very happy to hear you have had a client consultation already! That must have made you feel exceptionally happy

Take care,
Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Hi All,
I just heard that the potential client decided to look for someone with "professional services experence" - I thought I had that - oh well NEXT! I did get a great free lunch!

Was that before or after you told him your rates??

I live in NM too and they are hard on the rates department. They want to pay minimum wage or less if they can get it. And they can if they new about Guru and Elance.

But, do not fret and don't get discouraged. You will do just fine and more inquiries will come your way

Best,
Andrea~

Originally Posted by Barb812

Hi All, I just heard that the potential client decided to look for someone with "professional services experence" - I thought I had that - oh well NEXT! I did get a great free lunch!

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Barbara,
Don't be discouraged because a client went another way. We learn our best lessons this way. One day you'll be the one turning a client away. By the time he realizes his mistake and calls back, you'll have learned coding and Dreamweaver.

Cheers!!

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Bernice
Energy Virtual Assistant