Completed Custom Websites and Membership Websites
I listen carefully to every client and create a website or blog that meets their needs. Some I create from scratch or I have replaced outdated websites with a new WordPress website or blog. I help clients set up accounts for hosting their website for as little as $3.95/month, see my Resources page. I set up email services that match their domain name and some clients choose to access their email through a free email client like Google’s Gmail.
I have helped several clients implement MembershipWorks to help manage their membership database, renewals, financial reporting, event registrations and incorporate MailChimp. Here’s my Developer Profile on the MembershipWorks website where you can learn more and read the testimonials from past clients.
Here are many WordPress websites and blogs I have made. Further down I have some examples of Weebly and Squarespace websites too. Some clients manage their websites themselves, others contact me when they need to make updates and improvements. I don’t charge any ongoing monthly fees. I serve my clients only when they need me.
“I have worked with Michelle on several websites for the various projects that we have completed over many years. Michelle provides a personal approach and attention to detail that has worked very well for our business needs. I trust her knowledge and thoroughness to get things completed quickly and efficiently. Michelle did a fantastic job and I look forward to continue working with her into the future. Now that she and Paul have moved to Colorado, its is amazing how simple the process can still be from a thousand miles away!”
– Terry Hartman, Hartman Communities
Websites: WoodlandCreekWaconia.com and HartmanCommunities.com
WordPress Websites and Blogs
- Real Estate Agent Marketing Site
- WordPress website in 2023
- Focus on Blog Posts
- Brand Colors – the body content text, highlight text, headlines and footer all match The Christi Reece brokerage brand colors exactly
Interesting Fact: First website/blog I made after moving to Colorado. This is for my husband so he can share our story of how we researched and eventually moved to Grand Junction, Colorado.
PAUL ASPELIN, Realtor® – MovetoGrandJunction.com
Paul Aspelin is a licensed Realtor® with The Christi Reece Group in Grand Junction, Colorado. He wanted a blog/website where he could showcase the Grand Valley area that encompasses Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. He’s writing posts about the area, tips for homebuyers like facts about property taxes, etc. and offering his services to buyers, sellers, builders, developers and real estate investors. He’s sharing our story about the research we did, why we finally chose to move to Grand Junction, and all sorts of tips and funny stories along our journey that will benefit others. The focus is on the blog posts with just a few static website pages. The focus keyword is “move to Grand Junction” and is used as the name of the website and on many pages and within posts. We are using advanced techniques to increase his SEO (search engine optimization) with this style of content marketing. The site is attracting users from across the United States. Stats are being recorded with Google Analytics and will be used to aid in future blog posts. All photos were taken by Paul or myself to keep it authentic. Please check out movetograndjunction.com!
About Paul Aspelin page
The focus of this website is the blog posts used to generate real estate leads for Paul Aspelin, Realtor.
“Michelle created my website MovetoGrandJunction.com and I am thrilled with the attention to detail she puts in on every project . My website is easy to navigate for the consumer and keeps them reading. She is very knowledgeable about WordPress websites and what is needed to help create content that ranks in Google. I couldn’t be more happy with the results! Thank you Michelle!”
– Paul Aspelin, REALTOR
- Small Business
- Converted Squarespace website to WordPress 2023
- Interesting Fact: CIO Joe Golemo found my services while searching Indeed for a website designer and he’s also an author. I helped him set up a website for his book series.
Impact Group IT Consulting
Joe first called me in 2021 to create a Squarespace website. In 2023, he called again. This time asking to upgrade his website to WordPress. We talked about the elements on his current website and I proceeded to move the content to WordPress. We set up some additional plugins that gave his site more functionality and security. We met regularly via Microsoft Teams to review the progress along the way. Check it out. ImpactGroupIT.com.
“I contacted Michelle to develop a new website for Impact Group on very short notice and with a limited budget. She was able to develop the new site within the allotted time and at the cost she estimated. She did a great job for us and I recommend her highly!” – Joe Golemo, Managing Partner
- Resource hub for organizations serving Minnesotans who want to live at home
- MembershipWorks in 2023
- Website Updates since 2021
Interesting Fact: I got connected to the Living at Home Network when Katie Boller Gosewisch left WeCAB and became their Executive Director in 2021. She has since moved on and I appreciate working with the new Director, Kristin Rigg.
Living at Home Network
I started working for the Living at Home Network in 2021 when their WordPress website needed some updated. It was designed by another developer and still retains some of the original elements. When the new Executive Director, Kristin Rigg, came onboard in 2023, we did some more updates. She was looking for a better way to serve her Program Members and share content on the websites that’s only available to the Members. I immediately thought about MembershipWorks. We talked some more and decided to move forward. In December 2023 we launched the MembershipWorks platform and the Members Only Content pages on the website. I provided Kristin with a training document and video so she can manage MembershipWorks moving forward and make minor edits to the website. Here’s a link to their “Find a Program” page that displays the Membership Directory provided by MembershipWorks.
“Michelle was great to work with. Her solution to our problem was MembershipWorks and it has been a great tool for our member organization. She led us through the process, provided quick response and support and gave us tools to use as we continue using MW. It was the right solution at the right time and we are grateful to Michelle for her work in making our Network more connected.”
-Kristin Rigg, Executive Director
Find a Program page shows the MembershipWorks Member Directory
- Recruiting and Consulting Small Business
- New WordPress website in 2023
- Custom Form
Interesting Fact: My brother-in-law saw Marty’s plea on LinkedIn for help creating a new website. He tagged me in the comments and I connected with Marty. Thankful for LinkedIn!
Pleasant Consulting
Marty Pleasant’s recruiting website was on a very old platform and it was losing functionality. Her previous website designer wouldn’t make updates anymore. Marty reached out to her network on LinkedIn to ask for referrals and we connected through a mutual friend.
Marty wanted a simple website in grey tones to go with her bright red logo. I set up a temporary domain with her hosting provider and we got to work. I transitioned the content from the old site to the new one, making updates, corrections and enhancements along the way. I made a custom form for her Referral Program and I added a couple of new pages as well.
It was a quick project. Marty was responsive when I had questions. We met a lot via Zoom. I launched the new website and dialed in her SEO. Check it out. Her company recruits high tech talent. PleasantConsulting.com
“I was referred to Michelle by a mutual friend. We met over zoom and I explained what I was looking for in a new website to replace my current site. She recommended we use WordPress. She went to work right away creating the new website and we met frequently during the process to make sure everything was on track. She added all the content and made suggestions for improvements. The project went smoothly and I am very pleased with the outcome. I have a professional looking website for my recruiting business. The project was completed on time and within the original proposed amount. I would highly recommend especially if you need help deciding on things.”
-Marty Pleasant, President/Owner/Recruiter
WordPress simple design. Grey tones and red accent color. Limited design elements. Straightforward content.
- Brand New Service Business
- MembershipWorks in 2023
- MailChimp
Interesting Fact: I have a developer profile listed on the MembershipWorks website and MembershipWorks customer service recommended James contact me.
MyOutdoorJoy
I got a call from James Smith. He was nervous. His new WordPress website, with the MembershipWorks platform, was set to launch in a couple of weeks and it wasn’t done yet. His website was done by a friend of his and it looked great, but he was struggling to get the MembershipWorks completed with the MembershipWorks developer he was working with. The MembershipWorks organization referred James to me to help finish the project and I’m so glad they did! James is a JOY to work with and I am fond of his new business helping teach people about getting outdoors camping, hiking, backpacking and even skydiving! I got to work right away as we had a tight deadline and I wanted to finish in plenty of time to relieve the stress James was under. I reviewed the work that had been done so far, made several improvements, finished integrating it with his website including an Event Calendar and several Member Only pages for his Member Announcements and subscription-based Membership Account Management.
His new members are automatically added to his MailChimp email marketing list. I spent time with James over Zoom to make the final edits together and teach him how to manage his new membership platform. He finished adding is wonderful events and it launched on time and his classes and events started to fill up the first week! James serves the Charlotte, North Carolina area but also plans national and international travel trips! Check out MyOutdoorJoy!
Learn about Membership websites I can add to your nonprofit or small business WordPress or Squarespace website.
Website includes Event Calendar and several Member Only pages for Announcements and Membership Account Management.
“Michelle provided the high level consultation and services we needed to get my business up and running. She has available and understood how to create the UX- user experience we needed as an expert in MembershipWorks. I would highly recommend her, if you are looking for a true developer and expert with MembershipWorks.”
-James Smith, MyOutdoorJoy Founder
- Short Term Rentals in Florida
- New WordPress Website in 2023
- Integrated Online Booking
- MailChimp
- Facebook/Instagram Feeds
Interesting Fact: Suzanne responded to an ad I had in the At Home in Victoria newsletter that I published for everyone in Victoria, MN. We collaborated digitally and were able to meet in person to do training.
Palmbay Getaways – Florida Vacation Rentals
Suzanne wanted a better website to promote her Florida Vacation Rentals than what her booking platform offered for “free”. She wanted to be able to add more detailed information about her rentals and make blog posts about things to see and do in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Beach area of Florida. We integrated her online booking software so she can take direct bookings, saving her clients money and increasing her control over the process. She had great professional photos taken of her properties and she took pictures of area attractions and places to go for her blog posts. We added a newsletter signup to build her MailChimp lists and plugins to display her Facebook and Instagram feeds. She’s now well on her way to increased bookings and happy rental clients! Book your vacation rental with Suzanne at PalmBay Getaways!
“Michelle worked with me to develop my direct booking website for my short term rentals. She was extremely easy to work with, very collaborative, made thoughtful recommendations and worked within my budget and schedule. She set up so that I am able to self-manage, or have the option to reach out in the future to add pages and functionality. I am very pleased with the results and would highly recommend.” -Suzanne Schultz, PalmBay Getaways
Eye-catching bright colors attract readers right off the bat to these short term rental properties
- Service provider for nonprofits
- New WordPress Website in 2023
- New Bluehost website hosting account
Interesting Fact: I originally met Tom Struthers when he placed ads in the At Home in Victoria newsletter I published from 2004-2022.
Turnkey Direct Marketing Inc.
Tom was ready for a new website and more affordable hosting services for his consulting business. We set up an account with Bluehost and he brought over the content from his current website. I worked on a new layout and integrated his content into a new WordPress website. I worked with his partner and wife, Kari, to get the content updated to reflect their current services and focus on client satisfaction. They are working on a couple of case studies and testimonials we can add to the website in the future. We worked quickly to recreate the website to meet a specific deadline they had for the conversion. Nonprofits – Give them a call if you are looking to strengthen your donor relationships and grow your nonprofit! Turnkey Direct Marketing
Home page is bold and informative with a call to action at the bottom
- Furniture Consultant
- New WordPress Website in 2023
Interesting Fact: I helped Brett originally in 2014 and in 2023 I made him a whole new website with a current WordPress style.
The Furniture Guides
Brett contacted me because he needed a new website for his furniture consulting business. Not only does he find commercial furniture, seating and systems, but he can help set up a home office as well, with a focus on ergonomic desks, chairs and accessories in addition to storage solutions. We kept the site simple by featuring a few images in each service category. We started from scratch with hosting and domain name at BlueHost and created a WordPress website to maximize his SEO (search engine optimization). We made sure it looked good on tablets and phones as well as desktop computers. The darker background really makes his product images pop! Visit thefurnitureguides.com.
“What a breeze it has been working with Michelle and Mindshare Marketing. My business needed a kick start and Michelle created the flair my new website needed. I have to say, the process was easy and so fast with her. I was also impressed with the detail and speed Michelle had on all aspects of the project. I would recommend Mindshare Marketing and Michelle to any of my clients, family and friends. Thanks Michelle!”
Brett Hoffman, The Furniture Guides
Simple black, white and red website design
- Real Estate Agent
- WordPress website in 2022
- MailChimp
Interesting Fact: My husband, Paul Aspelin, owns Beyond Homes Realty, a small residential real estate company licensed in Minnesota.
Beyond Homes Realty LLC
Beyond Homes Realty is a residential real estate brokerage serving the west metro of Minneapolis. Full disclosure, my husband, Paul Aspelin, owns the company. We wanted a new WordPress website where we could create a blog post for each new listing to increase our search engine optimization. Paul works closely with local developers and I create websites for specific new developments and neighborhoods. It was important to showcase his listings and also explain the type of service he provides to every client every time. We added profiles for the agents who worked with us and links to the professional organizations we belong to as well as a link to our Facebook page.
Update: We moved to Colorado in September 2023. Paul still owns Beyond Homes Realty and is licensed in Minnesota and western Colorado for residential real estate. See the new website I made for him, MovetoGrandJunction.com.
Featured Listing Blog Post
Home page of website describes the services Beyond Homes Realty offers and shows the featured properties and a company video
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Organization
- New WordPress Website in 2021
- MembershipWorks
- MailChimp
Interesting Fact: Check out their Circle 2000 Donation program, a way to recognize when a special donor brings in $2000 to the Rottweiler Health Foundation within 2 years. We used a special Donor Form in MembershipWorks to collect and we can track those donations.
Rottweiler Health Foundation
The Rottweiler Health Foundation found me on the Internet. They wanted help giving their website a facelift and implementing membership software that integrates with their website. They had started the project a while ago but ran into several hurdles. As a nonprofit of all volunteers, sometimes it’s tough to accomplish tasks like this. I made them a new website, full of special donation forms to fit their various giving programs and integrated it with MembershipWorks to make their membership annual renewals easier and we connected it with MailChimp so their email list stays updated automatically. They were thrilled with the new site. I worked closely with the Membership Chairperson and the Website Admin. After I provided training documentation and one-on-one training via Zoom, they are on their way to managing their website and this new platform themselves. It was a wonderful project, I’m glad they found me, I enjoyed helping them. Check it out! https://rottweilerhealth.org
“Our non-profit was looking to move our membership management to MembershipWorks. However, we had issues with several other things and had stalled out. I found Michelle on a google search and contacted her to see if she could help.After speaking with the people involved, she presented a proposal and got to work!!Michelle helped to work through our issues. She was right there, guiding us were we needed it, and letting us get comfortable with MembershipWorks. She also was able to fully integrate our WordPress system, and helped us get all of our other issues taken care of, including updating our website.The Rottweiler Health Foundation is now moving along smoothly with our system. We are hearing good things from our Board and our members. All of the issues were done on schedule and on budget too.As Membership Chair, I am thrilled with how easy it was to work with Michelle. And I know if I run in to any questions in the future, she will be right there to help.” Pat Carkoski, Membership Chairperson
Home Page – starts with a splash with this running Rottweiler!
Learn about Membership Websites with MembershipWorks
Donation Page – Four Individual Donation Programs, all managed online through MembershipWorks
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Organization
- New WordPress Website in 2020
- MembershipWorks
Interesting Fact: They now have an easy way to have members to RSVP for their quarterly meetings and for their members to register for their popular annual Aging & Wellness Expo.
Elder Resource Association (ERA) – South of the River
Thank you to Kathy Quinby-Johnson of Senior Care Authority for referring me to your Elder Resource Association nonprofit group. Kathy and I met previously via Women in Networking and when the nonprofit she is on the board of was in need of a new website, she called me. Thank you Kathy! I worked with her and Mollie and Michele and together we put together a comprehensive list of what their new website needed to include. I recommended they consider MembershipWorks for managing their membership renewals and online Member Directory as well as their event registrations for their bi-monthly meetings and annual expo. We worked quickly to get the site launched in about 30 days, prior to their annual renewal date. Here’s the new Elder Resource Association website. I provided extensive written documentation (Google doc) and they are now successfully managing their website and MembershipWorks themselves. And because of the documentation, it will be easy to hand it off to the next volunteer when their term is up. I help keep this website updated.
Learn about Membership Websites with MembershipWorks
“Michelle did an amazing job helping our group, Elder Resource Association South of the River, design a new website. As we defined the things we wanted members to be able to do on the site, Michelle recommended MembershipWorks as a tool we should consider and then she managed the steps to integrate it with our site. Michelle is great to work with. She listen carefully to her clients, makes solid recommendations to solve their needs and then implements the project with ease. None of us that worked with her are techies, and she made it so easy. We could not have done this without Michelle’s help. I highly recommend Michelle and her expertise for this type of project. Call her! You’ll be glad you did!” Kathy Quinby-Johnson
Home Page – displays Upcoming Events automatically thanks to integration with MembershipWorks Event Management. Events are supplied by the Nonprofit and their Member’s Events, entered by the Members themselves and published once approved.
ERA Membership Directory Page – Managed by members themselves via their ERA Account, thanks to MembershipWorks
- Small Business
- WordPress Website since 2012
- Videos for Website and YouTube
Interesting Fact: Cathy has transitioned her business over the years to focus on exactly the clientele she enjoys working with. When we first met, I went to her client’s location and created several videos for her to explain her business. That was fun!
Changing Lifestyle Solutions
I first started working the Cathy Matrejek, the co-owner of Changing Lifestyle Solutions, in 2012. We started with updating her LinkedIn profile and making multiple on-location videos about her moving services to post on YouTube and Facebook. We updated her website several times over the years, most recently in 2020 when she adapted her services to meet her client’s needs. CLSolutionsus.com is a secure WordPress website with an updated look. We were able to tie in the color of her logo on the website. Since then, we have kept her site up-to-date and enhanced some security options.
I like the design of her WordPress website, very fresh. We have added the logos of her various certifications and memberships within the Moving Industry. I continue to keep her website updated.
“Michelle completely created our business website from scratch after the previous one was hacked. She is very creative, adding videos and pictures that were taken by her. The look and feel of the site is welcoming and easy to navigate. I am very pleased with the quality of her work. Many have connected with me because of her website work. Over the years, Michelle continues to manage the website and offer recommendations. I trust her and rely on her expertise.
Home Page – Left page menu, welcome to the team on the Home page along with a clear explanation of Services.
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Organization
- WordPress Website since 2014
- Google Forms for Volunteers
Interesting Fact: I first met Mary Hershberger Thun (past WeCAB president) when she was the mayor of Victoria. I was very excited that she asked me to revamp the WeCAB website when she started serving on the Board of Directors.
WeCAB
WeCAB is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization driven by volunteers who provide low cost rides to those in need in Carver County and the Westonka area. We created a website that outlines their services and provides an online Volunteer Application form. We make blog posts to connect the media exposure to the WeCAB website. We kept the site simple in design and easy to navigate even though its packed with useful information.
Update: In April 2019 we revamped the WeCAB website. They wanted a new, modern look for their WordPress website so we found a great theme and customized it to match their brand. We added some new elements and a lot more images to showcase their services. New website, same content. WeCAB.org. WeCAB got a new Executive Director in 2021 and I continue to manage the website.
Mary Hershberger Thun had this to say about the WeCAB website…
“I gave a WeCAB presentation to the City of Waconia’s Senior Commission. Susan Arntz, Waconia’s City Manager, was in attendance. I thought you would want to know that Susan went out of her way to publicly compliment WeCAB for our website. She thought it was very thorough and was glad that she had reviewed it. The site provides a lot of information. She was also very impressed that volunteers can apply online. You worked hard on that application; it was noticed!
I want to share Susan’s comments because you have been so great to work with and we all appreciate your work and the little extra things that you contribute to the WeCAB website! Thank you for everything.”
Home Page – includes a video and ways to contribute to the organization.
Squarespace Website
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Organization
- Updated Squarespace website 2021
- MembershipWorks Implementation 2021
Interesting Fact: I was introduced to The Humanity Alliance from my friend, Al Bill, who I originally met when we were both members of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, before it merged with the Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce. Al supports the Humanity Alliance as a volunteer and is focused on their Advancement.
The Humanity Alliance
Established in 2018, The Humanity Alliance is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit who’s mission is to restore love and dignity as they serve our most vulnerable populations. They rescue food, cook and package it, and on Fridays, they deliver multiple ready-to-enjoy nutritious meals. Like most nonprofits, they were struggling with keeping all of their programs and databases updated. We implemented MembershipWorks in 2021 to manage their recipient meal order form and database, we reduced their fees to collect donations on their website, and we implemented a registration for their volunteers in MembershipWorks to keep all the data in one place. We also set up MailChimp for regular email marketing.
They had done a good job creating their Squarespace website when we started working together. I was able to integrate all of the MembershipWorks forms on their existing website. Before we launched MembershipWorks, I also spent some time updating their website to match their current mission. I added a lot more photos and some videos, a few more pages, and updated the navigation to make it easier to find information quickly. Their site serves their meal recipients, donors and volunteers as well as new visitors to the site, so we needed to guide people quickly to the information they were looking for. The Humanity Alliance is now managing MembershipWorks and their own website again and I help on occasion.
Weebly Websites
FriendsoftheVictoriaLibrary.org We wanted a simple, informative website for the Friends of the Victoria Library group that was established in 2014, just before the Victoria Library opened spring of 2015. Since multiple volunteers access the website for updates, we choose the Weebly website builder platform. It’s very easy to navigate and users catch on quickly. This robust little site includes many advanced features like the ability to online Donations via PayPal for this 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, integration with Google Drive to house a folder on the website with historical meeting minutes and agenda accessible to all, email marketing using the free version of MailChimp, print tri-fold brochure for in-Library promotion and marketing videos for a couple of events, specifically the National Library Giving Day campaign done annually in April. They make frequent posts on their Facebook page as well that gets shared by the Carver County Library Facebook page to increase their reach.
Here’s what the FOVL Past President, Theresa Bourdage has to say…
“I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle for 4 years in a volunteer capacity for the Victoria Public Library. Michelle’s attention to detail, wide business network, and marketing expertise were instrumental in helping to launch the Friends of The Victoria Library. Her continued passion for our Library has enabled our group to increase the funds we have raised by initiating the national Library Giving Day campaign for our library, which translated into more programs that we are able to fund for the enjoyment of our whole community!”
More WordPress Websites
- Small Business
- WordPress Website since 2017
Interesting Fact: I made the website when Debby Hartman purchased the business and I updated the site again when she sold it to the new owner in 2023.
St. Boni Organic Bistro
St. Boni Bistro in St. Bonifacius MN. The owners wanted me to convert and update their WordPress website with their new logo and style. Updates were made swiftly and the new site was launched before they reopened the restaurant to the public in 2017. They have since added more content themselves like the restaurant’s menu. Be sure to give them a try! Now all of their entrees have organic ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.
Update 1: we did a complete website refresh in November 2020.
Update 2: Debby Hartman sold the St. Boni Bistro and I did a website review and update for the new owner in December 2023.
- Small Business
- WordPress Website since 2015
Interesting Fact: I also make residential development websites for Hartman Communities, Beyond Homes Realty and Paul Aspelin, REALTOR, licensed in Colorado.
Hartman Communities
Here’s a WordPress website for HartmanCommunities.com. Its a responsive theme with a large slider on the home page and we added smaller sliders on the property pages. They chose a dark background and this theme fit them perfectly. I also launched a Facebook page for them that they now manage themselves. I help occasionally to update their website. They lease commercial retail locations and do residential development.