Initial Start Up Tools you will need to do your own Wordpress SEO-rific WordPress site.
1. A domain and hosting provider that will allow you to make edits to the code.
For my domain purchase I used GoDaddy. They are reasonably cheap and though their site is way too cluttered and tacky, I have been happy with their service. They are quick and I have not had any disputes or errors with my account in two years.
My hosting provider is a small local company, Noise.org. It is run by a friend of mine, and while not perfect, the price is great, I can muck and blow up the code as often as I like and… When I really scramble something I’ve got a friend I can call to help me out. I’m not sure about Go Daddy’s hosting service. Often large discounting companies will have terrible support options. Before you use them for your hosting try calling Go Daddy for support on your domain registration and see how long it takes. It’s always best to be informed.
2. An FTP client to transfer stuff up to your website.
I use Cyberduck on the Mac and Core FTP on Windows.
3. The free install package for Wordpress. After you get your Wordpress site up you will need to pick a design (WP theme gallery) and gather any plugins/apps you need to do your work. (WP plugin page) And if you want a quick eye opener about where we are headed, check out this page of Google-Related plugins. All free for the taking. All with developers continuing to improve their funtionality on a regular basis. It’s like our own SEO IT lab working on tools to make our jobs easier. [Maybe I should go make a few paypal donations to these folks. Okay, more on that later.]
4. An idea that you would like to promote. (It really helps if this is an idea you are passionate about, because you will need to be writing about it in your posts.)
5. A txt editor to modify the php and html files. I like TextWrangler on the Mac and Wordpad on the PC.
6. High-speed internet connection (low-speed will drive you nuts for this)
