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CMS Development Guide 2026

The complete field guide for freelance web developers — from first call to final handoff.

Start v1.0 · 2026 Edition

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Revenue tier

Type

About this product

A complete field guide for freelance web developers working with CMS platforms (WordPress, Wix, Webflow, Squarespace, etc.). From first client conversation to final handoff, pricing, and recurring revenue.

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Part 01

Discovery & Scoping

01The discovery call
02Defining the scope

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Part 02

Sitemap Planning

01What a sitemap is (and why it sells)

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Part 03

Platform Selection

01Choosing the right CMS
02WordPress-specific basics

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Part 04

Design & Build Basics

01Page anatomy — what every page needs
02Standard page structures

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Part 05

Essential Functionality

01Forms
02Images, mobile, and speed

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Part 06

SEO Basics

01What SEO is (and what's your job)
02On-page & technical SEO checklists

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Part 07

Domains, Hosting & DNS

01Where to buy a domain
02Hosting: platform vs. standalone
03DNS basics — a quick reference
04Real example — connecting a domain to a WordPress host
05SSL setup

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Part 08

Security & Legal

01SSL, privacy & legal basics
02Backups & WordPress security

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Part 09

Pre-Launch Checklist

01The full pre-launch checklisttest

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Part 10

Client Handoff

01What to deliver at handoff
02The maintenance retainer (the real upsell)

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Part 11

Pricing & Payments

01How to price CMS projects
02Payment scheduling
03Finding clients

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Part 12

Resource Library

01Coming soon

CMS Development Guide 2026

Contents