The latest and greatest version of WordPress, version 2.8 “Baker” is now available. 2.8 represents a nice fit and finish release for WordPress with improvements to themes, widgets, taxonomies, and overall speed. Following is a quick video overview of everything in the new release:

Wordpress keeps on getting better. They make it easy for just about anyone to have a web presence without having to shovel out the big bucks.
Read more about it from http://wordpress.org/development/2009/06/wordpress-28/

Let me start of by declaring that I once provided full service, custom development and web design for small businesses.  Now that I provide self-serve business solutions through the Go Smart Solutions brands, I can speak confidently from both sides of the table.   Most small businesses do not need a custom developed website.  There are so many self-serve tools online that empower small business owners to create their own online presence (WordPress, ClassifiedFlyerAds, Squidoo, Social Networks, etc.) without paying big bucks for custom work.  All small businesses really need is to be educated on how to use these tools.  Once they learn about the technology and how to “serve themselves”, they will be able to take their business to a whole different (and higher) level.

Here are the three main reasons why I feel small businesses should learn to serve themselves:

Empowerment

Nobody knows your business like you do.  Using self-serve online solutions for your business puts the power in your hands.  You have the control and can make decisions on what is best for your business.

Education

You might be surprised at just how much you can learn when you start using tools that are readily available.  You will learn about online marketing, SEO, advertising, technology and so much more that your competitors don’t know about. It will take a little time and patience, but the payoff will be huge.

Economics

You will save BIG.  And when I say “big”, I mean thousands of dollars or more.

In order to make “self-serve” work for your business, all you need is initiative, a plan, and determination. The effort you put in to learning to effectively “serve yourself” will pay off in more ways than one, and lay the foundation for a lasting change in your business.