Be a better Craft CMS developer right now.
Masuga Design has developed sites on Craft CMS since 2013. I'm sharing everything we know about setting up Craft projects and versioning them with Git. We have continually refined our approach from one project to the next, and now you can immediately benefit from our trial and error by reading The Guide to Craft CMS Development.
Make More Money With Craft
If you can competently and efficiently produce a solid product and market your Craft skills with confidence, you're going to be able to charge more money for your services. Our average project quote has grown significantly over the last few years, and our efficiency in setting up Craft projects means we are more profitable on those projects.
I believe after reading this guide you'll feel confident enough to charge what you're worth, and be more efficient so that each project nets you more profit.
Separate Yourself From the Cruft
Your client isn't just buying a Craft site - they're buying a better version of themselves - and they're trusting you to deliver. So what separates you from any other Craft developer? It's the details. With my practical advice on efficiently setting up and deploying Craft projects, you can turn out your best work and make your clients sing your praises.
Topics Covered In The Craft CMS Guide
How can I get a site up and running quickly? How should I structure my project? What security measures can I implement? How can I best customize the CMS for the client? I answer these questions and more by drawing from our experience developing with Craft.

Project Organization
I show you a sensible way to structure a Craft site for secure, no-nonsense development. It's the method Masuga Design uses to build Craft sites.

Version Control
How do you version control a Craft site with Git? What should you ignore? I answer these questions and more.

Multiple Environments
Config settings, environment variables, and .env files. A setup for working locally and deploying remotely that isn't overly complex.

Resources
From Craft Stack Exchange, to Mijingo, to Craft Link List and beyond, I discuss various Craft resources and their relative merits.

Automating Installs
Save a ton of time and whip up new Craft sites very efficiently by automating the installation and setup process. I share how we start new Craft projects. You're sure to learn something new!

Coming from ExpressionEngine
Many ExpressionEngine developers have taken an interest in Craft, just like us. For those people, I have a whole section of info that contrasts and compares the two systems.
The Early Word on the Craft Guide

I’m blown away by how useful, well written and worthwhile it's been – it’s already leveled up my Craft game by an astonishing amount. Many thanks for an excellent guide!
—Sid O'Neill, Developer
Huge congrats to @masuga for getting this out! Just got my copy & I’m stoked to dig in to see where I can improve my own #CraftCMS projects
—Paulo Elias, Developer
THANK YOU for the guide. Already implemented several things to our basic build.
—Jae Barclay (@ejaedesign)
Having read @masuga’s Guide to #eecms, if you’re working with #craftcms, would recommend you go here gomasuga.com/craft-cms-guide #craftcmsguide
—Andrew Armitage
Looks interesting: gomasuga.com/craft-cms-guide from @gomasuga - The EE version was excellent, more of the same please. #craftcmsguide #craftcms
—Johnnie|Moylan
Looking forward to the new @CraftCMS guide from @masuga .. keen to learn this CMS #craftcmsguide
—Ryde DigitalTweeting about the Craft guide? Use hashtag #craftcmsguide
What People Have Said About Ryan Masuga's Guide to ExpressionEngine Development

Just read the first chapter of @masuga book on EE and Git. Definitely a good read. Highly recommended http://eeguidebook.com/ #eecmsguide
—Sean Smith (@CS_sean)
I enjoyed your guide for EE2 - there were some parts that were far more useful for larger sites than I generally work on, but I like the knowledge!
—Steph Boudreau, Developer
The guide was helpful, especially git sections and your config setup.
—Randall Ward, Developer
Yes, I’m lame and boring, but the #eecmsguide is one of the best things I’ve purchased for my business since my Mac Pro (and cheaper too!)
—Todd Richards (@wbdzynr)
Found the guide really useful thank you – still referring to it as we try to reduce some of the 'technical debt' on our early sites.
—Andrew Armitage, Developer, A Digital
The Guide ExpressionEngine Development has been an invaluable reference for me. Developing new sites got a whole lot easier and I still reference it regularly before, during and after development.
—Joe Bibby, Developer, Visual YetiGet the Guide to Craft CMS Development
Basic - $49
You'll get a 165 page PDF with your order.
165 page PDF. No nonsense stuff!
Changelog for the Craft Guide
Version 2 (June 22, 2017)
- Clarified keeping .git directories on the production server (whether in public folder or above webroot)
- Fixed numerous typos. (Thanks for Andy and Jae for pointing those out.)
- Improved the Table of Contents (It now showschapter names, and they're clickable right to the chapter)
Version 1 (June 16, 2017)
- Initial release!
© Copyright 2018 Ryan Masuga. All Rights Reserved.
The Guide to Craft CMS Development is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pixel & Tonic, Inc.