Publishing a layer package or symbolizing a shapefile?

[ChrisMathers]

Can I publish a layer package? We just started a trial of AGO and I uploaded a layer package but cant make a service out of it. I uploaded a shapefile and made a service but even if the lyr is in the zip with the shapefile it does not symbolize the way I want. Should I make a map package and try to make that into a service?

[JonathanQuinn]

Do you have ArcMap 10.1?  If so, you can sign in using your ArcGIS Online account and then create a service directly from your MXD by going to File > Share As > Service.  This will preserve your symbology, labeling, etc, as well as allow you to create hosted map services, along with hosted feature services.  You can't create a hosted service out of map or layer packages.