Is Your Blog Effective?
September 17, 2009
Ok so you have a blog – like most other smart business owners out there, but how come some blogs seem so much more prominent than others?
When was the last time you checked your site for it’s effectiveness? How do you know whether or not it’s effective? Is there something missing from your blog that you aren’t aware of?
All of these questions probably bounce around inside your busy mind from time to time. But for some reason there are people who choose to ignore these thoughts because it seems so daunting to actually sit down to do. You’d have to research all of the criteria for the effectiveness and then apply it.
Well here’s a few things to start off quickly in your new quest and get you analyzing your blog in a new way:
- Check your page ranking whether it’s in Google or Alexa. Then check your competitors. Where does your site rank in comparison?
- Do you have a Google Analytics account? Have the stats sent monthly to you and compare it with that month’s activities (keeping a record of this on the calendar helps) to see what is working and what isn’t.
- Is your content useful/intersting/important to your target market?
- Are you using the latest plugins?
- Is your blog social media friendly?
After you’ve checked these points you’ll no doubt have some work ahead of you but isn’t your blog worth it?
Still wondering if Social Media Marketing is worth it?
September 6, 2009
If you’re still wondering if Social Media Marketing is a worthwhile venture for your business – check out the YouTube video by socialnomics09 below. The stats alone are staggering! This video will definitely have your brain thinking in a different direction if you’re not already on the smm wave.
Choosing your Wordpress Theme Wisely
June 1, 2009
So you’re ready to pick a theme for your Wordpress blog. Where do you look? What do you look for?
All these questions seem to fly right out of your head (not to mention the time) as your eyes flow over the numerous choices that you have in paid-for and free themes. But be careful! Because what your eyes feast on today; could be what they’re sore from looking at tomorrow.
Now I’m not talking about being tired of looking at the theme. I’m talking about customizing the theme and getting it to function the way you thought it would when you first looked at it. Not everything is as it seems when first looked at. The best advice I would give anyone about choosing a theme would be to find one with the layout that is closest to what you are are looking for as in most cases the colors/graphics can be changed. You need to carefully read the description of the theme and find out what comes with it. It may be required to add some plugins that you didn’t think you had to.
The next piece of advice which is equally as important is check out the forums where these themes are offered. What are other people saying about the theme? Is it difficult to work with? Is there a common issue that most people are suffering with? This also applies to the plugins. Read or find out as much as you can to see if it’s going to be worth the time it will take you to work with it.
You’ll be glad you did and you’ll be better informed as to what kind of theme you’re really working with.
Getting My Blogsite Created
March 28, 2009
Getting my blogsite created was a process – one that needed time and attention to detail. It was a learning lesson and boy did I learn!
I was looking forward to having a blogsite so much I didn’t realize the steps involved that were required to do so. It was kind of like wanting to move but forgetting that you have to pack, find, sell and buy a house.
Before I could do anything I needed to find a host. One that had the requirements to host a Wordpress blog. According to Wordpress the host needs to have PHP version 4.3 or greater and MySQL version 4.0 or greater. It also helps immensely to have a host that is capable of performing the “one-click” install otherwise you better be a wiz at monkeying around with the folders that contain the website.
Now there are numerous hosts availble with a list of them on the Wordpress.org site. However I wanted one that was Canadian. I found Host Papa who not only was Canadian but also offered the “One-Click” install.
The next step was finding out the login information for the Domain Name Server which I contacted my current host for. This is important because if you don’t make the correct changes in the DNS the domain will not be moved to another host. When I logged in I checked to ensure that the domain name’s privacy setting was not locked in private mode and then proceeded to change the domain name servers to reflect my new host. The new server names can be obtained from your new host.
While I waited approximately 24 hours for the changes to take place I researched how my new server was going to host Wordpress. Because Host Papa uses Fantastico in their cPanel (the administration area for my account) the “one-click” couldn’t have been easier. Once I downloaded the Wordpress.org file I logged into my domain account, selected the appropriate blog and literally clicked the button.
Once I had my domain moved over to the new host , the Wordpress files intact….then my fun began.
I researched the different Wordpress themes available and picked one that I loved. I felt completely liberated and energized by this functional and easy to use format. What a difference from making changes on the page and uploading via ftp! Now bear in mind that not all Wordpress themes are created equal. Some are free and some are not. I picked a theme from iTheme and paid for it….and yes it was worth it! Every bit of the process!
