Recapture Your Blogging Zing – teleclass
By · CommentsToday at 1pm I will be giving a guest teleclass/interview for the Conscious Business Tribe, run by Adela Rubio. I’m quite excited to share all the information I’ve gathered over the years…and set people back to zinging along with their blogs. Or if they’re just getting started, then helping them find the zing in the first place!
Conscious Business Tribe
Here’s the brief descrpition from the Conscious Business Tribe website:
Has blogging lost its zing for you? Are you new to blogging and looking for a strong start on the mechanics and the mindset? Join us for a conversation on:
- What to write about to keep your readers coming back for more
- Where to find juicy topics your audience, and search engines, will love
- Creating headlines that hook your readers into engaging your content
Make blogging easy, natural and fun. You’ll not only look forward to blogging, but your blog will have an authentic flair that will serve your readers, build your list, and position you as an expert, etc.
To sign up for the call you need to go here!
Read about the Conscious Business Tribe to see if it’s for you, but make sure you sign up for the class HERE.
Remember…if you don’t have a blog or site set up yet, I can make it a snap – often having you up and blogging within hours. I help business owners and leaders design and implement practical, effective search engine optimization strategies that fit your individual lifestyles…which means you have more time to be and do what you want.
You know…less worry. less hassle. more blogging.
How To Use The Read More Tag in WordPress
By · CommentsTips on using the “More” Tag – often referred to as the “Read More” tag – in your blog posts.
The More Tag is a great way to keep your blog looking fresh and crisp.
It’s important that your blog be as reader-friendly as possible. You want people to find the information they are looking for quickly. That means not overwhelming the reader by forcing them to scroll forever just to get to your next post. The purpose of the non-single-post pages (such as the main blog page, categories page, etc.) is to give the reader a quick overview of the posts so they can select which one(s) they want to read in full.
It usually looks something like this, though you will see it customized any number of different ways.
(Note, this is a graphic of what it looks like, not an actual link to read more.)
The More tag is used to provide an intro to your blog post on your primary blog page or archive pages. It’s a great tool because it allows you to display multiple posts on your blog page without forcing the reader into “scroll” mode.
You’ll find the icon/command for the More Tag on your editor.
(My editor window may look different than yours due to the WP Super Edit plug-in I use.)
To insert the More Tag, simply write your post, then place your cursor where you want the “excerpt” to end so people can click to read more, then click the icon pointed out above.
Keep in mind, you want the opening section of your blog post to be as exciting and enticing as possible so that people will, in fact, be motivated to read the rest of the post. In other words, write your post to lead into the More Tag.
If the phrase “Read More” just isn’t exciting enough, or you want to have a different word or phrase in a particular post, editing the More Tag is quite simple.
First, insert the More Tag following the instructions above.
Then, switch from “Visual” view to “HTML” view in your edit. (You’ll find these tabs at the top right of your editor area.)
Look for the code that looks like this:
Then change it using your custom text so it looks like this (inserting your own custom text where it says “Your custom text”):
This is the easiest way to change the More Tag on a per-post basis.
If you want to use a specific phrase on ALL your posts – meaning it will be a site-wide change – you can change the settings of the More Tag in your theme files.
You can also add images to the More Tag, or simply use an image for the whole thing.
Word of caution, though: Changing the More Tag on a site-wide basis can be a bit tricky because you may have to replace it in several places, and every theme is different. You may also be able to add a hook to your function.php file.
If you aren’t familiar with editing your theme files, your best bet is to have someone do this for you.
If you want to try it out yourself, contact the support forum for the theme you are using to learn exactly where you need to change it. You may also want to view the information in the WordPress Codex on the More Tag.
And, as always, make sure you make a copy of any and all theme files before you start modifying. Otherwise it can turn into quite the nasty mess. 
WordPress Security Essentials – is your site hackable?
By · CommentsWith all the security issues and site hackings you hear about these days, you really need to take steps to protect your site – and your reputation. There are some very simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of being hacked, and some more advanced steps if you feel up to it.
What’s the big deal with being hacked?
It’s more than just an annoyance.
Among other things, a hacker can insert spam links and keywords on your site that will be invisible to you, but major red flags for search engines. When Google finds a site with this content, they drop if from their search engines…along with any ranking you’ve built up.
This slideshow, from Brad Williams of WebDevStudios, is a top-notch training on what to look for (how to recognize if your site has been hacked), how to evaluate the “hackability” of your site, and how to fix any damage that gets done.
(You’ll probably want to click on the menu button – bottom left – and select “view full screen”.)
Let me know your thoughts. And, of course, let me know if you want help with any of this. 
Video Marketing – upcoming program you must check out
By · CommentsAre you trailing behind the video marketing bandwagon?
If you are, I’m right there with you. I use a little video here and there, but haven’t learned all the specifics.
Like you, I’ve heard how important it is to use video in my marketing – and on my blog – but honestly, most people still aren’t doing it.
Do you know why?
It’s because we don’t know how to do it….or, we think it must be really complicated…and mostly because we don’t know where to start.
I’ve seen probably 20 different people try to explain why video marketing is important and how to do it the “easy” way. Only none of the info was what I would call “easy”.
I’ve recently learned that it’s actually quite straightforward and doesn’t require thousands of dollars of equipment and software to get going. And wouldn’t you know it…I learned it from one of my own mentors!
Kim Doyal, one of my favorite WordPress experts (and not JUST because she featured my other site, PersonalGrowthPrincess.com as one of her highly recommended ones) is sharing some new information and secrets about video marketing.
In this video, Kim Doyal, aka The WordPress Chick, shares some staggering facts about
WHY you need to using video to drive traffic to your site and increase sales!
She’s also written a free report which explains why you don’t need to be Steven Spielberg
or spend tons of money to get started! (That’s my kind of plan. 
)
Check out the free video and report here:
Let me know what you think!
Don’t get left behind because you’re not using video.
It’s Alive It’s Alive!…WordPress 3.0 is here
By · CommentsIt’s official – and waiting in your WP dashboard…
WordPress 3.0 is live and rarin’ to go!
If you’ve been a bit out of the loop, here’s a post I wrote about some of the cool new stuff coming in 3.0.
And of course you’ll want to be ready for it – so make sure you take a look at the tips I gave for preparing for the transition. Specifically I recommended using a plugin that helps with the backup process, so you won’t lose any valuable info if things go a wee bit kaflooey.
You’ll probably want to take a look at the official release announcement for a thorough understanding. There is a video from Matt Mullenweg giving a “State of the Word” address, so you can understand where this release fits into the history. You might think that would be too geeky, but truthfully it is really fascinating, particularly given this is all done via open source, with volunteers. Pretty impressive.
And if you’re impressed, and grateful, that you get to use such impressive and constantly improving software for free, consider a donation to the WordPress Foundation.
Here’s a video that demonstrates the newest features and functions of WordPress 3.0.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Oh, and if you are using the themes I recommend, from iThemes, or any of their plugins, you are good to go for 3.0.
Here’s the video:
Let me know what you think!
Are You Ready for WordPress 3.0?
By · CommentsReady or not, here it comes!
Actually, 
WordPress 3.0 will be super-exciting and I can’t wait for it to get here. There are some major changes that will make it easier for the average WordPress user to modify their sites, but if you generally aren’t an “early adopter”, then you may want to wait for the first revisions to 3.0. It has gone through painstaking testing, but once it is out among the millions of users, there are sure to be a few glitches found.
So what do you need to do to get ready prior to WordPress 3.0 being released?
First, if you are not already updated to version 2.9.2, then update lickety-split. (By the way, if you are not using 2.9.2, the latest version that was released 4 months ago, then you are most definitely not an “early adopter”.) While not all hosting companies will make 3.0 immediately available, you want to be in control of what version you upgrade to when. If you make sure you are on 2.9.2 now, you won’t have to worry about jumping from 2.5 to 3.0.)
Second, update all your plug-ins – even the ones that you currently have deactivated. There’s always the chance that you could run into a snag updating your plug-in after 3.0 comes out. If you update now (as in asap), you can rest assured that you have the latest version that works with version 2.9.2.
And third – as always, make sure you are backup your site on a regular basis.
But not just the database – which only includes pages, posts, comments, custom fields, categories, and tags – you also want to back up all your site files on the server.
(For just the database, log into your dashboard, then go to Tools>Export. You will save the export file to your hard drive.)
To back up your entire site, some hosts, like hostgator, have a wizard to walk you through the process in the admin panel (cpanel) – remember you’ll be saving the backup to your hard drive, so remember where you save it.
Or you can use a plug-in like BackUp Buddy.
If you take care of at least those three tasks, you’ll be sitting pretty when 3.01 comes out.
Curious about what’s coming? Read about some of the changes with WordPress 3.0 in this post I wrote, or check out WordPress.org.
Cool changes coming with WordPress 3.0
By · CommentsWordpress 3.0 is on its way soon…
This is a major update to WordPress software, full of lots of exciting changes. Some of the changes are more exciting to developers and designers than anyone else, but there are some that the average user will be thrilled with right away. (Plus you’ll be thrilled with what the developers find exciting, too, because it means they can do that much more for you!)
- a very cool drag and drop menu feature (like on the widget management page) based on the navigation styling from Woo Themes. Not only will it make it easier for you to order what goes where on your menu, you’ll be able to easily combine pages, categories, and even specific posts or other links, on the menu. So if you wanted a link to BasicBlogSetup.com to show up on your site’s navigation bar, you could do it in a snap!
- a new default theme – “Twenty Ten” – way more fun than the Kubrick and Class you’re used to.
- custom background support – so with a teensy addition to the code to the default theme, you’ll be able to upload your own custom background. (Some themes, like many of the iThemes, already have this. But for people using the default theme – and others that support this function – this will be huge.)
- author specific templates – so not everything has to look the same.
- new support for child themes, which may not be relevant for everyone, but will be if you are using a theme like Builder.
- and a Welcome Guide to help users get familiar with WordPress. That should make many new users very, very happy.
There are some other new features, such as the ability to host multiple sites on one installation (sort of like WordPress.com does – there are thousands of sites, all on the same domain, WordPress.com) and Custom Post Types, but the average user won’t get going with these right away.
Release of WordPress 3.0 is anticipated in mid-June, which means any day now! Look for my post this afternoon on how to get ready!
Let me know if you have any questions or need help getting ready.
9 common blogging mistakes and how to avoid them.
By · CommentsBlogs, just like any website, can fail. Here are 9 common blogging mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Not publishing regularly. (OK, I’m guilty of this one, too!)
While it’s helpful to post frequently, it’s even more important that you post regularly. Publishing on a regular basis – whether it’s twice a week or twice a month, helps your readers know what to expect – and when you deliver on what they expect, you become more trustworthy. Find a rhythm that works for you and build it into your schedule. If you are going to be away, write posts in advance and set them up to be posted automatically at your usual time. (For example, this post was published on a Monday, but I wrote it on a Friday afternoon.)
2. Not being focused.
Trying to talk about more than one topic in a single post will confuse your readers and will make your posts hard to categorize. By keeping your posts simple and focusing on one topic at a time, your post becomes more valuable because the reader can understand exactly what you are trying to say. If your post references additional topics, be sure to use keywords to link to other posts that go into more detail. (See what I just did?)
3. Not letting your readers know who you are.
It’s often said that people buy from people. I suppose that all depends on what you are selling, but there’s no getting around the truth that we like to give business to people we know. If you want your readers to connect with your blog, they need to connect with YOU. Let them know something about you. Include an author biography, and preferably a photo to help you build up a relationship with your customers. (Someone recently told me that the “about” page is the 2nd most visited page on a website – after the home page. Something to think about…)
4. Being cutesy vs. having a point.
OK, I’m often guilty of this one, too. Especially on my self-help book summary site. It’s hard to resist being clever. Remember, though, that the headline of your post is sometimes all that shows up up in search engine results and links, so make sure it is attention grabbing and relevant to your post. When you use keywords in your title (and if you’re not, shame on you) make sure they sound natural and help make the point of your post clear to the reader instantly. No one will click on a link to your post if they don’t know what it is about.
(For search engine optimization, including using special titles for search engines, consider using an SEO plug-in.)
5. Getting distracted by other blog projects.
(Seriously, am I guilty of all these mistakes?!) Carried away by the excitement and success of their first blog, many authors rush to start several more. After all, you do have a lot to say, right? Maintaining a blog (reference mistake #2 above) takes time and effort and the quality of your blog will suffer if you spread yourself too thin. In most cases, one high quality blog with regular postings is better than several neglected blogs.
6. Not helping readers understand the context.
Your blog is an ongoing story or conversation – even business blogs. You don’t need to explain your whole story in every post. Instead, refer to previous posts that will help give the back story for people who may not have been following you before. Insert links to the relevant posts, and keep an easily accessible archive of your most significant articles.
7. Not respecting ALL of your readers.
Nobody likes getting negative comments. It can sometimes be upsetting, but try to consider that the author has made the effort to read your post and make a comment on it. You have managed to reach out and make an impact on an individual, even if that has not had a positive outcome. That doesn’t excuse poor behavior, of course. So make sure your response is professional.
Read your post again, keeping the negative feedback in mind. You may find some gems of wisdom in what the commenter said. View all comments as valuable feedback that you can learn from, whether negative or positive.
And remember, you control whether comments get posted or not. Allowing a negative comment to show on your blog can actually build trust with your readers, but if it is particularly vitriolic or contains offensive language, you are not under any obligation to approve it.
8. Not doing your research.
Getting your facts wrong will discredit your blog in no time. Research your topic – and make sure you double check any facts or claims before you post.
9. Getting too fancy or high tech.
There are all sorts of high tech features you can add to your blogs, including ads, feeds, forms, a gazillion twitter options, and other complex plug-ins. Used properly, these can be a great asset and make your site more useful and user-friendly. But be careful of sacrificing blog quality for technology. Too many plug-ins can slow down the functioning of your blog. Make sure your plug-ins are relevant – double check to make sure the latest updates to your blogging software don’t make them redundant. Remember, as well, that fancy features are like shiny object – distracting you from what is really important – your content. People visit a blog to read the posts so make them your number one priority.
Blogging isn’t just a lot of fun, it is good business. A blog can connect you with your community, drive traffic to your website, or sell products for you. A blog can help establish your brand, enhance your press, and increase your exposure. A blog can even help you build credibility and trust with your target market.
Of course, blogging isn’t as easy as tossing a few unorganized thoughts on the screen and hoping it will work. Blogging involves planning and at least a few strategies. Be smart, avoid these 9 common mistakes, and blog on!
Top 4 Reasons Businesses Should Be Blogging
By · CommentsIf you’re in business, you need to be blogging. Why? Here are 4 of the top reasons businesses should be blogging:
1. Blogging is a great way to build and strengthen relationships and brand loyalty with your customers. Using a blog can help your customers interact with you personally – and even if they don’t actually comment, just reading your posts will help them feel like they know you, your business, and what you can do for them.
2. Using a blog helps you to keep your finger on the pulse of your business. The feedback you get through comments and emails (or the lack of feedback!) helps you know what your customers are relating to and when you are on (or off) target. It also makes it super easy for them to respond to suggestions you make or products you are sharing.
3. A blog is an ideal place to showcase the talent and expertise within your business. Many business owners tell me that the posts that get the most, and most immediate, response are the ones that share something personal about the person or people behind the business.
4. Blogs can increase your search engine ranking. Search engine marketing has a very low cost per lead and a high return on investment. Take a look at some of the other articles on search engine optimization and how to use keywords.
p.s. People find short blog postings easy to read, and if they find them useful and informative they are more likely to trust you and buy other products.
Is the iThemes team really that nice?
By · Comments
Cory Miller & me at WordCamp Raleigh
Today at WordCamp Raleigh I got to meet some of the team from iThemes: Cory Miller (founder) and Matt Danner (developer); as well as Benjamin Bradley, one of the instructors at Web Design University. iThemes is the company that created so many of the themes I recommend
In addition to a reputation for easy-to-use themes and outstanding support, the team at iThemes has developed a reputation for being, well, nice. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. Cory Miller is the leader of the team, and if a company really does take on the style and personality of the leader, then they’re in great shape.
And in this internet world of less personal touch and “who’s really behind that website?”, it’s refreshing to know that yes, indeed, there are some genuinely nice business folks out there.
p.s. don’t be concerned about Cory’s cheesy looking grin – he’s actually laughing. 
Sign up here to get your FREE Blog Planning Guide!
