At church on Sunday our pastor talked about weathering the storm. While I will not directly reference anything from the lesson I thought this “weathering the storm” thing could totally be incorporated into post for someone who struggling with blogging. Secondly, while I was with a group of friends (yes I have friends) I happen to witness one of them blast another’s idea about a particular investment. Though I didn’t personally feel the investment was sound, I thought my so called “friend” went overboard when they offered their two cents (probably less than that) worth of advice.

Though both instance were quite different they both have a few common denominators. And if you are still reading, I am going to talk about them…Now!

Haters Hate — That’s what they do – Why do people feel like they should offer negative advice? Why would anyone want to discourage a friend? I have come to realize that it doesn’t matter what industry you are working in, people are going to bash your ideas, your thoughts, and your products. I wish I could give you some insight on why people act this way, but I don’t have the slightest clue. I guess people are just mean, and they would love nothing better than to see someone fail so they can feel better about their own crappy life. Sadly, this truth perpetuates the blogging community as well. It’s quite sad as the blogosphere is not as localized as a dinner party or friend get together. It’s more open and primed for criticism.

So, what are we gonna do? First, we are going to get a thick skin. Second, we are going to realize that there is some risks involved with trying to achieve greatness. Lastly, just because some moron thinks you have a bad blog or doesn’t like the way you handle your posts or products doesn’t mean you should stop and give up. It just means you should recognize those morons in your life and separate yourself from their negative attitudes. This applies inside and outside the blogosphere. The communication of dislike can be digital or verbal, but the consequences are just as damaging  if you decide to hang around it.

Be Positive and Respectful – Never bash another blogger. I have never found a need for blog bashing and it very rarely leads to anything positive (and by rarely I mean never). If some starts to bash your blog or you as a blogger, refer back to tip 1.

However, there are times when bloggers and product creators ask for reviews and advice. It is possible to offer a critique in a positive and respectful manner while not throwing an individual under the digital bus.

Jealousy Never Equals Productivity — Wanting exactly what someone else has will only create a level of coveting that can cripple your diligence and hinder your blog growth. Be your own blogger and bring something unique to your niche. Never be unhappy for someones success. Be excited that someone has achieved greatness. Just remember that with hard work you, or we, can be the next great blogger.

Arrogance Is a Terrible Thing – Never forget the path you walked to become a great blogger. Just because lots of success and a shining sun seem to follow you around doesn’t mean its not raining somewhere else in the digital community. If someone is struggling in what they are doing it probably feels like it is raining everywhere. I am reminded of an old R & B song called Rainy Night in Georgia. Within the lyrics of this song are the words…

A rainy night in Georgia, such a rainy night in Georgia. Lord, I believe it’s rainin’ all over the world, I feel like it’s rainin’ all over the world

I don’t care how powerful you become or how much money you make, you should never be too big to help someone else out. If you’d like to hear a great song you can listen to a Rainy Night in Georgia.

Related posts:

1. Bloggers Block: What’s Next?
2. 3 Blogging Tips For Beginning Bloggers
3. Blogging Manners

Okay, sorry. That was my best attempt at a joke. Well, I have compiled a list of something you can try–actually you should totally do these thing on a regular basis. Some blogging tips cost money, some don’t cost a thing, and some will actually bring you some visitors tomorrow (or tonight if you are reading this really early in the morning). If you have a lot of time and an unwavering work ethic, then you might want to read on. By the way, time is relative and quite subjective. So, disregard and read on anyway.

Free Blogging Tips To Get Visitors To Your Blog

1. Never Underestimate Twitter – If you don’t have a Twitter account you should probably start with getting one. I don’t think you should tweet all blog postings. I do, however, think you should tweet your more powerful or interesting posts. When you do this you should totally use your 140 characters carefully. Being somewhat controversial in your title will absolutely add to your click-through rate and the possibility of getting retweeted. If handled properly you have the ability to cross the computer screen of several thousand followers. Not to bad for just one post.
2. Use The Personal Side Of Facebook (Profile Pages) – While I would never recommend Facebooking the heck out things (you know friends can hide you), I would strategically decided what things I was going to post to my personal Facebook profile account. Your friends will totally jump on board and give you a few free comments and “shout outs.” I wouldn’t expect this to happen all the time, but friends are pretty helpful once. I wouldn’t ask them to move too.
3. Content – Never stop writing, composing, and creating. This is what blogging is really about. While friends, frequent visitors, and your parents are very forgiving, new visitors are not. They want to see that your blog is update often.
4. Guest Blogging Is Cool – This tips is very difficult for me. I don’t like thinking that my creative content is going to go on someone else website or blog. Regardless, one thing is true. If you submit to the right blog you can totally expect new visitors and followers.
5. Interview Someone Cool – Most people will accept the offer as they will get some publicity and link to their own personal site. Also, there is a good chance they will link to the post on their own blog. I wouldn’t send a request to interview the President Of The USA. Be real with yourself, at least.
6. Participate In Blogger Challenges – Darren over at Problogger has held a few of these challenges and they are really fun. Plus, a lot times the winners/interesting bloggers get a link on the blog of the person who hosted the challenge.
7. Comment Posting - Comment on related blogs in your niche. Above all, please offer good advice.
8. Forums – Participate in forums related to your blogs niche. A lot of forum sites allow users to add a personal link to their signature or profile page.
9. Yahoo Answers – Answers some questions in Yahoo Answers. I was surprised at the number of visitors that this method started to bring me.
10. Squidoo – Create a few lenses about yourself, your idea, or your blog. Squidoo has a great community of individuals. Compete.com had them at over 7 million visitors last month. That is number that should at least spark your interest.
11. YouTube – Video viewing has exploded on the internet. Please take advantage of the massive amounts of traffic you could get.

Paid Blogging Tips To Get Visitors To Your Blog

1. Google Adwords – Running your account responsibly is very important. You should never blindly add money to your account, bid on random words, and let it ride. Spend some time researching your niche. It might also be a wise idea to offer something to your paid visitors. It might be some sort of product (affiliate or not) or possibly a free ebook. Either way, Adwords will allow you to generate traffic right now. There are several great PPC advertising sites. I used Adwords as a general statement towards PPC advertising (right now I really like Facebook with PPC–you have a lot of options and get very direct visitors).
2. Press Releases – This is a great way to gain a few links and visitors. There are several free sites, but I would probably spend some money on a good site. A few good sites include PR News Wire, PR Web, Marketwire, and Web Wire.
3. Develop A WordPress Theme Or Widget – This blogging tip might cost a little money, but can have huge rewards down the road. If it gets popular you could start selling the theme or widget. But more importantly, you will gain a lot new readers and visitors who might be interested in your products.
4. Branding – Spend a little time branding your name and site. This can go a long way. I really like the way iwearyourshirt is going.
5. Buy A Review – I like the concept of this website. I think people are being pretty honest about the reviews and full disclosure it a must.

Related posts:

1. What Is A Blog?
2. Generating New Content For Your Blog
3. Tips For A Better Facebook Page

By Mike Licht @ notionscapital.com

Just like kindergarten, the business world, and your dinner table, the blogosphere has manners we all should follow. Though there are not many blogging manners, the ones I list below should be followed at all cost. Sorry to say, popular bloggers are some of the worsts, myself included. Does anyone care about other bloggers or are we all trying to make a buck and get ours?

1. Blog Commenting – Why is this such a difficult concept to grasp? Spam commenting does not work–at least on powerful blogs where you would most likely want to receive a link. You already have a link in your title and there is no reason to add another. It is such a turn off. Also, why must you change your title to something other than your actual blog or website name? The point of blog commenting was more for networking and less for SEO, thought it does have some SEO benefit. Offer great advice and people will automatically check out your blog and maybe even subscribe.
2. Guest Posting -  This is a huge benefit to everyone around. I love receiving guest post as they help add content to my site, offer different perspectives, and relieve some time that might need to spend writing (or blogging). However, the guest post should relate to the blog where you want your post listed. Nothing is more ridiculous than receiving a guest post about “shopping for shoes” when my blog is about travel, SEO, and blog tips. How can I make that related. Plus, this is a daddy blog. There are literally thousands of blogs for that content.
3. Respond To Your Comments -  While this is not huge, it is very important to respond to as many comments as possible. Yeah, I know all comments don’t warrant a response, but it still appropriate a lot of the time. Plus, it lets your readers know you care about them.
4. Give Credit – It is so wrong to when someone takes time to create some form of virtual media and you decide to use it and not give credit. This only make you look stupid in the blogging community (yes, there is a community) and can really tick off some other bloggers.
5. No Bashing…EVER – Your posts and content is permanent. In my life (virtual or not), I have never found a need to bash someone. This is unprofessional and can have a huge impact on other bloggers. I personally believe it is okay to reference other bloggers, but we all should keep the negative responses out. How hard is it to say “This blogger I know” and leave it at that? Respect should always be your first priority.
6. Affiliates – I personally feel as though this is a gray area because I am not forcing you to buy something. Where I think you might cross the line is someone give our a free product and you put it on a gold platform claiming it is the best product ever. You should at least let your readers know you received the product for free.
7. Share – If you feel like you have created something great that others might like or use feel free to share it. I am not telling you give away your earning potential. I am just saying something should be shared. You can see a great example here.
8. Inclusion (Recommended Reading) – Just remember that all bloggers start somewhere. It might be nice to occasionally give a “shout out” to one of the lesser known blogs. You never know, they might be the next rock star blogger.

Related posts:

1. 10 Reasons You Should Be Blogging
2. Differences Between Blogging Platforms
3. 3 Blogging Tips For Beginning Bloggers

-tired of blogging. Or the inability to blog because of exhaustion, loss of ideas, or lack of motivation. This phenomenon occurs in most bloggers but is prevalent in working parents or extremely active bloggers.

What do you think? Have you ever fallen into this category? While it can be difficult to blog day in and day out, there are a few things you can do help with writ…I mean, bloggers block. In fact, the most successful bloggers have a decent combination of writing and the steps I will list below. So, even if you are okay now in your blogging niche, you should consider making these non-blogging activities part of your everyday life.

Lastly, this post should not be consider steps to help battle bloggers block. These listed activities, at times, can take the place of blogging. For a great article on actual steps to battle bloggers block visit this post.

1. Network – I believe I have mentioned this several times throughout other posts on this blog. I don’t think I can stress enough the importance of building a strong Twitter and Facebook following. It is difficult. If it was easy it wouldn’t still work for some peopel. Most difficult tasks take time but will pay off the most. I would also consider finding about 10 blogs you have interest in and heavily commenting on them. I don’t mean postings pointless crap that is of no use to anyone. Take time to read the post and offers some valuable contribution. Three things will come from positive comment blogging. You will learn from active participation, you will offer great advice therefore helping others, and you will gain readership because people realize you offer good blogging tips.
2. SEO Your Blog – Yes, SEO still matters! Yes, you should consider some type of SEO on your blog. All things held equal, the bloggers who spends some time SEOing their site will have more visitors. This is not always the case, but a lot of the time it is. It is sad, but not all GREAT bloggers are found.
3. Inter Linking – For the most part, this task can fall under SEO, but I like to separate it because of the importance. Spend some time going through your blog and inter link posts that relate. This will readers to easily navigate related posts and move deeper into your blog.
4. Webmaster Tools – Spend some time in Google Webmaster tools. You can find out a lot about what Google knows and thinks about your blog. Definitely worth your time.
5. Google Analytics – Don’t go over board. Checking out your analytics is important and should be used wisely. With that said, some people go overboard and spend hours looking at data. Once or twice a week I look for glaring holes, check bounce rate, check exit pages, look through conversions, and so on.
6. RSS Feeds – Browse other sites in and out of your niche to learn. Be a life long learner. Try to learn something knew everyday.

What are some other activities one could do when they are tired of blogging?

Related posts:

1. 3 Blogging Tips For Beginning Bloggers
2. Things That Will Crush A Bloggers Attitude
3. Dofollow Comment Links – It’s Only Fair

I am not sure why anyone still uses this method of advertising? Then, as I was deleting all my spam comments, I had a “light bulb” moment. It must still be working. Which means us bloggers are still doing a poor job to combat spam, myself included. I guess I am going to need to add a captcha, Askimet, and Challenge to all my blogs. Also, I would consider checking the URL’s left on SEOmoz Spam Detection. Maybe if we, as bloggers, can negate all positive benefits from spam commenting it will cease to exist? I seriously doubt it, but I can dream.

Below you will find my favorite spam comments.

1. Thank you with the well-thought posting. I’m actually at operate perfect now! So I must go off without having reading all I’d like. But, I set your blog on my RSS feed in order that I can go through far more. It helped me a lot. I was little bit aware about it but your post gave me clear idea. (What is operate perfect anyway?)
2. In it something is also I think, what is it good idea. (???)
3. Real estate usually rises and falls but within the past couple of months and years even, foreclosed homes are really growing, as is demand for them. (This particular post was written about the purchasing of jewelry online.)
4. Hi-ya im fresh to this. I stumbled upon this board I find It truly accommodating & it’s helped me out loads. I hope to contribute and guide other people like its helped me. Thank’s, See Ya About. (I’m fresh to this?)
5. I am final, I am sorry, but it not absolutely approaches me. Perhaps there are still variants? (I don’t even know?)
6. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
7. Admiring the actual time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information a person provide! may bookmark your weblog and possess my kids check up here often. Thumbs upward! (Thumbs Upward? Is that super, cool new phrase?)
8. I apologise, I can help nothing. I think, you will find the correct decision. Do not despair. A JOKE! ) What’s the difference between an oral thermometer and a rectal thermometer? The taste. (That is gross!)
9. Yes, quite I have a nice joke for you) Why does Santa have 3 gardens? So he can ho-ho-ho.
10. Good good. I can not use the language to appreciate the author’s good. (I have to display this comment because I thought it was worded quite well.)
11. First girl to get sacked on Facebook! I had to tell the owner bout u losin that tenner coz obviously the till was down at the end of day. she wasn’t very pleased at all and despite me trying to persuade her otherwise she said I have to let u go. I’m really sorry.’ Gotta love that grammar and spelling. Or should I say: Gtta luv dat grammer nd splling. (I am confused. Did I just get fired from my own blog?)

Related posts:

1. Should Blog Comments Be Edited?
2. Dofollow Comment Links – It’s Only Fair
3. 6 “I Can’t Believe That Was Said” Comments

Blogging Tip #1 – Blog Now and Blog Often
I know this is tip one, but on my blogging list it vastly out weights the competition (I don’t even know if that sounds right). This is partly because I am the master of procrastination and, also because the most successful blogs are updated a lot. A typical scenario at the Dewberry household consists of me working and watching my son while intermittently thinking of great blog ideas. This probably resembles a large portion of the blogosphere. However, unlike most successful bloggers, I have can talk myself out of blogging NOW and waiting till tomorrow to compose that life changing post. While it always seems to makes since at the time, I never seem to remember how I planned to write the post (electronically, I mean). I have found it best to compose the post as close to it’s inception as possible. The longer I wait after I think of a post, the more diluted the idea becomes.

I am not suggesting you write 6 posts a day (even thought you might have great success from it), stop whatever you are doing and compose, or quit your day job to start blogging. I am, however, encouraging you to get some thoughts down (on your ipad, computer, or mobile device) as soon as possible as to not forget your great idea.

I really think the “blogging often” tip goes without explanation, but for those of you who love reading I will give a brief explanation. Why do you go back to your favorite news outlet everyday? Typically because the website is update everyday (or maybe a few times a day). Apply this same principle to your blog. Still need help? People love reading new and fresh material.

Blogging Tip #2 – Blogging Is a Job
It takes a lot of hard to work to have great success at something and blogging is no different. I wish it was. I wish I could tell you something different. Most blogging success stories are birthed from hours and hours and hours of working and composing posts.

Most CEO’s of large corporations spent years diligently working to achieve that high of a position. Likewise, your blog, in someway,will parallel this corporate job achievement in some way. And no, for those who are wondering, it doesn’t take years to gain readership and traffic from search engines. I am simply using CEO’s to create an unforgettable analogy. Did it work?

Expect hard work and long hours. Even then you might not become a blogging rock star.

Blogging Tip #3 – Actually Network
You must ask yourself this question. How can I expect anyone to interact with my blog or Facebook fan page if I am not interacting with other bloggers in my community? Do you really believe that what you are offering is so important that readers will just “find” your information and comment about it? Then share and promote your ideas? Maybe, but more than likely they will not. While blogging everyday is huge, maybe you should spend one day a week networking instead of composing another post that nobody is going to read. For example: fan a few Facebook fan pages and start interacting (make sure you have your link somewhere on your Facebook porfile) or Google related blogs and start leaving comments. For those who learn by watching a video…

Extra Blogging Tip – Learn SEO
Blogging alone will not make you a super star. You should spend a little time learning how and why search engines do what they do. Trust me, the time you invest will totally have an impact on the success of your blog

Related posts:

1. Bloggers Block: What’s Next?
2. Tips From The Ten Commandments
3. Things That Will Crush A Bloggers Attitude

I run and manage several blogs. Naturally, this was the first thing I thought about as I spend a lot of time thinking about blogs. After a little time browsing the App Store, I realized  the iPad has several great apps for bloggers. In fact, after getting used to the iPad I find it very easy to compose and publish a blog post.

Below you will find a list of apps that will help you become more productive and find “actual” uses for your new gadget. Let the blogging tips begin

1. WordPress App – This app is a given when blogging on the iPad. Compared to the full web versions, this app is not all that much to talk about but it definitely gets the job done. For the most part, the app includes on basic options. You will be able to edit, create, and delete pages. You will also be able to manage comments.
2. Note Taker HD – I actually think there might be a few other options. Okay, there are a lot of other options but I personally like being a to use a stylus. Having electronic copies of your notes is so important to me (albeit typing or writing). Now, to talk about why note taking is important. Most of my ideas come when I am not near my desktop or electronic device. At times I am using my wife’s lip liner to to jot down a few notes on the napkin. Not any more. I just jot down my thought using my iPad. There is no need to worry about what other think. With the advent of the iPhone 4 and Droid X everything is moving more mobile. Plus, have you seen the size of the Droid X? I have added a cool pic of me writing on my iPad. Just look how cool. I hope this is the future lest I just look really dumb.
3. Dragon Dictation – This blogging app was more difficult for me to get acquainted to using. However, if used properly and often enough it can become a highly effective blogging tool. I have also used this app in conjunction with taking notes. Some edits are inevitable, but all in all, it is a great app.
4. BrowserNotes – I have not actually used this app but it appears to be gaining some traction. Supposedly, it allows you to take notes while browsing the internet. It splits your iPad screen allowing note taking and browsing. I think it could be very useful if it work like the developers claim.
5. NewsRack – My personal favorite for RSS readers. I use it a lot. Helps me stay current and up-to-date.

Please keep me updated on new blogging apps as they come out. Let me know what you think about blogging on the iPad.

Related posts:

1. 3 Blogging Tips For Beginning Bloggers
2. Differences Between Blogging Platforms
3. 10 Reasons You Should Be Blogging

I have been searching (intently I might add) for a new swing set. Our son is two and we have been planning for about a year to make this purchase. Of course, I started my search on the internet. Things went fairly well over the weekend. We compared prices and browsed through a few local showrooms. For the most part, we decided what we wanted to buy.

Now, I must let everyone in on a little secret about me. I love talking about money, finances, getting deals, investing, and so on. So naturally, I plan on thinking and shopping all the “other” options before I make my final decision. I am not saying I won’t spend an arm and a leg for a particular product. Deep down I just want to make sure I am making the most wise decision. Yes, $25 can break a deal for me. Moving on…

This brings us to present day. I have now spent several days looking at lots of websites, talking with sales people, and browsing Craig’s List. It all came crashing down earlier today. Things just haven’t worked out. Reluctantly, about 2 hours ago I decided to spend a few short minutes looking through some classifieds or browsing Google for used swing sets. I wasn’t prepared for what I learned. Not about swing sets, but about how to NOT advertise ads/adsense/”fill in the blank” on your website.

I know the story was long and boring but I am sure everyone has felt this way before. Here is what I learned.

1. Make it real. Let me know someone actually exists behind the site. Maybe there should be a contact page with some information–you know, like an actual email address. Whatever robot is producing the site claims to be an expert. Well, let me contact the expert and ask a few questions.
2. The ads shouldn’t be the only content on the site. Hey, I want to make money too, but offer something more than just 6 sentences with maximum number of ads placed on your site. I wouldn’t mind seeing the ads if there was something more to the page.
3. Offer something more than just text. Maybe actually do some research and list a few options. Maybe scrap some customer reviews or other classifieds (upon owners consent of course)? Maybe include local information? I would like to read something more than just fluff. Give me some meat. Make me want to come back and spend time on your site.
4. At times it is  needed to be basic, but very rarely. Offer something more than the obvious. This might take a little more research but in the end it will make a huge difference in readership.
5. Put a little time into your site. Hey, I can build a basic site in 8 minutes and start posting things as well. Is that really how you want to do things. Sometimes, only very rarely at that, this method is okay. Don’t make it your biggest priority but spend time (or should I say…money) on making your site/blog appealing.

Whew, I am now stepping off my soap box.

I am now down. I feel better.

I know it was hard, but it was directed to me as well. I have fallen victim to the “I want money now at the expense of my readers syndrome” too. As sites flood the web maybe we should all think about what we are trying to offer and where we plan on being in 5 years. After reading what I wrote I have a personal site I plan on fixing tomorrow…that or take it down.

Maybe I forgot something? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Related posts:

1. A New Wooden Swing Set
2. 5 Blogging Apps For Your iPad

Everyone, and I mean everyone, should be blogging. Well, you should at least consider starting a blog. Okay, what do I care–don’t blog. No, I didn’t say that–actually, I do care. Anyway, here is why I think you should be blogging.

Reasons Individuals Should Be Blogging

1. It’s yours and you own it. Lets face it. I am sure you are using some type of micro blogging platform like Twitter or Facebook. Spend a little bit more time and you can create great content that is owned by you and not someone else. While making money on your blog might not be your intentions, at least you know have the opportunity.
2. What a great way to release stress. Blogs lets you speak your voice. Sometimes it feels so good to put your thoughts on paper and hit “publish.”
3. Blogging is a great networking tool. It is so easy to stay in contact with family and friends around the world. With the commenting features it is almost like you are carrying on a real time conversation. Also, it is very easy to share photos and videos.
4. Plugins let you customize your blog however you want too. This is a great way to get users involved in your interests and blog. Polls and forums tend to work great.
5. You can keep track of your life, thoughts, and happenings without ever know it. What a great “scrap booking type” tool a blog can be!

Reasons Business Should Be Blogging

1. By far, one of the biggest impacts of a business blogging is creating a way for their own customers to interact with them. This does wonders for keeping customers happy and letting them know that you are care. It makes the customers feel important. Plus, they typically leave valuable feedback.
2. Blogging can increase searching engine traffic. Old articles and posts are read years later. The life of posts can be very long if you write engaging information that is timeless.
3. When you blog about your products you can become an expert in your field. People love reading about tips and advice.
4. Blogging can help build your brand in your respective industries.
5. Blogging lets your customers know that you care about your product, business, and their needs. Blogging is hard and takes time. Customers understand this and appreciate being informed and feeling like they are in the know.

Did I miss anything?

Related posts:

1. Blogging Manners
2. What Is A Blog?
3. 5 Blogging Apps For Your iPad

an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page

Now, here is my definition of a blog. It is actually quite simple. Derived from the words web log, a blog is a type of website composed of daily (for some anyway) posts. The posts can be about anything and are usually arranged in chronological order with the most recent post being first. Since the late 90’s, millions have hit the web. And for some reason, I don’t think this blogging thing is going to slow down.

When determining what your blog should be about, I think Blogger said it best…

A blog is a personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world.

Types Of Blogs

Personal Blogs -I would venture to say that most blogs are personal in nature. While some individuals strive for thousands of visitors and lots of money, a lot of bloggers are content with relieving stress and informing family members about current gossip.

Company/Organization Blogs – Blogging has created quite buzz in the business world over the past few years. More and more businesses are using blogs as a means of communication. Blogs have created a great way for companies to stay in touch with customers and possibly earn new customers. Plus, through comments, polls, and reviews, customers can now communicate with business.

What’s Next?

Maybe you should read my post about blogging platforms and start your own blog…

Related posts:

1. Should Blog Comments Be Edited?
2. 10 Reasons You Should Be Blogging
3. Generating New Content For Your Blog