101 Blogging Tips: Tip #80 (Communicate with Live Chat)

I'm excited to share this series with you, called "101 Blogging Tips". In the series there will be 101 blogging tips that you can begin applying to your blog today! Don't wait, get started now!

Tip #80: Communicate with Live Chat

One of the better ones I've come across is Olark. For most of use, the $15/month Bronze, 1 operator plan would be sufficient and affordable.  Add something like this to your site!

Here is the installation instructions and the WordPress integration guide (self-hosted only as the WordPress.com free sites do not support JavaScript).

In Blogger, you need to go to Template, then Edit HTML and paste the code from your Olark dashboard above the </body> statement.  

In TypePad, if not using Advanced Templates where you would have access to the </body> tag, you can simply add a Notes TypeList or Embed Own HTML Code in the FOOTER area.

NOTE: You do NOT want to install this type of feature if you're never going to be around to chat with your readers/visitors. Of course, you can always set it to "not online now" but you don't want that to be the norm!

 

Related articles

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #73 (Post Branding with Images)

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #77 (Turn Your Blog Into a Book)

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #75 (Start Podcasting)

Want More Blogging Tips? Follow Me On Twitter!

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #76 (Protect Your Domain)

101 Blogging Tips: #74 (Keyword Spy Tool)

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #79 (Link Building 90-10 Rule)

I'm excited to share this series with you, called "101 Blogging Tips". In the series there will be 101 blogging tips that you can begin applying to your blog today! Don't wait, get started now!

Tip #79: The 90-10 Link Building Rule

I just got finished reading an amazing post by SEOMoz, you know the SEO experts, and they stated that 90% of your time should be put into creating high quality content that is shareable and "like"-able,  where 10% effort is put into building links. But many ask, what is link building?

What Is Link Building?

In short it is creating links to your own site, to other sites, and wanting others to link to you! For me, it consists of the following:

1. The links you create that direct readers to other articles, posts, pages, within your own site! Also known as interlinking.  A great SEO technique.
2. Linking to other external sites, trust-worthy, valuable, creditable, informative, respected sources or simply maybe a new site you've discovered that had a wonderful article or service. Share what you learned. "Share the love" is a common phrase you'll hear when discussing link building. Build relationships with other sources.
3. Create content that others want to link to!  This is a huge factor in SEO and link building. You want other people and sites to link to high quality content on your site.

When creating your hyperlinks remember to select quality keywords and text to use, don't simply use "click here" as it holds no SEO value.

Want to be updated throughout the day on great blogging, business, social media, tech tips?

I read a lot of very cool, informative, great quality articles every day and just do not have enough time in the day to curate all of it and write blog posts. So...the easiest and fastest way for me to get YOU the information is through Twitter...and it's FREE. FOLLOW ME :D

Over at Stamping and Blogging we recently wrote an article on the basics, "What Is SEO?"  Join us to learn more on blogging each week!

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #78 (Getting Organized with EverNote)

I'm excited to share this series with you, called "101 Blogging Tips". In the series there will be 101 blogging tips that you can begin applying to your blog today! Don't wait, get started now!

Tip #78: Click, Capture, Organize with Evernote

Ever think of the best articles or content while you're driving back and forth from dropping off the kids from soccer, or while laying out near the pool, at dinner with friends? Our phones or iPads are always with us now a days right? Not that I agree it's always a good thing, but ...capture all those thoughts, articles, pictures, discussions in EverNote.  This way you don't forget!

• Video Demo for Evernote
• Getting Started Guide for EveryNote

Evernote Key Features

1. Taking pictures
2. Record audio, voice memos
3. Note taking
4. Synchronization with other devices
5. Cloud storage
6. Camera roll
7. Multi-platform
8. Web service
9. Word processor
10. Keeping track of it all :D

You will most likely use this from your iPhone or iPad. There is a Mac desktop version as well. No Windows version though.

 

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #77 (Turn Your Blog Into a Book)

I'm excited to share this series with you, called "101 Blogging Tips". In the series there will be 101 blogging tips that you can begin applying to your blog today! Don't wait, get started now!

Tip #77: Turn Your Blog Into a Book

This is a great option for you if you run a series, such as a 101 Blogging Tips. So yes...look out for the book on this series :D  But you can also use it to create a book from a certain category or categories (versus your "entire" blog). With that you can create many books, one for each category. So keep that in mind as you publish and organize your posts!

The two most popular Blog To Book services:

• Blurb
• Blog2Print (as of May 4th, current 15% off)

 

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #76 (Protect Your Domain)

I'm excited to share this series with you, called "101 Blogging Tips". In the series there will be 101 blogging tips that you can begin applying to your blog today! Don't wait, get started now!

Tip #76: Purchase Protected Registration

We have spoken about using a domain name and why to use a domain name with your site (in Tip #39), how to map a domain name to your blog (past Q&A), however, this tip is for you to go back to your domain name registrar and add-on/purchase Protected Registration.  Now a domain is relatively cheap where the domain protection (protected registration) is $25-30 depending on who you purchase it from. Still affordable, but more than a few bucks. 

Why purchase Protected Registration?

The simple answer is so you do not lose your domain name accidentally and without knowing it. Your credit card expires and the domain registrar can't make the payment and releases your domain name. Your Auto Renew is not set to "On" and your forget and your domain is then snagged by someone else! With Protected Registration this won't happen.  Learn more here (I am a Go-Daddy reseller).

Another solution would be for you to make sure you have Auto Renew set on your domain renewal options...however that doesn't "protect" you from an expired credit card you may have used and if the payment cannot be made.

So again, if you cannot afford to add Protected Registration, at least log into your domain manager and make sure Auto Renew is set to On.

Over at Stamping and Blogging (membership site) we have videos on how to map a domain name using Blogger, TypePad, WordPress (free and self-hosted WordPress).  Join us to learn more on blogging each week!

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #75 (Start Podcasting)

I'm excited to share this series with you, called "101 Blogging Tips". In the series there will be 101 blogging tips that you can begin applying to your blog today! Don't wait, get started now!

Tip #75: Start Podcasting

Many of you have now worked on creating and sharing videos to help your online presence grow, increase your exposure, while your followers enjoy your tips, music, tutorials, whatever it may be.

Well, now I want you to give podcasting a try. It seems to be the next big craze of 2013. Social Media Examiner has a nice podcast show and tips on how to get your started. Go listen to Mike's show and jump into podcasting :D

Recent Article over at Stamping and Blogging - Get Going and Growing Online! Your To-Do List. Join us to learn more on blogging each week!

101 Blogging Tips: #74 (Keyword Spy Tool)

I'm excited to share this series with you, called "101 Blogging Tips". In the series there will be 101 blogging tips that you can begin applying to your blog today! Don't wait, get started now!

Tip #74: Keyword Optimization - Keyword Spy Tool

By now you should be using the FREE Google AdWord Keyword Tool. It is really a great tool to add to your blogging SEO strategies and in developing keywords to work into your next post.

I recently came across this other tool called Keyword Spy and it's a keword "research" and "tracking" tool, but it is NOT free and starts at $89.95.  They do have a Free Trial and a Demo to watch on their home page: http://www.keywordspy.com/.

Here are a  list of features (snapshots from their site). Happy blogging!

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101 Blogging Tips: Tip #66 (Using Excerpts)

Top 10 Mistakes Beginner Bloggers Make

Want More Blogging Tips? Follow Me On Twitter!

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #73 (Post Branding with Images)

I'm excited to share this series with you, called "101 Blogging Tips". In the series there will be 101 blogging tips that you can begin applying to your blog today! Don't wait, get started now!

Tip #73: Post Branding with Images

Another great use of images is to brand certain topics or categories of posts.

For example, I have been running this series "101 Blogging Tips" for a while now and you will notice that each post within this series has the purple thumb tack. The image in my "Reorganize Your Blog" series has these binders (image to the left), nice and neatly "organized". When I write articles on Blogger, TypePad, Pinterest, I try and remember to use their logo as the quick visual of what the post is about.  

These "post category/branding" images are typically smaller than other featured images in your post, and again simply serve as a "visual cue" of what the article is focused on.

Recent Article over at Stamping and Blogging - What is SEO? Join us to learn more on blogging each week!

 

Heather Wright-Porto

Blogs By Heather * WordPress Hosting * Buy a Domain * Stamping and Blogging

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #72 (Hovering Pinterest Button)

I'm excited to share this series with you, called "101 Blogging Tips". In the series there will be 101 blogging tips that you can begin applying to your blog today! Don't wait, get started now!

Tip #72: Install the Hovering Pinterest Button Over Images

In past articles, I've written how to add the Pinterest button to your blog, but now, Blogger, TypePad and Wordpress (depending on what social share plugin you installed like JetPack) have the Pinterest button as part of the share buttons that lie in your post footer!

However, this "Pinterest hovering" is the newest trend and much sought after. Add it to your site to get your pictures pinned faster!

For TypePad users, get tutorial here. Must have Pro Plan or higher! For Bloggers, see tutorial by BloggerSentral or by KevinAndAmanda. For WordPress self-hosted users, get the plugin here.

Give it a try, your readers will be thrilled and "WOW'd" :D

Happing Pinning!

101 Blogging Tips: Tip #71 (Enhancing Your Video with LeadPlayer)

I'm excited to share this series with you, called "101 Blogging Tips". In the series there will be 101 blogging tips that you can begin applying to your blog today! Don't wait, get started now!

Tip #71: Make the most of your video with LeadPlayer!

LeadPlayer is an amazing tool to help you really make the most of your videos!  One of the most powerful and popular additions would be to insert your Newsletter Sign Up Box right inside your video!  And you can view this in the live demo on their home page.

Downside, it's $107 but just a one-time fee...so definitely check it out here! You can also get a FREE course in using their landing page template. Learn more here.

Recent Article over at Stamping and Blogging - 5 Places You Need To Have Your Sign Up Box! Join us to learn more on blogging each week!

Heather Wright-Porto

Blogs By Heather * WordPress Hosting * Buy a Domain * Stamping and Blogging