Adding a Sign Up Box for MailChimp

In my last post, I referenced an article on how to add a sign up box for Constant Contact. Almost immediately I received emails on how to add this for MailChimp. MailChimp is a free email marketing/newsletter service, www.MailChimp.com.

I'd be happy to help, so today's tutorial is on how to add a sign up box for MailChimp to your blog's sidebar.

• Log in to MailChimp and click on Lists (link at the top).
• Then under the specific list you want to create a Sign Up Box for, click on Forms. For example, see this list "Blogs By Heather" and the red, text "Forms" link beneath it. By clicking that Forms link I am creating a "Sign Up Box" for this specific list (Blogs by Heather).

• Click on the Share It tab.
• Then click on the Create HTML code for small subscribe form button.

 

You then need to customize this form. Experiment with adjusting the settings such as I've done; set width to 180 so it will fit in your sidebar.

 

For TypePad Users:

1. Sign into TypePad first.
2. Then go back to MailChimp and 
3. Click the Install Widget on TypePad button
4. Then you will be brought back to Typepad to the Add a Sidebar Widget window where you will see your widget, Widget name (MailChimp Signup Form) which won't be seen. Click Add Widget.
5. You may then go to Organize Content to set a new location for the newly added widget.
6. Save Changes and you're done!

For Blogger Users:

1. In MailChimp, copy the code in the "Copy/Paste into your site" box.
2. Login to Blogger.
3. Go to Design.
4. Then Page Elements.
5. Click Add a Gadget.
6. Choose HTML/JavaScript.
7. title: Sign Up For My Newsletter.
8. Paste in the code from MailChimp into the large text box.
9. Save and you're done :D

You can then log off of MailChimp if you wish or continue processing your email newsletters!

Until next time,

Heather Wright-Porto
www.BlogsByHeather.com 

 

 

 

Have a question? Go to my Ask a Question page. I use those question to compose new tutorials in addition to my new Blogs By Heather Q&A posts.

New Blog Designs - Sandi MacIver and Shelagh Freemantle

My friend and fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator Sandi Maciver, and one of her dearest friends and downline, Shelagh Freemantle, recently had new blog designs installed. Both of them use Typepad and are at the Pro level so a custom background could be installed.

Sandi's blog was originally designed by my head designer, Michelle Laycock, and she loves the coloring. She wanted to keep the banner but "lighten" the rest of the blog. I used the swirls from her banner and created a more simplistic but complementary background with them; additionally I used the same swirls in her new sidebar headers and animated buttons. Click here to view her blog and new blog layout!

Shelagh is a pieces and loves the shore, sea shells and sand dollars. I created the sandy beach look rather easily but how to incorporate her favorite color purple???? The gradient fit perfectly with her design and ocean theme. Click here to view Shelagh's new blog design!

Sandi and Shelagh are both Stampin' Up! demonstrators and both subscribed to my blog maintenance program.

NOT a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator? That's OK!

I have help many businesses in and out of the crafting field. Currently I working on revamping a doctor's site!

I woud be more than happy to help you with a new blog design or assist in setting up your new blog or blog store! Just email me at blogsbyheather@att.net or heather@blogsbyheather.com!

Happy blogging!

Heather Wright-Porto
www.BlogsByHeather.com 

Keep It Simple - Ways to Improve Your Blog's Speed

I'm so excited. I recently wrote a few articles on this topic, and it is discussed in both my books (check them out here on Amazon) under "Blog Layout & Design", TypePad has just posted another one as well. Although it's posted on the TypePad blog, you can use these tips for whatever platform you use!

This article (by Typepad) also has great links to other related articles, such as Recommended Widgets - many of which have tutorials on my site!!!! If you can't find it, let me know and I'll direct you or use the Google Search box on the left side.

TypePad's Keep It Simple Tips (this is an excerpt from their full article):

• Use a two column right or three column right layout. By placing the sidebars to the right of the main content column, your new posts will load quickly and be the first thing visitors to your site see.
• Keep widgets to a minimum. Widgets are cool but take more time to load on your site. Only use widgets which you feel enhance the content of your blog and place the widgets in the far right column. See our list of recommended widgets.
• Add a page break to longer posts. The split extended entry feature allows you to break up your content and display an introduction followed by a Continue reading…link to view the full post. Place images and videos below the fold for quicker loading of your front page.
• Insert image thumbnails. Large images take longer to load, but you can insert smaller thumbnail images in your posts which link to the full size image in a pop-up window. Also check out the thumbnail gallery feature available in beta.
• Reduce the number of posts displaying per page. At Settings > Posts, you can limit the number of posts displaying on the front page of your blog.

Need help reorganizing your blog, read my Reorganize Your Blog SERIES or contact me for a Blog Clean-up (new service)!

Related Articles

• Reorganize your blog - where to put things in your blog and why.
• How fast does your blog load?
• My book, Beginning Google Blogger.
• My book, Creative Blogging.

Happy Blogging!

Heather Wright-Porto
www.BlogsByHeather.com 

TypePad: Coding so a new post signature will appear on every post

In Blogger this is very easy to setup in Settings, then Formatting, go to Post Template (click for tutorial). However, in TypePad this can be done as well but you need the $14.95 level as it requires CSS coding.

Setting up your signature to automatically appear on every post in TypePad

First you need to upload the image of your signature to your TypePad file manager:

• Go to the Library Menu at the top.
• Then click File Manager.
• Click the Browse button to locate the signature file on your computer.
• Then select it and choose OK/Select.
• Then click Upload.
• Once uploaded you need to right-click and then Copy Shortcut or Copy Link Location to save a copy of the URL address to memory (your clipboard).
• Then you need to replace it where the background: url address is highlighted below.
• Then you need to also change the height, highlighted below, to match the height of your image.
• Next go to your Blog.
• Then click Design.
• Click Content CSS.
• Then copy and paste the code below (again replacing the highlighted areas).
• Then Save.
• The post signature will now appear on EVERY post and every new post automatically!
• HOWEVER, an important note is that if you already manually entered a type of signature in your existing posts, then two signatures will appear. There is nothing you can do about this other than to continue manually entering your signatures and not to use this method describe in this post.

 

Sample CSS Code:

.entry-footer
{background:url(http://<your-typepad-name>.typepad.com/
<your-siggy-image>.PNG/JPG/GIF);
background-repeat: no-repeat;
margin: 10px 0px 10px 0px;
padding: 106px 0px 0px 0px; 
}

 

Important Note:

Please note that the first segment in the padding property needs to be the height of your signature file reference in the background property.

A sample of the background URL may be http://heatherporto.typepad.com/signature.png.

 

Related Articles:

• Setup automatic post signature to appear in Blogger.
• Adding a signature in Blogger and Typepad.
• Adding your signature to a TypePad post.

 

Happy Blogging!

Heather Wright-Porto
www.BlogsByHeather.com 

Blogs By Heather Weekly Q&A

As promised, here is the Blogs By Heather Weekly Q&A. Every week to recap all the questions and answers as I feel many would benefit from the answers and appreciate the questions.

 

Discussion This Week: 

1. Creating a Notes Typelist in TypePad 
2. How to change the font size and color in the sidebar (TypePad)
3. How to create a printer friendly blog
4. Creating a dropdown menu

Creating a Notes Typelist in TypePad

A customer of mine is working on her sidebars and wanted to know how to be able to insert an image in the sidebar as well as have text underneath it.  I asked if she was using a Notes Typelist for that is what she would need.  So if she was not, to delete the old typelist and create a new one.  Then shared these instructions on how to setup the sidebar item with the image and text.

• First, go to your Typelists (under the Library Menu) and then Create New Typelist.
• Make sure to choose Notes as the Type, and then give it a Name (this will appear as as a title in your sidebar).

Then upload a picture of your item to your file manager (the File Manager is also listed under the Library menu).

• Then right-click and get the URL of that image (meaning Copy Link or Copy shortcut – that is the image's path).

Then you need to go to your new Typelist and in the NOTES are you will use this:

<img src="path to your image">

such as

<img src="http://www.astampabove.com/kits-available.jpg">

Then if you want to link that to a page on your blog….Create the page on you rblog and get the URL to that page.  Then modify this code to be like this:

<a href="URL to page on blog"><img src="path to image"></a>

Then if you want text under it as well, no problem:

<a href="URL to page on blog"><img src="path to image"></a><BR>Click here to view all my available kits for sale!

And if you want it centered…..
<center><a href="URL to page on blog"><img src="path to image"></a></center>

Remember to click SAVE to save your changes. And if you are using a new Typelist, you need to click PUBLISH as well:

• Then check off your blog and click Save Changes. 
• Next, click Organize Content, 
• Then Content until you end up in the layout of your blog where you see the newly added item listed at the bottom of your sidebar.  
• Drag and drop where you want it to be and then save changes.

Related articles

• Creating a sidebar item to link to existing post (using Notes Typelist).
• Creating a sidebar w/o having to use a TypeList!

 

Change the font and size

Again, this is a TypePad question about how to change the size and font of the sidebar titles.

• Go to Design, then Theme Builder.
• Go to Sidebar settings (at the bottom).
• And change the size and font of the Sidebar Title if you'd like.
• Save changes.

 

How to create a Printer Friendly post

I loved this question and wanted to experiment with it.  TypePad and WordPress.com already have it covered and your post area is printed only (no sidebars); however this is not the case with Blogger or privately hosted WordPress blogs…so here is the article on that.

 

Creating a Dropdown Menu (NavBar)

I had a customer post a question to me if it is possible to have a dropdown in Blogger. I said "Yes", and its the same code I use for TypePad blogs.  WordPress has a built-in ability to create a menu-like system when you create pages - you can set it to be a sub-page and create a hierarchy that way. Anyway….

Here is the code I use, but of course have modified it for my clients…but it's a starting point.  You will soon see a new Dropdown menu on this blog as part of my Reorganizing Your Blog series!

I also offer this as a service from $25-$40 depending on the complexity. If you are interested or need a dropdown menu for your blog:

 

Until next week….

Happy Blogging!

Heather Wright-Porto
www.BlogsByHeather.com 

Blogs By Heather Weekly Q&A

As promised, here is the Blogs By Heather Weekly Q&A. Every week to recap all the questions and answers as I feel many would benefit from the answers and appreciate the questions.

 

Discussion This Week: Domain Mapping

1. This week we'll discuss Domain Mapping and how to set it up in Blogger, TypePad and WordPress

You may purchase a domain from me at www.BlogsByHeatherDomains.com and you can complete your domain mapping immediately (in most cases…there has been one case I know of where it took over an hour; but most changes are immediate).  When going through Go Daddy directly, it may take up to 24 hours and I have had clients where it took several days to a week (but most changes update within 24 hours).  

Anyway…onward to Domain Mapping.

First, with Blogger and TypePad you change or update what is called a CNAME record.  In WordPress.com, you update the actual NameServers (and this may take up to 48 hours for WordPress.com to apply the changes). Additionally, with WordPress.com you have to pay $12 a year to keep the domain mapped to your WordPress blog.  With Blogger and TypePad there is no "domain mapping" related charge.

Blogger

Is the easiest out of all three platforms.

• First go to your domain.
• Go to www.BlogsByHeatherDomains.com for example and login.
• Click on your Domain name (say BlogsByHeather.com) or click to go directly to Domain Manager.
• When the Domain Manager is open, then go to the middle, bottom area and click Total DNS.
• On the next screen, towards the bottom, look for the www row.  It has a @ sign in it as a default. Replace the @ with ghs.google.com.  Yes, this is for all BLOGGER users (you use the same address).
• Click Save Zone File button.
• Click Ok on the next message about could take up to 24 hours.
• Now go to Blogger, then Settings.
• Then Publishing.
• Click to switch to Custom Domain.
• Click Advanced Settings (since you already have a domain from Blogs By Heather Domains for example).
• Enter the URL with the www in the address box; such as www.BlogsByHeather.com.
• Enter the Word Verification at the bottom and Save.
• Then again in the same area, check the box to redirect the non-www address.
• Then enter Word Verification again and Save (yes, this has to be done in two steps).
• And viola…you domain is now active!!!!

 

TypePad

• Login to TypePad and then from the top, click Account.
• Then click Domain Mapping.
• Begin domain mapping and enter the www address, such as www.BlogsByHeather.com.
• Then click to Map the Domain.
• It will then give you a Points To address such as heatherporto.typepad.com.  That is the address you need to select and copy.
• Then go to your domain, such as via Blogs By Heather Domains.
• Then go to Domain Manager, and then Total DNS.
• Where it lists www and the @ as the address, replace the @ with your Points To address (such as heatherporto.typepad.com).
• Click to Save Zone File and then click OK.
• Then go back to TypePad (Account, Domain Mapping) and click Activate next to the mapping you previously started.
• That's it…now your domain is live!!!!

 

WordPress

A little tricker and does not involve Total DNS as the Blogger and TypePad, but instead the changing of Nameservers.

• Login to your domain first, such as www.BlogsByHeatherDomains.com.
• Then go to the Domain Manager.
• Instead of Total DNS, go to the NameServers area and change the Nameservers to those of WordPress:
  
  NS1.WORDPRESS.COM
  NS2.WORDPRESS.COM
  NS3.WORDPRESS.COM 
• Save changes, click OK at any additional message (about it will take time for changes).
• Now, login to WordPress.com, and go to the Dashboard, then Upgrades.

• Click Add a Domain and "mapping" (it's $12 per year).
• Then enter path of the new domain without the "www" and click the "Add Domain to Blog" button.
• Then continue paying with PayPal or credit card and continue.
• You will get a message that the WordPress nameserver changes may take up to 48 hours.  After that, you're all set.

If you have any problems mapping a domain, just let me know.  In some instance when registering with other domain registrants there are some other things that need to be done; but I have assisted people with Go Daddy, Network Solutions, Yahoo! Small Business, NameSecure, Cheap Domains and more!  But for fast service, go to www.BlogsByHeatherDomains.com.

Until next week….

Happy Blogging!

Heather Wright-Porto
www.BlogsByHeather.com 

Using a Store Page Template

For those of you who have used my blog setup or blog store setup services, I may have installed a store page template that looks something like this mini snap shot.

What is it?

It is really just a HTML table, in this snapshot, 3 columns wide and 2 rows long.  NOTE: You will learn how to do this in the HTML for Bloggers webinar and it is also covered in both of my books - Beginning Google Blogger and Creative Blogging!

HTML Sample

The layout is something like this, 3 columns and 2 rows HTML sample:

<table cellpadding="10">

<tr>
<td valign="bottom">
Image Here<BR>
Description Here<BR>
Price Here<BR>
PayPal Here</td>

<td valign="bottom">
Image Here<BR>
Description Here<BR>
Price Here<BR>
PayPal Here</td>

<td valign="bottom">
Image Here<BR>
Description Here<BR>
Price Here<BR>
PayPal Here</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td valign="bottom">
Image Here<BR>
Description Here<BR>
Price Here<BR>
PayPal Here</td>

<td valign="bottom">
Image Here<BR>
Description Here<BR>
Price Here<BR>
PayPal Here</td>

<td valign="bottom">
Image Here<BR>
Description Here<BR>
Price Here<BR>
PayPal Here</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td valign="bottom">
Image Here<BR>
Description Here<BR>
Price Here<BR>
PayPal Here</td>

<td valign="bottom">
Image Here<BR>
Description Here<BR>
Price Here<BR>
PayPal Here</td>

<td valign="bottom">
Image Here<BR>
Description Here<BR>
Price Here<BR>
PayPal Here</td>
</tr>

</table>

We'll get into what all this means in the webinar and will be going through the following instructions step by step as well for Blogger, TypePad and WordPress (Creative Blogging covers all three platforms as well).

Using the Template

Although I have setup your store or installed a bunch of templates, many have asked, how do "I" change it?  So I wanted to share a set of instructions that you can use regardless of what blogging platform you are using.

We are beginning again as though the template is already installed and you are viewing a snapshot like the store template above.

1. Go to the Dashboard and go to your Pages area and then click to Edit your store page.
2. Once opened in the normal, rich text/compose/visual view, you will first click on the image placeholder or the text "image here" and delete it (using the Delete key on your keyboard).
3. Then immediately click the Insert Image button from your page editor toolbar.
4. Locate the image of the product you wish to sell and insert it; setting its custom options - choose SMALL as the size setting or manually set it to 120px wide.
5. Insert the image.
6. Then select the Item Name text below it, and begin typing the product name (it will erase the existing template text and replace with the text you are typing).
7. Do the same for the following: Item Description and Price.
8. Then the last thing to do it is insert the PayPal button below the newly inserted product information.
   
   GO TO PAYPAL
    
9. Open a new browser window and go to your PayPal account.
10. Click on Merchant Services.
11. Choose the Add to Cart button.
12. Enter an Item Name and Price (shipping and tax if applicable).
13. Scroll down to the bottom and click Create Button.
14. Then you will be sent to a screen in PayPal where you can copy a set of HTML code (the code for your new Add to Cart button).
15. Select the code and Copy it.
    
    GO BACK TO YOUR BLOG
    
    
16. Go back to your blog and the page editor you have been previously working on.
17. Switch to HTML in the page editor view (or Edit HTML).
18. Then locate the text "PayPal Here" under the newly added product.
19. Select the text and then Paste.
20. This pastes in the new Add to Cart button.
21. Click back to Rich Text/Compose/Visual and view you newly added item and PayPal button.
22. Now continue these steps (3-20) until all the products and payment buttons have been added.
23. When done, Publish your page and you have a store!!!!!

NOTE: In Blogger, when you insert PayPal buttons, extra space is added around the payment buttons. It's a pain in the butt, but detailed descriptions are given in my Beginning Google Blogger book and we'll review it in the HTML for Bloggers webinar. But in short, you basically have to condense the amount of lines of HTML code PayPal generates.

That's about it in a nutshell….Until next time…Happy Blogging!

Heather Wright-Porto
www.BlogsByHeather.com 

P.S.

To view live samples of store setups I've done using a template:

• Monica Weaver - Metal Sheets Store
• Sandi MacIver - Tutorials Store

Related Articles:

• PayPal help
• HTML help

TypePad Security Flaw

I'm not sure what else to call it, so I'm calling this post "TypePad Security Flaw". While working with a customer this flaw was discovered.

Here's the scenario

• Many customers give me their TypePad logins while others change the login (password) temporarily to allow me access for the day, for example, and then change it back (to their "real" password) when I'm finished.
• I was logged into TypePad under the login and password A.
• I did some work and left myself logged in as I had more work to continue later on.
• However the user reset the password back to B. Where if I opened a new browser (since I use a few different browsers, say FireFox and Safari for the Mac) and attempted to login with password A, I could not get in.
• However, I am still logged into TypePad on the original browser and still under password A.
• FLAW:  I can still work on the blog and make changes even through the password has been changed.
• FLAW:  I can still continue to work even after refreshing the page, going to other areas of the blog.  I am literally still logged in and continue to work even though the password has been changed. So basically the account is literally able to be worked on under two logins until I log out of TypePad (where I was using password A).
• Of course I simply logged out but feel I should not have been allowed to continue to work once the page was refreshed and that TypePad should have flagged the password was changed and forced me to re-login. 
• SOLUTION: Seems to be missing a session timeout, similar to what PayPal has if you leave the application idle (not used) for x-amount of time. TypePad should be implement this (session timeout) to prevent a situation like this or similar case.

Anyway, I considered this a "flaw" so that's why I wanted to bring it to your attention. Don't get me wrong, my Blogs By Heather blog, this blog, is a TypePad blog, I'm on the TypePad Experts page, and enjoy using TypePad and it's many popular features!  I just found this surprising and wanted to share it with you.

Happy Blogging!

Heather Wright-Porto
www.BlogsByHeather.com 

Reorganize Your Blog SERIES: Creating Multiple Dropdown Menus (Requires HTML Code)

As you continue to blog, your list may grow so quickly that it may take up so much room in your sidebar that it may not be so easy for your customers/visitors to find what they are looking for.  

In the past Reorganize Your Blog SERIES post, we reviewd  a few ways you can create dropdowns in your blog. In this post we are going to expand on the idea of creating and using multiple dropdown boxes in your sidebar to link to pages or specific categories on your site. 

This requires manually writing HTML code. Although I am sharing the instructions here you may be the type of  person who wants to watch, listen and learn.  This will be taught in my upcoming HTML for Bloggers Webinar - so you'll be able to watch me live or watch and listen to the recordings at your leisure!

Okay, so lets' get started! I'm going to use my stamping blog as an example but you can use this technique for any business and to split up your categories into different dropdown boxes like Renee Blodgett does at Down The Avenue (www.DownTheAvenue.com). I revamped her blog over a year ago where she had a bunch of TypeLists and Categories taking up lots of room in her sidebars. We converted them all to dropdown lists and created a nicer, neater and more organized sidebars.

 

Step 1: View the list (long list) of categories

On my stamping blog, www.HandStampedByHeather.com, I have a huge list of categories labeled by stamp set, technique, wheels for example (see snippet on the left here).  This list is quite large and takes up a lot of room. 

Step 2: Determine how you would like to break them up.

So what I would like to do is create a few dropdown menus in the sidebar and break up the categories. I would like to create one dropdown labeled "Select By Stamp Set" and another "Select By Technique" and so; but those are the two we will use in this example.

Step 3: Create a sidebar item to support HTML code.

In order to accomplish this you must keep the long lost visible on your site, as you need to copy the link location of each category/label.  It doesn't matter if you're using Blogger, TypePad or WordPress, the steps are the same but the sidebar gadgets are named as follows. 

• In Blogger you will add a HTML/JavaScript gadget for each dropdown you're creataing.
• In TypePad you will create a new TypeList (NOTES Type) for each dropdown.
• In WordPress you will use a Text Widget for each dropdown you are creating.

In my example I am creating an HTML/JavaScript in Blogger with the Title "Select By Stamp Set".  The important part you need is below in creating the HTML code for the dropdown list(s).

You will see in these lines of code the VALUE propert is being assigned the hyperlink (link location) of the category. In the long list, I right-click the category, such as The Snowflake Spot, and choose Copy Link Location (or Copy Shortcut).  Then I go to my HTML/JavaScript code gadget and paste it into the VALUE property for that item.  Then notice just the text The Snowflake Spot in between the OPTION tags. That is the text the user sees in the dropdown box (highlighted below).

In my sample HTML/JavaScript gadget I currently have this code:

<html>
<body>
<form>

<select onchange='location=this.value;'>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com>Click here...</option>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com/search/label/STAMPSET-The%20Snowflake%20Spot>
The Snowflake Spot</option>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com/search/label/STAMPSET-Time%20Well%20Spent>
Time Well Spent</option>
</select>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com/search/label/STAMPSET-Tropical%20Party>
Tropical Party</option>
</select>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com/search/label/STAMPSET-Upsy%20Daisy>
Upsy Daisy</option>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com/search/label/STAMPSET-Vintage%20Vogue>
Vintage Vogue</option>

</select></form>
</body>
</html>

And when saved it looks like this in the sidbar (see snapshots below - one with it as is and one with the box expanded so you can see the items in the dropdown).

 

And when you click on an item it go to that category - meaning it filters the posts and displays only those posts with the label/category you selected (Time Well Spent in this example, snapshot of my blog seen below).

Next, you would create another HTML/JavaScript Gadget (Blogger), NOTES TypeList (TypePad) or Text Widget (WordPress) for your next topic. For my stamping blog, for example, I would create another one for Techniques (Select By Technique).

Here is the HTML code:

<html>
<body>
<form>

<select onchange='location=this.value;'>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com>Click here...</option>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com/search/label/TECHNIQUE-Bleach%20Out>
Bleach Out</option>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com/search/label/TECHNIQUE-Boxes>
Boxes</option>
</select>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com/search/label/TECHNIQUE-Brayer>
Brayer</option>
</select>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com/search/label/TECHNIQUE-Crayon%20Resist>
Crayon Resist</option>

<option value=http://www.handstampedbyheather.com/search/label/TECHNIQUE-Dahlia%20Flower>
Dahlia Flower</option>

</select></form>
</body>
</html>

The results would now be 3 dropdowns in the sidebar for Categories;

• one that shows all the categories
• one for selecting by stamp set
• one for selecting by technique

(You only see the wrenches as I am logged into to Blogger and working on the blog. They will not be visible to customers.)

Lastly I would then remove the Labels gadget/ Categories gadget (the long list) as once you have all your dropdowns completed, you no longer need to show this large list which is cluttering your sidebars!

Additional notes

You can use this same method to link to categories (as discussed in this artlcle), other pages on your own blog, posts or pages on another person's blog or website, etc.

I also like to keep dropdown values alphabetized - makes it easier for your users and customers to find what they are looking for.

Want the dropdown boxes all the same width? We'll learn how to do all of this (dicussed in this article), how to customize the dropdown box further and more HTML coding in my upcoming HTML for Bloggers webinar. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter as they will get the notification of the schedule first. Classes to start in May!

I can help!

Want me to reorganize your blog for you? We still have a few more articles to the Reorganize Your Blog SERIES of posts but in the end if you prefer me just to it for you, then I'd be happy to! Send my your blog address and any notes - if you have specific things you want moved or added or removed, or if you just prefer me to do a clean up and to help you decide.

Contact me for a quote today!

Upcoming Blogs By Heather Articles:

• Webinar Schedule
• How to Claim your blog using Technorati
• More on the Blogging Success Summit SERIES
• and many, many more! 

Note: If you are having a specific problem or have an idea for an article? Email me, I'd love to hear from you and I'm sure others have the same question(s)!

Use Random Number Generator…Creative Blogging Book Winner!

In choosing winners for my blog giveaways, I use Random.org.  It's quick and easy and now you can even add a widget to your own blog!

So the winner of my 2nd book is Connie Collins!

Hi Connie!
Please email me your mailing address! :D 

So, how do you put this gadget on your blog? It's actually pretty easy and can be done in just a few steps.  

First go to www.Random.org.

Then click Get Your Own button.

You can modify the width and height (specifically the width to fit in your blog's sidebar), however the height is fine for most blogs have a sidebar of 180-220px by default.

You may change the color of the text or background title area.

Make whatever changes you would like to color and width for example, and then click Create Widget.

You will then be presented with preview of what your gadget looks like and then a box of code (iframe) that you now need to copy and paste into your blog.

For Blogger:

• Go to Design, then Page Elements, then Add a Gadget.
• Choose HTML/JavaScript.
• Copy and paste in the code in the large text box.
• Save.
• Drag and drop where you want it in your sidebar/blog layout.
• Save changes.

For TypePad:

• Click Design, then Content.
• In the middle, Categories, choose Embed Own HTML Code.
• Then copy and paste in the code.
• Save.
• Drag and drop where you want it in your sidebar.
• Save Changes.

For WordPress:

• Click on Appearance, Widgets.
• Drag a Text Widget to your sidebar.
• Copy and Paste in the code and give it a try. Note that not all versions of WordPress may allow this code but it's worth a try.
• Save. 
• Close.
• You're done.

Again, congratulations CONNIE COLLINS on winning a free, signed brand new copy of my book, Creative Blogging.

In short, it is "all about blogging" in many aspects and covers topics from

• starting a new blog, thinking of a name, brainstorming about what to write about, good writing tips; 
• following with blog layout and organization, working with images and video (from getting them from your camera/video recorder to your computer to your blog!);
• to creating a blog, changing its design, setting up a custom domain, creating a blog store with PayPal buttons;
• to socializing with Facebook and Twitter, as well as how to drive traffic to your blog and monitor visitors (visitor tracking);
• and then finishing up with using HTML and CSS code in your blog, and where to find additional help.

It is LOADED and has instruction for Windows and Mac, for Blogger, TypePad, and WordPress users!!!!!  I will be having a webinar on this book as well!

Upcoming Blogs By Heather Articles to be posted soon:

• Webinar Schedule
• How to Claim your blog using Technorati
• More on Reorganize Your Blog Series
• More on the Blogging Success Summit Series
• How to use My Free Copyright
• More on Facebook changes

Happy Blogging!

Heather Wright-Porto
www.BlogsByHeather.com