Each week I like to highlight blog posts that I received some Wisdom from. Please visit the following blogs, comment if you wish, and glean from their knowledge and experience.
Finding Backlinks by Illene from BasicblogTips.com. In this video she shares how you can see who’s linking to your wordpress blog via three methods. [wordpress dashboard, Technorati and google webmaster tools] Be sure to visit her blog for lots of great WordPress tips.
The Ultimate guide to Guest Blogging by Kristi Hines of Kikolani.com. If you’ve ever thought of guest blogging this post covers everything you need to know. Love the title because it truly is the Ultimate guide. She guides you through setting your guest blogging goals, how to find guest blogging opportunities, Preparing your blog pitch, Best times to pitch your guest post ideas, How to submit a great post, how to write a great Bio, tracking your results and how to be a great guest blogger. Wow- that is a lot of great information.
Linked in Groups Tips by Denise Wakeman. She shares tips by Social media Linked in expert Viveka Von Rosen who runs Social Media Biz School
P.S. I met two of the three business women via an online Linkedin group. The other lady, Illene, I found via Audioboo.com.
Do you have a twitter account yet? No? What are you waiting for.
It is a great way to meet other bloggers. I’ve met quite a few awesome people on twitter. Just since January I’ve met and connected with theWordChef – Tea Sylvestre, SydniCraigHart, Denise Wakeman and RTMixMktg all who also happen to be on Linked in.
What is a #hashtag? A hashtag is a # symbol organically made by users to organize topics on twitter. #wahmtips
How do you use it? Use a # sign in front of the topic you’d like to search or add to. ex. #wahmtips. When you search #wahmtips twitter will generate a feed with posts using this hashtag.
How to save your search. Enter the #hashtag term you want to search. A pop up tag will come up ‘save search’ with a + sign. Click on this tab to save.
When your scheduled twitter time comes around, enter #wahmtips into the search box or bring it up in your saved searches and check out what others are saying about the subject. Be sure to add your own #wahmtips tweet and reply to or retweet the ones others have posted.
Article marketing is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to advertise your business or blog. I’ve been writing online since 2005. I started on Ezine Articles and have moved onto Squidoo and a number of other writing venues.
As you start working at home you might not have a lot of confidence in your ability to write. This is normal and your writing skills will improve with time.
Article marketing brings traffic to your blog or shop all without a monetary investment on your part.
One of the venues I choose to publish my articles is Squidoo. This is because it is a very easy platform to use. I can also use affiliate links, add products from etsy, cafepress, zazzle, ebay and amazon ~ all adding up to some ad royalties. You can learn to make your own Squidoo page in just seven days with my simple eCourse which includes screen shots and step by step instructions.
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a Free WordPress checklist that will guide you as you set up your first blog.
Last week was a bugger of a week for my family. My husband is still out of town helping his mother as she is having health problems so he’s not here to help out.
School started last week and we home-school so it’s really rough getting back into our routine after a 2 week break. Plus, I’m really pushing myself to accomplish my writing goals – Oh, and I just set up some crochet classes for February – a first for me.
Yes, I do believe I’m pulling my hair out. Not to worry though because I do remember an article I wrote with some wise advice for time management.
Prioritize – Do not let your priorities get skewed.
Review of How to Start a Crafts Blog for Fun and Profit
I’m really excited about where my craft blog is going this year. I started the blog back in 2007 as a way to share my crochet projects. Now it’s turned into a great little community for crocheters and bloggers alike. I just completed a cross blog conversation with Kathryn of Crochet Concupiscence which helped me get to know her and her blogging goals better.
Not too long ago I purchased an eGuide over at JustAddSweat.com. Of course I had to check them out because I was considering partnering up with them as an affiliate. I started by checking out the ‘How to Start a Crafts Blog for Fun and Profit’.
This guide is great for those who have never blogged before. It explains what a blog is and how you can use it to start creating a profit. You don’t have to crochet either. Any craft will work with this eGuide. If you already have a blog this probably isn’t for you as it is geared to those who have never had a blog or don’t know what a blog is.
The creators of the guides, JoAnne and Nicole, are successful business owners who were sick of the hype and poor-quality business advice out there so they decided to create these guides.
What’s included:
· Ideas for types of craft blogs to start.
· Definition of a blog.
· How to set up and use your blog.
· How you can make money blogging.
· How to choose your market.
· What to blog about.
· How to get traffic to your blog and make money.
This guide gives you step by step instructions on how to set up a basic blog including audio and video. You’ll also get a worksheet that will help you find your target market. It also comes with a couple of bonuses like the time management article and the blog calendar.
One thing I feel it’s missing is a bit more instruction on how to write great blog posts. I think some people who are new to Internet businesses may not understand what people who visit blogs are looking to read so I think this would be helpful. I think it can be taught via Smart blogging skills or similar programs online. Google “how to write a blog post” and you’ll find tons of information.
In the appendix section there is a list that explains everything you need for setting up your business and blog, which is great for people just starting out.
When you download the eGuide you get an audio interview with Nicole in which she gives some tips on blogging. Some include how you should plan your posts, take notes when visiting other blogs and what to write.
I’m sure you know that craft information is high demand, and people just love to get as much information they can about crafts. By starting this type of blog you’ll be starting a topic that is near and dear to many people.
Find out all about it by visiting JustAddSweat.com now:
I’m an affiliate of JustAddSweat however I only represent products and companies that I trust and products that I use or believe in. This is one way that I am able financially help my husband and my boys. This review is NOT a paid or sponsored post.
What? You don’t have a mailing list yet? Well, let’s remedy that right now.
Sign up formailchimp.com. It’s free and a great learning venue. I’ve seen aWeber in use and do like it but just can’t afford it right now. I know it will be a pain to transfer my list once I do make enough money but it’s something I’ve come to accept. Other email list management software you could use – get-a-response, constant contact. {haven’t tried any but mailchimp}
Set up your list. Mail chimp has videos and eBooks that guide you through this process.
Write your introduction email. Be sure to let your subscribers know how they found you by including your web address. Also include a way for them to unsubscribe. Mail chimp guides you through all of this as I’m sure the other software programs do.
Set up a free ethical bribe aka eBook, eCourse, etc. This could be a crochet pattern, a short report, an audio interview, access to a webinar – get creative. Make sure it’s something your readers will benefit from.
Grab the link and add it to your blog. Be sure to add the sign up form and the ethical bribe to your site and spread the word about your new list.
Let your readers and followers know that you have a mailing list. Tweet it. Share on facebook. Let your readers know in a blog post so they can share with their followers.
You’re not done yet. Set up a newsletter schedule and send it out regularly. I send out my crochet newsletter bi-monthly and I have a weekly newsletter for this site. If you miss a day don’t give up just keep trying until this is a habit.
Time management is something I struggle with. I tend to procrastinate if I don’t have a list of things to do. It is also easy for me to get distracted online if I don’t have a clear goal in mind especially on social media sites.
I’ve taken some advice from a couple of successful women online to help me manage my time better. As I strive to maintain a clear focus online, I utilize a number of time management tips from these wise women. I don’t always succeed each day but I know that every time I practice, I get closer to making these tips into habits.
Buy and Use a Daily Planner – I used to have little notes everywhere. My desk was so scattered with notes no wonder I had a hard time staying focused. Now I keep a spiral notebook next me for taking notes along with my daily planner.
Make and Use Your “To Do” List – Prioritize the things you need to get done now and add the items that can wait to a long term “to do” list. Once you make your list use it – it does no good sitting in your planner or on your desk.
Don’t Start the Day Off With eMail, Twitter, Facebook or other Social Media – Do your work first no exceptions. Yes, part of the work is to be social with your readers but set a time for that and stick to it – don’t get social until all the “to do” tasks are complete.
At the End of the Day Update Your “To Do” List – The day is drawing to a close, did you get everything done? No worries, just transfer those tasks onto tomorrows list in the appropriate order. You may even find that something you thought belonged on your “to do” list really didn’t and you can cross it off.
Utilize Google Calendar for Reminders – Use google tools to your advantage. Send reminders to yourself. Schedule webinars, conferences, and interviews ahead of time. Plan a couple of months in advance to see the big picture.
Outsource to a Virtual Assistant – Sometimes it’s just easier to delegate your back-end tasks to an assistant. A Virtual Assistant can handle your “to do” list, schedule your meetings and even upload your articles to your blog.
Attend Only the Webinars and Conferences That are of Value to Your Business – You receive a lot of information throughout your day. It isn’t possible to attend every conference or webinar that interests you. Select only the ones that move your business forward.
When You are Working – Work. – Shut the door if you have a home office, let your family know you are not to be disturbed and don’t let anything distract you from your “to do” list.
Turn Cell Phone on Vibrate and House Phone to Voice Mail – When working on time sensitive projects make sure there are no distractions – even a phone call can derail you. When you are done, take the time to return calls.
Don’t Feel Guilty About Saying No – Say “no” and mean it. Don’t take on more than what is on your current “to do” list. It is perfectly fine for you to use the N.O. word and you don’t have to feel guilty about using. Take a lesson from a two-year old, they use it often, they mean it and they certainly have no anxiety or guilt from using it.
These time management tips may seem simple and they are but don’t let that fool you. Use them each and everyday until they are habits and you will find your accomplishments piling up. I’m very grateful for these tips and hope to one day report that I am no longer a procrastinator.
I already created editorial calendars for both my Crocheting blog and this self titled blog. This really helps me in seeing what I need to do to prepare for future projects. It also helps me to push myself past my comfort zone and make those vital connections with other wahms and bloggers.
I also filled out my blog directory for my Crochet Blog however I still need to complete it for this blog. At least it is on my to do list and not stuck somewhere in the abyss of my memory.
My goal for me this year is Focus. Very similar to what Jackie wrote in her article. Like she said our goals won’t be exactly the same but they will cross at some points – Focus – being a perfect example.
The primary goals for any online business is to produce content, promote content, create connections and nurture those connections. – paraphrased from Jackie Lee of internetmarketingformommies.com
Another great resource I read on staying focused in business is from Kelly McCaussey which is ‘The Power of a Focused Business‘. She is admired by all in our Solomastermind group and come 2012 you will see the fruit of her focused business goals as she releases some fabulous new projects.
My 2012 Goals:
Blog Monday – Friday on Crochet Journal
Blog at least 3 times/week on SaraDuggan Blog
Write 1 Squidoo Lens per Week
Write 1 Ezine Article per Week
Promote writing on social networks
Connect with Linkedin more [3/week]
Release at least 1 information product per quarter
Angela Wills is currently taking registration for her next Website Design Mojo course which starts January 16, 2011.
So, if you have a website or blog on wordpress and would like to learn how to design it yourself – change the header, the background colors, and other cool tricks my friend Angela Wills has a course that can teach you all of this stuff.
It is a bit pricey [$397] so she has given me a coupon code for my readers which will save you 25%. couponcode:mojo Plus, if you purchase before December 16, 2011 she offers a payment plan where you can pay in 3-installments of $133 each.
What if you don’t have a WordPress Blog? I’m giving away Hosting for 2012!
As a thank you for purchasing through my affiliate link I will enter you into a giveaway for 1 year WordPress hosting and domain registration.
That’s right, I’ll pay for your hosting in 2012 when you purchase Angela’s Web Design Mojo Course. Just send me your registration receipt and on December 20, 2011 I will announce the winner.
Website Design Mojo
When: January 16th to February 24th
Where: On your Home Computer Online
Teacher: Angela Wills
Specifics About the Giveaway:
All purchases need to be made using my affiliate link by December 16, 2011
A receipt for the purchase of Anglea’s course needs to be sent to me
Hosting is provided by MomWebs.com which includes 600MB disk space, 20 GB of bandwidth per month [January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012]
This weekend I came across a new thread in the Solomasterminds forum – Comment and Buzz Club. This club requires a commitment of one month from participants and involves commenting and giving buzz via social media to blog posts.
I like this idea because it gets me out and about in blog land reading blogs that I normally don’t. Here are a few that have participated this month:
A Kid’s First Cell Phone: A Complete Guide for Mom by Kelly McCaussey – This is a very thorough guide for Mom’s who are thinking about getting their child a cell phone. Did you know that when your child sends a photo that the recipient receives a gps location of your child? I sure didn’t. Kelly includes a printable cell phone contract which states the rules of cell phone ownership. Definitely something I wish I had back when my son got his first cell phone.
Internet Business Christmas Gift Guide by Angela Wills – Angela greets us with a look of glee as she holds a present in her arms anticipating what is inside. She is an internet marketer with a successful business and as such her wish list is filled with gifts that will improve her business. From a USB necklace to a brand new iPad her list is filled to the brim with ideas for an internet marketing geek.
How to Stop Stress With Deep Breathing by Diana Walker – Get ready to breath. Diana gives helpful tips and resources to help us with our breathing. Yes, you do have breath with you shop at the toy store. While reading the article I couldn’t help concentrating on my breathing technique – slowly inhaling and then exhaling. If you are like me and have allergies, you might be interested in using a neti-pot. I never heard of this until reading Diana’s article. It is a way to irrigate your nasal passage.
I’m looking forward to giving buzz to more Solomastermind members this month.
What about you? Leave a Comment with your latest blog post and I will give it a bit of buzz.
