Hey, it happens. The holidays are looming. You have too many things to do. You're tired of thinking. The reasons are many that could find you facing your computer screen pondering what to post. Don't worry it happens. If you're wondering WWSD [What Would Shakespeare Do?] He would probably have taken a walk, dropped into a pub, chatted for a while and returned home ready to dip quill in ink and produce another masterpiece.
But here are a few quick ways to move forward in a contemporary manner. Have a cup of hot chocolate,coffee or tea and find some inspiration on these sites listed below. From short lists to lengthy ones, there's much to pour over to transition your mind from blank to buzzing. Unlike the Bard, you really don't have to get out of your house when you're out of ideas. Blog topics, blog trends,blog content ideas,long copy, short copy, to use blog photos or not, to use blog video or not. The list is lengthy and Mr. Google has you covered.
47 Blog Content Ideas For When You have a Mental Block
103 Blog Post Ideas that your Readers will Love
20 Blog Content ideas Guaranteed to Drive Massive Traffic to Your Site
189 Creative Blog Post Ideas
101+ Sources for Blog Post Ideas
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Travel Blogger and Travel Writer Conferences For November 2018
Yes, it's hurricane season, but next month there are some great events for travel writers and bloggers. You'll want to grab a like-minded friend and head out to the following conferences:
Travel Classics West 2018
November 29-December 2, 2018
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
For Freelance travel writers who want to connect with editors and the travel magazine market in general.
For more information check out TravelClassics.com
Sanibel Island Writers Conference
Nov 8 - 11, 2018
Sanibel Island, FL
Program Focus: Humor, Journalism, Nature, Screenwriting, Travel, Publishing, Poetry, Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Young Adult, Non-fiction, Children's, Marketing
Sponsor's Facebook Page www.facebook.com/pages/Sanibel-Island-Writers-Conference/114126118654415
Travel Classics West 2018
November 29-December 2, 2018
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
For Freelance travel writers who want to connect with editors and the travel magazine market in general.
For more information check out TravelClassics.com
Sanibel Island Writers Conference
Nov 8 - 11, 2018
Sanibel Island, FL
Program Focus: Humor, Journalism, Nature, Screenwriting, Travel, Publishing, Poetry, Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Young Adult, Non-fiction, Children's, Marketing
Sponsor's Facebook Page www.facebook.com/pages/Sanibel-Island-Writers-Conference/114126118654415
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
What Do The Most Powerful Types of Blog Posts Have In Common?
Anwser: Powerful blog posts attract readers by providing something worth linking to or sharing. That's the magic.
What kinds of post do this best?
1. The Freebie
2. The Overview
3. The message that connects
The Freebie is great for linking, because who doesn't want a free resource booklet with useful information? Who doesn't want a free peice of art from an interesting artist? Who doesn't want a free sample of a product that would be useful to them?
The Overview blog post is time-saving and who doesn't need to save time. It's a busy, crazy world. If you're blogging part-time, time is an even greater pressure point. Therefore, when you're able to read a blog that gives a great summary of a particular topic that you can read quickly and feel more informed, you win and your reader wins.
The message that connects delivers on a heartfelt belief, a direction a way of saying something that resonates with a reader in a way that is meaningful. As a result that reader as friends and associates that they feel will share your message, so they do the logical thing: they share it.
So next time you sit staring at a blank page consider the above suggestions three of the most expedient things you can do to reach out to existing and new readers and grow your blog fans.
What kinds of post do this best?
1. The Freebie
2. The Overview
3. The message that connects
The Freebie is great for linking, because who doesn't want a free resource booklet with useful information? Who doesn't want a free peice of art from an interesting artist? Who doesn't want a free sample of a product that would be useful to them?
The Overview blog post is time-saving and who doesn't need to save time. It's a busy, crazy world. If you're blogging part-time, time is an even greater pressure point. Therefore, when you're able to read a blog that gives a great summary of a particular topic that you can read quickly and feel more informed, you win and your reader wins.
The message that connects delivers on a heartfelt belief, a direction a way of saying something that resonates with a reader in a way that is meaningful. As a result that reader as friends and associates that they feel will share your message, so they do the logical thing: they share it.
So next time you sit staring at a blank page consider the above suggestions three of the most expedient things you can do to reach out to existing and new readers and grow your blog fans.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Five Interesting Statistics About Blogging For Bloggers to Consider
Want some interesting stats about blogging? Here are a few top ones to consider.
* Websites with a blog have tend to have 434% more indexed pages.
* Companies who blog receive 97% more links to their website.
* 70-80% of users ignore paid ads and only focus on organic results.
* B2B marketers that use blogs get 67% more leads than those that do not.
* 36% of people prefer list-based headlines
* Websites with a blog have tend to have 434% more indexed pages.
* Companies who blog receive 97% more links to their website.
* 70-80% of users ignore paid ads and only focus on organic results.
* B2B marketers that use blogs get 67% more leads than those that do not.
* 36% of people prefer list-based headlines
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
The True Sign of Intelligence is not Knowledge but Imagination
I've never blogged about my hobbies. So you may think, how is that relevant to a business blog? Here's why. One of my hobbies is reading about Physics. It was my science elective in high school, which just goes to show the impact of those electives.
My hobby has brought me into the minds of many great thinkers who were and are good at both the big picture and the small picture. One that has stood the test of time is, of course, Einstein.
Although I've read the book "The Other Einstein" in which his first wife is given credit for some of his ideas, you have to admire a man with a boring patent office job who continued to spend his spare time figuring out how the universe works. Furthermore, his theories have stood the test of time. Like myself, Einstein was no mathematical genius, which reassuringly didn't hinder his thought processes. In fact, he is the source for some of my favorite inspirational quotes.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."
"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school."
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science."
The take away here is the fact that much of business is challenging and a bit boring. Getting too entrenched in your everyday thoughts can carve a rut sometimes one that feels as deep as the Mariana Trench, which is considered to be the deepest part of the Earth's surface.
Devote more time to free and imaginative thought. It can go a long way toward finding small problem solutions that contribute to your own enterprise's big picture. Or take a wider and wider look at the scope of your entire business field and find creative ways to improve what you offer.
My hobby has brought me into the minds of many great thinkers who were and are good at both the big picture and the small picture. One that has stood the test of time is, of course, Einstein.
Although I've read the book "The Other Einstein" in which his first wife is given credit for some of his ideas, you have to admire a man with a boring patent office job who continued to spend his spare time figuring out how the universe works. Furthermore, his theories have stood the test of time. Like myself, Einstein was no mathematical genius, which reassuringly didn't hinder his thought processes. In fact, he is the source for some of my favorite inspirational quotes.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."
"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school."
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science."
The take away here is the fact that much of business is challenging and a bit boring. Getting too entrenched in your everyday thoughts can carve a rut sometimes one that feels as deep as the Mariana Trench, which is considered to be the deepest part of the Earth's surface.
Devote more time to free and imaginative thought. It can go a long way toward finding small problem solutions that contribute to your own enterprise's big picture. Or take a wider and wider look at the scope of your entire business field and find creative ways to improve what you offer.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Where to Go When You Run Out of Blog Topic Ideas: Hubspot Blog Ideas Generator
Running low on ideas for your blog? Just starting your blog and need ideas? In either situation, check out Hubspot and try the Blog Ideas Generator. Simply fill in the fields with terms that you’d like to write about and you'll be given a week’s worth of blog post titles. That's right. Type in three nouns and you'll be fired up to blog.
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
August 9-12, 2018
Corte Madera, CA (Just north of San Francisco)
The Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference is well known among publishers, editors, and writers. Alumni have published books, articles, and photos. Many of these have been credited as the direct result of lessons learned and contacts made at the conference.
The Conference offers an array of workshops, panels, and evening activities. There are many hours of informal interaction between faculty and students during lunch and in discussions that often last late into the evening. This year's faculty consists of more than two dozen professionals including the following:
Pauline Frommer - Co-President of Frommer Media
Sara Button - editorial assistant at AFAR Magazine
Tim Cahill - author of many travel books
Robert Holmes - 4x Winner of the Society of American Travel Writers Travel Photographer of the Year Award
Andrew McCarthy - director and award-winning travel writer
Pre-conferences on writing, photography and sketching will be held on August 8, 2018.
For details visit bookpassage.com
August 9-12, 2018
Corte Madera, CA (Just north of San Francisco)
The Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference is well known among publishers, editors, and writers. Alumni have published books, articles, and photos. Many of these have been credited as the direct result of lessons learned and contacts made at the conference.
The Conference offers an array of workshops, panels, and evening activities. There are many hours of informal interaction between faculty and students during lunch and in discussions that often last late into the evening. This year's faculty consists of more than two dozen professionals including the following:
Pauline Frommer - Co-President of Frommer Media
Sara Button - editorial assistant at AFAR Magazine
Tim Cahill - author of many travel books
Robert Holmes - 4x Winner of the Society of American Travel Writers Travel Photographer of the Year Award
Andrew McCarthy - director and award-winning travel writer
Pre-conferences on writing, photography and sketching will be held on August 8, 2018.
For details visit bookpassage.com
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Catch a July Fourth Parade and Watch Fireworks! Happy July 4th Weekend!
Take time this July Fourth Weekend to remember how great it is to be free! Stand up for freedom, for safety and the rights that we enjoy as Americans. Remember, we are the people!
Preamble to the United States Constitution
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union,
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves
and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Preamble to the United States Constitution
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union,
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves
and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
What Are the Top B2C Content Marketing Trends for 2018
According to 2018 B2C Content Marketing Research conducted by Content Marketing Institute and Marketing Profs the following are some overall trends that you can consider when creating and distributing your content. These are relevant whether you blog for yourself or create content for someone else's business to consumer (B2C) enterprise. They are of particular interest if your time constraints or your budget rule out doing everything
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends:
◾89% of B2C content marketers use social media.
◾86% of B2C content marketers use email (newsletters and welcome emails).
◾70% of B2C content marketers use blogs.
◾42% of B2C content marketers use in-person events. Use local or retail presence to get prospects to participate
in related activities. Also support community activities that help your prospects and customers.
◾34% of B2C content marketers use print (non-magazines). Other print options include newspapers and catalogs.
◾27% of B2C content marketers use content hubs (such as micro-sites and resource centers).
◾19% of B2C content marketers use webinars and virtual events.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use print magazines. Magazines allow marketers to reach an unplugged audience.
For example, Kraft extended their content offering into print.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use online presentations.
◾12% of B2C content marketers use digital magazines.
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends: Social Media Use
◾97% of B2C content marketers use Facebook.
◾84% of B2C content marketers use Twitter.
◾69% of B2C content marketers use LinkedIn.
◾66% of B2C content marketers use YouTube.
◾63% of B2C content marketers use Instagram.
◾43% of B2C content marketers use Pinterest.
◾37% of B2C content marketers use Google+.
◾11% of B2C content marketers use SnapChat.
◾8% of B2C content marketers use Slideshare.
◾5% of B2C content marketers use Medium.
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends: Content Formats
◾96% of B2C content marketers use non-video social media.
◾76% of B2C content marketers use video.
◾67% of B2C content marketers use illustrations and photos.
◾59% of B2C content marketers use infographics.
◾37% of B2C content marketers use interactive content.
◾35% of B2C content marketers use ebooks.
◾30% of B2C content marketers use case studies.
◾22% of B2C content marketers use live-streaming.
◾20% of B2C content marketers use research.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use mobile apps.
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends:
◾89% of B2C content marketers use social media.
◾86% of B2C content marketers use email (newsletters and welcome emails).
◾70% of B2C content marketers use blogs.
◾42% of B2C content marketers use in-person events. Use local or retail presence to get prospects to participate
in related activities. Also support community activities that help your prospects and customers.
◾34% of B2C content marketers use print (non-magazines). Other print options include newspapers and catalogs.
◾27% of B2C content marketers use content hubs (such as micro-sites and resource centers).
◾19% of B2C content marketers use webinars and virtual events.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use print magazines. Magazines allow marketers to reach an unplugged audience.
For example, Kraft extended their content offering into print.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use online presentations.
◾12% of B2C content marketers use digital magazines.
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends: Social Media Use
◾97% of B2C content marketers use Facebook.
◾84% of B2C content marketers use Twitter.
◾69% of B2C content marketers use LinkedIn.
◾66% of B2C content marketers use YouTube.
◾63% of B2C content marketers use Instagram.
◾43% of B2C content marketers use Pinterest.
◾37% of B2C content marketers use Google+.
◾11% of B2C content marketers use SnapChat.
◾8% of B2C content marketers use Slideshare.
◾5% of B2C content marketers use Medium.
2018 B2C Content Marketing Trends: Content Formats
◾96% of B2C content marketers use non-video social media.
◾76% of B2C content marketers use video.
◾67% of B2C content marketers use illustrations and photos.
◾59% of B2C content marketers use infographics.
◾37% of B2C content marketers use interactive content.
◾35% of B2C content marketers use ebooks.
◾30% of B2C content marketers use case studies.
◾22% of B2C content marketers use live-streaming.
◾20% of B2C content marketers use research.
◾17% of B2C content marketers use mobile apps.
Monday, May 28, 2018
Happy Memorial Day 2018 To The Blogging and Vlogging Communities!
Hope that you are taking time to honor our veterans and enjoy some of the many patriotic activities taking place today! If you're still planning your summer travel consider this upcoming blog conference in California..
June 20-23 - Anaheim, CA - VidCon
This conference welcomes everyone but is of special interest to those who pursue video blogging or vlogging! The event is built around three tracks:
The Community Track is for fans who want to come to VidCon and have an amazing time. Everything in the Community Track is about having fun, making friends, and being entertained by the best online video personalities in the world.
The Creator Track is for aspirational video makers who want to learn how to create higher quality content and find a bigger audience. It includes workshops, Q&As, mentorship sessions, and other activities that give content creators the opportunity to tap into the skills of the most successful professionals in the industry.
The Industry Track is tailored to corporations, brands, and technology companies building businesses in the online video space. It features keynotes, fireside chats, seminars, case studies, and product demonstrations focused on practical hands-on advice for today and tomorrow coupled with strategic insight into the future of online video and the media business overall.
For more info visit vidcon.com.
June 20-23 - Anaheim, CA - VidCon
This conference welcomes everyone but is of special interest to those who pursue video blogging or vlogging! The event is built around three tracks:
The Community Track is for fans who want to come to VidCon and have an amazing time. Everything in the Community Track is about having fun, making friends, and being entertained by the best online video personalities in the world.
The Creator Track is for aspirational video makers who want to learn how to create higher quality content and find a bigger audience. It includes workshops, Q&As, mentorship sessions, and other activities that give content creators the opportunity to tap into the skills of the most successful professionals in the industry.
The Industry Track is tailored to corporations, brands, and technology companies building businesses in the online video space. It features keynotes, fireside chats, seminars, case studies, and product demonstrations focused on practical hands-on advice for today and tomorrow coupled with strategic insight into the future of online video and the media business overall.
For more info visit vidcon.com.
Friday, May 18, 2018
BookExpo: THE Summer Event for Authors and Writing Bloggers, May 30-June 1, 2018 in NYC
What better way to save a little money than to combine your Vacay with your Blogging interests? BookExpo in NYC May 30-June 1, 2018 will be the first end-to-end business solution for the global publishing industry. Whether you are a writer interested in acquiring more knowledge for your own blog or perhaps someone interested in books who wants to start a book blog, this is the venue to "get schooled". Find out how content creation, rights trading, retail strategy and consumer behavior can increase your profits in today’s changing marketplace. BookExpo is where authors, booksellers, distributors, librarians, literary agents, and publishers can mingle and learn from each other.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
What Are The Best Times To Publish New Blog Posts?
Timing is not an aspect of a blog that everyone considers. I've never focused on blog timing, but some research reveals that not only the time of day, but the day of the week that you post can have an effect on readership. If you blog only once or twice a week some suggest Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Whether you post on those days or choose to be an every day poster, it seems as though early morning is the best time for increased readership and posting to social media.
This timing advice is not fail safe, particularly if you've already surveyed or researched your target readers and found out they follow a different time trend. However,if you haven't, you're probably like a lot of other bloggers, who just blog when they can, especially if they're just getting started. However, most blogs allow you to write in advance and schedule a post date and time.
Using Google Analytics to track your traffic, it's easy to get started. Once you've signed up [it's free]record the published time of each post. Using this data you can sort your visitors by the hour to see which days and hours rate the highest.
Make it a point to find out what your readers want more of and when they prefer to read online, you'll be better prepared to make your blogging successful.
This timing advice is not fail safe, particularly if you've already surveyed or researched your target readers and found out they follow a different time trend. However,if you haven't, you're probably like a lot of other bloggers, who just blog when they can, especially if they're just getting started. However, most blogs allow you to write in advance and schedule a post date and time.
Using Google Analytics to track your traffic, it's easy to get started. Once you've signed up [it's free]record the published time of each post. Using this data you can sort your visitors by the hour to see which days and hours rate the highest.
Make it a point to find out what your readers want more of and when they prefer to read online, you'll be better prepared to make your blogging successful.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Five Ideas To Help Create More Content for Your Blog
Everyone who blogs hits the wall every once in a while. With that said, now how can you bounce back with a renewed energy for posting?
First: Review every topic and subtopic that you've covered in the last three months. If you blog every day perhaps a month's review will be sufficient.
Second: Make a list of gaps that you find. For instance, have you just barely touched on a topic that deserves more coverage?
Third: Remember to talk to others about things in your field that really interest them. You may be surprised that something you take for granted is something that they would like to know more about.
Fourth: Expand your reading to related fields and what they are covering. This practiced regularly will broaden your knowledge base and bring new subjects to your attention.
Fifth: If you are a long copy blogger, think about writing occasional short posts. If you normally blog with short posts, consider sprinkling in a few longer ones. The variety may make your posts easier to produce and of more interest to your readers. Why? Not everyone is looking for in-depth on everything and those who are might grasp something new if you take the time to go long.
What you've just read is referred to in the industry as a listicle, which is just what you'd think. It's a summary of things that could each deserve their own article.
First: Review every topic and subtopic that you've covered in the last three months. If you blog every day perhaps a month's review will be sufficient.
Second: Make a list of gaps that you find. For instance, have you just barely touched on a topic that deserves more coverage?
Third: Remember to talk to others about things in your field that really interest them. You may be surprised that something you take for granted is something that they would like to know more about.
Fourth: Expand your reading to related fields and what they are covering. This practiced regularly will broaden your knowledge base and bring new subjects to your attention.
Fifth: If you are a long copy blogger, think about writing occasional short posts. If you normally blog with short posts, consider sprinkling in a few longer ones. The variety may make your posts easier to produce and of more interest to your readers. Why? Not everyone is looking for in-depth on everything and those who are might grasp something new if you take the time to go long.
What you've just read is referred to in the industry as a listicle, which is just what you'd think. It's a summary of things that could each deserve their own article.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
April 2018 and May 2018 Blog Conferences To Check Out For Foodies and Creatives
Foodies, who are bloggers or wanna be bloggers, should check out the April 20-21, 2018 Indulge Conference in Los Angeles for a conference filled with fun, laughter, exploration, education and delicious food. You'll have sessions on everything from SEO to food photography. The goal: Walk away with a stronger sense of community, enhanced skills, confidence in your business and maybe even a few extra pounds. Find details and register by visiting Indulge Conference.
Looking ahead to August 2018, add this one to your calendar: The International Food Blogger Conference will take place August 24 – August 26, 2018 in New Orleans, LA. Approximately 300 bloggers, writers, social media gurus, food company representatives, and others will gather to talk, eat, and learn. Find all the details and register at Food Blogger Conference.
Is Utah more convenient for you? Then check out the Snap Conference April 12-14, 2018 in Salt Lake City. This conference is not just for foodies, but casts its net out to any creative blogger, those who dream, make and share online. Snap is a community where imaginative bloggers can come together; learn from one another and walk away invigorated. Learn from some of the best bloggers representing modern handmade, contemporary craft, mind-blowing home-based events and DIY, along with dozens of creative entrepreneurs. Get details by visiting the Snap Conference.
HOT, like register now! For overall creative energy, light your fuse at The One Spark, a festival that is the setting for individuals and teams to receive market validation, direct feedback and to network with those who may be able to provide personal or professional networks to advance innovative ideas to the next level. One Spark 2018 takes place April 6-7 at Daily’s Place Amphitheater at EverBank Field in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
Looking ahead to August 2018, add this one to your calendar: The International Food Blogger Conference will take place August 24 – August 26, 2018 in New Orleans, LA. Approximately 300 bloggers, writers, social media gurus, food company representatives, and others will gather to talk, eat, and learn. Find all the details and register at Food Blogger Conference.
Is Utah more convenient for you? Then check out the Snap Conference April 12-14, 2018 in Salt Lake City. This conference is not just for foodies, but casts its net out to any creative blogger, those who dream, make and share online. Snap is a community where imaginative bloggers can come together; learn from one another and walk away invigorated. Learn from some of the best bloggers representing modern handmade, contemporary craft, mind-blowing home-based events and DIY, along with dozens of creative entrepreneurs. Get details by visiting the Snap Conference.
HOT, like register now! For overall creative energy, light your fuse at The One Spark, a festival that is the setting for individuals and teams to receive market validation, direct feedback and to network with those who may be able to provide personal or professional networks to advance innovative ideas to the next level. One Spark 2018 takes place April 6-7 at Daily’s Place Amphitheater at EverBank Field in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Trading In Your Blog Post Key Words for Long-Tail Search Terms for Better SEO
Even when you're in a hurry,it's worth spending time to choose the right key words for your blog posts. It is never enough to post news. Readers interested in your topic need to be able to find your blog posts.
I have written here before about long-tail keywords.[See September 21,2017.] If you are not familiar with this term, here's a simple way to understand it. Handcrafted furniture might be the overall topic of your blog, but you can attract more readers if in each blog post you contain some specific key search terms, not words, but longer descriptions.
For instance, if a specific blog post is about using sticks to craft chairs. For greater SEO or Search Engine Optimization, you'll want to use more than handcrafted furniture as your key search. You would want to use phrases, i.e. long-tail keywords, such as: making chairs from sticks and twigs, natural stick chairs, artisan stick furniture, etc. In this way, you will more likely attract crafters, who are drawn to your handcrafted furniture blog because they are interested in specifically crafting chairs from twigs or sticks.
Secondly, use multiple keywords. As mentioned above. By using a soft saturation of several terms, not only will you post have the likelihood of attracting more readers, it will also be more likely to attract those who are really interested in making stick furniture and might share your tips with their friends. If you actually have an online business that sells handcrafted furniture, including stick and twig furniture, this provides you with the possibility of buyers who are looking for not just handcrafted furniture, but specifically stick and twig chairs.
As an added bonuses your blog posts will read well, as opposed to being clogged with overuse of a particular search word or term in every blog post. And, Google search will like your posts better.
I have written here before about long-tail keywords.[See September 21,2017.] If you are not familiar with this term, here's a simple way to understand it. Handcrafted furniture might be the overall topic of your blog, but you can attract more readers if in each blog post you contain some specific key search terms, not words, but longer descriptions.
For instance, if a specific blog post is about using sticks to craft chairs. For greater SEO or Search Engine Optimization, you'll want to use more than handcrafted furniture as your key search. You would want to use phrases, i.e. long-tail keywords, such as: making chairs from sticks and twigs, natural stick chairs, artisan stick furniture, etc. In this way, you will more likely attract crafters, who are drawn to your handcrafted furniture blog because they are interested in specifically crafting chairs from twigs or sticks.
Secondly, use multiple keywords. As mentioned above. By using a soft saturation of several terms, not only will you post have the likelihood of attracting more readers, it will also be more likely to attract those who are really interested in making stick furniture and might share your tips with their friends. If you actually have an online business that sells handcrafted furniture, including stick and twig furniture, this provides you with the possibility of buyers who are looking for not just handcrafted furniture, but specifically stick and twig chairs.
As an added bonuses your blog posts will read well, as opposed to being clogged with overuse of a particular search word or term in every blog post. And, Google search will like your posts better.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Content Rules, Add This Content Marketing Book to Your Reading List
When you're not reading online, pick up this information-packed book entitled Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webniars (and More).
The book co-authored by Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman is available from Amazon and is described as a how-to book of both the art and science of developing marketing content that people care about interwoven with case studies of companies that are successfully spreading their ideas online--and using them to establish credibility and build a loyal customer base. They want to inspire you to create bold stories, videos, and blog posts that cultivate fans, arouse passion for your products or services, and ignite your business.
To be successful, businesses must speak directly with their customers or prospects through a comprehensive strategy that allows them to reach new customers at every stage of the buying cycle. They must find their voice and create bold and compelling content that people want to consume.
The book is aimed at teaching business owners and marketers the following:
•The art of storytelling and the science of journalism
•What it means to be a "publisher" and why what you publish is the cornerstone of your marketing
•How to find an authentic "voice" and craft bold content that will resonate with prospects and buyers and encourage
them to share it with others
•How to leverage social media and social tools to get your content and ideas distributed as widely as possible
Amazon offers the Kindle edition for $10.99 kindle and the paperback for $12.03.
The book co-authored by Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman is available from Amazon and is described as a how-to book of both the art and science of developing marketing content that people care about interwoven with case studies of companies that are successfully spreading their ideas online--and using them to establish credibility and build a loyal customer base. They want to inspire you to create bold stories, videos, and blog posts that cultivate fans, arouse passion for your products or services, and ignite your business.
To be successful, businesses must speak directly with their customers or prospects through a comprehensive strategy that allows them to reach new customers at every stage of the buying cycle. They must find their voice and create bold and compelling content that people want to consume.
The book is aimed at teaching business owners and marketers the following:
•The art of storytelling and the science of journalism
•What it means to be a "publisher" and why what you publish is the cornerstone of your marketing
•How to find an authentic "voice" and craft bold content that will resonate with prospects and buyers and encourage
them to share it with others
•How to leverage social media and social tools to get your content and ideas distributed as widely as possible
Amazon offers the Kindle edition for $10.99 kindle and the paperback for $12.03.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Dotbiz: Some New Business Stats For Bloggers and Other Content Providers to Consider
What does everyone need? Some new stats to ponder. Well it's likely to come as no surprise that if you are starting a business launching one in a profitable sector would be the thing to do. Same for blogging. If you're still trying to find your niche, before jumping into the blog stream, consider these five industries that rate as having the brightest futures according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and market research firm IBISWorld.
The top two job sector increases predicted by the BLS will be in the eco fields of photovoltaic installers and turbine service technicians. If you have friends in these industries, suggest blogging for them or just cover these sectors on your own to support the growing interest among consumers.
. Employment for solar photovoltaic (PV) installers is projected to grow 105 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all other occupations. So there will be a corresponding need for bloggers to serve installers whether they are self employed entrepreneurs or employed by a manufacturer of panels.
. Wind turbine service technicians will see their job sector grow 96 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Because wind electricity generation is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade, additional technicians will be needed to install and maintain new turbines. Job prospects are expected to be excellent.
Other top areas include the following:
. Health care
About half of the 20 occupations projected to have the highest percentage increase in employment by 2026 are in the health industry, according to the BLS. Meeting the needs of an aging population creates increased demand for physical therapists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health care specialists to open their own practices. So, if you have any interest in these fields or friends in these fields, who may need help with blogging, this category is a no-brainer.
. Information technology
The information technology sector will grow 13% from 2016 to 2026, according to BLS, a rate that is faster than the average for all occupations. Information security analysts, in particular, are expected to see a boost in demand which the BLS predicts will spike 28% in growth during this same time period.
. Other personal care services
The broad category of “personal care services” was also earmarked by the BLS as one of the fastest-growing industries based on employment. This includes massage therapy, tattoo shops, wedding planning, wellness services and other trades.
. Marijuana
Twenty-nine states and Washington, D.C., have legalized medical marijuana. IBISWorld predicts that industry revenue for medical and recreational marijuana growers will jump 33.5% from 2016 to 2021. The retail side of the business is also expected to see sales increase this year, according to the firm. Blog copy for Maryjanepreneurs would seem to be a good fit, especially info about how to compete in what will one day become an increasingly crowded market.
. E-commerce
With personal disposable income projected to grow 4% a year from 2016 to 2026, according to the BLS, the “quantity and quality of online purchases,” will go up according to IBISWorld. It totally goes without saying that any e-comm business can benefit from creating its own blog to add voice and personality to help set it apart from all of the others in its field.
The top two job sector increases predicted by the BLS will be in the eco fields of photovoltaic installers and turbine service technicians. If you have friends in these industries, suggest blogging for them or just cover these sectors on your own to support the growing interest among consumers.
. Employment for solar photovoltaic (PV) installers is projected to grow 105 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all other occupations. So there will be a corresponding need for bloggers to serve installers whether they are self employed entrepreneurs or employed by a manufacturer of panels.
. Wind turbine service technicians will see their job sector grow 96 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Because wind electricity generation is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade, additional technicians will be needed to install and maintain new turbines. Job prospects are expected to be excellent.
Other top areas include the following:
. Health care
About half of the 20 occupations projected to have the highest percentage increase in employment by 2026 are in the health industry, according to the BLS. Meeting the needs of an aging population creates increased demand for physical therapists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health care specialists to open their own practices. So, if you have any interest in these fields or friends in these fields, who may need help with blogging, this category is a no-brainer.
. Information technology
The information technology sector will grow 13% from 2016 to 2026, according to BLS, a rate that is faster than the average for all occupations. Information security analysts, in particular, are expected to see a boost in demand which the BLS predicts will spike 28% in growth during this same time period.
. Other personal care services
The broad category of “personal care services” was also earmarked by the BLS as one of the fastest-growing industries based on employment. This includes massage therapy, tattoo shops, wedding planning, wellness services and other trades.
. Marijuana
Twenty-nine states and Washington, D.C., have legalized medical marijuana. IBISWorld predicts that industry revenue for medical and recreational marijuana growers will jump 33.5% from 2016 to 2021. The retail side of the business is also expected to see sales increase this year, according to the firm. Blog copy for Maryjanepreneurs would seem to be a good fit, especially info about how to compete in what will one day become an increasingly crowded market.
. E-commerce
With personal disposable income projected to grow 4% a year from 2016 to 2026, according to the BLS, the “quantity and quality of online purchases,” will go up according to IBISWorld. It totally goes without saying that any e-comm business can benefit from creating its own blog to add voice and personality to help set it apart from all of the others in its field.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Does Your Blog Have A Voice? It Can Now with Amazon's Pollycast
Today Amazon is launching a new Amazon Polly WordPress plugin that gives your blog a voice by creating audio versions of your posts. The resulting audio can be played from within the blog post itself, or accessed in podcast form using a feature called Amazon Pollycast.
The plugin itself was jointly designed by Amazon’s AWS team and managed WordPress platform provider WP Engine, and takes advantage of Amazon’s text-to-speech service, Polly.
Polly uses machine learning technologies to deliver more life-like speech. For example, Polly understands that the word “live” would be pronounced differently based on its usage. In the phrases “I live in Seattle” and “Live from New York,” the word is spelled the same but is not spoken in the same way. That means the voices sound more natural than some other, more basic voice-to-text engines.
The Polly speech engine supports 29 languages and its technology has added support for things like whispering, speech marks, a timbre effect, and dynamic range compression. These sorts of voice technology advancements are also things that make Alexa sound more natural, too.
The launch of the WordPress plugin is not the first time Polly has been used to turn digital text to speech, of course. The service itself has always been capable of turning any text such as news articles, blog posts, RSS feeds, PDFs, and more into audio. However, making this functionality available as a WordPress plugin makes Polly more accessible to a wider audience.
However, the plugin is only available to anyone running their own installation of WordPress on their own infrastructure or on AWS, and does require a bit of configuration.
The plugin itself was jointly designed by Amazon’s AWS team and managed WordPress platform provider WP Engine, and takes advantage of Amazon’s text-to-speech service, Polly.
Polly uses machine learning technologies to deliver more life-like speech. For example, Polly understands that the word “live” would be pronounced differently based on its usage. In the phrases “I live in Seattle” and “Live from New York,” the word is spelled the same but is not spoken in the same way. That means the voices sound more natural than some other, more basic voice-to-text engines.
The Polly speech engine supports 29 languages and its technology has added support for things like whispering, speech marks, a timbre effect, and dynamic range compression. These sorts of voice technology advancements are also things that make Alexa sound more natural, too.
The launch of the WordPress plugin is not the first time Polly has been used to turn digital text to speech, of course. The service itself has always been capable of turning any text such as news articles, blog posts, RSS feeds, PDFs, and more into audio. However, making this functionality available as a WordPress plugin makes Polly more accessible to a wider audience.
However, the plugin is only available to anyone running their own installation of WordPress on their own infrastructure or on AWS, and does require a bit of configuration.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
What Can You Learn From Ten of the World's Most Successful Blogs?
•Huff Post
•TMZ
•Business Insider
•Mashable
•Gizmodo
•LifeHacker
•The Verge
•The Daily Beast
•TechCrunch
•Perez Hilton
•The Phrasee blog
For one thing, you can visit each one of them and read their story. These are all giants, but they all started somewhere and wrote about things that attracted more and more readers, which attracted more advertisers or more subscribers. At a glance you can see that many of them cover general areas such as news, or specific news such as entertainment news or tech news.
What does that mean? You can start blogging on specifics and continue to drill down or you can cast a wide net and see what attracts the most readers. Is one way better than the other? Not really, because you will either be very knowledgeable in a particular area or very interested in many different things.
Readers who are interested in a particular topic logically want all of the information that they can find of value to them. Readers who want to stay broadly informed, whether that is about newsmakers worldwide or what's happening locally, will appreciate a site that helps them filter the sea of information.
So what is the most important factor in starting a blog? Is it your knowledge or talent or is it what the vast reading or viewing online populace wants? If you want to eventually make money from your efforts, the answer is both. If there is already a vast number of blogs about your particular area of expertise or interest, you have to ask: what can I contribute that is not already being said or how can I say it better.
If there are only a handful of blogs or sites on a topic that interests you, do come research and ask yourself why are there so few? Is there really very little interest in the subject or could you say that most of the information was not presented in a way that would interest potential readers.
There is general agreement that the opportunity to make money might be easier for bloggers in the following list of niches. Each of these topics are broad enough to be sliced and diced into much finer areas of focus, a fact that allows you to choose what suits you best. Food, for instance, could include a category, such as desserts or foods of a certain country. It could be focused upon things to make at home or the best places to find specific foods. It could be recipes that run the gamut from gourmet to home-style and from grilled to slow cooker. You could become a food critic, a restaurant reviewer, a shopping advisor, a coupon guru, and the list goes on.
.How to Make Money
.Personal Finance
.Health and Fitness
.Food
.Beauty and Fashion
.Lifestyle
.Personal Development
•TMZ
•Business Insider
•Mashable
•Gizmodo
•LifeHacker
•The Verge
•The Daily Beast
•TechCrunch
•Perez Hilton
•The Phrasee blog
For one thing, you can visit each one of them and read their story. These are all giants, but they all started somewhere and wrote about things that attracted more and more readers, which attracted more advertisers or more subscribers. At a glance you can see that many of them cover general areas such as news, or specific news such as entertainment news or tech news.
What does that mean? You can start blogging on specifics and continue to drill down or you can cast a wide net and see what attracts the most readers. Is one way better than the other? Not really, because you will either be very knowledgeable in a particular area or very interested in many different things.
Readers who are interested in a particular topic logically want all of the information that they can find of value to them. Readers who want to stay broadly informed, whether that is about newsmakers worldwide or what's happening locally, will appreciate a site that helps them filter the sea of information.
So what is the most important factor in starting a blog? Is it your knowledge or talent or is it what the vast reading or viewing online populace wants? If you want to eventually make money from your efforts, the answer is both. If there is already a vast number of blogs about your particular area of expertise or interest, you have to ask: what can I contribute that is not already being said or how can I say it better.
If there are only a handful of blogs or sites on a topic that interests you, do come research and ask yourself why are there so few? Is there really very little interest in the subject or could you say that most of the information was not presented in a way that would interest potential readers.
There is general agreement that the opportunity to make money might be easier for bloggers in the following list of niches. Each of these topics are broad enough to be sliced and diced into much finer areas of focus, a fact that allows you to choose what suits you best. Food, for instance, could include a category, such as desserts or foods of a certain country. It could be focused upon things to make at home or the best places to find specific foods. It could be recipes that run the gamut from gourmet to home-style and from grilled to slow cooker. You could become a food critic, a restaurant reviewer, a shopping advisor, a coupon guru, and the list goes on.
.How to Make Money
.Personal Finance
.Health and Fitness
.Food
.Beauty and Fashion
.Lifestyle
.Personal Development
Monday, February 5, 2018
Dotbiz Scopes Out February, March and April 2018 Blogging Conferences to Check Out
Although you may feel as though you are "glued" to your computer most of the time, bloggers can socialize and benefit from meeting other bloggers, not just online but in person. Some conferences coming up in February, March and April that may interest you include the following:
Social Media Marketing World – February 28 – March 2, 2018, – San Diego, CA
The place where you’ll find the best insider secrets, the latest developments, tools that will help you grow your business, and where you’ll become a social marketing master. Take in 120+ powerful and practical, action-oriented social media marketing and creator training sessions from the world’s leading experts—all in beautiful San Diego, California.
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4–6,2018 – Beverly Hills, CA
Conference for professionals actively using or interested in learning about new media and the interior design industry.
Christian Writer’s Conference – March 21–23,2018 – Pre-Conference Boost Clinics, March 23 – 27, 2018 Main Conference. Mount Hermon, California
Visit the site which offers First-Time attendees a contest for a chance to win a full scholarship, including economy lodging and conference meals. No fee to enter contest.
Craftcation – April 4–8,2018 – Ventura, CA
Craftcation is an annual 4-day business + makers conference featuring industry professionals leading attendees in hands-on food & craft workshops, as well as lectures and panels on creative business. Craftcation ignites the entrepreneurial spirit, strengthens craft and business skills and builds relationships in the creative community. Conference is designed for crafters, blogger, creative entrepreneurs, food artisans or creative.
Social Media Marketing World – February 28 – March 2, 2018, – San Diego, CA
The place where you’ll find the best insider secrets, the latest developments, tools that will help you grow your business, and where you’ll become a social marketing master. Take in 120+ powerful and practical, action-oriented social media marketing and creator training sessions from the world’s leading experts—all in beautiful San Diego, California.
Design Bloggers Conference – March 4–6,2018 – Beverly Hills, CA
Conference for professionals actively using or interested in learning about new media and the interior design industry.
Christian Writer’s Conference – March 21–23,2018 – Pre-Conference Boost Clinics, March 23 – 27, 2018 Main Conference. Mount Hermon, California
Visit the site which offers First-Time attendees a contest for a chance to win a full scholarship, including economy lodging and conference meals. No fee to enter contest.
Craftcation – April 4–8,2018 – Ventura, CA
Craftcation is an annual 4-day business + makers conference featuring industry professionals leading attendees in hands-on food & craft workshops, as well as lectures and panels on creative business. Craftcation ignites the entrepreneurial spirit, strengthens craft and business skills and builds relationships in the creative community. Conference is designed for crafters, blogger, creative entrepreneurs, food artisans or creative.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
The 2018 Changing Online Landscape for Written Blog Content, Video Content and Podcasts
From all across social media new trends are influencing shifts in popularity and growth. Some of the factors and Predictions that may affect online Blog Content, Video, and Podcasts include the following:
*Content Costs Rise
*Creators Reduce Content Output
*Content Repurposing of Established Content Rises
*Complete Content Assets Replace Individual Blog Posts
*Creators Personalize Content Delivery and Focus on Lead Funnels
*Video’s Rise Continues With Live Video Dominating Content
*YouTube Visibility Drops as ISPs Compete With YouTube
*Video Creators Move Beyond YouTube
*Facebook and Instagram Attracts More Video Creators
*Video Optimization Is Necessary
*Podcasting Moves into Prominence
*Small-Batch Podcast Production Increases
*Guests Partner With Podcasters for SEO Benefits
*Brands Outsource Production and Distribution to Influential Creators
*Shows Will Build and Retain Community
*Content Costs Rise
*Creators Reduce Content Output
*Content Repurposing of Established Content Rises
*Complete Content Assets Replace Individual Blog Posts
*Creators Personalize Content Delivery and Focus on Lead Funnels
*Video’s Rise Continues With Live Video Dominating Content
*YouTube Visibility Drops as ISPs Compete With YouTube
*Video Creators Move Beyond YouTube
*Facebook and Instagram Attracts More Video Creators
*Video Optimization Is Necessary
*Podcasting Moves into Prominence
*Small-Batch Podcast Production Increases
*Guests Partner With Podcasters for SEO Benefits
*Brands Outsource Production and Distribution to Influential Creators
*Shows Will Build and Retain Community
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Google's New BULLETIN App Asks Local People to Post News For A Hyperlocal News Blog
Google has launched a pilot for a news app to “put a spotlight on inspiring stories that aren’t being told.” BULLETIN is currently available as a pilot in Nashville and Oakland. It is a public, shared blog that doesn’t require any expertise on content management systems, HTML, or even an app download.
BULLETIN will help users tell “hyperlocal” stories. Readers will also be able to “Like” bulletin posts as they would on Facebook. When a posting author’s name is clicked, the reader is taken to an author page with a list of everything written by that author.
Google new local news app allows local news posters to just use their phones to post updates on anything local. It is similar to Facebook's "Today" product, which emphasizes local outlets and is currently available in six cities.
BULLETIN will help users tell “hyperlocal” stories. Readers will also be able to “Like” bulletin posts as they would on Facebook. When a posting author’s name is clicked, the reader is taken to an author page with a list of everything written by that author.
Google new local news app allows local news posters to just use their phones to post updates on anything local. It is similar to Facebook's "Today" product, which emphasizes local outlets and is currently available in six cities.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
How To Enhance the Share Factor of Your Blog or Web Content
Okay, if your first set of 2018 Resolutions have either been checked off or tossed, maybe you're ready for another set that has nothing to do with losing weight or being more organized. If you are a blogger or a content provider why not determine today to make your content more likely to be shared.
Some of the best minds in the business say that making your content more inspirational, useful and topical are three major things that should be top of mind when you work on content. If you can inspire another mind, there's every chance that person will not only visit your blog again, but they may well be inspired to share your link with others.
If your content can focus regularly on information that is useful, people may bookmark your blog or once again pass the info onto others. If you blog with a wide sweep rather than a narrow focus it will be more difficult to maintain usefulness across your reader base. However, even if your readers are drawn from several different areas, the usefulness of the information may still apply.
Keeping your content topical is yet a third way to build readership. The best way of describing topical content is by saying it’s more of a news topic about something that’s happened recently. It tends to become less useful with time. Content that aggregates a swath of useful news of interest to their readers provides a real benefit as long as topical content is a regular occurrence.
Some of the best minds in the business say that making your content more inspirational, useful and topical are three major things that should be top of mind when you work on content. If you can inspire another mind, there's every chance that person will not only visit your blog again, but they may well be inspired to share your link with others.
If your content can focus regularly on information that is useful, people may bookmark your blog or once again pass the info onto others. If you blog with a wide sweep rather than a narrow focus it will be more difficult to maintain usefulness across your reader base. However, even if your readers are drawn from several different areas, the usefulness of the information may still apply.
Keeping your content topical is yet a third way to build readership. The best way of describing topical content is by saying it’s more of a news topic about something that’s happened recently. It tends to become less useful with time. Content that aggregates a swath of useful news of interest to their readers provides a real benefit as long as topical content is a regular occurrence.
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