Thesis WordPress Theme – Quick Review

Posted on 06 April 2009 by Suzanne

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I’ve been working hard at one of my new websites (The Destination Wedding Site) and I decided to give the Thesis WordPress theme a try. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the theme and so far so good.

It was written by a couple guys who know a lot about SEO so it’s a very SEO friendly theme and I love that!

The theme is very easily customizable. You can use a two column or three column in a bunch of different configurations with a simple click of a button – sweet. There is a Thesis admin section right inside your WordPress admin panel so you can make most of your changes right there while logged in to WordPress.

So far, the only thing I’ve tried to do outside the admin panel was to add my own header image and that didn’t go so well. As you know, I’m not very techie at all so whenever I come to something that involves code I usually expect to mess it up the first try … and I did. Well, a huge “THANKS” to Bey Luen, of BlogHighlight, for helping me get it working. I followed a tutorial on his blog and when it didn’t work right (shocker LOL) I used his contact form and he helped me immediately and without making me feel *dumb* at all.

Overall, from what I’ve read (a LOT) and from my experience the Thesis theme is a total winner! It’s much less expensive than having a theme designed for you and has a lot more to offer than any of the free themes I’ve seen out there. They also have a support forum where the creators are very active and seem to help everyone when needed.

Take a Quick Look at Thesis WordPress Theme!

Let me know if you have any questions about the Thesis theme and I’ll answer what I can and go find answers to what I can’t. *SmiLes* Suzanne

Are you looking for a new WordPress theme? Have you heard of or seen the Thesis theme? Are you using the Thesis theme? If so, what do you think of it? Please leave your questions and comments below.

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Avoid Duplicate Content by Using the Canonical Link Element

Posted on 26 February 2009 by Suzanne

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Avoid Duplicate Content by Using the Canonical Link Element

I wanted to share a great video by Matt Cutts that is posted on the GoogleWebmasterHelp YouTube channel.

The canonical link element is lack of a better word a new “meta tag” that will help you avoid duplicate content on your site.

This video addresses the solution to the problem of having so many different URLs on your own site for the same page. One example he used is that Google sees all of these as different pages:

www.example.com

example.com

www.example.com/

example.com/

www.example.com/index.html

example.com/index.html

www.example.com/home.asp

example.com/home.asp

It’s almost certain that these pages all have the exact same content. As you can imagine if these are “viewed” by Google as different pages they will produce duplicate content on your site.

This is especially confusing when your backlinks point to a combination of these 8 different URLs instead of just one of them. The best way to head this off is to fix these problems before they arise. Matt says we need to “standardize” or “normalize” our URLs from the start so that there’s only one way to get to your content. One way to do this is by getting into the habit of choosing one URL and using it for all of your backlinks and for all of your internal linking (you should also always choose absolute URLs instead of relative URLs).

You will also want to go into your Google Webmaster Tools and set this chosen URL your preferred domain or preferred URL.

Google also considers the URLs submitted in the sitemap you submit. If they see one URL submitted that’s on the sitemap and one that’s not they will “prefer” the URL on the sitemap.

You can use a permanent 301 redirect for each of the other versions of the URL to the preferred URL. But there are instances where you don’t have access to do so (i.e. free hosting or anywhere you don’t run the web server, and of course you can’t help how other people link to you).

This video addresses some other issues that you’ll want to be aware of and it also give you the code you’ll want to use to for your canonical link elements and tells you where to place the code.

So check it out and leave your comments below. Have you ever heard of the canonical link element? Do you think you might have some duplicate content issues? Let us hear from you in the comments section. *SmiLes* Suzanne

P.S. A special note in the video for WordPress bloggers … he mentioned there will most likely be some new plugins to address this or possibly even have it written in to the next WP update version.

 

VIDEO – Avoid Duplicate Content by Using the Canonical Link Element (If you’re reading this via RSS Feed come on over and view this great video)

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Update on My BANS (Build a Niche Stores) Profits

Posted on 16 February 2009 by Suzanne

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In the past I had been posting the profits I’ve made with my BANS (Build a Niche Stores) business and my other EPN (eBay Partner Network) profits here on the blog. If you haven’t been following along you can take a look at my BANS profits for June 2008 ($203.36), my BANS profits for July 2008 ($269.41), my BANS profits for August 2008 ($531.51) and my BANS profits for September 2008 ($821.74).

I got very busy while competing in the Blogging Idol competition in November 2008 so I didn’t get around to posting my profits for October 2008 … which were $733.33. It also meant that I got so busy that I didn’t spend any time whatsoever working on (or promoting) my BANS stores in November 2008.

At that same time (November 2008) EPN switched over to their “Value Based Pricing” commission structure for their ACRUs (Active Confirmed Registered Users) payout. The main reasons I see for this change is to insure a higher quality traffic and to reduce ACRU fraud and abuse. They basically structured a pay “range” for ACRU payouts … so instead of being paid a flat $25 per … the commission switched to a pay range … ranging from $1 per to $40 per. What did that change mean for me? Well, November’s ACRU commissions dropped down from $25 per to $10 per and my total profit for November 2008 (under the new payout) was $315.81. December really took a dive and was a mere $186.11.

I suppose you could say that there was a “vicious cycle” going on where the less I made the less I felt like working on the stores and, of course, the less I worked on them … the less I deserved to make.

Well … I have no idea what eBay based their decision on but I’m happy to report that my January’s ACRUs went up to $40 per and my January profits were $613.83. The ACRUs are still reporting at the $40 for February and I’m “tracking” to do about the same for this month. Of course this has prompted me to want to get back to work on my stores and to possibly even build a couple new stores.

I’m sure there are some lessons to be learned here and for me the biggest remains to diversify your online marketing efforts – never put all of your eggs in one basket.

If you are interested in learning more about BANS and/or the EPN program … I encourage you to contact me BEFORE you apply for the program and before you purchase the BANS product. It’s getting more and more difficult to get approved by eBay and I want to help you with some information if possible.

So are you a fellow EPN and/or BANS user? How have you been affected by the new system for ACRUs? Are you putting as much (or more) effort into your stores? Do you have questions about EPN and/or BANS? I’d love to hear from you below in the comments section. *SmiLes* Suzanne

September 2008 – $821.74 (ACRUs $25)

October 2008 – $733.33 (ACRUs $25)

November 2008 – $315.81 (ACRUs $10)

December 2008 – $186.11 (ACRUs $10)

January 2009 – $613.83 (ACRUs $40)

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Let’s Thank These Gurus for Making a Valentine’s Day Appearance!

Posted on 13 February 2009 by Suzanne

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A special “Thank You” to John Chow , Bob Jenkins (Bob the Teacher), Frank Kern, Rich Schefren, and Derek Gehl for giving us a great big smile (OK … a good laugh) for Valentine’s Day!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

These are the guys who I solicited for help during my Blogging Idol competition … and I really appreciate how they supported my efforts and helped me win that title!

Let’s be sure and give others a fun break from their work today too … so go post a link back here to your favorite social site now!

Twitter:

RT @wahmsuzanne put up a funny video of some gurus getting “bare” for Valentine’s Day!  Check it out! http://is.gd/jsj6

RT @bobtheteacher @johnchow @masscontrolkern @richschefren very funny video! http://is.gd/jsj6 Happy Valentine’s Day!

I want to thank all of you for the love and support you’ve shown me these past few months … it means the world to me! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend and be sure you tell everyone you love how much they’re loved … we could never hear it enough right? *huGs* Suzanne

So … which guru gave the best performance? What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Let’s hear from you …

 

PS. If you’re receiving this via RSS email … be sure to come over and watch the funny video!

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Promoting Your Blog Offline – T-shirts and Business Cards

Posted on 05 February 2009 by Suzanne

Promoting Your Blog Offline – T-shirts and Business Cards

Today I was IMing (instant messaging) with a friend of mine on Facebook and I mentioned that I was wearing my “Blogging Idol Shirt” and he said, “Where did you get it?” I told him I made it and I wear it proudly. Thanks again to all of you who helped me earn that title. I took this self-portrait with my Blackberry while we were chatting and sent it directly to Facebook … how easy that was.

Well, what I was telling him was how much attention I get while I’m wearing that shirt … people asking me what’s Blogging Idol … and it’s a perfect opener for telling them what I do online. The problem is that I don’t carry any business cards so once I explain what I do … it’s difficult to invite them to my blog …because I’m not prepared. I’m going to be putting in my order for my FREE business cards through Vista Print and you should too. You can pay a few bucks more to upgrade and such … and they’ll try to “upsell” and to sell you a bunch of add-on products but their offer for their free cards is great!

So … two lessons here … one see if you can come up with a shirt (or something wearable) that will lead to conversation about your blog … and then be prepared with business cards!

Get Your FREE Business Cards!

Do you have anything you carry or wear in public that is a conversation starter for your business? Do you carry business cards? Have you ever tried Vista Print’s free card offer? Are you good about inviting others to view your blog? Let’s share some ideas about what works OK? *SmiLes* Suzanne

P.S. A huGe thanks to my friend Mark McClinton for designing my cards .. i’ll post them once they’re done – he’s awesome and very reasonable so go to his site and contact him for a quote http://northstargenesis.com.

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Facebook Twitter Status Update Client – Add Your Tweets to FaceBook

Posted on 30 January 2009 by Suzanne

Add Your Tweets To Facebook (or MySpace, Blogger, etc.)

If you’re using Twitter (which you should be) and Facebook (which you should be LOL) you might want to use the setting on Twitter that will automatically change your status on Facebook by inserting your latest tweet.

Now … if you’re the type who tweets what you’re doing every two minutes or you’re very active on Twitter than you might annoy your Facebook friends with hundreds of updates a day so do keep that in mind.

Quick Steps: 

  1. Go to Twitter
  2. Click on Settings (at the top of the page)
  3. Go to “More Info URL” and look below for the blue text in parentheses – “You can also add Twitter to your site here” and click on that blue text
  4. Choose the site where you want to add your Twitter updates and then follow the instructions there 

Watch this video for some quick, easy instructions:

So … are you on Twitter? Are you following me there? Are you on Facebook? Are you following me there? Let’s here your comments. *SmiLes* Suzanne

P.S. If you’re getting this post via RSS … come on over to the blog to see the quick video ;)

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7 Ways to Find Post Ideas

Posted on 19 January 2009 by Suzanne

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So … do you have days that you can’t think of anything to write about? Check out “7 Ways to Find Post Ideas” below.

 When you’re giving out your web address anywhere online be sure to put the http:// in front of the web URL so that it will be clickable. This works is most cases: email, websites, comments, forums, social networking sites, etc. Keep in mind that it won’t always LOOK like it made a link but it usually does. Quick example: Use http://www.suzannefranco.com instead of www.suzannefranco.com.

 

7 Ways to Find Post Ideas

 

1. YouTube Videos – I tend to spend a lot of time on YouTube when I’m looking for a tutorial or instruction on how to do something. Almost every time I’m there I see a topic or idea that I hadn’t thought to blog about. Be sure to use the “search” function to get yourself started. Give it a try!

2. Forums – If you hang out on any forums regarding your niche you will be able to see what the hot topics are just by watching people’s reaction to the posts that are there. If you see one that has a ton of replies … that’s usually something you might want to consider writing about.

3. Other Blogs – You should be frequenting other blogs in your niche and this can often spark an idea of your own. I say your own because obviously you don’t want to go around swiping other people’s ideas. If you see something interesting do you share their opinion? Do you have a completely different twist for the topic? Could you do a more thorough post or if it’s thorough could you break it down to a list? If you do this please, please link back to the post and give credit where credit is due.

4. Google Trends – Many people like to use Google Trends to look for current/hot topics and I guess this really depends on what your niche is … or you might just find a new niche this way LOL

5. Yahoo Answers – You can go to Yahoo Answers and type in your niche and see what kind of questions people are asking there.

6. Read the Newspaper (or magazines dedicated to your niche) – While you’re out and about check out any newspapers and/or magazines that are dedicate to your niche. If you find any good resources for ideas you might also consider subscribing to these publications so you can stay “in the know.”

7. Pay Attention – Start paying attention to the conversations around you and see what people are talking about. When you tell someone what you do or what type of website/blog you have what questions/comments do they have?

I hope these ideas help you out when you have those days that you just can’t think of anything to write about.

Do you have any other ideas to add? Have you tried any of these yourself? Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comments so we can all learn from each other. *SmiLes* Suzanne

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Blogging for Bucks BootCamp Countdown ~ 7 … 6 … 5 …

Posted on 12 January 2009 by Suzanne

Tip: Always, always, always double check your links! Whether on your blog/site, in an email, a forum post … whenever you link to something … always check and double check it! A special “Thanks” to Mary for letting me know about a broken link here on the blog.

Blogging for Bucks BootCamp Countdown ~ 7 … 6 … 5 …  

For those of you who have been patiently waiting for my Blogging for Bucks BootCamp to start … we have an official launch date: 

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Monday, January 19, 2009 

7 Days ‘til BootCamp!

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Thanks for your patience while I put the finishing touches on this awesome class … I’ve added a bunch of new topics so it was worth the wait I promise. 

Like Lincoln’s quote above keep in mind that the more you study and learn about blogging and internet marketing the more “chances” that will seem to come your way. 

Are you ready to work hard and have fun in BootCamp? I know I am!

Here are some Qs & As for the BootCamp:

 

Q. What is BootCamp and is it too late to be included?

A. You can read about the Blogging BootCamp here: Blogging for Bucks BootCamp. I offered a free spot in this class to readers who supported my efforts in the “Blogging Idol” Competition (thank you all again for helping me earn that title! It means the world to me). If you were not aware of this opportunity … please send me an email and I’ll add you to my waiting list so I can let you know when the next class will be starting.

 

Q. Where will the BootCamp be held and what is the format?

A. BootCamp is an online course and you take it from the comforts of your own home (or wherever you have internet access).

Some time this week I will give all of the participants the necessary links to get registered and get set up. I will do this through the blog and through the email list I have compiled. You will be given access to a password protected file for each lesson as I release it. You will then study the videos and written materials as they are released and you should complete any “homework” prior to moving on to the next lesson.  We will have a forum where you can come ask questions, make comments, visit and have fun with everyone … and of course share your successes.

 

Q. Do I need to do anything before class starts (i.e. get a domain, hosting, etc.)?

A. No. Actually, we will go over finding your niche and how to choose a domain name and hosting in class so it’s best if you wait. If you already have a blog you can decide as the class progresses whether or not you’re on the right track or if you’d like to start with something new.

 

Q. Will this class benefit me if I already have a Blog?

A. Yes. I will be teaching you how to look for ways to monetize your blog.

 

Q. Can I use your lessons to make money on my Blogspot Blog?

A. This is a tricky issue. As we progress through the class you will start to see the limitations to using a Blogspot/Wordpress.com blog (a free blogging community blog platform) to truly monetize and make money. 

 

Q. Will there be any fees involved in taking the class?

A. No. There will not be any fees for the class itself. If you are just starting out you will want a domain name and hosting at the very least. I have some great coupons/discount codes for these services so I’d wait for those of course.

I will be covering all kinds of products and services throughout the class and some of those are free and some cost money. Because everyone’s needs, goals, and knowledge/ability will be different it will be a personal decision for you as to whether or not you would benefit from some of the paid tools.

I will only cover products and services that have either helped me personally or that I’ve been able to thoroughly investigate and that I’m willing to stake my reputation on as a helpful and legitimate product. I’m an affiliate for some of these products (meaning I get paid a referral fee for sending new customers) but, again, I would only suggest products that I fully believe are of great value. With that said … I will be working very hard to teach you and support your business without pay … so I’d be grateful if you’d be so kind as to use my links for the products you do find of value and wish to purchase.

I am so excited to be getting started with BootCamp! Please ask your questions below so the question and answer will be posted for everyone else to read. Are you signed up? Are you excited to get started? Do you have any questions or concerns? Can’t wait to hear from you! *SmiLes* Suzanne

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What’s Up on the Blog in 2009?

Posted on 11 January 2009 by Suzanne

What’s Up on the Blog in 2009?

I’ve done some soul searching, some brainstorming, and some planning (during my “break”) and I’m so excited about the ideas I have for the blog this year. I do know that my main focus is helping others become successful, and more importantly, happy!

I want to focus on topics that will help others make money. I will share things that have worked for me … and that haven’t worked … so you can learn valuable lessons from both. I will share the day-to-day things I’m working on and especially the little tips and ideas I have and even the problems I run into … with the solution I found (or if it’s not resolved – I’ll be looking for your help! LOL).

Most, but not all, of my readers are fellow bloggers so many of my topics will be about blogging … but I’ll also be showing bloggers how to expand into other income streams too. I’m huge on not putting all of your eggs into one basket and this is especially true online.

Some sections I’m adding to my blog this year: 

  • Quote For Today 

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  • Tips & Tidbits 

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  • Healthy, Wealthy & Wise 

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  • Problem ~ Solution 

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  • New Faces 

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  • Qs & As 

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  • Book Review 

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  • eBook Review 

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  • Product Review 

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  • The Home Front 

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  • Interviews 

I’ll also try to do as many video tutorials as possible and I’m going to shoot for adding audio too for those who are good at multi-tasking and want to listen while they work … or workout.

I love making new friends online so be sure to say “hello” either in the comments section or through my contact form.  

What do you think of the new sections I have planned? Are there some you’re more excited about than others? Some that sound … boring? Any other ideas for me? I’m excited about this year … so let’s ALL get going! *SmiLes* Suzanne

P.S. I’m spending some time today working on my goals and making my goal/dream board … I’ll post about it here soon!

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Wrap Up 2008 ~ Move Forward to 2009

Posted on 09 January 2009 by Suzanne

I hope everyone had an amazing Holiday season this year … We sure did and I’m so happy to be back to “work.”

Well … I must say … 2008 was an AWESOME year for me and I’m rolling into 2009 and ready to go crazy!

Everything seems to be falling in place for me and I’m so grateful for the year I had. Life went pretty smoothly … both business wise and personally … and I know 2009 is going to be even better.

As far as business goes … I invested a ton of time and energy into my online education and it was well worth it. I’ve learned so much this past year and I’m truly happy to get up and go to “work” for the first time in ages. I’m even ready to start teaching others what I’ve learned and I want to help as many people as possible become truly successful online too.

I must say, winning Blogging Idol was one of the highlights of my year! There are so many reasons for this but first and foremost was proving to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to … and I’ll be carrying that lesson forward into my future.

Personally, I’m also very happy. The kids are all doing so well. We had a great summer, a great football/cheerleading season and school is going very well for everyone … what more could I ask for?

The best parts of 2008:

  1. We’ve all been pretty healthy and happy
  2. I’ve done well with all of my online businesses
  3. I’ve made a name for myself in the blogging world
  4. I’ve met some awesome people online … and have formed some new friendships out of those connections
  5. I earned the title, “Blogging Idol,” and proved to myself that I could do anything I set my mind to
  6. We had a really fun summer … the best I can remember
  7. All of my kids are doing well in school this year … Yes!
  8. I started playing tennis again … after a long break from the sport

Looking forward to for 2009:

  1. Making a full-time income through my blogging and my affiliate marketing
  2. Teaching a lot of people how to make money blogging through my Blogging for Bucks BootCamp
  3. Keeping all of the kids on track with their grades and their sports
  4. Having another amazing summer
  5. Getting into better shape and maintaining optimal health
  6. Doing some serious goal setting and enjoying life as I achieve (or exceed) my goals (I’ll post them here soon)

I want to take a minute to thank each and every one of you who read the blog and who comment and send me email. It sure makes coming to “work” every day super fun! I look forward to growing the friendships I’ve made and to making many more.

I’d love to hear how your 2008 went and what you have in store for 2009! Did you have a good 2008? What would you have changed? Do you know what you want to accomplish in 2009? Please let us know below in the comments section. *SmiLes* Suzanne

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