The WordPress platform is the definitive CMS for blogging in recent years, it has become such an integral part of the Internet that as of August 2011, 22% of all new websites were built on WordPress.

Bloggers love its functionality, clear layout and ease of setup while readers love the great templates and designs that are reader friendly. Here are a few tips to super charge your WordPress blogging experience from day one.

Landing Pages

When visitors arrive to a post on a site, they’re usually looking for specific content. If they do not find it on that page, then they will bounce away quickly. You lose an opportunity for them to explore and maybe follow or link back to your site. Make sure that they can see what related posts you have on your site. An excellent plugin will help you is “Related Blog Links”, which will find and insert the links to related posts by keyword. This increases your page views and keeps readers engaged.

Dynamic Sidebars.

Visitors to a blog have a tendency to block out the sidebars in blogs as they explore the site. They remain the same, whatever the context of the post. There are a number of Dymanic sidebar HTML inserters that allow you to make sure that the sidebar is showing items that are related to your posts.

Add Share Buttons

Social Media is a key driver for blogs today, driving traffic, links and standing in the eyes of search engines. You want to make it as easy as possible for your followers to disseminate your content to their followers. This is a great way of getting back links and strong traffic. The “Share this” plugin, used on over 1 million sites is the most convenient option. You can select from 50 different social media buttons to add to your posts, depending on which ones are most suitable.

Add Breadcrumbs to your site

This WordPress Plugin (Breadcrumb NavXT) generates locational breadcrumbs for your WordPress Blog. These show the structure that leads to the current page rather than the actual path. They are an important addition to site usability and navigation. From an SEO perspective it maintains a consistency in the navigation which helps in dealing with duplicate and indexing issues.

There are countless plugins and great tips for tweaking WordPress functionality to your requirements. If you utilize these tips it will certainly be a good start in your blogging.

Bio:Eric loves to blog and working on new and innovative SEO for Travel strategies. He main focuses is working on optimizing content for hotel websites.

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A CMS is a content management system which is basically a fancy term for a type of software that allows one to create a website or blog with. One of the better known and most popular CMS software systems is WordPress. Started by a young guy named Matt Mullenweg just a few short years ago, it has taken on a life of its own and millions of users later WordPress is a tool like no other.

We would argue that there’s a “slight” learning curve, while others claim it’s easy as pie to use and manage. Let me clarify WordPress is easy to use and manage, however to reap it’s full benefits, a complete newbie to online technology would be a tad lost. It took me roughly a few months to learn it well enough to get by, and about a year (or two) to truly deeply learn all its wonderful nooks and crannies. As I stated in a previous article one of the BEST ways to learn WordPress is via another blogger that already uses it. And knows it well.

But assuming you know it well enough to get by, below are five types of sites you can build with the popular and FREE CMS known to many a blog owner as WordPress.

1. Personal Blog – if you’re a real estate agent, hair dresser, mechanic or of any other professional background WordPress is great for creating and setting up your personal blog. This could be information about yourself, your skills, certification, licenses, etc. You could use it as a resume of sorts when looking for employment or simply as your placeholder online.

An example of a good personal blog built on WordPress is the site of real estate agent Ribeezie otherwise known as Ricardo Bueno. Notice how he uses the platform to establish himself as an authority in his field, this is how it’s done, take notes and see if you can emulate what he’s been able to do with his personal blog.

2. Company Site – whatever type of business you operate you can be sure someone has already used WordPress to make a website in your niche. You can hire the task out, you can try and do it yourself however the key takeaway is that with WordPress anything is possible including your company site.

An example of a cool and easy company site built on WordPress is the site of Extreme Tan and Smoothies based in Florida. For those who spend a good deal on Twitter and or social media might recognize this site as belonging to Extreme John who I easily could have used as an example of a good personal blog for number one above.

3. eCommerce – with an ecommerce plugin, just about any type of online shop can be created using WordPress. Can you create an Amazon.com size store? Well I highly doubt that as an online shop of that magnitude would require some sort of custom cart and many other custom enhancements. But assuming you’re not out to build the next Amazon.com, then WordPress would fit your needs just fine. And do so quite well.

An example of an e-commerce site built using WordPress is Chopper, an online shop for skateboarders. The site sells clothing, shoes and other assorted merchandise aimed at those who skate. It’s a nice looking site with built-in cart functionality and a fully operational shop.

4. Landing Page – a landing page is essentially a one page site that is used for a laser focused purpose such as collecting email leads, selling a product and or other single purpose. Many who use WordPress for their landing pages use it for email capture and or for selling a single product such as an ebook.

An example of a landing page site built using WordPress would be the Probloger Book page where noted blogger Darren Rowse sells his book. It’s simple and created using WordPress.

5. Portfolio Site – this is what a website designer, a freelance photographer and anyone who creates a visual service for a living would use to showcase their work, skills and talent for all to see. As a website designer you naturally would link to and highlight the various websites you’ve created over the years. As a photographer you would link to and display your most noted and celebrated photos for prospective clients to view and so on.

Your turn to speak? Leave a comment below and show us examples of good portfolio sites built using WordPress and do include a link in your comment. We look forward to your good picks.

As you can see from my examples above, WordPress is quite robust and comprehensive. It’s pliable enough that you can create just about any type of website imaginable. This is why it’s the CMS of choice among many web professionals.

Guest article from Richard of Broadband Expert, a high speed internet service provider.

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There’s no escaping the power and influence of social media which at this point in time includes Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus. These are the three power players in social media.

So if you’re a WordPress user and something tells me you are since the title of my article mentions WordPress plugin, I’ve uncovered three wonderful plugins that you might be interested in to integrate social media on your blog. Each one is free and found via the WordPress plugin repository.

1. Sociable – this is a comprehensive WordPress plugin that enables you to add as many or as little social media buttons as you wish. Simply activate then decide which networks you want displayed on your site. Everything from Digg to Stumble Upon to Facebook and Twitter are available as an option to showcase on your blog.

2.FB Like Button – if you wish to heavily promote your blog or a particular blog page or article, then this is the plugin for you. It’s all about Facebook and allows you to easily and quickly place the recognizable blue LIKE button on your site. Upload as you would any plugin and one neat feature is the ability to turn on or off per post.

3. Sexy Bookmarks – this popular WordPress plugin is great because it has a neat built in interface that makes your social media buttons look pretty. It’s unlike any other design out there, and we believe this is the reason it has become such a popular plugin.

Whether you prefer Facebook over Twitter or Google Plus over Stumble Upon or any other of the varied social media networks out there, as usual WordPress makes it dead simple to use on your blog.

This guest article was brought to you by: Free SEO Trial.

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Do you need WordPress help such as any of the minor tasks listed below? If so, we can help!

• adding or changing a website header
• deleting the date stamp from blog posts
• configuring a WordPress plugin
• adding in a Twitter or Facebook widget
• creating a Contact page (or any other form)
• need a Buy Now button to sell stuff on your blog

If you need help with any of these quick minor tasks, we now offer a new service for bloggers at CheapBlogHelp.com, which you can order straight away.

Services are performed by my staff and I as time allows. Do take note that since most services are performed at only $5, please don’t expect delivery yesterday. If you need or want it asap, there will be an extra charge.

Having said that, since we just opened the doors, we WELCOME you to submit a micro service order for any WordPress help you need, and we’ll get right on it. As of this writing, there’s no backlog. Let us know how we can help you!

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The reason many online marketers use WordPress as their platform of choice when it comes to setting up sites is because of the nifty add ons called “plugins”.

But what are these plugins good for? Essentially they expand the functionality of the WordPress software, much like the add ons available for Firefox and apps for the iPhone. Each one makes a task easier, faster or more robust. If you’re wondering which are the must have plugins for your blog? Wonder no more, as I share my top picks.

I NEED THOSE STATS YESTERDAY!

1. WordPress.com Stats – this is clearly one of the absolute must add WordPress plugins to your blog. It tracks visitors but displays the stats within your admin dashboard. I’m highly addicted to this plugin and add it to ALL my blog sites. Yes! I do use Google Analytics as well, but barely ever check it. I check this one instead because all is right there within easy view; such as search engine traffic, social media traffic, daily weekly and monthly visitor count, keyword terms, and much more.

MY 8 BALL

2. Physic Search – one of my super top secret WordPress plugins. This one accompanies the plugin I use above, and for good reason. The reason is that it shows me (with a link) the key term or phrase someone entered in the search engine to find me, AND the page they landed on. A powerful and must have plugin on your blog.

ALERT GOOGLE NOW!

3. Google XML Sitemap – one of the best ways to let Google know you have updated your site is via the use of a sitemap. With WordPress you can add a sitemap plugin and make it crazy easy to alert Google each time you post an article.

EASY BREEZY SITEMAP PAGE

4. Dagon Design Sitemap Generator – the difference between this plugin and the one mentioned above is the format. This one creates a Sitemap page on your blog and keeps track of all your articles and pages.

ADSENSE HEAVEN

5. Post Layout – another one of my super top secret plugins. This one makes it nice and easy to add Adsense, an affiliate banner or anything at the beginnning, end or middle of posts to your site. Simply drop the code in the plugin and you’re off.

I’M TO SEXY FOR…

6. Sexy Bookmarks – my preferred social bookmarking wordpress plugin, because it takes something mundane and makes it SEXY. How can you not love this plugin, add it to your site at once.

MY MEMORY IS SHOT, HELP!

7. Subscribe to Comments – many times when someone visits your blog and leaves a comment, they will completely forget to return later, because they can’t remember where they were. This plugin adds a small checkbox at the end of a comment, and if the commenter checks it off, they will be notified if (and when) a reply has been posted. A nice way to make it easy for someone to return to your blog to continue the conversation.

NO COMPLAINTS PLEASE

8. Contact Form 7 – a simple no frills contact page plugin. But the neat feature of this particular one is that it allows you to create multiple contact pages or areas on your blog. Let’s say you want to create a “Submit a Tip” page or a separate “Advertising” page, use this plugin to create them both.

GOOGLE SMOOGLE

9. Easy Privacy Policy – easy way to instantly create a privacy policy page on your blog. Enable this plugin, complete the fill in the blanks section, and you’re good to go. A privacy policy is required by Google if you have Adsense on your site, to stay in compliance. This is the fastest and quickest to set one up.

PIC ME UP A RELATED PIECE, WILL YA

10. Link Within – a cool way to display related articles on your site. When you set this plugin up on your blog, it fetches related articles, but with an accompanying picture. A super highly under rated way to lower your bounce rate and keep visitors on your site longer. It’s popular on all my blogs as readers seem to really like it.

COLOR ME BLIND

11. Tiny MCE Advanced – this neat plugin adds extended functionality to the wp editor, such as background color for text, quotes, additional font styles then what’s default in WordPress and more. I use this one whenever I plan to spice up a site with cool fonts and more color.

MISS CONGENIALITY I AM

12. Most Commented Widget – do you have popular articles with lots of comments? Feature them on your site with the use of this plugin. See it in action on this blog in the sidebar.

SOCK IT TO ME!

13. Exclude Pages from Naviation – you ARE so learning all my secrets today. This power house plugin enables you to hide (or exclude) pages from showing up in your navigation bar. For example, let’s say you decide to offer up a new service on your blog, but the plan is to promote it strictly via Facebook. You don’t want your regular readers to haphazardly stumble upon the page, without being fed a proposal first. So you exclude it from navi and only those who come via your Facebook marketing efforts see it.

Or let’s say you want to set up a series of “child” About pages, such as an About this blog, About my income, About my car, etc. But you don’t want these child pages cluttering up your navi bar, exclude them. Zap!

note: many newer WordPress themes have this function built in, if that’s the case. Then obviously you won’t need this plugin. But if your theme doesn’t support “page exclusion from navigation”, this is a must have.

READER Question

These WordPress plugins are my personal faves, which I use on a repeated basis and can’t do without out. Which are your personal faves and why?

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One of the interesting things about the Apple iPad is the lack of definition on the TYPE of device it is. Is it a computer? No. Is it an ebook reader? No.

So, what the heck is it? Apple calls it a tablet. In other words, an entirely NEW category of device.

Which brings me to the following question. How do YOU plan to protect your tablet? With a case, cover, sleeve or bag? Due to its irregular size, many are not sure on how they plan to keep it scratch, dust and accident-free. Plus since Apple is not including any built-in accessories, many also need room to hold extra connectors (and whatnot) to expand the iPad’s functionality. Such as the camera connector, etc.

G34 media has created a new web property dedicated to iPad covers and cases.

The blog site was created in January 2010, the same day Steve Jobs announced the iPad. As we learned from an (ebook reader site) we created, protection will be key. Especially since it’s such a coveted, expensive and high end device.

But what will SELL best? Cases, covers, sleeves or bags.

That is the question. So far, it seems cases are in the running. Followed closely by bags.

Did you pre-order an iPad? If so, do take a minute to let us know below how you will PROTECT it.

Blog site specs:

• The blog site runs on WordPress
• Uses the gorgeous Snow Blind wp theme
• Has 30 plus articles, 100% original (all written by me)
• Built-in eBay shop, promoting new iPad screen protectors
• Laced with Amazon affiliate links
• Google Sitemap submitted and approved
• Initial on site SEO completed
• Initial off site SEO completed, including a press release submission
• Custom logo – on order!
• Traffic – organic search engine traffic via Google, Yahoo and Bing
• Revenue – over $50 (so far) from Amazon, eBay and Commission Junction

We’re closely monitoring the blog site to see how it performs, as we get closer to the iPad launch date of April 3rd.

To follow progress on the site, subscribe through RSS, via email, or follow on Twitter.

Questions? Ask below.

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A friend of mine recently referred me to a site named Fiverr.com, where people post all sorts of things they would do for 5 dollars. It’s a fun and interesting site, and it got me to thinking.

Why not offer a $5 blog here on G34 Media for my readers and visitors, who might be looking to get one.

The catch?

There’s a tiny catch, but a very reasonable one. You need to sign-up with hosting through me, as this way I get a small commission which offsets my precious time.

I specialize in niche blogs and can create one on any product or niche, the blog would include the following:

• WordPress install (the latest version)
• Premium or free WordPress theme (from my personal collection)
• full set-up and configuration of wp admin backend
• 5 WordPress plugins, including All in One SEO, Google XML Sitemap, Sexy Bookmarks, Adsense, and Privacy Policy
• an About page
• a Contact page
• initial on site SEO
• a sweet custom logo
• FREE 30 minute Skype chat consultation with me
• FREE referrals to low cost writers
• turnaround time, will depend on demand
• optionally, I can also set up a (matching Twitter account) for a few extra bucks

So you get a complete and well designed WordPress niche blog for FIVE bucks. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Ready to order? To discuss your niche blog and to order, visit Fiverr.com, remember to avail of this $5 March blog blow out special, you MUST sign-up for web site hosting through me.

Go to Fiverr.com now and let’s get that dream blog of yours going.

Don’t wait! This offer is only good through March 31, 2010.

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If you recently bought one of my blog sites, and are new to the online marketing space; below are easy traffic tips to get you started.

First, let me say Congrats! on getting yourself a piece of web history and joining an exciting field. Blogging, social media, online marketing, SEO, is alot of work but it’s also alot of fun.

If this is your very first niche blog site and are not sure where to begin, let’s go over a few basics now.

First, make sure you know your niche. Make sure you know which keywords you are after and or targeting through your new blog. See below for more on this.

Second, have a plan of action. What goals do you have for this blog site. Is it to capture leads? Is it Adsense clicks you’re after? Maybe you want to sell an ebook? Affiliate marketing with Amazon or eBay? Whatever it is, decide early on what you want your blog to do for you.

Now let’s move on and discuss easy traffic tips. Because regardless of the blog business model you’re after, traffic is key. Plus this article assumes you’re PAST THE BASICS.

1. Organic Search (a/k/a SEO) – This is perhaps my preferred method of gaining traffic to a new blog. It’s good, because “searchers” as I like to call them are looking for one of three things:

• to research
• to socialize
• to buy

That’s it. That’s why their online and it’s your job as a new blog owner, to figure out which of those three things YOU are going to give them. Once you have this decided, you will need the Google Keyword Tool to check on the (in demand keywords) in your niche, and don’t forget to check on your competition, use the SEO Quake From Firefox free add-on for this. Make sure your onsite SEO is strong and lastly but not definitely not least – add SEO rich content.

After you’ve got some initial ground, it’s VERY important that you focus on:

• content
• and getting good backlinks

You need both. You can’t let either flounder.

2. Twitter – This is my second preferred method of easy blog traffic. Each niche blog that I create comes with a Twitter page as part of the package. Why? Because its great for traffic. The “search” feature on Twitter can’t be beat, because it’s in “real time”. This means, that “as it happens”, it shows up on Twitter. As of last count, there are *18 millions users on the micro network and grows BIGGER by the day. It can’t be discounted. (*source)

Need help with Twitter? Let me know as I provide a low cost Twitter account set up service.

3. Facebook Fan Page – This is web 4.0 at it’s best. It’s gaining in popularity as we speak, because if done right, it works. On social networking site Facebook, you have the ability to create what is called a FAN PAGE. This page is basically for businesses to promote a service, product or brand. As a site owner, you can use it to promote your new blog. You can include quite a bit on a fan page such as the site URL, a logo, RSS feeds, fans, images, articles, tips, polls, videos, giveaways, and so much more. You can also set it up so that it automatically updates, when you update your blog. You don’t have to visit both at the same time. It’s a pretty cool new method to promote online, and it’s 100% free.

Need help? Let me know as I provide a low cost Facebook Fan Page set up service.

4. Forum Marketing – To be a blogger or online marketer you NEED a network. There’s no two ways about it. You can’t succeed on the web without one, plain and simple. You can’t. You won’t. Why do you think Myspace, Facebook and Twitter are so crazy insane HUGE? Because there’s demand and there’s a need. Look for the networks in YOUR NICHE, join up and become acquainted with the other members, provide value, learn, ask questions, etc. Become a community member, this will in turn help you in many many ways – down the line. Some of the better forums for bloggers, include Warrior Forum, Problogger.com, and Digital Point.

As a new blog owner, you will no doubt have questions and run into issues that you will need help with, that’s what your blogger friends are for. Seek them out, and in no time. You will be happily skipping about with glee and joy!

5. Viral Widgets – If you’re lucky enough to be a developer or know one, then a fancy widget such as a Facebook game, an iPhone app, etc would surely net you some sweet traffic. If you aren’t a developer or know one, you can (if within your budget) always outsource the creation. Places like the Warrior Forum and Digital Point have paid developers for hire. Think of something cool, get it done and promote it everywhere.

6. Contests/Giveaways – After you’ve done your quick research on your niche and have some good articles on the blog, have a sweet giveaway to get the word out. Think of something whether in (physical or digital form) that is low cost, but has high value to your readers. This could be a book, unique screen savers, silly bumper stickers, iPhone case, a funny t-shirt, etc. Think INTERESTING, FUNNY, WACKY, or COVETED. Set it for at least two weeks in advance and make sure to post about it in your social networks, the blog itself, and blog contest forums. Remember this could be digital, so get creative and again think of your market and what they would want to win.

Since on a new blog, you’re probably not gonna have too many readers, best bet to promote your contest/giveaway is via Twitter, Facebook, friends, FORUMS, other blogs, guest posts, a press release, and/ or your email list. (If you have one.)

7. Friends – What are friends for, if not to boost you up? Tell them you have a new web property and want them to come on by and visit. Ask for their feedback, or simply let them see what it’s all about. Be sure to tell them to pass it on to their friends as well.

8. Press Releases – Great for exposure in online circles, as many reporters, bloggers and other authors routinely use Google Alerts to scout out for stories, new products, etc. Make sure to at the very least write one good press release. Even if it’s simply announcing the grand opening of your fabulous new blog site, and what it offers. Then let it spread like wildfire. Oftentimes, bloggers think that a “press release” is meant for a product company or an offline company, but in fact press releases can be used by anyone for any newsworthy purpose. Don’t overlook this simple, quick and low cost idea.

9. Blog Carnivals – This is considered old school by many. But it works and its targeted. Blog Carnivals are like chains where bloggers sign up and share their content with one another. There’s an actual site named Blog Carnival. You sign up with them for free, look for blogs in your niche and submit your article to the carnival. Choose an article that you want a backlink to, as this is one of the primary benefits of joining a Blog Carnival. This method is not for gaining barrels of traffic, but it’s good for SEO. So that’s why, i’ve included it in the list.

10. You tell me! What easy traffic tips do YOU have for a new blogger? A tip that maybe is not that well known, but works like a charm. Please share below in the comment area.

BONUS TIP #11. Guest Posts – I had to add this easy traffic method to the list, because it’s all the rage now. I recently wrote about how and where to guest post. Be sure to take a quick look at my article.

Submitting a guest post is one of the BEST methods for good traffic to a blog, new or old.

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Show me yours, and i’ll show you mine. I bought my fare share of WordPress themes in 2009 and have amassed a pretty neat collection, so far. No, i’m not done, yet. There WILL be more purchases in 201o. Oh, yes!

I buy premium wordpress themes for several reasons, including:

• my site flips
• and my niche WordPress blogs creation service

Whenever I create a site flip for Flippa, I tend to use a premium WordPress theme as this raises the value of the site. And because they’re usually much better crafted. But not to dog on free themes, because there are quite nice free themes out as well. And for my niche blog creation service, I usually always go premium.

Below I share some of my favorite WordPress designers and their lovely premium (a/k/a fee based) WordPress themes.

Woo Themes – I have several, including Gazette and Busy Bee. I love Woo because of their stellar design qualities and ease of use. Each one of their premium themes has a full “admin options” area, great for newbies and or those who are scared of code. (like me!) But really, I love Woo because they have fancy designs and make any site look good.

Thematic – They recently changed their name, you might know them as PremiumThemes.net, I have several themes from Thematic, including Snippet, Product Folio, iProduct, and Store.

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I have a few solid resources for you on important blogging and or WordPress related issues. These are all from savvy bloggers who know their niche and have come up with the goods. If you have a minute, do give these good articles a read.

First up? Is Erica.

How To Brand Your Feedburner Page, from Erica Mueller of Erica Says.com

Great mini guide on how to take your bland boring Feedburner subscribe page and spice it up abit. Erica gives you a step-by-step on how to brand and format this most important page.

Adam Baker Interview, from the popular Man VS Debt Blog

Young Tanner who runs a lifestyle blog has a neat interview with Adam Baker who runs the hugely successful get rid of debt blog, Man Vs. Debt. Good stuff in the interview, be sure to pay Tanner a visit.

10 Free Awesome WordPress Themes from Ninja Blog Set Up site

Looking for a nicely designed, but free WordPress theme for that NEXT site of yours? Have a look at the collection gathered by Shawn from Blog Ninja Set Up. Several high quality themes are showcased, including Amazing Grace and Swift.

WordPress Email Capture Plugin from the self-titled Rhys Wynne blog

This is a revelation! The email capture WordPress plugin works as named. Essentially it allows you to collect email addresses from site or blog visitors, and either add them to your list or send them a digital goodie. Or both!

It’s easy, fast and 100% free. Read more and download it, via the link to Rhys blog above.

Cheers!

Till next time.

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