Andyd.org

My new LEGO blog – smallplasticbricks.com

andyddotorg — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:34:38 +0000

Check out my new blog, www.smallplasticbricks.com It’s a blog about LEGO and the AFOL (Adult fan of LEGO) community!

Blog Promotion Tip: Be An Active Commenter

andyddotorg — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:06:03 +0000

If you find a blog or news article that inspires you, comment on it. Doing so could increase the chances of someone clicking on a link to your blog who feels the same you do.

SEO Tip: Use Your Keyword Phrase In Your Content

andyddotorg — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:31:46 +0000

You blog should be focused on certain keywords and phrases (like “blogging”, “social media”, “SEO tips”, etc. or whatever your topic is). Using these words on your site helps search engines determine the relevance of your site’s pages in relation to your site’s keywords. This helps provide focus to your website, which will result in better search engine results. More search engine results = more visitors = more money.

Video: Automating Twitter

andyddotorg — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:44:04 +0000

Website Traffic Woes

andyddotorg — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:37:10 +0000

As a test, I haven’t given my recently-created blog much attention over the past week of so – and it shows in my Google Analytics:

Depressing Google Analytics

No posts on other sites, no Craigslist ads, barely using Twitter, no new Youtube videos. Zero Traffic. One of the keys of a starting blog may very well be creating posts regularly and systematic promotion – at least in the beginning. What do you guys think? What has been your experience regarding traffic with your new blog?
As a side note, my 250 free business cards did come in the mail. I’m not sure what I’ll do with them or if now is the time to distribute them, but I’ve got them. Maybe I’ll think about it after I redesign this site (the new WordPress blog is simple on purpose, but it’s too simple. As a coder, I plan to develop it to suit my needs. At least it’s working in the new IE and Firefox now!). Leave your comments below and tell me about your website traffic woes.

SEO Tip: Use Keywords/Phrases In Links

andyddotorg — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:16:55 +0000

Make sure links to pages within your site use keywords or a keyword phrase. In other words, don’t make you link say “Click Here”. Making it say something like “Blogging Tips” or “Learn How To Make Money Online” instead.

Blogging Tip: Be A Coder

andyddotorg — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:44:51 +0000

Yes, WordPress is a great tool for creating a blog. It has almost everything you need. But as a fun side project, I’d rather code my blog engine myself. With a background (and full-time day job) as a software developer, I’ve decided to re-create this blog from the ground up – MySQL database and all. Be looking for major changes in the coming weeks.

Anyone can get a blog up and running, but why not use my coding skills to make my website look exactly like I want? If you want to be a blogger, it is highly advised that you at least learn HTML and a web programming language such as PHP or ASP.NET. It can definitely help to streamline your site. Blogger and WordPress are great tools, but it’s fun to do it all yourself sometimes.

I joined Technorati

andyddotorg — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:10:11 +0000

My Technorati claim was approved! Now, I can login to start commenting on blogs and learning about all sorts of subjects: http://technorati.com/blogs/www.andyd.org

This blog is now listed in Technorati

Technorati is a highly popular blog directory that lets other people know about you. Being listed in Technorati will help your site get listed in search engines because Google considers Technorati a “quality” site and will usually rank Technorati listings higher.

Social Media Tip: Post on YouTube (My first video!)

andyddotorg — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 02:27:47 +0000

Everyone knows what YouTube is. People will watch your video, whether it’s gone viral, been on the news, or you haven’t even advertised it. Someone will watch it. Make it interesting, make it exciting, make it fresh. To start things off, here’s my rather boring first video (hey, it’s my first one!). There will be more.

My YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/andyddotorg

Here’s the camera I purchased to make it. I unpacked it, installed the software, plugged it into my Windows Vista desktop, then uploaded to my newly-created YouTube account. It couldn’t have been easier. It took about 20 minutes to do.

Logitech HD Webcam C510 with 720p Video and Swivel Design

Social Media Tip: Advertise Offline

andyddotorg — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 06:33:55 +0000

Advertising with your local media can be a very good (and cheap) way to promote your blog or website. Local weekly papers, regional newspapers, and even business cards can help your website reach a whole new audience. Don’t limit yourself to Twitter and Facebook. Get out there and tell the world about your website and what you have to offer.

For example, this blog is about getting started in the writing, maintenance, and promotion of your own blog. People who want to start blogs might still be big newspaper readers too. People always look at the hard-copy classifieds when they are lying around.

I’ve already ordered my 250 free business cards from VistaPrint (see below) and spread them around town as well as advertise in my local papers (for less than $30). I’ve already advertised my Sidetick page on Craigslist sites and on Creative Loafing online. All of these things should generate more web traffic (hopefully!).

My VistaPrint order (free!)