Successful Blog

Blogging Tools of Engagement that Attract Attention

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How to blog series

by
Grace Nasri

6 Tools of Engagement

There are currently billions of webpages indexed across the world today; as the number grows, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate one blog from another. The six sites below have created tools to help bloggers increase engagement, attract attention, and differentiate their blog from the rest.

1. FindTheBest’s Interactive Widgets: Adding interactive widgets to blog posts is one of the best ways to drive user engagement and increase time spent on your site. FindTheBest () a data-driven comparison engine, offers hundreds of product and service widgets to enhance posts and reviews. The interactive and customizable widgets (http://www.findthebest.com/widgets) have an added bonus of being monetizable—bloggers receive 100 percent of all affiliate revenue.

2. Visual.ly’s Infographics: Infographics have grown in popularity over the past year, partially because it’s easier for most people to consume and retain information presented in the form of an image or graphic rather that pure data or text. Visual.ly allows bloggers to create customized infographics for their blogs. Other sites like Stat Planet, Tableau and ManyEyes are starting to pop up that make it easy to build customized infographics.

3. Flickr’s Photos: Posts with photos, graphics or other illustrations not only look more enticing, but they can also drive traffic from image searches; when photos are saved with relevant keyword tags, they will show up in an image search and when a user clicks on the image, they will be taken to the affiliated blog. In addition to Flickr, sites like WikiMedia’s commons and Google’s image search are also great sites to find relevant images and graphics, but be sure that the licensing allows for republishing.

4. Pixlr’s Photo Editing Software: For bloggers who don’t have Photoshop but want tools to be able to edit their photos before posting to their blog, Pixlr’s Editor provides online photo editing tools for free.

5. Vimeo’s Videos: People consume and digest data through different formats and channels, while some are more drawn to text and data, others find video content more engaging. Sites like Vimeo make it easy to upload, share and post videos. But Vimeo isn’t the only video sharing site. Site like Blinkx, Vimeo, UStream and YouTube are some other great places to find engaging videos relevant to your blog post.

6. SpeakerText’s Video Transcription Service: Video content, while highly engaging, is not easily searchable by search engines. Video transcription services like SpeakerText specialize in transcribing the content on your video, which helps search engines index your content.

Maybe you’re using one or more of these already. Try the rest. Keep alert for tools that will raise the engagement on your blog.

What tools of engagement fuel your blog?

Author’s Bio:
Grace Nasri is the managing editor at FindTheBest, a data-driven comparison engine. Her articles have been published in The Huffington Post, Reuters, VentureBeat, The Street, Technorati, Asia Times and more. You can see a full list of her articles at GraceNasri.com and can find her on Twitter as @GraceNasri

 

How to Your Boost Quality Content in Organic Search Results

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Basic SEO

by
Jun Raisun Llamera

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How To Generate High Organic Search Results

While search engine optimization (SEO) is widely used in the online world, particularly in the internet marketing industry, there are still many internet marketers struggling to get their pages visible. Most of the popular search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing) offer two types of search results: paid results (mostly at the top) and organic results. The only difference of the two is that paid results are “paid placements” and organic results occur naturally through searcher interest in the page topic.

Often internet marketers prefer the former since you’ll only have to do a little bit of work, and your cash will do the rest of it – an instant visibility assurance on search engines they say. Organic results, on the other hand, do not require cash. To get organic results, the key is producing relevant, up-to-date content worth sharing from your Web site. That means you have to be original and well versed on the topics you are publishing on your site.

The height of producing high organic results does not end there. No matter how relevant and latest your page displays, you can give your work a boost getting to the top.

Use of Webmaster Tools

Google Webmaster Tools can give you detailed statistics and reports about your Web sites’ visibility on Google, depending on how you manage them to aid you. Such as why you are getting 404 and 503 errors (page not found or unavailable), and which URLs are linking to your web site. Webmaster tools also offer to verify the status of your XML sitemap flow (like how it is submitted or how your pages are being indexed so users can find them).

You’ll only need a Google account, sign up, add your site, and then create your XML sitemap. And if you are using WordPress (http://www.wordpress.com/), you’ll be able install its WordPress plug in version.

Thorough and Keen Keyword Research

Unless you haven’t heard it repeatedly, keyword research is still the best way to produce relevant content. These are the natural or organic search keywords (or phrases) that you want to be optimized so people who are searching for those terms will eventually find you (immediately). Many webmasters rely on two main factors to work this: optimizing your pages for these keywords (avoid the temptation to overstuff your work with the same keyword), and getting inbound links that use link anchor text matching the keywords you’ve targeted.

Apparently, there is no specific tool that can tell you what keywords will be on top search in the upcoming hours or days, but the Google Keywords Tool is a good place to start. Write about what really interests in ways that will get other people interested in it too. Use the tool to find the words and search language people use to find information like what you wrote.

Producing high organic search results is not an easy thing to do, that’s why others choose the paid results or a combination of both. But one good thing that makes it a lot better that the others is that people mostly prefer relevancy and not advertisements.

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Author’s Bio:
Jun Raisun Llamera writes about ways to promote your business online and how to generate traffic to your websites at Ardor Backlinks . He is also the author of “Tips To Maximize The Effects Of Your Social Media Presence”. You can find him on Twitter as @JunRaisun

Thank you for adding to the conversation!

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Grafetee’s Watching You … Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide

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by
Mihaela Lica Butler

Street Smarts: The Police Get Grafetee

That the police are testing a location-based app called Grafetee may not necessarily have criminals fleeing in fear, but the idea of a country’s national police turning to mobile tools is noted. The Poliisi, as Finland’s top law enforcement arm is called there, intend on making neighborhoods safer via smart device usage, social media engagement and interactive maps.

Finland. Most of you, readers, will probably identify this Scandinavian country as way up in the far frozen North and a bit too far away to consider public safety moves as relevant. But, given the spread of good news and useful things that make life better, it may not be long before your local public servants tune in on using geo-location tools like Grafetee.

For those unfamiliar with the Helsinki startup, and their engaging little social tool, Grafetee makes use of smart technology, via either iOS or Android operating systems, along with map-centric services like Foursquare, Wikipedia, and even Yelp of late. What does the PoPo up there in Finland want with such a tool, you ask? They are trying to make Finland safer than it already is. Petri

Marjamaa from the National Police Board commented about the adaptation:

“We are adopting Grafetee to test how a social media service is applicable to make the neighborhood safer and to help residents to influence their own neighborhood’s safety.”

Grafetee’s Watching You … Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide

Grafetee being used by law enforcement in Finland is not the first time a mobile or social tool has been adopted to improve things, but the App does have some unique features which make this story more interesting. The Poliisi can use Grafetee’s characteristic location-based interactive map, and particularly the notification and bookmarking aspects, for getting information about crime, traffic hazards, and especially for being there when urgency and accuracy of detail counts. Short story here being, Grafetee’s interactive map operates in “real time” – and users (citizens) can add images to the locations, describe what happens, share with others anonymously if desired, and so much more.

That’s because anyone can use Grafetee anonymously – no need to sign up or connect a Facebook account. A few taps of the screen and a crime can be reported, or the Police can input data the public needs to know in real time too. Think of all the uses Grafetee users on both ends can squeeze out of a little Finnish smart app.

There’s a mobile version, Android or iOS, and a web version on, lahivinkki.com, for anyone interested in testing the latest version. Also, another aspect of Grafetee’s individuality is the ability for businesses to add their places, events, and even web locations via a browser bookmarklet. On top of the Foursquare, Wikipedia, and Yelp pins you can already use on the map, there are also now many local businesses and even websites tied into the Grafetee way of smart things.

Grafetee, or should that be “Graffiti”, seems like one of those simple little tools that ends up being widely accepted. Just like street artists express themselves via murals, now everyone can put a name on just about anything, even a potential crime. Let’s see how fast other government agencies and businesses hop on board with special uses. Interesting stuff, huh?

Author’s Bio:
Mihaela “Mig” Lica Butler founded Pamil Visions in 2005 where she uses her hard won journalistic, SEO and public relations skills toward helping small companies navigate the digital realm with influence and success. Grafetee is a client. You can find Mig on Twitter as @PamilVisions

4 Fast Growing Social Media and Shopping Websites

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by
Richard Franklin

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4 Fast Growing Social Media and Shopping Websites

There are so many social media and shopping websites nowadays available on the web, some of them are growing rapidly because of their services, how they are managed and updated, and how the features or how user friendly they are. These websites have been increasing because of the increase of the growing interest of people on social networking platforms and people are also getting bored of the existing social websites. It has increased this year because of the social awareness of the individuals, sharing their thoughts, experiences, photos, and products daily are the things that people could do with the social and shopping websites.

Here are some of the fast growing social media and shopping websites that are grabbing the attention of more users day by day:

Pinterest.com

Basically, Pinterest is a pinboard -style social photo or an image sharing website that permits users to make and achieve theme-based image groups such as interests, events, likes or hobbies, and many more. Users can surf or browse other Pinboards or inspiration,’re-pin’ images to their own collections and/or ‘like’ photos. It permits its users to share ‘pins’ on both Facebook and Twitter, which permits users to share their interests, photos, events, hobbies and interact with the community.

A social media agency should post their client’s business in Pinterest to drive more traffic. It is an advantage for the business to have major products for women because most of its visitors are women.

Pinterest can help a social media company to have the advantage of driving traffic to their clients’ websites. It is really a big help for the social media companies on their Internet marketing strategies.

Svpply.com

This is a new shopping website that made a big splash in the online community. Svpply is pronounced as “supply”, it is the online form of window shopping that permits users to browse products extending from clothing to home decorations and easily bookmark items when you shop.

Before you can post or shop on the website, you have to register first on Svpply.com, create your free account, search for the products or things that you want in the online store, and upload them to your account. You can also share what you have found with your friends thru social media sites like Twitter, Google+ and Facebook.

There is more! You can complete your online shopping using Svpply, just click on the BUY button and be directed to the “Checkout Page. Svpply also offers specialty features like monthly Editor’s picks and gift guides that are giving you the advantage of having all of your shopping needs addressed on one website.

Wanelo.com

One of today’s trends which social media is focusing is online Pin boarding. Users “pin” their items and images what they like on the virtual boards and sharing it with their friends that have similar interests and can give and take ideas. Pinterest maybe the most popular of these websites because of its unique features that permits users to interact, engage, and connect with the imaginative process with people who have shared their interests. Furthermore, socializing and connecting with friends through online is the major factor in current’s Social Media part.

Online shoppers or users used to find themselves shopping for toys for their loved-ones, gifts, clothes, supplements, and other items that could give them convenience in shopping. Online shopping gives them convenience because it doesn’t need to be in the physical store to purchase or look for the items they want. Wanelo has covered the way for businesses to seize more market share by attracting in online marketing and makes easy for the shoppers.

Polyvore.com

Polyvore focuses on fashion, it is for the fashion enthusiasts and advocates. It is devoted to style and giving a platform for fashion enthusiasts for showing or demonstrating their works in the entire world. It is one of the largest online communities with members from across the globe and helps to unite online shoppers and trendsetters / trend starters by showing the latest trends, the hottest brands, and trend forecasting.

It allows users to create different outfits by culling various products from online stores and online fashion collections, publishing and sharing their works with friends and other Polyvore users.

Polyvore is now becoming another trustworthy social media network for online businesses who aim to create more connection and interaction with their online prospect buyers and online buyers. Some Big Fashion companies are having relationship or connecting Polyvore for promoting and exhibiting their designs, products, and for showcase.

Author’s Bio:
Richard Franklin is a social media strategist and wants to share his knowledge with people who are about to hire a social media agency for their businesses. He writes about latest trends used in social media companies. You can find Richard on Twitter as @AgencySEO.

Thank you, Richard!

–ME “Liz” Strauss

How to Gain the Best Rewards from Reward Credit Cards

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by
Ann Wilson

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Which Reward Card?

Gaining financial stability using credit card is no joke—especially if you’re using the best reward credit card for you. Unfortunately a lot of people complain that this caused their financial loss and inability to save money for their future. What they don’t realize is they got themselves into such due to their own misuse of credit cards.

Reward credit cards are not enemies but friends if used wisely. You have to, however, find which reward card fits you best. This means you need to analyze your expenditures from the most important to the least important (whether it’s for personal use or professional use). You want to get the best reward credit card that really meets most of your purchasing needs such as travel tickets, hotel reservations, or groceries for your business.

If your work requires you to travel a lot, the best reward credit card to choose is one that features travel mileage advantage such as discounts on plane fare or hotel accommodation. There are even instances where in if you travel a lot you get reward points which you may exchange for a certain privilege such as free grocery items or free trip for the whole family.

Another example is if you love to shop around for home appliances or items for your family’s needs. The best reward credit card in this situation is one that features cash rebates. You can check on which credit card offers rebates on items which you most likely buy as a need.

How to Gain the Best Rewards from Reward Credit Cards

While these reward credit cards are indeed helpful in your buying needs, you need to discipline your spending ways. Here are a few tips on how to use your credit card wisely and control your purchasing power with it.

1. Set your goals. You need to have a long term goal such as your child’s college educational fund or a new house or car. After setting a long term goal, better cut it down into smaller ones by listing down how you can have it. This will help you control your spending on least important items which in turn will lead you to use your credit card on more important items.

2. Talk to your family about your plans. This way they too can help you save especially if you’re helping out with expenses. With spouses doing this will give both an understanding on what expenditures can be paid with a credit card and those that can be met by paying cash.

3. Strategize your splurging. Of course there are times you need to reward yourself. However this doesn’t mean you can splurge away. You still need to consider if you can meet it. Have a separate budget for this splurging activity (sort of a limit). After you’ve spent it then spend no more. You can even go to shops which can help you earn reward points or use your existing credit reward points to help you save more.

4. Check your expenditure list at the end of every month. Meet with your family or your spouse about it and see if you need to cut something out of the list.

You can really save more with the best reward credit card. All you need to do is prioritize on the important things and see which purchases can help you gain more financial benefits in the future.

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Author’s Bio:
Ann Wilson writes about reward credit cards and other credit card information at RewardCreditCardSite.com. she is also the author of ”Which of the Best Credit Card Offers Will Fit Your Lifestyle?”

Thank you, Ann! Thanks for the straight story.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

How to Drive Sales Using Pinterest

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by
Richard Franklin

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11.7 million unique U.S. Users had hit the social site in January, making Pinterest, the fastest website to ever exceed the ten million marks. The aforementioned is a report published about the growing popularity of the social site. This user attracting site has now become a great platform for marketers to generate sales online.

Pinterest users publicize their favorite images, and can also manage the subject groupings into their interests, such as hobbies, travel, favorite foods etc. People make use of Pinterest to promote their personal passions. And now, businesses have ventured with the expertise of a social media marketing agency to use this new social networking platform to earn exposure for their brands.

How to Drive Sales Using Pinterest

Here are few factors that will encourage you to incorporate Pinterest in your social media marketing:

Referral traffic more than any other site

Business on Pinterest can earn benefits from winning referral traffic. It has been discovered in the studies that Pinterest brought more traffic to the sites in comparison to Google Plus, YouTube and LinkedIn.

“Is your content pinnable”- this is the first requirement of tapping the referral feature of the site. For monitoring the transferring frequency of your content to Pinterest, you can install “Pin it” button on your toolbar. Besides, you directly install a “Pin It” button on your site.

Detailed information with quickness

You cannot just get advantageous with the referral traffic but you can also know what audiences think about your product. Being a great source of consumer insights; make a quick keyword research to expose with the facts what audiences are discussing and sharing about the keyword. You can investigate about competitor’s activities, and can also compare the products and services. There is a category search on Pinterest to get the insights or follow the pinners to get exposed to the things that are trending.

Gather ideas and thoughts

From color palates to food styling and camera techniques to dressing; Pinterest has become a diverse platform when it is about fetching the innovative ideas and inspiration. Companies cruise the site to get inspired with new ideas and also get exposed to the trends.

People on the social site not just share to inspire but also share so that they can be established as a thought leader in their field.

Ground for recruitment

Pinterest’s benefits are also actively utilized by many HR departments to appoint top talent. After all, it has become a medium to associate with people over shared interests. Besides, companies are also using it to flaunt their unique culture by pinning the highlights of the employees. Companies have grown creatively with features of Pinterest.

Author’s Bio:
Richard Franklin is a social media strategist and wants to share his knowledge with people who are about to hire a social media agency for their businesses. He writes about latest trends used in social media companies. You can find Richard on Twitter as @AgencySEO.

Thank you, Richard! Will you be pinning this?

–ME “Liz” Strauss