Archive for » November, 2007 «

16
Nov
Error Message With Upgrade To WordPress 2.3.1
Barbara Swafford

Today I upgraded to WordPress 2.3.1.

Today’s Lesson

Shortly after upgrading to WP 2.3.1, I proceeded to write a post.

As soon as I hit “Save and Continue Editing”, I received an error message that looked similar to this:

Table ‘wordpress.wp_xxxxxxxxxx(database)cat’ doesn’t exist]
SELECT c.cat_name FROM wp_post2cat p2c INNER JOIN wp_categories c ON p2c.category_id = c.cat_id WHERE p2c.post_id = 218

Hating to think I may have done something wrong, I scratched my head for awhile, and then proceeded to go to one of my favorite sources for information: WordPress.org, and searched for a similar error message.

Others had encountered the same problem.

I read what others had written, and what they had done to alleviate the problem.

Long story short, for me, the error was caused by my Google Sitemap plugin.

I proceeded to upgrade to the latest version (3.0.1), and my error message disappeared.

Today’s Assignment

If you tweak, update or change your WordPress blog, and receive an error message, go to WordPress.org, and do a search.

When searching error messages, you can also copy and paste part of the error message into your search bar.

Since others may have had the same problem, you may find a search result that answers your question.

Also, remember to save a backup, before making changes to your blog.

Happy Blogging! :roll:

Category: Archives, Blogging Lessons  Tags: , ,  3 Comments
15
Nov
HitTail Results In More Traffic
Barbara Swafford

Several weeks ago, I wrote about how to use keywords and keyword phrases , and how I had signed up for HitTail.

It took awhile to accumulated enough HitTail “keywords”, and for the long tail to grow.

Today’s Lesson

I carefully studied the keywords that HitTail produced, as well as the long tail.

In the beginning, I found, that based on search results (keyword, keyword phrases, and the long tail), I would have to write, what I would consider to be a duplicate post.

I waited awhile longer, and then used one of my “keyword phrases” (which are not extremely popular), and wrote a “review”. This enabled me to write a post, word it in a manner that wouldn’t be construed as duplicate content, and wait for the results.

Amazingly, my post soon started getting hits. When I checked, it has ended up on the first page for most search engine results.

So…..HitTail works! :)

What I also like about HitTail is, if you go to the “search hits”, it tells you which search engine your reader used. So, even if your post was not on the first page for Google, it may have been, for one of the other search engines.

Today’s Assignment

If you haven’t yet tried HitTail, give it a try.

If you have HitTail installed, write a post using either a “keyword”, “keyword phrase”, or a keyword or phrase from your “long tail”

Watch your stats for the next week or two, then come back and share your experience with using HitTail.

Good Luck!

Category: Archives, Blogging Lessons, Increase Traffic, Keywords, Reviews  Tags: ,  4 Comments
14
Nov
Best Resouce For Help With WordPress
Barbara Swafford

Using WordPress for your blog, makes setting up a blog, posting and publishing easy.

Today’s Lesson

After you’ve been blogging for awhile, you may want to change your theme, add HTML code, or additional plugins to your blog.

Finding the best source for technical information on WordPress, is right at your fingertips. You can first search my site, and see if I have addressed the issue. My search bar is at the bottom right hand corner of the page.

If I have not blogged about the topic, the WordPress website is just a click away.

At WordPress Codex, all you need to do, is do a search for what you’re looking for, and most likely you’ll find the answer.

You can also post a question on the forum, and wait for an answer.

Another great source for information on WordPress is Lorelle’ site at Lorelle.wordpress.com

Millions of bloggers use WordPress, so if you’re not finding the answer you’re looking for, do a search, including “WordPress” in your search, and you may find a blog that answers your question.

Today’s Assignment

Is there something you are trying to do with your blog, but can’t find an answer?

Have you visited WordPress Codex and received help?

If you are not using WordPress, what blogging platform do you use?

How is your non-WordPress blog program working for you?

Category: Archives, Blogging Lessons, New To Blogging  Tags: ,  2 Comments
13
Nov
Can You Get Rich Blogging
Barbara Swafford

If you have been surfing the internet, you have probably seen many sites that claim they make lots of money with their blog. Some will suggest, that If you buy their ebook, they will tell you how you can get rich, with a blog, too.

Today’s Lesson

Making money by blogging, is not something that happens overnight.

Granted, it is very easy to get a blog. Some are even free.

But, before you can earn money with blogging, you first need to get your blog discovered.

As for how many visitors you need to earn decent money from your blog, unfortunately, the numbers are high….in the tens of thousands. This is not an easy feat. Plus, you need to sustain that type of readership, in order to see a steady income.

It also depends on the audience you are writing for.

Computer savvy readers, and bloggers, rarely click on ads.

If you are using Google AdSense, your ads match your content. Some ads pay more than others. The amount you receive from a click, may be only a few cents. Although high paying keywords may get you higher paying targeted ads, if you sacrifice your content, for the ads, your readership will suffer.

If you use affiliate marketing or referral ads, you don’t make a dime, unless someone places a order by clicking on a link in your website. What’s to stop a reader from going directly to the site? Nothing.

If you do a product review, and suggest that someone buys a product. There is no guarantee they will click on the link on your site to buy it. They may go to their favorite store and find the product.

With blogging, you want longevity.

It’s the older bloggers that are seeing financial success. They all started out the same as everyone else. But….they also started years ago when readers were not “blind” to ads.

Due to ad blindness, and the ability for readers to block ads, financial rewards may come slower to new bloggers.

If you are looking for a way to make money quick, blogging may not be the avenue to pursue.

Earlier, I wrote an article about how others made millions. It wasn’t with blogging, although having a website is essential. To read more, here’s a link.

Today’s Assignment

Do you think your blog will sustain the test of time, and generate a decent income for you?

Would you like to become a problogger (blog, as a profession)?

If you have been blogging for a period of time, what is giving you the most satisfaction? The money? The comments? Other?

Category: Archives, Blogging Lessons, Making Money  Tags: , ,  3 Comments
12
Nov
Meta Tags May Increase Your SEO
Barbara Swafford

Anyone who blogs, and researches “about blogging”, will run into the terminology “meta tags”.

Today’s Lesson

Meta tags, are “hidden”, HTML tags in your blog. Search engines can “see” these tags, however, they are not seen by your visitors.

Meta tags can help with your SEO (search engine optimization), as they tell the search engines, more about your blog.

In WordPress, you can add meta tags, by using a plugin, named: “Add Meta Tag WordPress Plugin , by George Notaras.

By searching online for “meta tag builder”, you can also find sites which will assist you in building meta tags for your blog.

From my experience, niche blogs make for easier meta tagging, as your subject matter remains fairly constant.

Todays Assignment

Do you think meta tags are necessary?

Do you use meta tags?

If you use meta tags, do you think it helps with your SEO (search engine optimization)?

How did you determine which words, or phrases to include in your meta tags?

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Category: Archives, Blogging Lessons, SEO  Tags: , , ,  Comments off
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