The title may seem unimportant of insignificant to you, but I think it is quite important. When should you post/publicize your blog posts? I got curious and did a survey on this at YouthSays, and here is what I found :
Why You Shouldn't Get Auto-Generated Traffic
Don't know what auto-generated traffic is? I'll tell you : it's like those
websites where they use credits systems to encourage you to visit other people's blogs/websites that are linked to them so that you can earn more credits and use them to get other people to visit you back. There was once a Nuffnanger (if you don't know what a Nuffnanger is, just take it as a blogger.) posted something about this great way to generate traffic to your blog for FREE!!
websites where they use credits systems to encourage you to visit other people's blogs/websites that are linked to them so that you can earn more credits and use them to get other people to visit you back. There was once a Nuffnanger (if you don't know what a Nuffnanger is, just take it as a blogger.) posted something about this great way to generate traffic to your blog for FREE!!
4 Widgets A Blog Should Have
Widgets have different functions for every blog. Some helps the blog writer, some interacts with the readers, some do NOTHING. Obviously, you would want widgets that help you, right? Here, I'm going to introduce a few widgets that I think are really useful to a blogger.
1) Sharebar
1) Sharebar
A sharebar is a widget that allows readers to share your blog to different social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, Email and so on. Using this sharebar allows your readers to help you spread the word about your blog easily.
How to Make Readers Feel Comfortable Reading Your Blog
I've come across blogs that really make me feel uncomfortable when reading it, and decided to stop reading the post. The thing is, there were so many things that irritates a reader in that blog (which I will not mention which). I'm sure sometimes you feel the same way too when reading some blogs, right? In this post, I'll share with you how to make readers feel comfortable when reading your blog!
1) Don't put too many advertisements
It's annoying when the whole page is cramped with adverts but you cannot find the real content. Readers tend to hate this as they came to your blog for the content, not for some stupid adverts to annoy them off your blog. Please place adverts moderately and make sure that readers can see your main content. That way, readers will tend to read your adverts along with your content!
2) Tiny fonts
You know, not just old people have eyesight problems, even young people nowadays do. So please, please, please put your font BIG enough for people to read. I don't want to squint my eyes figuring out what word that is when reading a blog.
3) Too much BLARING colours
It's understandable if you want to emphasize a part on your blog and you highlight it with colours. But a whole blog filled with blaring colours? I don't think that's good. You see, sometimes the colours from the background will outshine your content and makes it hard to read.
4) Share a bit of your life
I find myself smiling at the computer screen sometimes when blog writers share a touching, heart-warming or even an embarrassing moment in their life. This makes me feel somehow connected to the blog writer and naturally makes you comfortable and want to read more.
That's about it. If you have anything you'd like to add please do in the comments section below.
1) Don't put too many advertisements
It's annoying when the whole page is cramped with adverts but you cannot find the real content. Readers tend to hate this as they came to your blog for the content, not for some stupid adverts to annoy them off your blog. Please place adverts moderately and make sure that readers can see your main content. That way, readers will tend to read your adverts along with your content!
2) Tiny fonts
You know, not just old people have eyesight problems, even young people nowadays do. So please, please, please put your font BIG enough for people to read. I don't want to squint my eyes figuring out what word that is when reading a blog.
3) Too much BLARING colours
It's understandable if you want to emphasize a part on your blog and you highlight it with colours. But a whole blog filled with blaring colours? I don't think that's good. You see, sometimes the colours from the background will outshine your content and makes it hard to read.
4) Share a bit of your life
I find myself smiling at the computer screen sometimes when blog writers share a touching, heart-warming or even an embarrassing moment in their life. This makes me feel somehow connected to the blog writer and naturally makes you comfortable and want to read more.
That's about it. If you have anything you'd like to add please do in the comments section below.
Christmas Special : How to Make Falling Snowflakes Effect for Blogger
Read my last post on how to add snow scene to blogger yet? Then this post is a improved version! Not just dots now, but with newly improved SNOWFLAKE PICTURES!! Example: 
Wouldn't you love that snowflake falling everywhere around your blog? Just go to your blogger's 'design' page, click on 'add a gadget', add a 'HTML/Javascript' gadget, then paste this code to the content:
For this picture () use this:
<script src="https://sites.google.com/site/jscriptuploads/home/jscripts/snowflakesSUCCESS.js?attredirects=0&d=1"></script>
For this picture (
) use this :
<script src="https://sites.google.com/site/jscriptuploads/home/jscripts/snowflakesSUCCESS4.js?attredirects=0&d=1"></script>
Will update more flakes under requests, just give me the picture!
Oh, and by the way...
Wouldn't you love that snowflake falling everywhere around your blog? Just go to your blogger's 'design' page, click on 'add a gadget', add a 'HTML/Javascript' gadget, then paste this code to the content:
For this picture (
) use this:<script src="https://sites.google.com/site/jscriptuploads/home/jscripts/snowflakesSUCCESS.js?attredirects=0&d=1"></script>
For this picture (
) use this : <script src="https://sites.google.com/site/jscriptuploads/home/jscripts/snowflakesSUCCESS4.js?attredirects=0&d=1"></script>
Will update more flakes under requests, just give me the picture!
AND...
Credits to people who made this photo..
Your comments are much appreciated! Please leave them below!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THIS YEAR!!
Christmas Special : Falling Snow Effect for Blogger
Christmas is coming in 2 days! Naturally, you would want to spice up your blog a little for this upcoming day right? Well, the falling snow effect would be just the right thing for YOU!
How it looks like: (I used gray snow for my template because white would be hard to see.)
I spent quite a while researching how to do it, and I finally got it! But first, this is what you need: (If you're lazy to edit everything and just want the snow to be white, scroll to the bottom of this post for the easy tutorial)
1) A Javascript Editor, such as EditPlus! (Download it here! Very small only.. Don't care what is says about the free trial because it works after the trial anyway)
2) A place to upload your javascript files. (Such as Google sites. Click link and register to make a page, then click 'create a page', then click 'file cabinet'
3) Reading skills. (You won't get here without that right?)
Got all of that? Then we're ready to start!
1) Download the javascript file from
https://sites.google.com/site/jscriptuploads/home/jscripts/snowstormzhiwei%27s.js?attredirects=0&d=1
2) Open it using your Javascript Editor. Instructions on how to change the variables are in the file you downloaded. (P.S : For snow colour, you have to get the html code. Get codes for different types of colours here.)
3) Once you've edited to what you wanted, save and upload your file to your upload page. (Google Pages)
4) Copy the download link for your uploaded Javascript file.
5) Replace 'YOUR FILE DOWNLOAD LINK HERE' (below) with your download link and copy the whole code
<script src="YOUR FILE DOWNLOAD LINK HERE" type="text/javascript"></script>
6) Go to your blogger 'design' page and go to 'add a new gadget', 'HTML/JavaScript', then paste the code you copied into the empty space below the title.
7) Save and view your blog. Satisfied?
Leave you 'thank you's below at the comment box!
The Easier Way (White Snow)
Copy the following code:
<script src="https://sites.google.com/site/jscriptuploads/home/jscripts/snowstormzhiwei%27s.js?attredirects=0&d=1" type="text/javascript"></script>
Then go to blogger's 'design' page, 'Add a gadget', 'HTML/Javascript', and paste the code above into the empty space. Save and enjoy.
CREDITS GIVEN TO SCHILLMANIA!!
How it looks like: (I used gray snow for my template because white would be hard to see.)
I spent quite a while researching how to do it, and I finally got it! But first, this is what you need: (If you're lazy to edit everything and just want the snow to be white, scroll to the bottom of this post for the easy tutorial)
1) A Javascript Editor, such as EditPlus! (Download it here! Very small only.. Don't care what is says about the free trial because it works after the trial anyway)
2) A place to upload your javascript files. (Such as Google sites. Click link and register to make a page, then click 'create a page', then click 'file cabinet'
3) Reading skills. (You won't get here without that right?)
Got all of that? Then we're ready to start!
1) Download the javascript file from
https://sites.google.com/site/jscriptuploads/home/jscripts/snowstormzhiwei%27s.js?attredirects=0&d=1
2) Open it using your Javascript Editor. Instructions on how to change the variables are in the file you downloaded. (P.S : For snow colour, you have to get the html code. Get codes for different types of colours here.)
3) Once you've edited to what you wanted, save and upload your file to your upload page. (Google Pages)
4) Copy the download link for your uploaded Javascript file.
5) Replace 'YOUR FILE DOWNLOAD LINK HERE' (below) with your download link and copy the whole code
<script src="YOUR FILE DOWNLOAD LINK HERE" type="text/javascript"></script>
6) Go to your blogger 'design' page and go to 'add a new gadget', 'HTML/JavaScript', then paste the code you copied into the empty space below the title.
7) Save and view your blog. Satisfied?
Leave you 'thank you's below at the comment box!
The Easier Way (White Snow)
Copy the following code:
<script src="https://sites.google.com/site/jscriptuploads/home/jscripts/snowstormzhiwei%27s.js?attredirects=0&d=1" type="text/javascript"></script>
Then go to blogger's 'design' page, 'Add a gadget', 'HTML/Javascript', and paste the code above into the empty space. Save and enjoy.
CREDITS GIVEN TO SCHILLMANIA!!
Increasing Your Chances of Getting Noticed on Social Bookmarking Sites
Everyone says that social bookmarking can generate traffic to your blog. Though it it true, what are the chances of your blog post getting noticed rather than other people? To increase your chances, gaining popularity is the way to go. But how? That's what I'm here to tell you!
1) Comment on others
To get others attention, a kind comment on their posts would help a lot. Please give sincere comments and not just asking them to go to your blog. This will be considered as spam and shall be ignored by the blog owner. True comments will be valued by the blog owner and inserting your blog link won't do any harm.
2) Bond with others
Find a way to connect to any blog owner who is very active. Have a nice chat and exchange blog posts links that interest both of you. Introduce this person to your other friends and the other person will do the same for you (ask him/her to if needed). Read my other blog post about this point here.
3) Build your popularity
Once you have done the things above, build your popularity by writing good blog posts, giving a good first impression to new visitors (Read my post about it here), keeping them and they will frequently visit your blog! Posts on social bookmarking sites that are highly visited will usually appear at the first page as a top visited post, thus will attract more people to read.
1) Comment on others
To get others attention, a kind comment on their posts would help a lot. Please give sincere comments and not just asking them to go to your blog. This will be considered as spam and shall be ignored by the blog owner. True comments will be valued by the blog owner and inserting your blog link won't do any harm.
2) Bond with others
Find a way to connect to any blog owner who is very active. Have a nice chat and exchange blog posts links that interest both of you. Introduce this person to your other friends and the other person will do the same for you (ask him/her to if needed). Read my other blog post about this point here.
3) Build your popularity
Once you have done the things above, build your popularity by writing good blog posts, giving a good first impression to new visitors (Read my post about it here), keeping them and they will frequently visit your blog! Posts on social bookmarking sites that are highly visited will usually appear at the first page as a top visited post, thus will attract more people to read.
The Secret Ingredient to Getting Quality Readers
How lucky I am today, because I found the TRUE way of getting QUALITY readers.
I know you guys are like anxious and all, but chill! Don't worry because I will reveal this secret to you at the end of this post!
Some of you do social bookmarking to increase traffic (Read about it here and here!). But how can you ensure that a lot of people read your post and not others? Think: Why must they read yours and not 1 million others? Unless you have a strong popularity, there is minimal chance that you're post will be even viewed by people. Your chances are even smaller when you use famous social bookmark sites like Digg.
So what is the one true way to get quality readers?
DRUM ROLL!!
I know you guys are like anxious and all, but chill! Don't worry because I will reveal this secret to you at the end of this post!
Some of you do social bookmarking to increase traffic (Read about it here and here!). But how can you ensure that a lot of people read your post and not others? Think: Why must they read yours and not 1 million others? Unless you have a strong popularity, there is minimal chance that you're post will be even viewed by people. Your chances are even smaller when you use famous social bookmark sites like Digg.
So what is the one true way to get quality readers?
DRUM ROLL!!
It's the WORD OF MOUTH (or typing)
What is that? Simple: Recommend your blog to a friend, stranger, person, WHATEVER! Not literally using the mouth, but more of just recommending.
How?
Just chat with someone who is online and recommend it to them, or just tell your friends! Don't believe me? I'll show you PROOF!
By sending my links on a public chatbox, I gathered quite a lot of comments in just a few minutes (but if you're already famous then I know you have more than this).
You know what to do now don't you?
READ MORE OF MY POSTS LAR!!
How true do you think this is? Comment below!!
4 Easy Tips to Keep Blog Readers
1) Reduce your blog's loading time
Most people tend to get frustrated if your blog does not load in 10 seconds. So, getting your blog to load in around 3-5 seconds is a good tactic in maintaining visitor's moods. They will also be slightly more patient to view your longer blog posts. If you don't, people may navigate away from your blog before they even see anything! To reduce the loading time, you should take away unnecessary widgets. I see many blogs around that have useless widgets, which means they do not satisfy the visitors anyhow or do not have any particular use.
2) Write short, simple but meaningful content
Stop twisting the story and get to the points straight away! If readers get bored at the part where you are twisting the story, they have a high chance of leaving. Add the interesting bits and just some of the boring bits. Oh, and inject some good humor too!
3) Insert (relevant) images or videos
Pictures and videos are more lifelike than just words. Colors also help a lot in this case. It soothes the eye after reading a lot of words. Please do not spam images and videos, just enough to solve the reader's boredom. Imagine you're talking about chimpanzees and you show your daughter's picture. Either you're really stupid to put such irrelevant photos, or your daughter is a chimpanzee!
4) Be interactive with readers
To make readers feel satisfied and comfortable reading your blog, you have to interact with them. This makes them feel that your blog is more real, and you can actually hear what they are saying (in this case, typing). Good feedback from readers are also very helpful for both you and the readers, so please listen to your readers!!
Most people tend to get frustrated if your blog does not load in 10 seconds. So, getting your blog to load in around 3-5 seconds is a good tactic in maintaining visitor's moods. They will also be slightly more patient to view your longer blog posts. If you don't, people may navigate away from your blog before they even see anything! To reduce the loading time, you should take away unnecessary widgets. I see many blogs around that have useless widgets, which means they do not satisfy the visitors anyhow or do not have any particular use. 2) Write short, simple but meaningful content
Stop twisting the story and get to the points straight away! If readers get bored at the part where you are twisting the story, they have a high chance of leaving. Add the interesting bits and just some of the boring bits. Oh, and inject some good humor too!3) Insert (relevant) images or videos
Pictures and videos are more lifelike than just words. Colors also help a lot in this case. It soothes the eye after reading a lot of words. Please do not spam images and videos, just enough to solve the reader's boredom. Imagine you're talking about chimpanzees and you show your daughter's picture. Either you're really stupid to put such irrelevant photos, or your daughter is a chimpanzee!
4) Be interactive with readers
To make readers feel satisfied and comfortable reading your blog, you have to interact with them. This makes them feel that your blog is more real, and you can actually hear what they are saying (in this case, typing). Good feedback from readers are also very helpful for both you and the readers, so please listen to your readers!!
Free Blog/Website Advertising : Entrecard
Don't you wish you could just advertise your blog without spending much or no money at all? There are websites such as Google AdWords that offer such choices, but they are quite pricey. But now, introducing the FREE way to advertise, Entrecard!!
The way it works is quite simple: Sign up, submit your blog, create your logo/business card, start advertising! To advertise, you can start by browsing the different categories they have to offer. Then, choose the category that is relevant to your blog. You start of with 200 credits. To earn more, you can either drop cards to other people's blogs or wait for people to advertise on your blog. Once you get more credits, you can advertise on better blogs with more visitors. So what are you waiting for? Join today!
Introducing Contextual Advertising
First of all, what is contextual advertising? Basically, this is a kind of advertising where the main website you sign up to scans your blog with a bot for keywords. If preferred keywords are found, the main website then highlights those keywords and links them to the advertiser's main page. On the other hand, you can also advertise through their website and type in your preferred keyword. That way, people who sign up and enter that keyword to their blog content, the keyword may be linked to your blog! But don't think that there are no competitors on the same keyword. Always choose your keyword wisely to reduce competition but with a sum of bloggers who may type that keyword.
Alright, now you understand the concept in contextual advertising, here are some links to let you join in contextual advertising today!
1)Clicksor
2)Pulse360
3)Text-Link-Ads
4)Kontera
5)LinkAdage
6)LinkWorth
7)ValueClickMedia
8)VibrantMedia
9)Tribal Fusion
10)BurstMedia
11)SixApart
As far as I know, TribalFusion has very strict requirements that you must achieve in order to participate in their program. Think you're capable? Check it out then! Personally, I recommend Kontera as i use it.
Alright, now you understand the concept in contextual advertising, here are some links to let you join in contextual advertising today!
1)Clicksor
2)Pulse360
3)Text-Link-Ads
4)Kontera
5)LinkAdage
6)LinkWorth
7)ValueClickMedia
8)VibrantMedia
9)Tribal Fusion
10)BurstMedia
11)SixApart
As far as I know, TribalFusion has very strict requirements that you must achieve in order to participate in their program. Think you're capable? Check it out then! Personally, I recommend Kontera as i use it.
Protect Your Blog Rights
Don't want people copying images or content for your blog, but cannot find a way to protect your blog from these people? Have no fear, for CreativeCommons can solve your problem! There, you can create a free license widget that is certified to put on your blog! That way, people will know whether they can or cannot copy images/content from your blog.
Also, you may want to find out whether other people are copying your blog. To do so, go to Copyscape and type in your blog URL. Once you're done, you can see websites or blogs that may have copied your content exactly.
For a more detailed search, you can choose the premium options below the website. Protect your blog's/website's rights today!
How to Overcome the Bloggers Block? My 5 Great Tips to Help You!
1) Leave the technology.
Just leave your computer, blogging problems and other technologies. Go outside and get some fresh air (with air pollution now I don't think so, but you get what I mean) or just relax on the sofa. Clear your thoughts. Think about the interesting things that happened to you. That can be your next blog post! Or else, just relax and let the ideas run naturally in you.
2) Read other people's blogs
Take a time off from blogging and start being the reader! Some contents that you find interesting may just be your next blog topic, but improved! That way, you provide readers with better information and you can determine the topic you want to talk about easier.
3) Write about your problems.
Problems that you find hard to solve can become your next post! Surely someone out there has faced your problem and solved it before! On the other hand, you can also write about how you solved your problem! Helping other people is a great way to keep loyal readers and more traffic and information. (Ironically, I wrote this post about the bloggers block when I was facing it. I wrote about my problem, see?)
4) Look at your old posts.
It's always useful to look back at your past to get a hang on the present. Go on, have a great laugh on your stupid mistakes that you made before and correct them. Sometimes, you can even improve the post and make it a new one! You can also change the topic slightly (E.g: 'Factors that increase pollution' to 'Ways to decrease pollution').
5) Take a small handbook EVERYWHERE you go.
It's such a frustrating thing when you go somewhere and suddenly thought of an interesting topic to blog about, but nowhere to write it down. Yes, some people will think that 'It's so easy to remember, how can I forget?' or 'Bah! Who needs a handbook? I'm not getting old!'. Even so, there are chances that you will forget the topic, just like a dream. This small action of jotting down everything you want to blog about can be quite annoying, but it really helps when you need it.
Labels:
Blog Help
Strategic Advertisement Positions
Being a blogger that earns through adverts, you must learn the most STRATEGIC positions to place your adverts where most readers tend to look first! Here is a small chart I made myself to show you roughly where the strategic positions are.
The ones in black are components of your blog, the ones in orange are the adverts that can roughly catch the readers attention but the one in red is the MOST strategic position to put your adverts. Most readers tend to go straight to the content, but with a slight glance at the header and the sidebar. Thus, adverts close to both of these sections stand a change to attract a reader. But, the most important one is the one nearest to the content, especially on top of the content. Of course, don't try to drown out the main content with your adverts because that won't help you, but the opposite effect will happen. So use this simple tip today to increase your earnings!
Labels:
Blog Help
Social Websites to Publicize Your Blog
Social websites play the most important role in making your blog popular. Some of them such as Facebook, Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon and other websites can really help you improve your blog traffic. Here, I will introduce some of them to you that will help you increase your blog's number of readers.
1) Facebook
This is the most well-known social website on the planet! Introducing your link there will enable people all around the world to see it. Thus, it is always good to start here. You can start by getting feedback from your friends and family. They are kinder and friendly to you and you should be able to understand best from their point of view. Once you get their feedbacks and edit it to satisfy them as much as you can, it's time to take it to the next level. Make a Facebook page or group about your blog if you want. Let the public judge your blog and make your blog as close to perfect as you can.
2) Twitter
Being the main website for micro-blogging, of course you should post your links there! As a reminder, please do not spam Twitter and save your karma. Doing that just makes people hate your blog. Introducing and spamming is very far apart, so don't make the mistake. You can also use automated posts that connect to your blog. When you post something new, it will automatically appear at Twitter. That way, you can save a lot of time and trouble.
3) Digg
Here, you can publish each post you wrote to the world. To attract people using this website, you must learn to use catchy titles and good descriptions. That way, people will get interested and visit your blog for the whole thing. Once you get permanent visitors that follow you, your popularity will increase and if you keep it up, you might be one of the most followed people on Digg. Work hard, because it pays off at the end. Remember to Digg the posts of others to catch their attention.
4) StumbleUpon
At first, I really didn't get how StumbleUpon works. But later on, I figured it out and started using it. All you have to do is submit your website to the StumbleUpon directory, or let your readers to it. You can do so by installing a sharebar for your blog. Remember my tutorial on how to do it (You don't? Click here!)? Once you do that, there will be over 10 million people that have a chance to StumbleUpon your blog! I know it sounds impossible that your blog will be chosen, but it has helped increase my traffic! Try it out in the beginning!
1) Facebook
This is the most well-known social website on the planet! Introducing your link there will enable people all around the world to see it. Thus, it is always good to start here. You can start by getting feedback from your friends and family. They are kinder and friendly to you and you should be able to understand best from their point of view. Once you get their feedbacks and edit it to satisfy them as much as you can, it's time to take it to the next level. Make a Facebook page or group about your blog if you want. Let the public judge your blog and make your blog as close to perfect as you can.2) Twitter
Being the main website for micro-blogging, of course you should post your links there! As a reminder, please do not spam Twitter and save your karma. Doing that just makes people hate your blog. Introducing and spamming is very far apart, so don't make the mistake. You can also use automated posts that connect to your blog. When you post something new, it will automatically appear at Twitter. That way, you can save a lot of time and trouble.3) Digg
Here, you can publish each post you wrote to the world. To attract people using this website, you must learn to use catchy titles and good descriptions. That way, people will get interested and visit your blog for the whole thing. Once you get permanent visitors that follow you, your popularity will increase and if you keep it up, you might be one of the most followed people on Digg. Work hard, because it pays off at the end. Remember to Digg the posts of others to catch their attention.4) StumbleUpon
At first, I really didn't get how StumbleUpon works. But later on, I figured it out and started using it. All you have to do is submit your website to the StumbleUpon directory, or let your readers to it. You can do so by installing a sharebar for your blog. Remember my tutorial on how to do it (You don't? Click here!)? Once you do that, there will be over 10 million people that have a chance to StumbleUpon your blog! I know it sounds impossible that your blog will be chosen, but it has helped increase my traffic! Try it out in the beginning!
Labels:
Blog Help
3 Great Tips to Find the Right Blog Advertising Communities
1) Find one closer to home.
What I mean? Find a local blog advertising community. The reasons are simple: First is they use your local currency. It's better to get local currency than foreign currency and going through the trouble to convert it. Also, local blog advertising communities usually arrange blogger events for locals that you can participate. That way, you can meet other bloggers, join contests, publicize your blog and much more. Because it's local, it will be easier for you to participate in those activities. They may also provide sharing platforms where you can meet other local bloggers.
2) Get proof that they pay.
What's the point of joining a advertising community that doesn't really pay you? Get proof from friends or other bloggers that use that community to be sure that they really pay. The community's website may also have proof on that. Big companies like Google AdSense are usually trustable. Whatever you do, alway get proof that they pay first.
3) Compare pay rates.
Always get a few possible communities, then compare the rates that they pay you. It may sometimes change, but some communities are fixed. Understand their rule and regulations. Don't get overexcited when you see the quantity that they pay you in big print, because there is always a small print to it. Once you confirm the pay rates, compare them and determine the one you want. Even if some blogging communities have larger pay rates, they may be not as attentive and rarely have events. It is up to you to determine what you want as a blogger.
What I mean? Find a local blog advertising community. The reasons are simple: First is they use your local currency. It's better to get local currency than foreign currency and going through the trouble to convert it. Also, local blog advertising communities usually arrange blogger events for locals that you can participate. That way, you can meet other bloggers, join contests, publicize your blog and much more. Because it's local, it will be easier for you to participate in those activities. They may also provide sharing platforms where you can meet other local bloggers.
2) Get proof that they pay.
What's the point of joining a advertising community that doesn't really pay you? Get proof from friends or other bloggers that use that community to be sure that they really pay. The community's website may also have proof on that. Big companies like Google AdSense are usually trustable. Whatever you do, alway get proof that they pay first.
3) Compare pay rates.
Always get a few possible communities, then compare the rates that they pay you. It may sometimes change, but some communities are fixed. Understand their rule and regulations. Don't get overexcited when you see the quantity that they pay you in big print, because there is always a small print to it. Once you confirm the pay rates, compare them and determine the one you want. Even if some blogging communities have larger pay rates, they may be not as attentive and rarely have events. It is up to you to determine what you want as a blogger.
Labels:
Blog Help
Knowing the Best Free Blog Hosting Websites
One of the most basic things needed to start a blog is finding the right blog hosting website. What are these websites for? Basically, they give you a domain that is either free or you have to pay for it, then you can blog all you want with your blog. Choosing the right hosting website is important as it affects your blog's appearance, whether you can put your own ads or not, how detailed you can change your blog's setting and so on.
However, you must know the details of the famous blog hosting websites available and choose wisely when starting a blog. You must select one that fits what you need perfectly. In this post, I will introduce to you some of the FREE ones that I recommend:
1) Blogger
My blog is currently being hosted by Blogger right now. Why did I choose this? Mainly, it's because the widgets that you can add on Blogger are almost limitless! There are widgets on almost everything, and Blogger will not stop you from using widgets that come from a third-party. Even thought it does not have a wide-variety of template designs anymore, you can make your own design by learning HTML codes and stuff like that. Also, they allow you to put ads on your blog without charging you a fee, unlike WordPress.
2) WordPress
This is another strong competitor of Blogger in blog hosting. I've tried it before and what I like about it is that WordPress offers elegant blog templates that can differ in color, pattern and so on. There are also many templates to choose from, so you're bound to find one that suits you. Although there are few widgets to choose from, the limited widgets are very advanced and sophisticated that gives your blog a elegant style. Some third-party widgets are allowed. Sadly, you cannot put ads on your blog unless you buy your own domain from WordPress.
3) Tumblr
I tried Tumblr not too long ago just for fun and guess what? They actually show you 30 reasons to like them! I got all interested and started making a blog and trying out the stuff they claim they can do. First was the templates: they have a really beautiful gallery of templates. The catch? There was a price for most of the nice ones. WHY? Most of the stuff aren't free, but the free stuff ain't all bad. You can try it for starters, then move on to others.
Using these tips, find the right blog hosting website for your needs and start expanding your creativity from there! Have fun!
However, you must know the details of the famous blog hosting websites available and choose wisely when starting a blog. You must select one that fits what you need perfectly. In this post, I will introduce to you some of the FREE ones that I recommend:
1) Blogger
My blog is currently being hosted by Blogger right now. Why did I choose this? Mainly, it's because the widgets that you can add on Blogger are almost limitless! There are widgets on almost everything, and Blogger will not stop you from using widgets that come from a third-party. Even thought it does not have a wide-variety of template designs anymore, you can make your own design by learning HTML codes and stuff like that. Also, they allow you to put ads on your blog without charging you a fee, unlike WordPress. 2) WordPress
This is another strong competitor of Blogger in blog hosting. I've tried it before and what I like about it is that WordPress offers elegant blog templates that can differ in color, pattern and so on. There are also many templates to choose from, so you're bound to find one that suits you. Although there are few widgets to choose from, the limited widgets are very advanced and sophisticated that gives your blog a elegant style. Some third-party widgets are allowed. Sadly, you cannot put ads on your blog unless you buy your own domain from WordPress. 3) Tumblr
I tried Tumblr not too long ago just for fun and guess what? They actually show you 30 reasons to like them! I got all interested and started making a blog and trying out the stuff they claim they can do. First was the templates: they have a really beautiful gallery of templates. The catch? There was a price for most of the nice ones. WHY? Most of the stuff aren't free, but the free stuff ain't all bad. You can try it for starters, then move on to others.Using these tips, find the right blog hosting website for your needs and start expanding your creativity from there! Have fun!
Labels:
Blog Help
How to Make a Floating Sharebar on the Left of Your Blog
If you want your blogger to be spread to others faster, you sometimes need the help of your visitors. Thus, putting sharebars are an easy yet useful way of letting your visitors share about a certain blog post that they enjoy. This is how you do it. First, go and add a widget for your blog, then select HTML code. Copy the following code into the content:
<style>
#sharebar {position:fixed; bottom:15%; margin-left:-71px; float:left; border-radius:5px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px;background-color:#fff;padding:0 0 2px 0;z-index:10;}
#sharebar .sbutton {float:left;clear:both;margin:5px 5px 0 5px;}
.fb_share_count_top {width:48px !important;}
.fb_share_count_top, .fb_share_count_inner {-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;}
.FBConnectButton_Small, .FBConnectButton_RTL_Small {width:49px !important; -moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;}
.FBConnectButton_Small .FBConnectButton_Text {padding:2px 2px 3px !important;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;font-size:8px;}
</style>
<div title="Get this at wissamidrissi.com">
<div id='sharebar'>
<div class='sbutton' id='fb'>
<a name="fb_share" type="box_count" href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php">Share</a><script src="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share" type="text/javascript"></script>
</div>
<div class='sbutton' id='rt'>
<script src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js" type='text/javascript'></script>
</div>
<div class='sbutton' id='su'>
<script src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=5"></script>
</div>
<div class='sbutton' id='digg'>
<script src='http://widgets.digg.com/buttons.js' type='text/javascript'></script>
<a class="DiggThisButton DiggMedium"></a>
</div>
<div class='sbutton' id='gb'>
<a class='google-buzz-button' data-button-style='normal-count' href='http://www.google.com/buzz/post' title='post on google buzz'>
<script src='http://www.google.com/buzz/api/button.js' type='text/javascript'></script>
</a>
<span style='font-size: 55%;'><a href='http://www.wissamidrissi.com/2010/09/sharebar-for-blogger-floating-left.html'>Get this</a></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Then, you can put it anywhere you want on your blog, but the floating sharebar will still appear on the left. This way works for most blogging platforms. Enjoy!
<style>
#sharebar {position:fixed; bottom:15%; margin-left:-71px; float:left; border-radius:5px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px;background-color:#fff;padding:0 0 2px 0;z-index:10;}
#sharebar .sbutton {float:left;clear:both;margin:5px 5px 0 5px;}
.fb_share_count_top {width:48px !important;}
.fb_share_count_top, .fb_share_count_inner {-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;}
.FBConnectButton_Small, .FBConnectButton_RTL_Small {width:49px !important; -moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;}
.FBConnectButton_Small .FBConnectButton_Text {padding:2px 2px 3px !important;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;font-size:8px;}
</style>
<div title="Get this at wissamidrissi.com">
<div id='sharebar'>
<div class='sbutton' id='fb'>
<a name="fb_share" type="box_count" href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php">Share</a><script src="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share" type="text/javascript"></script>
</div>
<div class='sbutton' id='rt'>
<script src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js" type='text/javascript'></script>
</div>
<div class='sbutton' id='su'>
<script src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/hostedbadge.php?s=5"></script>
</div>
<div class='sbutton' id='digg'>
<script src='http://widgets.digg.com/buttons.js' type='text/javascript'></script>
<a class="DiggThisButton DiggMedium"></a>
</div>
<div class='sbutton' id='gb'>
<a class='google-buzz-button' data-button-style='normal-count' href='http://www.google.com/buzz/post' title='post on google buzz'>
<script src='http://www.google.com/buzz/api/button.js' type='text/javascript'></script>
</a>
<span style='font-size: 55%;'><a href='http://www.wissamidrissi.com/2010/09/sharebar-for-blogger-floating-left.html'>Get this</a></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Then, you can put it anywhere you want on your blog, but the floating sharebar will still appear on the left. This way works for most blogging platforms. Enjoy!
Labels:
Blog Help
How to make a Slideshow of Posts for Blogger
An important thing that you must try to do when blogging is making sure your readers become permanent. In other words, you must let your readers know about other interesting posts or hot topics on your blog so that they keep reading different posts. At the end of the day, they like your blog and subscribe to it or become a loyal reader.
One of the ways that can help you achieve this is a slideshow of posts. Readers will be introduced to other great posts that you like, or that most people viewed! The height and width is adjustable to fit either in the sidebar or below the header. By following these steps, you will get something like the one I have on top of my blog.
1) Go to Dashboard -> Design -> Edit HTML. Then, tick the 'Expand Widget Templates' box.
2) Press Ctrl+F together on the keyboard to show the search box. It should look like this:
Then, type into the box and click enter.
3) Copy this code and paste it before the tag:
<script src='http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.3.2/jquery.min.js' type='text/javascript'/>
<script type='text/javascript'>
//<![CDATA[
/* ------------------------------------------------------------------------
s3Slider
Developped By: Boban Kari%u0161ik -> http://www.serie3.info/
CSS Help: Mészáros Róbert -> http://www.perspectived.com/
Version: 1.0
Copyright: Feel free to redistribute the script/modify it, as
long as you leave my infos at the top.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
(function($){
$.fn.s3Slider = function(vars) {
var element = this;
var timeOut = (vars.timeOut != undefined) ? vars.timeOut : 4000;
var current = null;
var timeOutFn = null;
var faderStat = true;
var mOver = false;
var items = $("#" element[0].id "Content ." element[0].id "Image");
var itemsSpan = $("#" element[0].id "Content ." element[0].id "Image span");
items.each(function(i) {
$(items[i]).mouseover(function() {
mOver = true;
});
$(items[i]).mouseout(function() {
mOver = false;
fadeElement(true);
});
});
var fadeElement = function(isMouseOut) {
var thisTimeOut = (isMouseOut) ? (timeOut/2) : timeOut;
thisTimeOut = (faderStat) ? 10 : thisTimeOut;
if(items.length > 0) {
timeOutFn = setTimeout(makeSlider, thisTimeOut);
} else {
console.log("Poof..");
}
}
var makeSlider = function() {
current = (current != null) ? current : items[(items.length-1)];
var currNo = jQuery.inArray(current, items) 1
currNo = (currNo == items.length) ? 0 : (currNo - 1);
var newMargin = $(element).width() * currNo;
if(faderStat == true) {
if(!mOver) {
$(items[currNo]).fadeIn((timeOut/6), function() {
if($(itemsSpan[currNo]).css('bottom') == 0) {
$(itemsSpan[currNo]).slideUp((timeOut/6), function() {
faderStat = false;
current = items[currNo];
if(!mOver) {
fadeElement(false);
}
});
} else {
$(itemsSpan[currNo]).slideDown((timeOut/6), function() {
faderStat = false;
current = items[currNo];
if(!mOver) {
fadeElement(false);
}
});
}
});
}
} else {
if(!mOver) {
if($(itemsSpan[currNo]).css('bottom') == 0) {
$(itemsSpan[currNo]).slideDown((timeOut/6), function() {
$(items[currNo]).fadeOut((timeOut/6), function() {
faderStat = true;
current = items[(currNo 1)];
if(!mOver) {
fadeElement(false);
}
});
});
} else {
$(itemsSpan[currNo]).slideUp((timeOut/6), function() {
$(items[currNo]).fadeOut((timeOut/6), function() {
faderStat = true;
current = items[(currNo 1)];
if(!mOver) {
fadeElement(false);
}
});
});
}
}
}
}
makeSlider();
};
})(jQuery);
//]]>
</script>
<script type='text/javascript'>
$(document).ready(function() {
$('#s3slider').s3Slider({
timeOut: 4000
});
});
</script>
<style type='text/css'>
#s3slider {
background:#000000;
border:1px solid #818e8f;
width: 550px;
height: 200px;
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
}
#s3sliderContent {
width: 550px;
position: absolute;
top:-14px;
padding: 0px;
margin-left: 0;
}
.s3sliderImage {
float: left;
position: relative;
display: none;
}
.s3sliderImage span {
position: absolute;
left: 0;
font: 20px Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;
padding: 10px 0px;
width: 550px;
background-color: #000;
filter: alpha(opacity=80);
-moz-opacity: 0.8;
-khtml-opacity: 0.8;
opacity: 0.8;
color: #fff;
display: none;
bottom: 0;
text-align:center;
}
.clear {
clear: both;
}
</style>
By now, you should notice that some of the codes are highlighted in red. Well, those are variables that can change the height and width of certain things in the slideshow. Let me explain them one by one:
timeOut - This is the time until the slideshow switches to the next slide. I don't know what unit they use to count it, but I recommend the number to be change from 4000 to 3000. In my opinion, this time is enough for readers to see what is in the slideshow.
For the paragraph with #s3slider { as the beginning, the 2 variables are Height and Width. By changing the numbers of these 2 variables, you are changing the whole frame of the slideshow. You can try again and again to get the results you want.
For the paragraph that begins with #s3sliderContent { , the variable is the Width. By changing the number of this variable, you are changing the width of the slideshow that shows your image and the text below it.
The next paragraph is the one that begins with .s3sliderImage span {. The variable that you can change is the width, which changes the width of the small bar below your slideshow image that shows the title or description of the post.
Note: you cannot see the changes you made until you finish the next step:
4) Open Page Elements in a new tab. Then, click on 'add a gadget', select HTML/Java Script and add the following codes into the content:
<div id="s3slider">
<ul id="s3sliderContent">
<li class="s3sliderImage">
<a href="YOUR-BLOG-POST-LINK-HERE"><img style="width:900px;height:300px;" src="YOUR-IMAGE-URL" />
<span>YOUR-POST-TITLE</span></a>
</li>
<li class="s3sliderImage">
<a href="YOUR-BLOG-POST-LINK"><img style="width:900px;height:300px;" src="YOUR-IMAGE-URL" />
<span>YOUR-POST-TITLE</span></a>
</li>
<li class="s3sliderImage">
<a href="YOUR-BLOG-POST-LINK-HERE"><img style="width:880px;height:300px;" src="YOUR-IMAGE-URL" />
<span>YOUR-POST-TITLE</span></a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class='clear'></div>
The variables highlighted in red are meant to be changed to your own links, image url, titles and sizes. Once you add this, you can change the variables from this widget and the one in the HTML code. Have fun!!
Have a question? Comment and I will help you solve it.
One of the ways that can help you achieve this is a slideshow of posts. Readers will be introduced to other great posts that you like, or that most people viewed! The height and width is adjustable to fit either in the sidebar or below the header. By following these steps, you will get something like the one I have on top of my blog.
1) Go to Dashboard -> Design -> Edit HTML. Then, tick the 'Expand Widget Templates' box.
2) Press Ctrl+F together on the keyboard to show the search box. It should look like this:
Then, type into the box and click enter.
3) Copy this code and paste it before the tag:
<script src='http://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.3.2/jquery.min.js' type='text/javascript'/>
<script type='text/javascript'>
//<![CDATA[
/* ------------------------------------------------------------------------
s3Slider
Developped By: Boban Kari%u0161ik -> http://www.serie3.info/
CSS Help: Mészáros Róbert -> http://www.perspectived.com/
Version: 1.0
Copyright: Feel free to redistribute the script/modify it, as
long as you leave my infos at the top.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
(function($){
$.fn.s3Slider = function(vars) {
var element = this;
var timeOut = (vars.timeOut != undefined) ? vars.timeOut : 4000;
var current = null;
var timeOutFn = null;
var faderStat = true;
var mOver = false;
var items = $("#" element[0].id "Content ." element[0].id "Image");
var itemsSpan = $("#" element[0].id "Content ." element[0].id "Image span");
items.each(function(i) {
$(items[i]).mouseover(function() {
mOver = true;
});
$(items[i]).mouseout(function() {
mOver = false;
fadeElement(true);
});
});
var fadeElement = function(isMouseOut) {
var thisTimeOut = (isMouseOut) ? (timeOut/2) : timeOut;
thisTimeOut = (faderStat) ? 10 : thisTimeOut;
if(items.length > 0) {
timeOutFn = setTimeout(makeSlider, thisTimeOut);
} else {
console.log("Poof..");
}
}
var makeSlider = function() {
current = (current != null) ? current : items[(items.length-1)];
var currNo = jQuery.inArray(current, items) 1
currNo = (currNo == items.length) ? 0 : (currNo - 1);
var newMargin = $(element).width() * currNo;
if(faderStat == true) {
if(!mOver) {
$(items[currNo]).fadeIn((timeOut/6), function() {
if($(itemsSpan[currNo]).css('bottom') == 0) {
$(itemsSpan[currNo]).slideUp((timeOut/6), function() {
faderStat = false;
current = items[currNo];
if(!mOver) {
fadeElement(false);
}
});
} else {
$(itemsSpan[currNo]).slideDown((timeOut/6), function() {
faderStat = false;
current = items[currNo];
if(!mOver) {
fadeElement(false);
}
});
}
});
}
} else {
if(!mOver) {
if($(itemsSpan[currNo]).css('bottom') == 0) {
$(itemsSpan[currNo]).slideDown((timeOut/6), function() {
$(items[currNo]).fadeOut((timeOut/6), function() {
faderStat = true;
current = items[(currNo 1)];
if(!mOver) {
fadeElement(false);
}
});
});
} else {
$(itemsSpan[currNo]).slideUp((timeOut/6), function() {
$(items[currNo]).fadeOut((timeOut/6), function() {
faderStat = true;
current = items[(currNo 1)];
if(!mOver) {
fadeElement(false);
}
});
});
}
}
}
}
makeSlider();
};
})(jQuery);
//]]>
</script>
<script type='text/javascript'>
$(document).ready(function() {
$('#s3slider').s3Slider({
timeOut: 4000
});
});
</script>
<style type='text/css'>
#s3slider {
background:#000000;
border:1px solid #818e8f;
width: 550px;
height: 200px;
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
}
#s3sliderContent {
width: 550px;
position: absolute;
top:-14px;
padding: 0px;
margin-left: 0;
}
.s3sliderImage {
float: left;
position: relative;
display: none;
}
.s3sliderImage span {
position: absolute;
left: 0;
font: 20px Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;
padding: 10px 0px;
width: 550px;
background-color: #000;
filter: alpha(opacity=80);
-moz-opacity: 0.8;
-khtml-opacity: 0.8;
opacity: 0.8;
color: #fff;
display: none;
bottom: 0;
text-align:center;
}
.clear {
clear: both;
}
</style>
By now, you should notice that some of the codes are highlighted in red. Well, those are variables that can change the height and width of certain things in the slideshow. Let me explain them one by one:
timeOut - This is the time until the slideshow switches to the next slide. I don't know what unit they use to count it, but I recommend the number to be change from 4000 to 3000. In my opinion, this time is enough for readers to see what is in the slideshow.
For the paragraph with #s3slider { as the beginning, the 2 variables are Height and Width. By changing the numbers of these 2 variables, you are changing the whole frame of the slideshow. You can try again and again to get the results you want.
For the paragraph that begins with #s3sliderContent { , the variable is the Width. By changing the number of this variable, you are changing the width of the slideshow that shows your image and the text below it.
The next paragraph is the one that begins with .s3sliderImage span {. The variable that you can change is the width, which changes the width of the small bar below your slideshow image that shows the title or description of the post.
Note: you cannot see the changes you made until you finish the next step:
4) Open Page Elements in a new tab. Then, click on 'add a gadget', select HTML/Java Script and add the following codes into the content:
<div id="s3slider">
<ul id="s3sliderContent">
<li class="s3sliderImage">
<a href="YOUR-BLOG-POST-LINK-HERE"><img style="width:900px;height:300px;" src="YOUR-IMAGE-URL" />
<span>YOUR-POST-TITLE</span></a>
</li>
<li class="s3sliderImage">
<a href="YOUR-BLOG-POST-LINK"><img style="width:900px;height:300px;" src="YOUR-IMAGE-URL" />
<span>YOUR-POST-TITLE</span></a>
</li>
<li class="s3sliderImage">
<a href="YOUR-BLOG-POST-LINK-HERE"><img style="width:880px;height:300px;" src="YOUR-IMAGE-URL" />
<span>YOUR-POST-TITLE</span></a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class='clear'></div>
The variables highlighted in red are meant to be changed to your own links, image url, titles and sizes. Once you add this, you can change the variables from this widget and the one in the HTML code. Have fun!!
Have a question? Comment and I will help you solve it.
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