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What to Know Before Submitting an Article

Leif — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:18:56 +0000

One of the most ordinary ways in generating backlinks for a website is by submitting articles to directories. Each successful submission assures a author of a reliable link back to the promoted website. Yet, submitting an article increases links what an author targets is the traffic that visitors of the article directory might go to the website and the reference they can make to the website. Link from the directory is not enough to promote a website, but the traffic generated from the directory will positively raise the status of the website.

To reach the target of article submission, articles must be submitted to the correct directory under the correct category. What good is an article if not submitted under the correct category? It do not end there. Writings must be published on a appropriate directory. There are thousands of directories existing, but only some can give the correct and steady traffic you want for your website.

There are two types of directories, paid and free article directories and an writer must be aware of this prior to submitting an article. Paid directories suggest author’s quick approval and simple access of articles. Ordinary submission can take at least four (4) days to a maximum of two (2) weeks prior to getting an article approved. However free article directories are just right choice. An writer does not require to spend a single cent and there is an guarantee that more authors are accessing it since it’s free.

Directories are managed by different organizations contributing the similar service. It is understood that they will positively apply different set of rules. They have their own authors who will review each entry to the directory. This is to make sure that entries submitted are in consistency with the rules and will protect the honesty of the site. For quick approval of articles, punctuation, grammar, and spelling mistakes must be avoided.

Content of the article should be weighed before submitting it to any directory. Factors such as keyword density, choice of words, reputation of the topic, and accurateness of information provided are key components to the success of a submitted entry. Directories do not permit entries with too much keyword causing it to lose the most important point of the article. An article containing 1-3 percent keyword will most possibly make it to the directory rather than an entry with 5-6 percent keyword though loaded with information.

For articles that need to be submitted to various directories, it is very essential to recognize the importance of the author’s name and bio-box. Articles submitted to many directories must have identical author’s name. Using a different author’s name on different directories may effect to issues that could direct to deletion of account. Publishing an article under a different author’s name may break the anti-plagiarism rule an article directory implements.

Outsourcing of Inbound Link Building and SEO

Leif — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:24:42 +0000

Search Engine Optimization currently has a lot to do with building inbound links to your website. Building inbound links is a manageable tasks and webmasters have always been looking for shortcuts to do this. Webmasters buy links (as advertising as an example) or contact other webmasters to exchange links with them. The need for inbound links has shaped a new business opening in the search engine optimization industry. The outsourcing of link building emerged from the reality that many inbound links mean a high search engine ranking and/or a high Google PageRank.

There are various ways of building inbound links. Outsourcing this job can save webmasters valuable time however it comes with a price tag. Businesses offering to capture the link building method frequently maintain and control a large network of domains and websites and just add ‘your’ link to their sites. These sites are often referred to as link farms.

Others purchase links on 3rd party websites for you. They often have build up a group of websites/webmasters they work with. The worth of these links is often doubtful and a long-term profit does not exist. It either continues to cost the webmaster funds to keep the links active or his website might get punished by Google and other search engines if the linking websites are known as part of commercial search engine spamming. Punished means that either the link to a site does not have any worth at all or depending on the condition the site linked to gets removed from the search engine index (worse case scenario) if other factors are concerned that lead to the conclusion that search engine spamming is going on.

Outsourcing of link building also takes away the control of who is linking to a website from the webmaster. The webmaster typically just pays for X number of links but there is no choice to have industry associated websites link to his site (= increased value of a link). It is also complicated to verify how many links to a website have truly been recognized from the service provider. One more trouble is to confirm how long the established links are staying in place. The risk of being over-charged is extremely high.

While link building has turn into a money-making business opportunity search engines are aware of what is going on and are putting countermeasures in place. These are not things visible to the webmaster or explained on the search engines website. These are factors that are worked into the algorithm. Search engines use the human control factor more and more often to increase the value of the search index. Chances are that if a webmaster uses an outsourced link building strategy that at one point the campaign value goes south (turns sour).

Inbound link building must be an organic technique that shows a slowly growing number of links pointing to a certain website. Getting a high amount of inbound links within a very short time will lift a warning flag at search engines. Sincere webmasters will stay away from these tactics to avoid putting the success of a website at risk when there are superior ways of building inbound links.

Why Manual Web Directory Submissions are ideal then Automated Submissions?

Leif — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:56:44 +0000

The community of webmaster for all time prefer manual directory submission than automated submitting. In addition it is very much favorable. A directory anticipates all main information of your website for resourceful inclusion.

To acquire top search engine positions in result pages and to get a bunch of one-way quality links most of the seo experts submit their site to web directories. Lots of directories considered the automated submission as a spam. For this reason it is very much suitable to opt the manual directory submission.

In current times many of the directories use image conformation to avoid the spamming ways of directory submission. Capctha code consist an image with numeric and alphabets that have to be entered by hand. Thus automated directory submitters experience difficulties to handle such situation.

Editors of the web directories have their own policy to accept or refuse the websites.

Some of the reasons for rejecting sites are given below-

• Ad sense scrapper sites
• Sites that redirect to a new website
• Broken links in the sites
• Needless ads and pop ups
• Each page of the website unwrap in a new window
• Takes time to load
• Having unsound description

The manual directory submission has additional returns over the automated submissions. Automated submission just posts a set of predefined data that may lead to incomplete submission and to end with elimination of your site. In manual directory submission process, you will be able to advise the site to many directories according to the particular input schemes. Even though submitting manually, if the site submission is not through or directory is down, you can submit your site later than never during software submission.

An additional bonus point of manual submission is that an e-mail confirmation is necessary and also image authentication is made instantly however such things never happen with automatic submission. Numerous famous directories do entails registering as member prior to select for submission. Such directories reject semi automated and automated styles of submissions. Such information will help you to opt for manual one.

If you are submitting to directories to the most important search engines like google and yahoo then manual submission is the only way to submit. Sure, it will take more of your time but it is important because you can get optimum traffic from these sites once you are approved. Apart from this, many websites are discarded by these sites mostly because their content is not good and sufficient or their topic is unrelated.

Disk Full = No Email (Sometimes No Website)

Leif — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:49:22 +0000

If you run out of disk space, your site is going to have problems either with email, your website or both. Here are the main causes:

1. Inbox is filled. This happens when you don’t delete old mail or you deleted old mail online AND didn’t purge the trash folder.
2. You have spam filtering enabled and your spam goes to a folder (usually called SPAM) that has accumulated. If this mail is not deleted, it can have the same impact as a filled inbox, even though you have no mail waiting for you.

3. You (or someone) uploaded too many files to your website. This happens most often when an image gallery is installed and you allow others to upload to your site.
4. Your log files are configured to never delete. (Log files are usually configured to “roll-over” every month so this doesn’t happen.)

Here are a few areas where you might want to look for the above

TIP
At the top of cPanel there is a line that looks like this:

First, make sure you have this configured!
Second, you should NOT put your normal domain-based email address** in this contact setting as that will do you little good if your email is down … and it sends the alert to your dead email.

Best advice: Use a secondary email address that you monitor or even better, the address to your cell phone. e.g., 7345551212@vtext.com (this is what it might look like for a Verizon phone) That way when something goes wrong, you’ll know about the moment the server knows.
** If your domain is contactdubai.com, do not put admin@ contactdubai.com here!

How to update a static content item

Leif — Sat, 02 May 2009 19:38:27 +0000

Log in as admin

Go to Static Content Manager to list all items

Click on the item you want to update

Make your changes, then hit SAVE (never the BACK button!)

Logout… It’s done

How to Upload Images to Joomla

Leif — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:16:32 +0000

In a Joomla site, we should keep a standard regarding how things should look. Standards imply that someone has taken the time to write something like what you’re reading. Reason for this: Good looking stuff doesn’t just happen. It takes some planning and time.

Anatomy of a Joomla Story

First, all stories (same thing as what others call a “post”) have at least four elements.
1.) A descriptive title 2.) Some intro copy 3.) A thumbnail image and 4.) The rest of the story

The Thumbnail

All stories should have an intro thumbnail. Why? Because people relate to images, not text, and it looks better. So decide on a size and stick to it for all stories. Suggested size is something about 150 or less in width. You can vary the height based on the amount of intro text. (It’s more important to lock the width than trying to do both)

Intro Text

Every story should have about the same amount of intro text.You do this because at some point, you’re going to display multiple stories on the same page. This is especially important when you’re displaying in more than one column. Look at any newspaper. The front page is always the same. The story begins, but then has you flipping back to page 8 to read the rest. Same concept applies here.

Above is an example of how a 2 column layout might appear with similar sized thumbnails and intro text.

Read More vs Page Break

You use Read More when there’s just one more page to view. If however you have 10 pages that make up a story, it’s better to use the Page Break function so that readers can jump to any page within.

Uploading Images with Media Manager

You have two ways to do this. FTP or the Joomla Media Manager. As we have already written one of these for FTP, this time we’ll cover the Media Manager. Both Joomla 1.0.x and 1.5, to get to the Media Manager, log into the backend and look for the button:

Find The Image

For a story, you will need to upload two (or more) images. The thumbnail and the other one(s).

When you’re done finding the image, then click …

Where are my images?

It’s important to remember where you upload your images. Therefore, this too should be included as part of your documented process. e.g., All images that you plan to use within stories, should be in the /stories directory. If you have lots of categories, then it’s a good idea to have category directories within. e.g., stories/cat1

If you don’t remember where you uploaded images, it will be tough to insert them into the actual stories later.

Inserting the Thumbnail

Remember where you put that image?

You must indicate the location of the image, usually starting with images.

Align Thumbnails LEFT

Thumbnails should be aligned left, generally speaking. (sometimes people like to align right)
If you are a lefty, then do this:

How to save your backup file while using FTP

Leif — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:10:40 +0000

Download and install a copy of FileZilla

Select the Site Manager to add a new site

Fill in the fields that pertain to your domain

Your website is in the public_html directory (but the backup is not)

If you’re running Joomla, this is what your Joomla directories look like

The backup files will be in the root directory (never in public_html)

When you finish downloading the backup file, delete it from the web server

REMEMBER THIS

Be very careful with FTP It’s very easy to delete an entire directory with a few clicks. Also, never leave the backup file only on your local hard drive. Burn it to a CD and tuck it away in a safe place in a location other than where your hard drive is. If the backup was for a client, mail them a copy of the CD.

Changing Your Website Into Moneymaking Webstore

Leif — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:49:09 +0000

It rarely happens when they phone or send an email. Sometimes, late at night when they’re looking for information or help, they’ll drop by for a quick visit.

For sure, they’re not your grown-up kids. They are your web guests.

What disturbs is, in most cases, you won’t even know they’ve visited and “shopped” at your site, or whether you helped them find what they were looking or searching for.

And, if you’re like over 95% of North American businesses with traditionally
designed websites, your website isn’t really helping or impressing your web guests, which means you aren’t taking advantage of their visit.

It’s time to get your online visitors excited about your website! Whether new or existing, your site can be turned into an engine that improves the growth of your business. It can help you sell products and services, attract leads, widen your customer base and improve your bottom line. Here’s how.

Grab Their Attention Right Off the Top

First impressions are measured in milliseconds on the web. A boring home page means they have already moved on.

Your home page needs to hook and hold your customer. A strong marketing message and powerful imagery can make all the difference. Right away, they know who you are and what you have to offer them.

Compel Them To Take Action

Once they are in your website’s front door, motivate that customer to take
action. Give them something to do where they can feel the part of your site. Get them to sign up, register, take a quiz, or email you for a consultation.

Give them a website experience that engages them to interact, chat, and,
ultimately, to buy.

Show Them That You Know Them well

Are your customers affluent retired men or working women with small children? Figure it out, then target that customer very clearly. Speak their language. Show them you understand their needs and interests.

When they see themselves on your website, they will also see themselves as one of your customers.

Make It Personal

Include features that create personalized experiences for returning member customers. Every time they log on, ensure your website addresses them by name and shows them only what interests them.

A friendly website will put customers in the buying mood.

Do The Work For Them

Create an easy-to-use website. Be consistent from page to page and use clear navigation tools.

Be straightforward. Tell your customers what you want them to do; buy here, review this, or book now.

Be sure to show pictures, offer crisp descriptions, and list prices. If you deal with U.S. and Canadian customers offer both currency options. Make it easy for them to shop and buy.

Give Them More Than They Bargained For

Your website doesn’t just have to be a place to shop. Make it a useful resource for your customers. Offer them links to related websites. Share free advice, tips, inspiring stories, or e-cards. Send them a monthly newsletter.

Become their very own, personal expert.

Keep It Fresh

There is nothing worse than visiting a website that has not been updated in a decade. Keep your website alive and kicking. Add an article or new survey once a month. This gives your customers a reason to check in. It also let’s them know you are there, working for them, keeping your website relevant.

Make Them Believers

If your website builds trust, it builds business. Don’t hide behind fancy graphics. Let your customers know who you are by including pictures and biographies of your team.

Use testimonials, reviews, awards and media coverage of your company to
reinforce your credibility and expertise.

Make sure your website is professionally written. Nothing turns off a customer more than poor spelling and boring copy.

Create Great Experiences

Win your customers over, one at a time. Word of mouth from one satisfied
customer can travel far and wide on the web.

Do the little things that, surprisingly, not everyone does. Make it easy for your customers to contact you. Respond to their inquiries right away and deliver what you promise.

Ask Not What They Can Do For You, Ask What You Can Do For Them

Creating a website that generates new sales and new leads is all about your customers. What matters is what happens when they step inside your online shop. Do they buy or not? You can create a website that ensures they do buy, and often!

Make sure your website grabs their attention, encourages them to take action, speaks their language, gets personal, keeps it simple, adds value, stays relevant, projects credibility and treats them right.

Utilize these tips to change your website into a money maker and flip that virtual sign from closed to open for business.

Start with your own website in 5 Steps

Leif — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:05:49 +0000

If you are thinking to start with your own website, here are 5 steps which will make your dream come true.

1st of all you will need to buy a domain name which should be related to the subject or n theme of an website. Before purchasing your domain name, it will be beneficial for you greatly to be aware of following guidelines in searching for an domain name which will work for you.

The domain name should end with a .com.

Easy to spell.

Easy to say over the phone or in person.

Does not include numeric characters or dashes

The domain name should be catchy, easy to remember.

Accurately describes what you offer for sale.

Surely, there are lots of exceptions you should know. As an example, if your site is a personal blog, then it is common thing to use your own name in such cases in which its not that hard to spell.

Another of the criteria which is not a hard and fast rule is the “descriptive name” rule. Though that generally makes the most sense, many successful sites have broken that rule. The most important consideration is to put yourself in the prospect’s shoes and what motivates him or her.

Second, locate a reliable web host and sign up one of their plans.

Third, build your site. You will need to decide if you want the traditional “static” type site or if you want the newer blog format.

The fourth step is to put up content on your site. If you selected a blog format for your site, you will be pleased at how simple this step is.

Fifth, you will want to set up a schedule and program for promoting your site. After all, what good is having a website if no one knows about it? Some ways you can promote your site include article marketing, video marketing, viral friend scripts, press releases, forum marketing, and blog commenting.

Having your own website might seem intimidating at first, but it is one of the most beneficial means at your disposal for promoting your business.