Do You Want To Make Money From Your Blog?

Blogging Basics

do you want to make money from your blog

Ah, I thought that might get your attention…..
Yes, what blogger does NOT want to make money from their hard work? Oh what’s that? You’re independently wealthy and just doing this for kicks n’ giggles? That’s nice for you. Now go sit in the corner with my other imaginary friends.

But for those of you that would at least like to make a little cupcake money….

The most important thing you can do is ACTUALLY HAVE SOMETHING PEOPLE CAN CLICK ON THAT WILL EARN YOU MONEY!

‘Duh?’ You say? Perhaps not. Most of the people that I talk to who would like to make money from their blog, are not offering anything that actually enables that to happen. Take a look at your blog. Is there anything that can be clicked on that results in money in your bank? I’m talking about something glaringly obvious, not a tiny paragraph of text hidden on your ‘About’ page that says you accept advertising.

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The Huge Importance of Tiny First and Next Steps

Blogging Basics

the importance of first steps

The first step in any new project is often the hardest. At the beginning, the idea exists only in your mind with no tangible manifestations of it, and therefore no “proof” that it can be achieved. Our human nature is vulnerable to self doubt and fear, making our seedling idea susceptible to “it’ll never happen” or “it won’t be successful” types of thought patterns.

This is what makes our first steps so important. The first step marks a decision, a new direction; it declares that we will go forward despite our fears or self-doubt. The first step gives us momentum and belief in our project, whether its starting a personal hobby blog or an entire new business. I work with a lot of new bloggers and hopeful online entrepreneurs who come to me because they have a gap in their technical knowledge and that is preventing them moving forward. For some people the act of contacting me and setting up an appointment is an important step for them in signifying their commitment to their idea, and getting the knowledge they need in order to implement it. The lack of technical knowledge is often one of the first blocks people come up against and fortunately it’s one of the easiest blocks to remove, but often lurking behind it are mental blocks that are more entrenched.

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WordPress Security Alert – TimThumb Image Resizing Script

WordPress

WordPress Security Issue wIth Timthumb

In recent days a significant WordPress security threat has emerged. The root of it is the ability for unsavory types to compromise a very common image resizing script called TimThumb which is used in many WordPress themes and plugins. Through a security flaw, hackers can find a way into your site and cause havoc. Or, in more specific terms according to Vaultpress:

“The vulnerability allows third parties to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code in the TimThumb cache directory. Once the PHP code has been uploaded and executed, your site can be compromised however the attacker likes.”

Are you at risk?

The list of themes and plugins that use this script is too long for any one source to have catalog-ed as yet. Securi has a partial list here. In my own researching I’ve found several major theme vendors to be vulnerable (WooThemes, Themify.me, Headway) although they have acted quickly to update their themes.  WebSite defender has a list of plugins and themes they know to be using timthumb.

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Treat Your Blog Like A Business – Slides From San Diego WordCamp

Online Marketing

Treat Your Blog LIke A Business - Monetization Strategies

Below are the slides from my San Diego WordCamp talk on “Treat Your Blog Like A Business”. I discussed a few common monetization strategies, and the ins n’s outs of each. My overall premise is that in most cases, monetization doesn’t just happen to you, you have to be prepared and have a strategy that will help you take advantage of opportunities that may arise. The more value you build with your blog, even before thinking of monetization, the better prepared you will be. Don’t wait until you actually want to make money before building an email list or developing your social networking efforts.

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WordCamp San Diego Wrap-Up – Community Rocks!

WordPress

wordcamp san diego

This past weekend I had the pleasure of speaking at the first ever WordCamp in San Diego. It was an amazing experience for many reasons. I delivered a presentation entitled “Treat Your Blog Like A Business: Which Monetization Strategy Is Right For You?” (I’ll get around to posting up the slides soon….) and received some encouraging feedback on it throughout the day. Being a total intovert , any kind of public speaking is a bit nerve-wracking but I like to challenge myself. A couple of years ago I spoke at Orange County WordCamp and in comparison I felt much better prepared and more comfortable with it this time. Thanks to all that watched and spoke with me afterwards!

As I have experienced with other WordCamps, WordPress has the best community I think I’ve ever been a part of. I didn’t know anyone when I went to San Diego this weekend, but by the end of the day I had connected with several incredible people and felt right at home. This is another huge reason why WordPress is so powerful. I’m not sure that any other technologies or industries have this kind of community aspect. If you have any interest in WordPress I highly recommend attending WordCamps – you’ll meet knowledgeable and friendly people who all want to help you and spread the WordPress love! You’ll also learn tons from the talks and get an even larger picture of the scope of WordPress and the many diverse ways in which it can be used.

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WordPress Training – Intermediate Class – The Next Steps – July 23rd

WordPress

WordPress Training Class - Los Angeles July 23rd

WordPress – The Next Steps – Intermediate Level Class

Saturday July 23rd, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
@ Blankspaces

Register for WordPress - The Next Steps - Intermediate Level in Los Angeles, CA on Eventbrite

5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea)
Los Angeles,
CA 90036

free parking is available – see Blankspaces website for details.

You have WordPress installed and you’ve built at least your basic site and are comfortable creating content. What’s next?

How do you take your WordPress site from being ho-hum, to being an effective business & marketing tool? Get a deeper understanding of what WordPress can do in this intermediate level class.

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