Tips From The Blogging Queen - Column 18 - Are Blogrolls Important?

Last month in my TFTBQ Column 17 our definition was "Blogrolls." This is a list of links or your blogs sidebar. They can be a manual list maintained by the blogger or a list provided by a "BlogRolling" service. Our question was -"Are Blogrolls Important?"

Given that there are hundreds of millions of blogs out there nowadays you have to wonder if your blog will get noticed.

For some of you your blog is a personal blog that you write for yourself and your family and/or friends. Getting noticed isn't paramount to you.

For others your blog is written in support of your online small business and helps to personalize you to your customers and keep your customers in touch with what's going on with your small business. Getting noticed is paramount to the survival of your online small business.

So, what do you do?

Well, just like your website you need links to help you get noticed and, most importantly, to help with search engine optimization. Search engines love blogs because they are filled with so much text. So, they crawl all over them and while doing so they follow the links from one blog to another. You want you blog to be one of those links.

It has been customary for bloggers for a long time to add the name and URL of other blogs that they like to the sidebar of their blogs. Bloggers just love to jump from one blog to another and the link on the sidebar provides the opportunity to easily do so. This also provides customers with the ability to check out other blogs as well.

So, how do you get linked with other blogs?

Well, just like with websites you can email other bloggers and ask if they'll exchange text links with you, join blog communities, join blog link exchanges, or join blog linking services like "Blogrolling."

Emailing other bloggers is a nice way to establish communication with other like minded bloggers and helps you with networking within your field of interest.

Blog communities are springing up all over the web and provide for a linking of blog URL's via their widgets. The widgets are small snippets of HTML code that you add to the sidebar of your blog and contain links back to other member's blogs, the bloggers avatar, etc. This is also another great way to network with other bloggers.

Blog link exchanges usually require their members to visit other members blogs in exchange for points. The more blogs you visit the more points you earn and they more often your blog is displayed for other bloggers to visit.

The blog linking service providers make linking easy by providing you with the ability to easily add the URL of a blog that you like to the sidebar of your blog. They do not, however, link your blog URL to the blog that you like. It's a one way link which according to some SEO experts is also good for search engine optimization.

Personally, I prefer an email exchange of links. I love to blog hop and if I find a blog that I like I will leave a comment so the blogger knows that I visited their blog. If I like their blog then I might add a link to their blog on the sidebar of my blog and I might ask them if they want to exchange links with me. If I like their blog and establish a relationship with them I may just refer someone to it.

Just like in the business world word of mouth is important. In the blogging world word of mouth is a text link on the sidebar. It says that the blogger likes your blog and is recommending it to their readers and/or customers.

Word of mouth is paramount for a small business and is why I prefer an email exchange of links over blog communities, blog link exchanges, and blog linking service providers. The latter three are very useful for exposure, but to me personalization, which is why you are blogging in the first place, is crucial. It doesn't get more personal than word of mouth.

So, the long and short of it is that blogrolls are very important for blog exposure. Which way you choose to blogroll is entirely up to you.

"Tips From the Blogging Queen" Column 18 Definition - "Dooced"

This is having lost a job because of entries posted to a blog. Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 19 "Will You Get Dooced?"

© 2008 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Crafts Website, and Linda's Blog

Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer. http://lindawalshoriginals.com/

"Mozilla - Firefox Versus Internet Explorer" How Does Your Website Fare?

Three years ago when I decided to create a website I decided to use Microsoft "Publisher", which is an old "dinosaur" to create my website. I had been using "Publisher" for years and thought - "why not?" It used Internet Explorer as its browser and I would be using FTP to update my website so it was a good fit.



Back then "Publisher" had a LOT of coding issues and was not the optimum for coding finesse. However, I was familiar with the program and could easily update and maintain my website myself which was appealing to me. After I created my Linda Walsh Originals website I soon learned that it wasn't being read properly by some of the other browsers such as Mozilla - Firefox.

At the time I only used Internet Explorer and AOL, which used Internet Explorer as their browser. My website was FINE there so I asked some of my friends who had a problem with their browsers what was showing when they went to my website. The answer was as varied as the various browsers.

So, I decided to use my GoDaddy.com website hosting statistics to see how much of my website traffic was for browsers other than Internet Explorer. At that time 98% of my traffic was by Internet Explorer with close to 1% for Mozilla - Firefox. The other 1% was made up of several smaller browsers. I decided that less than 1% was not something I had to immediately address.

When I decided to update my website I was hoping that Publisher 2007 would contain more standardized coding and, hopefully, solve the browser distortion problem. To my delight it did and solved most of the Mozila - Firefox distortion problems.

So, I decided to check my browser statistics to see if more of my traffic was coming from Mozilla - Firefox these days and whether it would be worthwhile to spend the time to fix both my Linda Walsh Originals and Linda Walsh Originals Dolls websites which had been created in Publisher.

To my surprise 86% of my traffic was coming from Internet Explorer now and 12% was now coming from Mozilla - Firefox. The remaining 2% was coming from several much smaller browsers. In evaluating the statistics I thought that 12% now was way too much of a customer base to be missing so I decided to spend the time to fix both of my websites and I'm happy to report that I no longer have a browser distortion problem with Mozilla - Firefox in either website. In fact, none of my website and blogs have a browser distortion problem.

I recently switched to Mozilla - Firefox myself because I was having a horrendous time with Internet Explorer 7.0. It was SLOW as molasses, was freezing during printing from my blogs, and causing a multitude of other issues. After using Internet Explorer exclusively for over 30 years I'd had enough and made the switch. I'm happy to report that Mozilla - Firefox does have a few problems, but I haven't been happier. It works like a charm and ALL my websites and blogs are FINE and load exactly as I want them to.

So, why am I telling you this? Well, if you are a small business website owner or blogger you might want to check your website and blog to see if Mozilla - Firefox is displaying properly. If my percent of website traffic from Mozilla - Firefox is par for the course then 12% of a customer base is WAY TOO MUCH to be losing.

Plus, if you are a blogger and have deviated from some of the standard blog providers templates you might want to consider checking your blog. In checking the blogs of several of my blogging friends who have gone to 3-column templates I have noticed that they aren't displaying properly.

For now I'm happy with Mozilla - Firefox. Happy browsing.

Posted by Linda Walsh Originals - "Doll Patterns for Grown-up Girls!"
Linda Walsh Originals Dolls -"Handmade Dolls & Crafts for Grown-up Girls!"
Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Website- Handmade Dolls & Crafts
Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns - "Instant Download E-Patterns for Grown-up Girls!"

Do You Use Google Reader?

I have been a big fan of Google.com and all the services they offer for a long time. One of the services they offer is Google Reader which I have found to be an invaluable tool and time saving resource for me.

Google Reader is a feed service that allows you to track RSS and Atom feeds. For me, I use it to keep track of all the current posts for all my Top Blogs By Crafters Toplist blogs.

Since I now have 357 members on my toplist that's a LOT of blogs to read. But, Google Reader makes that a breeze and I just love keeping up-to-date on what's happening with my favorite blogs.

The only negative is that I'm only seeing the feeds and not all the changes everyone has made to their blogs, which I also like to see.

So, from time to time I just visit everyone's blog to see what they've done to their blogs. It's always fascinating to see the creativity involved with all the bloggers and see how much the new bloggers have learned for managing their blogs.

Since I use I-Google as my home page I have a widget for Google Reader right on my homepage. So, I can read the blog updates as they happen right from my homepage or just go to my Google Reader page.

Adding new subscriptions is a breeze and managing my subscriptions is a breeze.

If time is of the essence, and you have a LOT of blogs you like to read then try Google Reader. It will save you some time. It certainly does that for me.


Posted by Linda Walsh Originals - "Doll Patterns for Grown-up Girls!"
Linda Walsh Originals Dolls -"Handmade Dolls & Crafts for Grown-up Girls!"
Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Website- Handmade Dolls & Crafts
Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns - "Instant Download E-Patterns for Grown-up Girls!"

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Column 17 - Have You Become Blistless?

Last month in my TFTBQ Column 16 our definition was "Blistless or B-listless." This is what happens when a blogger doesn't care about posting and becomes apathetic about it. In other words - listless. Also know as "blogathy" which is characterized by lack of interest in your blog. Our question was - "Have You Become Blistless?"

Every blogger suffers from time to time with being a little bored with their blog and with writing articles. You might not have anything new to say or might get a version of writers block called "bloggers block." That's alright. Usually it will pass and usually it just requires stepping back from your blog for a bit.

The problem for a small business blogger is that by not posting frequently or taking too long of a break might result in lost readership. And, once the readership is lost, it is very hard to reclaim.

Lost readership can also translate into a loss of customers and potential business. For the small business blogger that isn't good.

So, what do you do if you're a small business blogger and a little tired of your blog. Well, you plan for the occasional blistless or blogathy periods and re-issue previous posts, stockpile some articles ahead of time, or post some re-cap articles.

What do I mean by this?

Well, you prepare for the blistless periods - which you are going to have - by writing generic articles that are not time or period sensitive that you can re-post later on. Or, you prepare by stockpiling articles ahead of time that can be posted when you're in a blistless period.

Both of these require a little planning and forethought as to what your article will be about. When writing re-post articles just give some thought as to being able to re-post this, say, in 6 months or next year and write with that in mind.

For the stockpile articles I have always found that when I'm in a "blogging" mode that I can write several articles ahead of time and save them to be released later on.

For the re-cap articles this is where having several different theme oriented blogs comes into play. All you have to do is post articles re-capping what's happening on your other blogs.

All three of the above will keep you posting during the blistless periods and keep your small business from suffering in readership and potential customers. Most importantly, don't worry. Your "blistless" or "blogathy" period will pass and you'll be blogging again to beat the band!

"Tips From the Blogging Queen" Column 17 Definition - "Blogroll"

This is a list of links or your blogs sidebar. They can be a manual list maintained by the blogger or a list provided by a "BlogRolling" service. Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 18 on "Are Blogrolls Important?"

© 2008 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Crafts Website, and Linda's Blog

Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer. http://lindawalshoriginals.com/

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Column 16 - Should You Become A Vlogger?

Last month in my TFTBQ Column 15 our definition was "vlog" which is nothing more than a video blog and a "vlogger" is simply the blogger who maintains it. Our question was - "Should You Become a Vlogger?"

That is a good question and like other things within the blog world not easily answered. You see, "vlogging" just like "blogging" started out as a simple thing and morphed into unbelievable proportions. Think "YouTube" and you know where I'm going with this.

"Vlog" is a combination of video and blog. Entries are posted in reverse chronological order and may combine video and text, images, or other data. In the blogosphere "vloggers" and their blogs are referred to as the "vlogosphere."

Vlogs started out as simple videos posted hourly, daily, etc. to a blog and were pretty much video diaries of a person's life, chronicle of an event, etc. When computer processing speed improved and internet connection speeds increased vlogging became achievable for the masses.

Videos have become so immensely popular that just about everyone is creating them and a whole slew of websites to support video content have been created. YouTube is the behemoth of the video craze and to show you the importance of this phenomenon Google paid YouTube.com 1.65 billion in stock to purchase it in 2006.

And, of course with increased popularity comes awards. The 1st ever "Vloggies" video awards was held in November 2006. Think academy awards of videos.

Anyone with access to a video camera and a high-speed connection can create a vlog and publish it the same way text articles are published to a blog. The content is distributed via RSS feeds. Video content distributed this way is known as a vodcast or vidcast.

And, with the advent of technology in 2007 live interview vlogs and live transmission became possible.

So, for a small business owner the question is "Should You Become a Vlogger?" Well, that is not a simple question to answer for a small business owner. It really depends on what you are selling and whether or not videos would enhance your small business blog. It also depends on how creative you are.

Just like writing articles for a small business blog, creating videos requires creative skill, thought, and, most importantly, organization. You can't just throw a video out there - not if you're a small business owner. You need to think about what your video is going to convey to your readers and/or customers. Does it compliment your products and your business? Or, is it a detriment?

If it doesn't enhance your business image, convey to your readers and/or customers who you are and what your product is, or generate future sales for you then you shouldn't be vlogging. You might create a video that generates a tremendous amount of traffic to your website, but if that doesn't translate into sales for you then you might not have the right video.

So, should you become a vlogger? Well, that depends on what you're selling, how much time you have to devote to your videos, and how creative you are.

"Tips From the Blogging Queen" Column 16 Definition - "Blistless or B-listless"

This is what happens when a blogger doesn't care about posting and becomes apathetic about it. In other words - listless. Also know as "blogathy" which is characterized by lack of interest in your blog. Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 17 on "Have You become Blistless?"

© 2008 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Linda Walsh ofLinda Walsh Originals Linda Walsh Originals E-PatternsLinda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Craft WebsiteLinda Walsh Originals Dolls and Linda's Blog

Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer. http://lindawalshoriginals.com/

My Tips From The Blogging Queen Blog Blidget

I've been playing again. This time it's with WIDGETS.

WIDGETS that you can add to your websites and blogs. Well, in my case it's WIDGETS and BLIDGETS.

Now you might just be wondering what a WIDGET is or certainly what a BLIDGET is. Well, a widget is a box that holds data that a user can interface with. It can be a game, a calendar, news, pictures, or just about anything you can think of.

And, here's the best part - it can also be a blog. Which means it's a BLIDGET.

That's right - it can be a blog. Your blog, in fact, turned into a widget.

That means that I can create a BLIDGET of my Linda's Blog and add it to any of my other websites or blogs.

And, if I make it a public blidget - guess what - you can add it to your website or blog.

How fantastic is that?

So, of course I created public BLIDGETS for all my blogs except my "I Love Crafts and Craft Blogs" and "The Best FREE Craft Articles" blogs. I didn't create public widgets for those two as they contain copyrighted materials from other bloggers and that is a violation of the Widgetbox.com terms of use.

You might be wondering exactly how I did this, what my blidgets look like, and where you can get one for your blog. Here's the where-with-all.

Here's what my Tips From the Blogging Queen Blog blidget looks like:




If you want to get my Tips From The Blogging Queen Blog as a BLIDGET for your website or blog all you need to do is CLICK on the little "Get Widget" button and follow the prompts. How much fun is this? Think of all the possibilities?

So, of course, the "dollies" noticed how much fun I was having and decided that they wanted their own BLIDGETS for their respective blogs. Only, they didn't want just my blogs they also wanted to have some FUN, some games, things relating to dolls. They wanted some WIDGETS, too.

Given that I hardly ever refuse them anything (well, hardly ever) I decided to add some fun WIDGETS to their blogs. That should keep them happy for about 2 minutes! LOL LOL

I'm going to add my blog BLIDGETS to the sidebars of my different blogs so if you're a reader of that blog and want to add it as a widget to your own blog or website all you need to do is click on the "Get Widget" button.

So, where can you get a WIDGET or BLIDGET for your own blog? Just go to WIDGETBOX.COM and open an account to get your very own blidget (which is your blog turned into a widget) or get some of the other widgets that are there.

I just love it when I'm playing. Have fun!


Posted by Linda Walsh Originals - "Doll Patterns for Grown-up Girls!"
Linda Walsh Originals Dolls -"Handmade Dolls & Crafts for Grown-up Girls!"
Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Website- Handmade Dolls & Crafts
Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns - "Instant Download E-Patterns for Grown-up Girls!"

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Column 15 - A Blog Is Not Your Grandfather's Newsletter

I thought I'd take a little break from my usual "Tips From the Blogging Queen Column" format and use a little different format for Column #15.

My column this month is entitled: "A Blog Is Not Your Grandfather's Newsletter!" Now I know you might all be wondering what I mean by that. Well, let me explain.

From a marketing point of view weekly, semi-weekly, and monthly newsletters have traditionally been considered a good idea for small businesses on the Internet as you are directing your sales efforts towards a "targeted" audience. By this I mean people who have bought from you in the past (i.e. customers) and those people who have signed up as subscribers for your newsletter.

Traditional was always equated with the "best" or "your grandfather's tried and true methods." Well, in today's market if you only focus your marketing efforts on your traditional and targeted newsletter audience your competitors are going to leave you standing in the dust.

Now here's where our title "A Blog Is Not Your Grandfather's Newsletter" comes into play. When marketers want to convey that something is better than the tried and true traditional methods they use words such as "not your grandfather's...." to indicate that the new approach is not only different - IT'S BETTER!

Blogs are unique in that they can be a combination of a traditional tried and true approach as they can serve as a newsletter - ONLY MUCH BETTER - but, also function as critical marketing tools for today's small business environment and here's why?

Posting to your blog and the way your posts can be communicated to the Internet masses is astonishing. Not only can you have a targeted and non-targeted audience with subscribers of your RSS feed, but you have opened up the possibilities for expanding your customer base exponentially on a minute-by-minute, hourly, daily, weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly basis via the search engines.

The nature of the Internet and blogs has changed how we communicate. Internet users can receive RSS feed emails instantly, daily, subscribe to reader services and read what they want anytime they want. They can visit the blogs they like when they want and they can even download the blog articles, RSS feeds, podcasts, etc. to their PDA's, phones, IPods, portable drives, etc. This makes communication available 24/7, available when the reader (i.e. customer) wants it, and available in the format the user wants.

Now comes the really big reason why "Blogs are Not Your Grandfather's Newsletter!" Search engines love content and there is nothing more content driven than blogs. The search engines by their nature create your targeted audience for you and multiply that to mind boggling proportions.

Between the blog feed capabilities and the search engine capabilities the universe for customers has gone from just your tried and true "traditional" customer base to an exponentially limitless potential customer base. There may be people reading your small business blog that you are unaware of and they may just become future customers. Your blog posts are coming up in searches that you will never be aware of. Because of the ways information can be disseminated on the Internet now the potential reach of blogs is truly amazing.

Two years ago I gave up my traditional monthly newsletter in favor of my blogs and I have never looked back. If you are a small business owner on the Internet in order to market to your current, new, and future customer base you need a blog.

Blogs are definitely not your grandfather's newsletter. They are one thousand fold BETTER. As a small business owner on the Internet you don't want to be let standing in the dust.

"Tips From the Blogging Queen" Column 15 Definition - "Vlogger"

"Vlogger" - A vlog is nothing more than a video blog and a "vlogger" is simply the blogger who maintains it. Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 16 on "Should You Become A Vlogger?"

Copyright © 2008 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Crafts Website, Linda Walsh Originals Dolls and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer.http://lindawalshoriginals.com/

New FREE Forum For Folkart Square

If you are looking for a wonderful FREE forum to join then you might want to take a look at the new Folkart Square Forum.

Annie Kelly, who is the owner of Folk Art Square , which is an "Online Primitive Magazine & Crafts Marketplace", created this FREE forum for members of her Folkart Square community and for anyone else who wants to join in.

Annie also asked me if I wanted to be a moderator over there. Well, I can never say no to Annie as she has just been so wonderful to me over the years so I said, "Okay!" Then she asked me what section I'd like to cover. Now, what subject do you thing "The Blogging Queen" picked? Hmmmm...... could it be blogging!!!!!

Since the forum has public and private threads only one of the blogging threads can be seen without becoming a member. The public thread is Introduce Your Blog! If you've got a blog we'd love to hear about it.

The private threads are:

What's New On Your Blog! Tell us what's new on your blog. New posts, new widgets, new products.

Great Blog Finds! What have you found while "blog hopping" that you'd like to share.

Tips For Bloggers! Any great tips for enhancing your blog that you'd like to share.

Now, I know you really want to read what's on those blogging private threads that I've linked to above. If you're a member you are in luck. If you're not well, you have to become a member to do so.

Blogging is my thing, but there's a whole lot more for members of the Folkart Square Forum to do. We have a terrific group of moderators in place already. Annie and the rest of the moderators have a whole bunch of things planned for members to participate in. So, if you're looking for a GREAT forum to join look no further than the new FREE Folkart Square Forum.

Hope to see you over there.


Posted by Linda Walsh Originals - "Doll Patterns for Grown-up Girls!"
Linda Walsh Originals Dolls -"Handmade Dolls & Crafts for Grown-up Girls!"
Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Website- Handmade Dolls & Crafts
Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns - "Instant Download E-Patterns for Grown-up Girls!"

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Are You A Blog Hopper? Column 14

Last month in my TFTBQ Column 13 our definition was "Blog Hopping" which is to follow links from one blog entry to another, with related side-trips to various other articles, blogs, websites, etc. It is also used to describe visiting blogs that you like frequently and commenting on them.

If someone were to ask me if I provide links throughout my blog my answer would be "yes." As a small business blogger it is essential for search engine optimization to do so. The more links the better the rating.

However, if someone were to ask me if I "blog-hop" my answer would be "ABSOLUTELY." I love to see what my blogging friends are up to by not only reading their latest posts, but by visiting their blog. Each night I visit my favorite blogs (and I do have to admit there are a LOT of them) to see what's happening. Sometimes I leave a comment, sometimes not. Sometimes I follow a link from their blog to another blog that I have never visited.

Now, you might thing that it is a waste of time to hop from one blog to another to see what's going on when you can just get the latest RSS feed. Well, as far as time is concerned you are correct. However, you missed the most important thing about "blog-hopping" which is the experience of seeing what's going on with a particular blogger, the experience of really getting to know the "blogger" through all the vehicles available to them to communicate, and the experience of visiting a totally new and unfamiliar blog.

Blogging has become the "de facto" way to communicate with family, friends, and customers about what's happening with you, your family, and your business. And, explaining what's happening with you and your business can be done with more than just text. It can include pictures, graphics, video, downloads, new products, audio, podcasts, surveys for customer involvement, various widgets, new templates, etc.

There are so many ways to communicate on a blog that to not visit the blog is to truly miss the creative adventure, especially when you are visiting the blogs of small business artists and crafters. The blog becomes the essence of the artist and crafter. It invites you into their world - giving you insight into their art & craft, and insight into the mind of the artist or crafter themselves. You can get a visual feel for the artist or crafter which, hopefully, will entice you to buy from their blog or visit their website.

And, if you like someones blog or post, just want to say "hi", or just want to offer your opinion on something be sure to leave a comment. After all, doing so makes good business sense as you not only provide the search engines with a vital link back to your blog, but provide future readers and/or customers a way to "blog-hop" over to you. If they like your blog maybe they'll decide to do business with you. Maybe they'll add you to their list of "Blogs I Like" which might entice future customers.

So, the next time someone asks you if you are a "blog-hopper" make sure your answer is "ABSOLUTELY."

"Tips From the Blogging Queen" Column 14 Definition - "Vlogger"

"Vlogger" - A vlog is nothing more than a video blog and a "vlogger" is simply the blogger who maintains it. Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 15 on "Should You Become A Vlogger?"

Copyright © 2007 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Crafts Website, Linda Walsh Originals Dolls and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer.http://lindawalshoriginals.com/

Tips From The Blogging Queen - What Is Podcasting and Should You Jump On The Podcasting Bandwagon? Column 13

Last month in my TFTBQ Column 12 our definition was "Podcasting" which is a combination of the words IPod and broadcasting where you distribute audio and video material over the Internet using syndicated feeds like an RSS feed specifically for playback on portable digital players and personal computers.

I'm sure that most of you are aware of IPod's and probably have at least heard the word "podcasts." If you're not then you should know there has been a mini-revolution going on over the last few years with the way in which content is being delivered to the masses.

Content has become extremely mobile and "podcasting" is allowing audio and video content to be delivered to portable media players on demand.

What does this mean for you as a small business owner? It means that you can deliver audio and video content to your customers that they can watch or listen to whenever they want and wherever they are. Content has become available anytime and anywhere.

Also, the way in which content is being delivered is also evolving. It used to be that only audio content could be podcast and required MP3 files to be downloaded into IPod's or personal computers where separate player software (i.e. Real Player) was used to play the audio files. You would click on the link and download the audio file. The audio file would then open up in your "player" and begin playing the file.

This started with music downloads and quickly evolved into "radio broadcasts" where anyone could broadcast if they had a microphone connected to their computer and sound recording software.

Now "podcasts" have become so sophisticated that your can broadcast audio and video content just about anywhere, anytime. Some broadcasters are now combining "podcast" within their blogs and creating what is known as a "blogcast."

The latter allows bloggers to post an article to their blog and include an audio or video "podcast" within the post that can be played right from the post utilizing and inline audio/video player. Readers do not need to open up a new player.

So, should you jump on the "podcasting" bandwagon? That depends on what you are selling and how good you are at conveying your message either verbally or via video capture. In essence you would be creating a "radio show" or "video" for your customers.

Either of the above or combination of the above would have to contain content that is interesting enough for your blog readers to want to take with them and watch or listen to at their leisure?

"Podcasting" is not for everyone. Disadvantages include the fact that it does require practice and the ability to conceptualize what and how you want your idea conveyed to your customer. Advantages are unlimited mobility and being able to convey your ideas to your customers anytime and anywhere.

If you are capable of the above then for bloggers "blogcasts" are ideal. Blog posts can now contain audio and video podcasts within the posts. For small business bloggers there are so many ways to convey your message to your customer now that to not take advantage of some of them puts you at a severe disadvantage in the marketplace.

"Tips From the Blogging Queen" Column 13 Definition -

"Blog Hopping" - To follow links from one blog entry to another, with related side-trips to various other articles, blogs, websites, etc. It is also used to describe visiting blogs that you like frequently and commenting on them. Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 14 on "Are You A Blog-Hopper?"

Copyright © 2007 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Crafts Website, Linda Walsh Originals Dolls and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer.http://lindawalshoriginals.com/

Cinna-Minnies and Friends 2007 Holidays Specials E-Book

We are so happy to announce that Cinna-Minnies and Friends 2007 Holiday Specials E-Book was just released and is available for FREE download.

Just CLICK HERE and you'll be brought to the download link website. Please wait a few seconds for the download link to appear. It will be on the right hand side in the middle of the page. Left click on "download file" and then click view or click save to save it to the hard drive on your computer. The .PDF file will open in acrobat reader.

The theme of the Cinna-Minnies and Friends 2007 Holiday Specials E-Book is "Building New Traditions -Ideas, Tips, and Hints for the Best Cookie Swap Ever " and is brought to you by "Cookie Mom - Your Cookie Swap Guide." Cookie Mom is the most adorable graphic you'd ever want to see and was created by Cheryl Seslar of www.raggedyscrappin.com .

Last year Cinna-Minnies 1st Holiday Specials E-Book was so successful that Rochelle of Cinna-Minnies.com decided to make it an annual tradition. Vendors with holiday specials on their websites were asked to contribute a "tried and true" cookie recipe or relate a family holiday tradition story.

You will find the following in Cinna-Minnies and Friends 2007 Holiday Specials E-Book:

Introduction
Grammajay's Taffy Recipe and Holiday Special
Greg n' Robin's Chewy Maple Cookies and Holiday Special
Tari Hann's Rasberry Butter Cookies and Holiday Special
Linda Walsh's Butterscotch/Vanilla Chocolate Delights and Holiday Special
Annie's Awesome Chocolate Chip Cookies and Holiday Special
Christine's Christmas Cookies and Holiday Special
Barb's Sweet Potato Pie and Holiday Special
Neenee's Pumpkin Chip Cookies and Holiday Special
Neenee's Family Yummy Christmas Eve Tradition
Melanie's Italian Nut Ball Cookies and Holiday Special
Linda's Story/Tradition and Holiday Special
Talina's Cookie Jar Mix Recipe and Holiday Special
Debbie of Bear Family Gifts Family Christmas Tradition
Dawn's Gingersnaps Recipe and Holiday Special
Vickie's Spicy Yam Pie and Holiday Special
Remembering Holiday Cookie Traditions at the Beach's Home
A Family/Close Friends Cookie Swap - Building New Traditions -Ideas, Tips, and Hints for the Best Cookie Swap Ever brought to you by "Cookie Mom"
Creative Planning Ideas for Your Cookie Swap Steps 1-7 Brought to You From "Cookie Mom"
Cookie Swap Link Resources
FREE Printable Cookie Swap Recipe Cards
FREE Printable Cookie Swap Hang Tags
FREE Printable Cookie Swap Planner
FREE Printable Take Home Gift Idea
FREE Printable Cookie Swap To Do List
FREE Printable Cookie Swap Invitations

The Cinna-Minnies and Friends 2007 Holiday Specials E-Book is FREE for all to download at
http://www.4shared.com/file/28140680/d2b848b0/Cinna-Minnies_Holiday_Ebook_2007.html?dirPwdVerified=a6c902a7

We hope you enjoy the Cinna-Minnies and Friends 2007 Holiday Specials FREE E-Book. Please feel free to share it with everyone you know or post it on your website and/or blog. It is available with Cinna-Minnies.com compliments, respecting all copyrights associated with the E-Book. Copyright © 2007 —All Rights Reserved -Published by Cinna-Minnies.com .


Linda Walsh Originals Dolls -"Handmade Dolls & Crafts for Grown-up Girls!"
Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Website- Handmade Dolls & Crafts
Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns - "Instant Download E-Patterns for Grown-up Girls!"

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Are You A Multi-Blogger? Column 12

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Are You A Multi-Blogger? Column 12

Last month in my TFTBQ Column 11 had two definitions "Multi-Blogger and Multi-Blogging." A Multi-Blogger is a person or business with more than one blog and Multi-Blogging is creating, maintaining, and running multiple blogs at the same time.

My question to you was: Are you a multi-blogger?

For those of you new to blogging I suspect the answer is "no." For those of you, like me, who have been blogging for awhile I suspect the answer is definitely "yes."

Now I know some of you are going to say, "I can hardly think of enough material to include in one blog for my small business - why would I create more than one?"

Well, the reason is simple - To provide directed content for your readers and/or customers.

Sometimes when you have been blogging for awhile and see how easy it is to post articles on just about anything you want about your small business, about your products, or about yourself you begin to realize that your posts cover a wide spectrum. In other words your blog begins to contain many, many different articles, subjects and/or facets about your business and your interests. Some of these may be entirely different areas with a vastly different audience. So, what do you do?

You create a blog specifically for that content and that audience. By doing so you provide your audience and/or your customers with the material that is specifically geared towards them.

For example, my small business sells e-products, print products, and a large variety of handmade items. When I started blogging I found myself writing about subjects that were as varied as my small business.

However, while some of those subjects were of interest to some of my customers and readers some were not. They had their own targeted audience so I created separate blogs for them. By doing so I allowed my readers and/or customers to subscribe to the blog that was specifically of interest to them. Of course, they could still subscribe to and read my main blog if they wanted to as it was a compilation of my entire business, but that was now up to them.

Now I know that you're going to say that multiple blogs is a lot of work. Granted setting up multiple blogs is extra work initially, but maintaining and posting to them isn't that much more effort. If you were going to post about a particular subject to your main blog then adding that same post to another blog is nothing more than copying and pasting.

Is the extra effort involved in setting up and maintaining multiple blogs worth it? Well, if it gives your readers and/or customers directed content that they like to read then you've made your readers and/or customers happy. And, hopefully, happy customers means more sales.

If you are currently a multi-blogger I say, "Congratulations!" If you're on the fence and wondering if you should create another blog then I say, "Go for it! Become a multi-blogger!"

"Tips From the Blogging Queen" Column 12 Definition -

"Podcasting" - A combination of the words IPod and broadcasting where you distribute audio and video material over the Internet using syndicated feeds like an RSS feed specifically for playback on portable digital players and personal computers. Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 12 on "What is Podcasting and Should You Jump On The Podcasting Bandwagon?"

Copyright © 2007 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Crafts Website, Linda Walsh Originals Dolls and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer.http://lindawalshoriginals.com/

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Do You Need A Blogiday? - Column 11

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Column 11 - Do You Need A Blogiday?

Last month in my TFTBQ Column 10 my definition was "Blogiday" which is getting fed up with your blog and taking a holiday from blogging. My question to you was: Do You need a Blogiday?

If you are like me and have been blogging for awhile you undoubtedly know that blogging creativity comes in phases. Some days you are in "blogging mode" and can write and create to your hearts content. Other days you can't think of a thing to write about and can't even get your fingers to move on the keyboard.

What's your problem? Well, you have just have "bloggers block" or "creativity block" and need to do something to get your creative juices moving again.

What should you do? Quite simply, don't despair - take a "blogiday" or a holiday from blogging.

You need to step away from the blog for a day or two or even a week or so and relax, enjoy yourself, and do something you love to do. Or, spend some time doing some of the mindless work you may have put on the back burner. For small business crafters there's nothing like mindless work or doing something you love to get your creative juices flowing again.

Better yet do something fun with your kids, or your friends, or visit your grandchildren. Take a day trip, go out to eat, or indulge yourself at a day spa. Go to the library or the bookstore and browse through all the books. Plan a vacation, take an online course, start a new hobby. Do whatever it takes to relax and take your mind off blogging.

What else can you do to get your creative juices flowing? Well,you may need to do some "blog hopping" and research on other blogs that you like to see what's new in the blogging world, catch up on the latest in blog widgets, search for some new graphics, find new content to add to your blog, etc.

Or, you may need to spruce your blog up. Try reformatting your blog, adding new colors, change your blog format, increase or reduce the columns or widths, add new wallpaper, or create a new banner. Sometimes a little "blog spring cleaning", "blog remodeling", or "blog sprucing" is all it takes to get your creative juices flowing.

And, when your creative juices are flowing again you'll find you're quickly back in "blogging mode." This time, however, when you're in "blogging mode" draft a few articles or ideas for articles and save them in "reserve" for those times when you are "blogstipated" (see my TFTBQ Column 9 in the July 2007 Faithful Friends Online Newsletter) and need to take another "blogiday." Then you'll always have articles to post when you get fed-up with your blog and need another "blogiday."

But, most of all don't despair. "Blogiday's" are as necessary as "holidays" and "vacations" to get your creative juices back on track. Your blog will always be there when you get back.

"Tips From the Blogging Queen" Column 11 Definition -

"Multi-Blogger and Multi-Blogging" - A Multi-blogger is a person or business with more than one blog and multi-blogging is creating, maintaining, and running multiple blogs at the same time.

Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 12 on "Are You a Multi-Blogger?"

Copyright © 2007 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Crafts Website, Linda Walsh Originals Dolls and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer.http://lindawalshoriginals.com/

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Do You Have Blogophobia? - Column 10

"Tips From The Blogging Queen" Column 10 - Do You Have Blogophobia?

Last month in my TFTBQ Column 9 our blog definition was "Blogophobia."

"Blogophobia" is a fear of blogging. So, my question to all of you is "Do You Have Blogophobia?"

I suspect some of you would answer "yes" to that question while others of you have already jumped on the "blogging wagon" and have written hundreds of posts already. If you are the latter you have no doubt found out that "blogging" can be contagious and one blogs begets another blog which begets another.

If you fall into the first group and are afraid of blogging I suspect it's because you are afraid that you have to be a professional writer to blog or you feel you don't have anything to say. I've got some good news for you. The beauty of blogs is that you don't have to be a professional writer to have a terrific blog. You don't have to be an expert on anything to have a terrific blog. And, more importantly, you have more to say about you and your business then you think.

If you are afraid of blogging because you think it's too time-consuming then you need to give it a try and see how quickly you can promote the latest news for your small business, today's sales items, current events and happenings for your business, the latest news for your field, or whatever you want to tell your customer, etc. It's as easy as pie and less time-consuming then traditional advertising methods, newsletters, or flyer's.

If you're still worried about not having anything to write about just think about all there is to know about you, your business, your field of interest, and things you would like your customers to know about your products.

Why would you want to do this? Quite simply - blogs generate exposure for your craft business. They can generate sales. They can tell your customers important things that you want them to know about your small business and are an exceptional advertising vehicle.

But, most importantly, they personalize you to your customer. Through your blog your customers get to know you. Personally, I like to do business with people I know and, I suspect, most people feel the same. Through your blog you become human to your customers. They start to learn about you and, hopefully, start to like you. If they like you then they are more likely to do business with you.

For a small business owner blogs can become crucial to sharing your ideas with your customers. Allowing them to share their ideas easily with you. Allowing them to comment on your ideas or articles directly on your blog. In essence, you're providing a forum for the exchange of ideas - yours and theirs.

So, do you need to be a professional writer? The answer is a resounding "no." Think about what you love and then write down what you're thinking. Or, think about your business and your products and write down what you want your customers to know. Or, provide your customers with a little research on your particular kind of products and their respective history. Give your customers some ideas and suggestions as to the best uses of your products. The possibilities are unlimited as to what you can write about especially when you are writing about your passion.

Just remember - there are no blog rules. There are no blog police. Your blog is just that. It's your blog. It can be whatever you want it to be whether it's about you or your small business. There are no right ways and wrong ways in the blogging community and you don't have to be a professional writer. In fact, the real charm of blogs is that they are so "personal" and so "human."

So, if you're afraid of blogging you shouldn't be. It's time to get over your "blogophobia", get your feet wet and join the "blogging" community.

"Tips From the Blogging Queen" Column 10 Definition -

"Blogiday" - Getting fed up with your blog and taking a holiday from blogging.

Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 11 on "Do You Need a Blogiday?"

Copyright © 2007 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Crafts Website, Linda Walsh Originals Dolls and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer. http://lindawalshoriginals.com/

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Are You Blogstipated? - Column 9

Last month in my TFTBQ Column 8 our blog definition was "Blogstipation."

"Blogstipation" is being unable to think of anything to blog about (i.e. writer's block for bloggers). So, my question this month is "Are You Blogstipated?"

I think there is a fear amongst small business owners thinking about creating a blog and new small business bloggers. They are both afraid that they will have to blog each and every day and aren't sure they would have anything to say. And, for the new bloggers sometimes when they try to write something for their blog they can't think of anything. They're "blogstipated!"

So, is that bad? If you can't find anything to say every day should that prevent you from creating a blog?

The answer to both is "Not at all!" When you've been blogging for awhile you begin to realize that you are going to have those "I just don't feel like blogging today!" days. And, THAT'S OKAY! You do not need to blog each and every day if you don't want to.

Blogs started out as "personal diaries" of a sort and some people, especially those keeping medical journals, etc. do blog each and every day. However, as a small business owner with a blog you don't need to blog each and every day. If you want to you can and if you don't want to - well, that's okay, too! If you only have something to post about once a week that's FINE!

Keep in mind that as a small business owner you're blogging to personalize yourself and your business to your customers. To get your customers excited about you and your products.

If you have something to tell them post about it. If not - don't worry about it. It is far better to post every so often - especially when you write about something that your readers can tell is "exciting" to you than to post about something that clearly bores you.

The negative to not posting every day or even every week is that the search engines love blog posts as it is FRESH content. This means that if you post every day or even every week your blog is more likely to be picked up in a search engine than a blog with monthly posts.

So, how can you avoid "blogstipation?" Well, I can tell you what I do. I have been blogging for awhile and have posted hundreds upon hundreds of posts. The way I avoid "blogstipation" is to only write when I'm in a "blogging" mode. When I am I try to write several posts and hold them in the cue to be posted over several days. That way I'm giving the search engines FRESH content and I'm not putting pressure on myself to write something each and every day.

Do you have to write lengthy articles? Absolutely not. They can be as small as you want them to be. There is no set measure for this. It's whatever you think will interest your readers and potential customers.

And, if you really are "blogstipated" and can't come up with anything to say and you've been blogging for awhile then post a summary with clickable links to some of the articles you may have written a few months to a year ago.

Or, update an old article that your newer readers and customers might like and re-post it with a current date. In other words, if you're really "blogstipated" and can't come up with anything - don't reinvent the wheel. Use some of what you've posted before.

Or, if you have several blogs tell your readers and customers what's happening on those blogs that might interest them.

There are all sorts of things you can do. The most important is - if you're "blogstipated" don't worry about it. It will pass. You'll be in a "blogging" mode again in no time.

"Tips From The Blogging Queen" Column 10 Definition -

"Blogophobia" - Fear of blogging.

Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 10 on "Do You Have Blogophobia?

Copyright © 2007 - All Rights Reserved - Written by Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals, Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns, Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Crafts Website, Linda Walsh Originals Dolls and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer. http://lindawalshoriginals.com/

Tips From The Blogging Queen Columns So Far

I've been writing my "Tips From The Blogging Queen Column" for 8 months now and I thought you'd like to see a list the columns I've written so far.

They can be viewed in my "Tips For Crafters On The Web Blog" or in the archives of the Faithful Friends Online Newsletters .

If you'd like to read the articles just CLICK on the link below for the article you want.

Tips From The Blogging Queen - Column 1 - Are Blogs Really Helpful?
Tips From the Blogging Queen - Column 2 - Commenting On Blogs and How That Can Be Helpful To Your Small Business Website?
Tips From The Blogging Queen - Column 3 - Who Is Your Audience and What Should You Tell Them?
Tips From The Blogging Queen - Column 4 - Why Would You Want To Bleg Your Readers?