There are all kinds of threats online.  It can be anything from malicious virus threats, email spam, trojans and etc.  Which means there are blacklists.  Host companies maintain blacklists to protect their servers and hosting clients.  I recently found a way to check your website via Daily Blog Tips.  Blacklist Alert is a free service.  All you have to do is enter your website or ip address.

I suggest using this tool if you’re changing host companies, transferring domain ownership, and even when you’re requesting a new server with your existing hosting company.  Otherwise it can take sometime to get your domain removed from the blacklists.

Try BlackListAlert.Org.

I decided to offer another one of my Thesis customizations as a Thesis Skin.  This was a Thesis customization project that just ended up as a portfolio sample.  After several requests for the skin, I decided to offer it for download for other Thesis users.  You can see a demo of the skin here

The Geek Skin is available for download for only $4.97.  It only takes a couple minutes to install the skin and install add your own logo.  To use this skin you will need to purchase Thesis here, if you aren’t already a Thesis user.

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Requirements -

• WordPress 3.0+ and above
• Thesis 1.7+ and above
• Cost – $4.97

If you have question, leave them in the comments.

It seems that just about every online business understands (or has at least heard) that email marketing is important. The problem is, too many you just stick an email newsletter signup form on their wordpress site and figure that they’ve got email marketing taken care of.  And honestly, that is the biggest mistake you can make.

A successful email marketing campaign needs to be carefully planned, setup and optimized for maximum performance. There are many aspects of an email marketing campaign that need your serious attention – opt-ins, messages, deliverability, open rates, etc. I am going to give you the secret to increasing you email opt-in rate.

I want to cover three keys to a high opt-in rate that every online business should constantly work to improve. (For the purposes of this article, it does not really matter if your campaign is primarily a newsletter or autoresponder.)

Secret #1: Your Offer

The first step to maximize email opt-ins is to offer your site visitors a strong value in exchange for subscribing. In most cases, just offering a newsletter is not enough offer – you need something with a much higher perceived value.

One of the best offers is to give a free eBook to subscribers. It does not have to be extensive – oftentimes a 5-10 page eBook that is filled with solid, valuable information will work very well. Make sure that the free gift that you offer subscribers will be appealing and offer value to each major segment of traffic that visits your website.

Secret  #2: Install a signup form into your Facebook page

Using the facebook app static FBML you are able to include html into the sidebar of a facebook page, or into a tab.

As long as your form is HTML, you will be able to install it into your facebook page using the static fbml app.

**You can also add a sign up form to the sidebar of your personal Facebook profile using the app profile box.

Secret  #3: A Great Opt-in Form

The opt-in form on your website should be crafted and optimized to convert as many visitors as possible into subscribers. The form should be:

• Prominent – Place the opt-in form above the fold on your website and ensure that it is easy to see. You should split test various locations, colors, and designs.
• Compelling – Typically, you will have a small space to present your offer and opt-in form. Take the time to craft compelling copy for your opt-in form. Split-test different headlines, images, submit button texts, etc.
• Easy – Make sure it is as easy as possible for visitors to opt-in. Do not ask for more fields than you need (usually just name and email address should be enough) and make sure each aspect of the opt-in form is easy to understand and use.

Personally, I am a fan of the lightbox that is offered by Aweber.  But recently I found another tool that increased my opt-in rates.  It’s Pop Up Dominator.  Pop Up Dominator is affordable at $27 and will take your opt-in form to the level of what top online marketing gurus are keeping secret.  You can see it on Sportscardigest and Entrepreneurs Journey.  I highly recommend this wordpress plugin.

Secret  #4: Create a great Newsletter

I know you’ve heard this before, but content is king!  When you produce a great newsletter, it will go viral.  That means friends will forward it to friends, business associates and other contacts.  And make sure you include a subscribe link within your newsletter.  A subscription link will make it easy for new readers to subscribe.

Secret #5:  Landing pages

Believe it or not, landing pages work.  The one and only purpose of the landing page is to get the user to sign up for the newsletter.  If they have no other option, they will sign up for your newsletter.

I decided to create this design for a photo blog of one of my local entertainment districts.  Since I’ve had so many local people like the design, I wanted to share it with Thesis users.  You can view the site demo here

This isn’t a full theme, you will need to purchase the Thesis Theme.

The Bishop Photo Blog Skin has a large Featured Gallery Slider.  It isn’t created using any plugs, so it doesn’t slow down WordPress.

There are 4 post images for the Gallery category under the Gallery Slider

It also will display post from 3 specific categories on the home page.

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Bishop Photo Blog Skin Instructions for Thesis 1.7 -

1. Install Thesis
2. Overwrite custom.css & custom_functions.php with the files in the download.
3. Upload the Thesis Options
   1. Thesis>manage options>upload options>all options>upload provided file
4. Use the instructions in the txt file in the download to customize and style to your desire.

• You will have to change the category box headings. Changes must be made between the opening and closing of the h2 tags.
• You must change the category_name that will be used to query your database. It has to be the same as your categories you have created for your website.
• You can also change the number of posts to selected and displayed (look for showposts=)
• All the boxes are using the min-height and auto height styling. You can disable this by putting in the height dimensions.

I’m happy to announce IDW Publishing now offers full graphic services.  Lisa was added to my staff in January and brings over 12+ years of professional graphic design services.   Her graphic design resume is filled with several high profile publishing and magazine companies.  We are happy to have her on the IDW Publishing team and her services are welcome.

Currently at this time we are adding the following custom graphic packages-

• Headers – $65 and up
• Logos – quote
• Twitter Backgrounds – $70 and up
• button ads – $25 and up

Examples of our custom graphics can be viewed on our graphic page.

If you are interested in graphic services, you can fill out the contact form below.

With so much in the media about Twitter, people may wonder if Twitter is just a “fad”.  I must admit – the thought has crossed my mind a few times too.  However, with all the applications out there that integrate into twitter and all the ways of sharing content within twitter – I don’t see it going away anytime soon.

HubSpot released their findings on their white papers called “State of the Twittersphere”.  I encourage the read when you can.  To sum things up – Twitter’s growth has been slower, but people are beginning to engage more.  In other words, the novice is no longer a novice.  People are starting to “get it”.

As a blog owner – twitter is a great way to share your content and share content of others.

Is twitter for me and can I make money on it?

That’s the question I get all the time.  The short answer is – twitter isn’t for everyone, but everyone should be on twitter.

If you are a news source, providing information such as schedules, tours, time, breaking news, etc.  Twitter is for you on a level of just getting information out.

If you are selling, blogging, doing anything e-commerce – Twitter is for you.  If you are selling B2B or B2C – this is where you can get your cold leads turned into “warm” leads.  I’ve done it in my own business as Director of Business Development.  I’ve made friends and connections in a city that I knew no one in.  I haven’t been there a year and I’ve been able to contact some pretty impressive accounts; all through Twitter.

Wondering how to get started?  Check out my post here on “Networking on Twitter in 3 easy steps” or contact me to find out how my community management services can help you!

Author: Jennifer Stinnett is Director of Relocation / Business Development for a real estate company and also provides community management solutions to company’s for professional new media marketing / branding.  Jennifer’s List of Services can be found on her site JenniferStinnett

With so many applications out there for twitter, it’s hard to know what works for you.  I have listed just a few of my favorite.  I hope you’ll check them out when you have time – would also love to hear any thoughts on my list and additions!

1. TweetMiner – This is an application that I am a big fan of.  It’s important to note that I am an approved affiliate for this program.  I use this program for my business and that of my clients.  It’s an awesome way to schedule content for your twitter feed.  Searching for content that is appropriate for your account takes a lot of time.  This application brings it to you!  It saves me so much time.  Not only can I find the content, but I can share that content throughout the day. Even when I’m at work or on other appointments – my account is sharing appropriate content with my followers.  This application does a lot more, take a look at the demo when you have time!  The fee to get unlimited benefits varies.  I am currently using the $10/month program and have not had any problems yet with running up to that accounts limits.
2. TweetDeck – Tweetdeck is a  follow your followers heaven!  Have those favorite followers you want to watch their feeds? – set them up separately on this app and always be in “the know” with them.  Not only that – facebook is integrated on this application.  If you have facebook fanpages for your company and a twitter account.  This is a great way to be in one spot – share information with both accounts open.  Time saving indeed.  I also love the search feature on this program.  You can set-up keyword search within twitter and target those people that talk about the things relating to you or your business.
3. Social Oomph – Social Oomph is an application with a ton of features.  It has the ability to scheduled tweets, automatically follow and un-follow people, track keywords, extended twitter profiles and the list goes on.  Lots there and to get the really good stuff – you need to pay.  It’s not cheap.  If you are serious about utilizing your twitter account – this is the app for you!
4. HootSuite – This is the professional’s app.  It links to your LinkedIn account, ping, facebook and  twitter.  Hootsuite has an iPhone app.  Working in Marketing within a company – it has brand monitoring and also a toolbar that pops up whenever you share your links through it’s system.  The toolbar that pops up allows tracking and further sharing.  It’s an amazing program!  This one is worth the look!
5. Seesmic – Seesmic seems to be the best used app on droid and blackberry according to user reviews.  Seesmic is an application that can be used on the web, your phone and desktop.  Thwirl is also a product of Seesmic.  The look that seismic creates and let’s you customize is what makes this application stand out above the rest.  While the others are utilitarian, this allows personal customization. Check out the site and the demo to see for yourself if this is the app for you!

These are my 5 best twitter applications to use as of today!  I can guarantee things will change again.  That’s what make this digital revolution we are in so much fun!

Contact me for follow-up or other suggestions!

Author:  Jennifer Stinnett is Director of Relocation / Business Development for a real estate firm and also provides community management solutions to company’s for professional new media marketing / branding.  Jennifer’s List of Services can be found on her site http://JenniferStinnett.com

One of the questions that I am always asked by individuals who want to start utilizing social media in their business is “Where do I start with Social Media?”  to which my next answer is “What are you trying to accomplish?”  It never fails, I always get a blank stare and then the “I want to make money”  answer.

It’s great when people get over the “fear” and set out to start social networking.  However, not all forms of Social Media are going to suit you.  Not because they don’t work, but because you need to invest yourself in it.

Here are a list of things I ask my clients to have answers for when we have our  first consultation:

1. What do you like to do? (write, take pictures, garden, horseback ride?)
2.  What is your expertise?
3. What are you “known” for?

Let’s take Sally Realtor.  Sally LOVES to knit.  Sally also sells houses in Orlando, FL and she’s been selling homes for 10 years there.  Sally really likes working with first time home buyers and helping them get their first purchase.  Sally hates to write.  It bores her, she’d rather knit.  She is a people person, she likes taking pictures and she loves living in Orlando, FL.  Sally has done absolutely NOTHING online except for the website that her MLS board provides or the one her broker has for her.   Sally hates the thought of being online but knows she needs to be there.

Knowing these things, would it be a good idea for Sally to start a blog and sign up for every site out there?   Probably not at this point.  Where does Sally start?

Start with baby steps.

1.  Sally needs a linkedIn profile
2.  Sally should get involved in knitting organizations around town – chances are – she probably already is.
3.  Sally needs to join those knitting organizations online where ever they are …. facebook, twitter, etc.
4.  Sally will need to set up profiles in order to join those sites.  Linking those newly created profiles to her company provided website, or her linkedIn profile.

See where I’m going with this?

Once Sally starts intigrating herself on this small level into the things she likes, those online sites will start to become more intwined into her life.  How many of those in her knitting club know of someone buying a house?  or are buying a house for themselves – upgrading, downgrading? or buying a second home somewhere?

Maybe Sally could start posting pictures of that blanket she knitted with her “just closed” new first time homebuyers on those online knitting groups.

Since Sally already has profiles set up on maybe twitter or facebook – she could ask potential clients or past client’s to join her there.  Continually posting about Orlando’s home scene AND knitting scene.  Sally’s slowly creating a reputation for herself and ….. who knows, she may become the next Sally “The knitting” realtor.   I’d remember that.  In fact – you may want to work with her just so you can get that blanket knitted by Sally that everyone else has gotten and loves!   Now Sally’s growing a community…..

Start small and grow where you are.  Don’t sign up for everything under the sun … take baby steps and don’t join/do something you know you won’t do.  It’ll only frustrate you.

Of course –  you could always hire someone to accomplish this for you!  If interested – stop by my site and let’s talk about your objectives!

About the Author:  Jennifer Stinnett has spent the last 13 years in relocation, real estate and ecommerce.  The last 3 years have been spent on social media intiegration in business, online reputation and lead generation.

WordPress 2.9 is ready to be released and the list of new features are exciting.  WordPress 2.9 is expected to be released within the next week.  It’s suggested the tech savy users test out the release candidate version before the WordPress 2.9 is publicly released.

Some of the features that the new version includes -

• Trash status for posts, pages, comments and attachments (includes restore and permanent delete)
• Add support for ‘include‘ and ‘exclude‘ to (Gallery Shortcode)
• Scroll back to the same location after saving a file in the Plugin and Theme editors
• Set “Allow my blog to appear in search engines” to checked in installation
• Remove Sphere from search list
• Minify admin CSS
• Display comments in descending date order, consistently
• Display better information about broken themes when there is no stylesheet
• Show “Draft updated” instead of “Post updated” when saving draft

One highly rated feature is the plugin compatibility feature.  You, the user, can simply vote yes or no to the compatibility of the plugin and it will get registered with the compatibility checker.  You can also update multiple plugins at the same time.  Sounds like that can save you time?  Of course it does.

I am currently testing it on a couple of my personal test sites.  As usual, the new features will be applauded by many.  WordPress can be downloaded here

Since I use the Thesis theme on my site and many of my clients use it, I’m always looking for resources that can make my time more efficient. I stumbled across Thesis Import/Export plugin.  It appears that 3 Dog Media has solved one of the major problems that Thesis designers are having.  The plugin has already made my life easier in the short period of time.

With the release of Thesis 1.6, it made it more challenging to develop a client test site and then duplicate it on the live domain.  The old process meant that you would have to go through all of your Thesis settings and duplicate them on the new site.  The new process means that if you use the Thesis Import/Export plugin, you can save yourself time and a headache.

“So once you have completed a skin design, or custom layout for a client, you can just export the data files and then bundle them with the plugin. Once the skin is installed, the user simply uploads the bundled data files and all the original settings, hooks, etc. will be imported.

The only words of caution you will need with this plugin has to do with the restore functions. If you click on those links before you have saved a backup, all your settings will be lost!” – 3 Dog Media

It’s just that simple.  I look forward to using this plugin much more.