Category Archives: Question & Answers

WordPress tips for beginners by Tessa Needham

Written on August 22, 2011
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Ever wondered what it’s like to blog using WordPress? Enter Tessa Needham – a creative and talented Aussie living in the land of websites, start-ups and entrepreneurs: San Francisco (yes, I’m a wee bit jealous). She blogs about WP and agreed to share her tips for beginners. Over to you Tessa…

Enter Tessa Needham…

www.tessaneedham.com

What’s your blog about?

I mainly blog about WordPress tips and tricks, general technical stuff and the jobs I’ve worked on. I also post a list of links every week that have inspired me from around the web. These are normally very diverse, as I’m into lots of different stuff! My main purpose with my blog and my free WordPress guide is to talk about technical and geeky stuff in a language that’s accessible to everyone.

I love WordPress. You love WordPress. But why should everyone else?

If I could throw WordPress a party, I would! The best thing about WordPress is how easy is it to update content. Changing around the design requires a bit more coding know-how, but once you’ve got the design the way you want it, it’s really straightforward to manage the content. Also, it’s open-source, which means that not only is it free to install, but also there are thousands of people out there building add-ons like themes and plugins, and a great support community that you can access for free. One example is that recently, I was using a plugin for a client but I wanted it to do something really specific that it didn’t already do. I contacted the developer and by the following day, she had written to me with the line of code I needed to change in the plugin. All for free! Amazing!

What’s the most important thing WordPress newbies should remember?

Start small. Don’t try to do lots of fancy stuff before even launching your site, because it will never happen! I have worked with lots of clients who are stuck in a rut with their website because they paid too much money to get it set up in the first place. Start basic and small and you can change your theme, add plugins etc as you go. Just get started!

What are the five plugins all new WordPress users should install and why?

There are so many, but to start with I’d install:

  1. All in One SEO Pack makes it super easy to add titles, meta descriptions and keywords to each page and post for Google happiness!
  2. ShareThis or one of the many other social sharing plugins. This puts buttons on your site for visitors to share on Google+, Facebook, Twitter etc.
  3. WP Google Analytics easily installs your Analytics tracking code on your site.
  4. WPtouch formats your site for mobile visitors.
  5. W3 Total Cache caches your site to make load times faster.

For more, see Tessa’s series of posts on recommend plugins!

The three coolest plugins you’ve ever come across?

  1. CommentLuv automatically posts a commenter’s latest blog entry underneath their comment!
  2. Facebook tab manager requires a bit of specialised setting up, but allows you to manage what appears on your Facebook tabs from within the WordPress interface.
  3. Akismet has been amazing at keeping spam at bay. Free if you’re not making money off your site.

WordPress can cause “Oh no” moments. What’s the best way to avoid them?

Definitely backing up is a good idea! Before upgrading WordPress or even any plugins, I do a full backup of both the database and the files of my site (yes, backing up requires TWO steps!). I would suggest that if you’re a bit more savvy, learn a little about how the code works so that you can easily fix small things. This takes awhile to learn but is very rewarding. I am working on an eBook to sell on my site that will be aimed at helping newbies understand how their WordPress site works. Hopefully that is a good idea!

What’s your advice when it comes to choosing WP themes and plugins?

Your needs for a theme will dictate which one you go with. Going with a free theme means that you will likely find customisation more of a headache, so I would only use a free theme if you loved everything about it. I’ve had great experience with Studiopress and the Genesis child themes – the themes look nice and their support is excellent. If you want to brand your WordPress site, for instance to match your blog with an existing site, or you want something truly personal, pay a developer to create a custom theme because it will look exactly how you want it to.

In terms of plugins, I’ve never had to pay for one. There are so many great plugins in the WordPress directory, and I will often Google the feature I’m after and see what others recommend as a good plugin. One example of a plugin you may need to pay for is if you want a shopping cart on your site – there are free eCommerce plugins available but depending on your needs, you might need to buy one. Just try out plugins one by one and see if they will do what you want them to!

Any final pieces of advice?

Like anything web-related, WordPress can be daunting for the uninitiated. But there’s a reason why so many businesses are using it, and it’s worth sticking with it until it makes more sense – I promise!

Thanks so much for your time, Tessa! You can follow Tessa on Twitter at: @tessaneedham.

What are your best tips for WordPress beginners? Share them below!

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Ask Bree: What are your top 10 blogging tips?

Written on August 8, 2011
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QUESTION: I am in the process of designing my blog with my web designer and would love to know what your top 10 tips are for starting a blog!

- Emma, Nest Designs

Bree’s answer:

Hi Emma!

Thanks for your question. Here are my top 10 tips:

1. Name

If you haven’t already chosen a name, be sure to pick one that’s memorable, easy to spell, available as a .com, and is also available for popular social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook – consistency is key for branding. Namechk is a useful tool for looking up available usernames/vanity URLs. Reconsider any name where you want to put “The” at the front of it. That, by far, is my biggest regret with this blog! People call it “Blog Stylist” all the time, and I hate to think how much traffic I’m sending to the domain name without the “the”.

2. Designer vs Developer

Know the difference between the two. Put simply, a designer does the pretty stuff, while a developer does the serious geeky stuff. Some designers have developer skills, and some developers have designer skills. Don’t hire one and expect them to know everything – ask them exactly what they can do for you. Find someone who can do both and you’re – as Charlie Sheen would put it – WINNING! Also, it’s worth knowing the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com.

3. Domain name

For the love of blog (like that one? ;) ) get thee a domain name – even if you are using a free platform such as Blogger or WordPress.com. Don’t spend hours, weeks, months or years building a brand (even if that’s not your intention – you’re actually doing that if you plan to or not) only to one day decide to take your blog to the next level but can’t get the domain name to match. It’s a cheap investment – around $12 per year for a .com (and some hosts offer them for free with hosting). Obviously, it’s also wise to spend some time making sure you’re not stepping on anyone’s trademark toes.

4. Hot mess

Don’t make your sidebar look like a Hollywood starlet after a big night out. It doesn’t need every widget/button/link etc you can find. I often see all kinds of stat counters etc smooshed into sidebars. They do almost nothing except give the site they’re linking to a backlink, thus boosting their importance in Google‘s eyes. The phrase “less is more” is worth considering.

5. Above the fold

The “fold” is actually a newspaper term and refers to the area of the paper that can be seen when it’s bent in half, with the idea being that anything being above the fold (top half of front page) is considered prime real estate. In the website and blog world, this same concept applies, though the “fold” refers to anything that can be seen on the screen once a page has loaded but without you having to scroll down (however, this varies depending on screen size and resolution). All the important stuff should be considered for this area: about and contact pages, RSS and newsletter subscription details, and – if you want to incorporate advertising – ad spots. Think about the fold when choosing a theme or having your blog designed.

6. Your message

What kind of message are you hoping to give your visitors? Your home page is like the front door of your home. Is it inviting? Don’t assume people automatically know what your blog’s about. Spell it out for them. The easiest way to do this is with a tagline (“The simple & stylish guide to blogging” is mine) and an about page. Consider adding a photo and a sentence or two about yourself. My about page is consistently one of my most-viewed pages.

7. Make sharing easy

If you want people to follow you on Twitter or like your Facebook page, make links to these profiles easy to find. Don’t make your readers go looking for them  - that’s not their job. Think back to point five – above the fold is wise.

8. HTML basics

Honestly. Take the time to learn the absolute basics of HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). You will kiss the ground I walk on for encouraging you! Promise! Knowing how to manually add hyperlinked text or a hyperlinked image can open the doors to all kinds of creative ideas. Check out W3 Schools for a step-by-step guide.

9. Network

As ProBlogger has said every time I’ve heard him speak: get off your blog. It might come as a shock, but simply writing posts aren’t going to get you traffic*! It’s everything else that will: commenting on other blogs, connecting with people on Twitter, adding your blog to sites such as StumbleUpon, attending conferences and events (this post is a great example of what attending a conference can do for traffic).*They will, however, be the reason your readers return.

10. Evolve

Blogs aren’t static. Trends come and go. Social media is ever changing. Remember this and be prepared to make changes to your blog on a regular basis!

Hope that helps Emma!

Do you have any tips for Emma? Share them below.

Got a question? Please submit it here and I might use it in an upcoming post!

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Ask the expert: Blog-photo-styling tips by Robin Zachary

Written on May 1, 2011
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A warm welcome to my second blogger in the “Ask the experts” series. This time, super-lovely New York blogger and prop stylist Robin Zachary from Prop Closet shares her tips on how lifestyle bloggers (beauty, fashion, decorating and more) can create well-styled snaps for their blogs. Over to you, Robin…

Enter Robin Zachary…

www.propcloset.com

What’s your blog about?

Prop Closet started as a place to share my styling resources but I also show my published work and talk about the making of these photo shoots. I’m planning to add styling book reviews and interviews with other stylists, but right now it’s hard to do everything!

Tell me about your day job…

Styling, editing, and putting together stories and photoshoots for various magazines and retail clients. And what does it involve? A lot of planning, shopping for props and clothes, designing sets, going to fashion shows and writing up copy and credits for merchandise used in photos. One evening a week I teach styling at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology).

Best project you’ve ever worked on?

Ooh, that’s a tough one. The coolest was working in Diane Von Furstenberg’s office/home. She’s got a beautiful environment with Andy Warhol’s all over the place. The craziest job? Going on couples’ honeymoons in Jamaica to photograph them while working as Creative Director for Bridal Guide. I love location photo shoots, especially in the Caribbean.

How’d you get to this point?

Lot’s of crawling and climbing. Hard work and persistence.

What’s the importance of a well-styled photo?

Your photos convey your message non-verbally. Photos grab the viewer and make them stop and connect with all their senses. Photos evoke a mood which should align with your brand’s message.

Your top five photo-styling tips for bloggers?

  1. I am always looking around for found objects that I don’t have to spend money on. You would be surprised where you can find beautiful things. Most of my favorite props are “family vintage”, meaning it’s from my mother, my grandmother or my aunt. I am always on the look out for fabrics, textured surfaces, notions, trimmings and paper goods to use in shots. When I look around outside things literally fall in front of me. I can rent or buy most anything, but it’s a lot more exciting to work with things that “find me”.
  2. I have props all over my apartment so as I work on a shot I gather what I need, but usually let the arrangement sit for a few days while I add and subtract items. I try lots of set ups before I consider myself done.
  3. Have a few different surfaces on hand. I have a dark wood, a white painted wood and a stainless steel table. I also have some pieces of driftwood. Chairs, end tables and boxes covered with fabric can be used as surfaces for small subjects. Anything with texture adds interest to the photo. Vary the backgrounds for a setup and see how the shot changes. Your first inclination may not be the best solution so best to be open to experimentation.
  4. Find a space with wonderful window light streaming in. Watch how the light changes throughout the day. My window faces south so it’s bright all day but the quality of the light is different in the morning than it is in the late afternoon. Take pictures of the same subject at various times to see the difference. The light affects the mood. If the sunlight is too bright I use a piece of translucent vellum to diffuse the light. Sometimes I use my hand to dapple the light for a nice effect.
  5. It’s so much fun to create vignettes for yourself, but if the goal is to get clients for styling jobs, think of ways you can style shots with themes or center the shot around one item and use subordinate items as props to show potential clients how you can showcase their product. Whether it’s food, decorating, accessories or crafts a simple shot having a single focal point is better than one that is too busy.

Thanks so much Robin for your time! You can follow Robin on Twitter @robinzachary

What are your best photo-styling tips?

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Ask Bree: I want to move from Blogger to WordPress. Now what?

Written on April 30, 2011
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QUESTION: I’m looking at taking my business from Blogger over to WordPress.org, because I now have two websites and I would like to combine them into one beautiful, up-to-date and easy-to-update site. I have downloaded WordPress.org but my head is spinning from all the tech talk. Do I need to buy web hosting as well? I already have my own domain name and web hosting through Crazy Domains, but not sure if that will work for what I need now. Any insight you are able to provide would be such a massive help!

- Jess, The Wellness Warrior

Bree’s answer:

Hi Jess!

Wish I had a dollar for every time someone asked me this!

WordPress.org is definitely a great platform. I heart it. Lots. You can pretty much make it do whatever you want, simply by installing “plugins”. However, it is a li’l more techie to use and I can’t sugar-coat that. Here’s what I suggest to anyone wanting to move to WordPress.org.

  1. Make sure you’re aware of the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. I explain this (geek-free) here.
  2. Sign up for a free WordPress.com account. This isn’t to use, but to practice on! It’ll give you a feel of what the WordPress platform is like, and will give you the chance to change your mind before you pay too much more money for your WordPress.org investment. Also? You’ll get an AKISMET key. This is basically a code you use with an anti-spam plugin. Save this for later – you’ll want to use it on your WP.org site.
  3. If you read the post on WP.com vs WP.org, and have decided to go ahead and use WP.org, you’ll know that yes, you need hosting (which you’ve already got – tick!). If you didn’t have this, I’d say: check out my post on WordPress hosting suggestions.
  4. You need a domain name for your WP.org site. You’ve also got this (another tick!) but if you didn’t, you can easily sign up for a .com (sometimes for free) one via the hosting companies I listed.

Now, for the next part. And this is where it starts to get a wee bit more complicated. In brief, here are your options…

OPTION A) DIY

  • If you used a domain name registrar that’s different to your host, you’ll need to update your DNS – geek speak for “address (basically a bunch of letters and numbers) that points your domain name to your host” – with the details your host provides you with. It can sometimes take up to 48 hours for the change to kick in. But given your domain name and hosting are with the same crew, you can ignore this step.
  • You’ll now need to install WordPress.org. If you used the hosts I suggested, you can automatically do this via the host – you don’t need to download the software from the WP.org site. I’m not sure if your hosting company offers this easier-to-do option, so just send them an e-mail to check. If they’re nice, they might even install it for you!
  • You then need to import all your posts from Blogger to WP.org. You can find further details on the official WordPress site here and you may want to use the Blogger Importer plugin.
  • The next part is the pretty-ing up part. First, find a theme (design). You can find free ones on the WordPress.org website, or you can purchase them from various sites such as ThemeForest or, if you have a bit of creative flair, I use Headway Themes to create my own design simply using a two-column layout with images inserted in the sidebars.
  • The next step is to add in some free plugins such as AKISMET, Google Analytics For WordPress, the All-In-One SEO Pack (though this one isn’t necessary if you use Headway Themes), and the one that’s saved me from pulling my hair out on more than one occasion (but sadly isn’t free): BackUp Buddy.
  • There are more plugins I’d recommend, but let’s stick with basics for now. :) Also, you’ll want to adjust your Google Analytics settings, move any RSS feeds, and set up a redirect so people who go to your .blogspot.com address are automatically taken to your new domain name. You could try this Blogger To WordPress plugin to to that.
  • Now, note that is the very abbreviated DIY version. If you’re feeling confident to do it on your own, you might also want to check out the How To Move From Blogger To WordPress e-book. Currently the authors are letting you download the first few chapters for free. (Disclosure: I’m yet to read past the free chapters – but it seems to have it covered in a lot of depth.)

OPTION B) HIRE A PRO

  • This can be the fastest, most hassle-free option. You can find someone relatively inexpensive to help you on sites such as Elance. Just a few points to remember: like eBay, the freelancers available to help you have ratings. Read them carefully, and send e-mails asking any questions first – you want someone who can do it all, from installing WordPress to importing your posts and more.
  • Important note: You will need to give any passwords to these people, so make sure you check them out thoroughly first, and once your job is done, change them so that you’re the only one with access. A very basic Blogger-to-WordPress move for a pro shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours.

So there you go! Option A is the harder one and may cause frustration. However, the more you DIY, the more you learn, and the more beneficial it is in the long run as you’ll discover how to do so much for yourself without the need to ask others for help. This could also result in saving you money. It’s really rewarding being able to do your own blog stuff.

Option B is more expensive and less stressful, but the more you don’t know, the more you’ll need to pay someone to do…

Hope that helps Jess!

Do you have any tips for Jess? Share them below.

Got a question? Please submit it here and I might use it in an upcoming post!

 

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Ask the expert: Blog-writing tips by Sarah Ayoub Christie

Written on April 6, 2011
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Welcome to my first “Ask the experts” post. In this category, I’ll do quick and bite-sized interviews with stylish bloggers, asking them to share tips and tricks to help you improve your blogging experience. Ready? Here’s the first…

Enter Sarah Ayoub Christie…

www.sarahayoub.com

Tell me about your blogs…

I have a blog catered to emerging writers called WordsmithLane, which is found at www.sarahayoub.com and just recently I launched a lifestyle mag based on critiquing beautiful experiences, places and products over at www.theaphroditechase.com.

How do you fill your 9-5 hours?

I am a freelance journalist who has been published in Madison, CLEO, Sunday Magazine, Girlfriend, YEN, ABC Unleashed, The Punch, Notebook:, Frankie and more. My writing has led to commentary on radio and TV, and also to panels at writer’s festivals and media events.

How can bloggers can develop their own writing style?

Read the kind of publications you want to write for, figure out the kind of writer you want to be and just practise, practise, practise! One of the big writing lessons comes from writing what you know, so keep your personality and experience in your words. My blogging can be very sarcastic, especially whem I an writing about my own wordsmith experience, and that’s because I can be a very sarcastic person. Always try to do something to make you stand out from the rest of the writers/bloggers out there.

Does writing always have to come easy?

I definitely think writing can be improved upon and developed, otherwise there wouldn’t be so many courses and opps to develop it. However, I think that fundamentally, I do believe in the fact that writers are born with a little pen-spark in their little heads. Most writers I know have a style and talent that comes naturally to them, much like their DNA.

[Bree's note: Even if writing isn't your thing, don't be discouraged! Some of the best blogs around are based on other talents: photos, videos (vlogs) and an ability for discovering and sharing the best content on the web via lists and round-up posts. Discover what you do best and work on developing that skill to the max!]

How should you approach someone to interview them for a post?

Always approach them with a very professional e-mail, or if that’s not possible, a phone call. Identify how you know them/heard of them to demonstrate that you have put thought into your selection of them as a subject, and discuss how beneficial their insights will be to your project. Don’t presume they know about you, or are available. You have to work for it and work on their demands, so always be polite and courteous.

Getting the most out of an interview can be tricky…

The biggest mistake is asking the kind of questions that require short, blunt answers. You want them to elaborate, because that is what will lead onto another subject or topic that you can then quizz them on. Phone or in-person or skype interviews are better than e-mail for this reason – the subject doesnt have a lot of time to think about their answer and you get what you want out of them more naturally that way, but I guess this applies to journalism more than blogging. To get the most out of an interview, do your background research so you can formulate the questions accordingly and keep them on target topic for your post or article.

Short, sharp sentences are punchier, aren’t they?

I’m working on a novel at the moment, and I am always guilty of sentences that are too long. The problem here is that you lose the reader. We also use “that” alot. Punchy sentences have more impact, less words just equal better writing because you can convey something so simply. There usually always is a single word that could replace three. That said, I am also guilty of not reading my blog posts, they always have typing errors that I have to go through and fix, so I have started drafting in Microsoft Word. This comes with the territory of doing too much at any one time. But bascially, you dont want to drown out your point in a mass of words and sentences that do nothing for your quality of work, or the message you’re trying to get across.

Best tips for post headlines?

Keep headlines short and sharp. Relating them back to a well-known issue, saying/phrase, movie or song always works wonders, as does a pun. Headlines should be witty and clever, reveal the gist of the story and invite the reader to read on with the minimum amount of words possible. Rhyming words and alliteration also work a treat. I have sometimes based whole articles on playing around with sayings that I turn into ideas.

[Bree's note: If SEO is one of your strategies, "clever" headlines don't usually cut the mustard, however, I find that the witty or magnetic post titles ("23 ways to...") are the best for sharing via Twitter and can definitely attract new readers from re-tweets. So depending on what you're blogging about, consider both options, and work out who you're targeting: Google or Twitter.]

Thanks so much Sarah for your time!

What are your best blog-writing tips?

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Ask Bree: Which host should I use for a WordPress blog?

Written on April 1, 2011
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QUESTION: I’m moving my blog from Blogger to WordPress. Can you recommend a host? I was thinking of going with BlueHost as I know someone who uses them – unless you have any other recommendations?

- Christina, Hair Romance

Bree’s answer:

Hi Christina!

That’s a great question – and a popular one to too!

Web hosting services are a bit like cars: everyone seems to have an opinion on what’s good and what’s not. I am absolutely certain that if you were to Google any of my suggestions below, you’d find a negative “I’m NEVER using this company AGAIN”-type review. And I can also guarantee they’ll use a lot more colourful language than that :)

The first thing to look for when searching for somewhere to host your WordPress blog is that it can handle the requirements of WordPress. You don’t have to know what this means (it’s rather technical), you just have to be aware of it. This article on the WordPress site has what you need to know.

(Side note: If you don’t know the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com make sure you read this post.)

Thankfully, most of the well-known hosts not only have all the things you need, but they also make installing WordPress easier with relatively simple instructions that can take away the headaches of trying to create new databases, users, setting up FTPs and other geeky things like that!

Over the last seven years I’ve used six different hosts. Ironically, I found the most-expensive “prestigious” one (who I chose because they host many, many popular websites – including a well-known airline) the worst in terms of performance, reliability, ease-of-use and customer service. And they charged THREE times as much as the others!

The two I currently like the best are:

Both handle WordPress and have live-chat functions so you can contact someone day or night for support if you need to. Also, I’ve found both to have good customer service, a quick response time and relatively inexpensive pricing (however, HostGator‘s starting price is a little cheaper).

If you’re interested in using HostGator, I have discount codes arranged with them – simply enter theblogstylist or stylishblogger to save when signing up. (Friendly disclosure: I may receive a referral fee from the Bluehost or HostGator if you sign up via my links.)

And if you’re still not sure who to go with, ask as many other bloggers as you can. Like I said, everyone has an opinion, so try to get as many suggestions as you can!

Hope that helps Christina!

Do you have any hosting suggestions? Share your recommendations below.

Got a question? Please submit it here and I might use it in an upcoming post!

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Ask Bree: Can you recommend WordPress plugins for forms?

Written on March 26, 2011
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QUESTION: Can you recommend any WordPress plugins for forms? I need one for my site and can’t find anything good. Also, can you manipulate them to ask readers any question? Is the format you receive the info in easy to read?

- Nadean, Photography By Nadean

Bree’s answer:

Hi Nadine,

This is an easy one!

There are two that I’ve used with great success.

1. Contact Form 7

Contact Form 7 is the “must have” on many “WordPress plugins all bloggers should have” lists. It’s very basic and easy to use. You pretty much upload, activate, adjust the e-mail address you’d like the info to be sent to, create a new page and paste the code into it. By default, the form will ask your reader for their name, e-mail address, subject line and message. If you’re running a simple competition, this form is also handy for collecting 25-words-or-less style entries as it can be embedded within a post as well.

2. FS Contact Form

If you’re after a contact form that offers pretty much everything – and the kitchen sink – FS Contact Form is the one for you! It has all kinds of customisation options – you can set auto responders, page redirects, image upload requirements, and adjust CSS, CAPTCHA and AKISMET settings. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

3. Side note

If you’re reading this and you don’t use WordPress, there are still lots of contact-form options you can try including:

Hope that helps Nadean!

Do you have any contact form suggestions?

Got a question? Please submit it here and I might use it in an upcoming post!

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Ask Bree: How do bloggers make money blogging?

Written on March 4, 2011
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QUESTION: Was your intention to make money blogging when you started this blog? And is there a tasteful way to make money blogging?

- Elsa, almost-but-not-quite a blogger

Bree’s answer

Hi Elsa, that’s a great question!

My first answer is yes, I did intend to make money from this blog when I started it. When it launched I had Google Adsense ads on it, as well as a couple of affiliate ads.

But after the first few months, I had second thoughts. Every time I looked at the ads, I didn’t like the look of them compared to the design of my website, and I knew some of the ads that showed up were not relevant to my readers. That’s not to say I don’t think Google Adsense should be used at all (they’re still on my RSS feed for this site), I just didn’t think they worked here so I took them down. Maybe one day I’ll reintroduce them? Who knows.

I could have replaced them with “regular” ads, but a) my site was too new, and thus the traffic wasn’t worth writing home about. And b) I didn’t have the time or energy to organise getting sponsors on board. So I didn’t.

However, I still use affiliate links. For anyone who doesn’t know what affiliate links are, let me explain…

Affiliate links are special links with bits of tracking code in them that bloggers can use to link to shopping websites, such as Amazon. If someone clicks on the affiliate link and purchases a product on the other side, the blogger may earn a commission.

I have affiliate links on this blog. Do affiliate they make me money? Yes – a little bit. But it’s not much!

You need a lot of traffic to make a living off blogging

However, making money from this blog is no longer one of my main goals. I write this blog – when I have the time – because I enjoy it. I get a kick out of writing list posts like this, I’ve been invited to be part of iFabbo (International Fashion & Beauty Bloggers’ Organization) because of it, and I’ve met some of the most wonderful people through it. Those are the things that make this blog worthwhile to me. Not dollar signs.

So, how do bloggers make money?

There are lots of bloggers who make money blogging. For some of them, blogging is their full-time job. I met full-time bloggers at BlogWorld last year (Nomadic Matt is one of them – full-time travel blogger!). I spoke with full-time bloggers at the ProBlogger Event I attended. And I tweet with full-time bloggers quite often.

So while this blog isn’t going to fund me a trip to Cabo San Lucas any time soon, I still know the “hows” of making money from blogging. They are:

  • Selling your own ads
  • Placing contextual ads such as Google ads on your blog
  • Joining ad networks (for example, Nuffnang, Glam Publisher Network, BlogHer Ads)
  • Using affiliate programs (see below for examples)
  • Writing sponsored posts (a bit like a magazine advertorial)
  • Writing paid reviews (there are sites such as PayPerPost that help with the coordination of this, though I have no experience with them)
  • Selling your own products (you might use Cafepress or Zazzle, for example)
  • Selling e-books (PDF documents you’ve written) via sites such as ClickBank or E-Junkie
  • Offering consulting on your blog’s topic (perhaps via Skype or email)
  • Selling memberships to forums and password-protected areas of your blog
  • Asking for donations using a simple PayPal button
  • Setting up a wish-list (many sites have these including Amazon)
  • Charging for newsletter subscriptions (using Letter.ly is one way to do this)

What affiliate programs are there?

There are loads of them. One of the easiest ways to find suitable affiliate programs for your blog is to visit the shopping website of a brand you love. For example, if you go to the Sephora website, and scroll to the bottom, you’ll see AFFILIATES written in the footer.

Some business and brands set up their own affiliate programs, while many go through affiliate networks. Some examples off affiliate networks include:

  • E-Junkie: Many digital products such as e-books and software
  • ShareASale: Broad range – clothing, accessories, health, home and garden
  • LinkShare: Broad range – clothing, accessories, health, home and garden
  • ClickBank: Digital products including e-books and site memberships
  • Commission Junction: Big range of well-known brands including Murad, Philosophy, Stilla, Bluefly and Gap.
  • VigLink: Which is a “global affiliate program”. That is, instead of signing up for many programs, you sign up for one (which saves time and effort) though you receive a smaller commission.

Are there tasteful ways to make money?

I guess my answer to this is a bit like what some people say about beauty – tasteful is in the eye of the beholder. For me, tasteful is largely about context. I would never say I’ve used an affiliate product if I haven’t. That would not sit well with me. However, I’ve used affiliate links to link to products I haven’t used before BUT they have been in the context of reporting (eg: Blogger XYZ uses hosting company ABC – where ABC is linked using an affiliate link).

Some bloggers who use affiliate links give their readers the option by including a two links to the product they’re referring to, one with an affiliate link (usually marked with “Aff”) and one without.

I think it’s a nice (and honest) idea to make it known you use affiliate links on your blog. You could write this at the end of any posts, or do as I do and have a disclaimer (see my “terms of use” page). Some ad and affiliate networks say you have to include mention of your involvement with them somewhere, and if you live in the US this disclaimer is mandatory.

I didn’t always feel comfortable about using affiliate links or making money from this blog – I feel like many of my readers are “friends” and it feels weird to make money from “friends”! I even took all the affiliate links off here at one point and discussed this topic with the lovely Clare Lancaster of Women In Business (read about our convo here). But eventually I figured I can put hours and hours into some posts – as you probably do with yours – and surely being rewarded with a few dollars here and there for that effort is OK?

What are your thoughts on making money from blogging?

Got a question? Please submit it here and I might use it in an upcoming post!

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Ask Bree: Help! I upgraded WordPress and now my blog’s broken!

Written on February 27, 2011
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QUESTION: Help! I just upgraded my blog to the latest version of WordPress and now I’m getting error messages and can’t login! What should I do?

- Shannon, EcoBeautyEditor.com

Bree’s answer

Oh dear, Shannon! That’s enough to make you want to curl up in a corner and cry. I know (been there, done that). Without knowing what the actual problem is, here’s what I’d suggest you do as a precaution next time you need to upgrade your WordPress blog! It’s like your mum always told you: prevention’s better than cure.

1. Always, always, always back up your sites. And in case that wasn’t clear, I’ll repeat: ALWAYS! :)

2. Use a backup plugin. The easiest one I’ve used is BackupBuddy. Unfortunately it comes at a cost (from around $45). There are free plugins such as WP-DB-Backup but it only backs up your database (your words, comments etc) and not your folders (images, plugins, themes). BackupBuddy does both, right from your dashboard.

3. Set up a fully working replica of your blog on another domain. You can use

Got a question? Please submit it here and I might use it in an upcoming post!

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