I figured since I’m working so hard to get me in shape, that I should also get my blog in shape.  I’ve always loved my simple look but it’s 2011 and well, I thought it needed some sprucing up.  Dawn (@PainterMommy), from DPK Graphic Design came highly recommended and after seeing her makeover my ELM ‘grab’ button, I knew she’d do a great job.

I didn’t give her much to go on to be honest, only that I wanted to keep it personal and she ran with it.  She truly has the right stuff and is made for this business.  I was thrilled with her first draft.   She made category buttons for me and blog buttons as well, including the SUPER cool one in my sidebar that you can grab and put on your site. I LOVE how she did it. It’s probably the most creative blog button I’ve ever seen.

All my blogs will be getting touch-ups here and there.   I’ll be making them more user friendly so if you have suggestions for ANY of my blogs, feel free to give me a holler!

New things to mention:

• Added a page for all my videos that I create.
• Grab button in sidebar
• Facebook “Like” widget in sidebar
• Two sections above the recent posts, focusing on “Texas” and “Operation Fatty”.  I plan to focus on Texas (and local) things more.

I think getting a blog makeover is like rearranging your living room. It makes you feel good, gives it a new fresh look, and hopefully making parts of the blog more accessible.  I hope you enjoy the new look and if you’re looking for a great graphic designer, Dawn is a must.  Have a good’un!

Thanks so much!  Sorry to be so brief but wanted to get things rolling for interested parties.

Apply for an editor here

Also, sign up for the newsletter so that you’ll be the first to know about the launch and future updates!

A while back I needed a few bloggers for a campaign (I’ve done this a few times) and even though I knew of many that might fit, I decided to visit each blog and see what’s been going on with them.  It was at this time that I realized that almost every single blog I visited had at least 80% reviews and giveaways.  I was so sad.  I was sad because it took this long for me realize what some of those other bloggers were talking about.  I knew there were review bloggers and all but I guess I hadn’t realized that non-review bloggers turned into review bloggers whether they realized it or not.

As I skimmed through the sites of some of the people I have known for while, I kept thinking about how I remembered their blog and the fact that they shared family moments, personal struggles and big dreams.  And now it’s review/giveaway, review/giveaway, coupon mention, giveaway, review, review, family moment, etc……I remember when I first started blogging and how giveaways brought in traffic so I did them and I got free stuff so I reviewed them….but then I also got smart and realized that there needed to be more substance to me and my blog.  While I may not write amazing content, I do share bits of me and my family and my struggles and achievements.   I do feel as a person, I’m more than the constant reviews and giveaways and want my blogs to reflect that.  Heck, I even felt bad about posting three giveaways back to back awhile ago and apologized to my readers.

If you want to do reviews and giveaways nonstop that’s your business, but I’m finding that those very two things are what’s driving me away from your blog, you, and keeping me from referring you to companies.  Not that it matters because judging by a few things I see these days, companies are working with pretty much anyone, no matter the quality of them as a person or their blog.

I’ve been in a funk for the past 7 or 8 months, came out of it not too long ago for a few days, then went back into it again.  I finally realized that maybe this “mom blogging” isn’t for me.  I’m happy to continue things here and at my food blog but I need more stimulation.  I need to be a woman……not just a mom (although I thoroughly enjoy that roll).  It made me realize that I need to do something about the funk and not just sit and let things ago until I’m so depressed that i just end up quitting.  On July 1st, I’m launching a new site.  A site that will provide that stimulation for me, and hopefully you.

I never did refer any of those bloggers. In fact, I told the company that, “I can only recommend these three.” because I just wasn’t going to put my name and reputation on blogs that went from blogs with meaning to a review/giveaway type blog.  You can make money and get cool things to review and still remain authentic.  You don’t have to turn your blog into that you know…or do you?  There are couple of bloggers out there who do a lot of reviews and giveaways who, that if they really wanted to, could be so much more and probably even make more money.  I hope they see their potential and take action.  In the meantime, I hope that you find your true calling and remember that your blog is a reflection of you a person.  How do you want to remembered online?

* Make a RSS page for feed newbies.

Many, many people have no clue what the heck RSS is. How can they subscribe if they don’t know what it is. Here’s my RSS page. You want to include what RSS is, how to use it, links to RSS readers, what a reader is, and why they would want to subscribe to feeds.  Oh, and of course, don’t forget to link to your own blog feeds!

* Make your feed accessible.

People are lazy! If they don’t see a subscribe button or link, they won’t make the effort to find it. I have links in my sidebar where you can subscribe to my feed via reader or by email. Some people only check email and don’t have time to go to a reader and read. They simply want it coming to their inbox so make both available.

* Use Facebook

Create a tab on your page that allows for blog subscriptions.  You’d be surprised at how many will find you through facebook and not through the web.  Having your subscription link accessible will allow them to quickly subscribe before forgettting where they found you, once they find you.  You can find me on facebook: Lori Falcon | My Wooden Spoon | A Cowboy’s Wife

* Become a guest blogger

You would think contributing your work on someone’s blog would totally defeat the purpose but it actually does the opposite. IF it’s good and your own work, people will want to check out your blog for more interesting articles.  Try to  link to your main blog url and your blog subscription.  You can see one of my very old guest posts I did for Darren over at Problogger.net, Create a Video Tutorial and Help Others.  Was cool then, not so much now. lol

* Forums

When I started chatting in forums, my subscriber count increased. It’s a way to meet new bloggers and lure them back to your blog. Make sure to put your blog urls in the signature or they can’t visit you. Also, entice them by leaving the url to a post that is relevant to the topic discussion.

* Contests & Giveaways

People love free stuff so use your feed to your advantage. You could offer an additional entry for subscribing.  You could even make it fun to where ONLY the subscribers can see a clue on how to enter or perhaps create a contest post that will only be seen by your subscribers.  Lots of fun ways to gain subs.

* Content

You knew it was coming. One of the most important words of blogger dictionary. ~CONTENT~ If your content sucks, why would I want to subscribe? Whether your blogging about dolls or ways to earn money online, you need to have your own voice, opinions, and style.  Go to your homepage and see the last 10 posts….would they encourage YOU to subscribe?

Something else to do is create a post/page with some of your best/popular content.  A “best of”  and include it in a visible location.

* Lists

“Top” lists are always popular and can keep people coming back for more. You can create a list relevant to any niche and they are always fun to write and read. You can check out my list of 32 finger lickin’ food apps, you know, just in case you need an example.

* Create Controversy

While I don’t really recommend this one, it can work.  It’s just not my style.

* And finally, add visualization.

Nobody wants to read 200 words on every blog they are interested in. Add some color, videos, and pictures.

What tips do you have for increasing RSS subscribers?

Yep, that was me in 2007.  Gawd I miss my hair.  Truett was just 9mths 0ld (now 3). My how the time flies right?  I remember that photo being taken too.  We were at a hotel room in Abilene, Tx during the Western Heritage Rodeo. With the exception of a fatter face and shorter hair, I pretty much look the same I reckon.

Something I noticed on that very old post is that I replied to the comments I got on it, something I rarely do now.  Kinda sad really because I truly want to reply to comments, you know?  For the past few months I’ve been in a funk.  A funk that is finally ending thanks to a few good people, removing myself from certain commitments, lots of organization, and simply saying no.  Blogging is exhausting mentally and I’m ashamed that I let it break me down like it did.  I’m feeling good and with all the recent changes, I’m looking forward to whatever comes next.

If you haven’t already noticed, some things have changed here at A Cowboy’s Wife.  I merged all the topics that I love back into the blog.  The fact is, I like to talk about everything and I just don’t see any sense in maintaining several blogs.  I don’t have the time for that.  So expect blogging, crafts, shopping, digital, and other topics here now on a regular basis.  I’m getting back in the groove y ‘all!

Until tomorrow……..

When asked about the site by Amy (ResourcefulMommy), Esther replied with this tweet:

Which could be very cool. My only problem with the site at this point is that A) she has a few facts wrong under the different categories (but she told Amy she is making edits) and B) I don’t like my name being on the site….but probably not for the reason you are thinking.

There’s a reason I don’t often write about many of my trips. The truth is, I hate the feeling of “flaunting”.  I know my nonblogging readers would love to hear about my trips but I also know that there are so many bloggers who would love to get a chance to go on some trips and don’t get to (and I refer many when I can’t attend) so I’ve just always felt like they are trips that don’t need extra attention here on my blog.  That also means that I prefer them not being broadcast anywhere else either, especially in list format.  I personally feel like it just excludes those who didn’t get invited and after hearing a few bloggers talk yesterday, my feelings are confirmed.

I wish Esther the best with the site and it’s success!!!  Now that my feelings about the site are out, I’d like to focus on something else.

When some tweets were coming out about the site and all the different brands that bloggers work with, I got a few emails from newer bloggers stating their feelings of intimidation and uncertainty.   These bloggers feel as if they can’t (or perhaps  shouldn’t is a better word) be representing several brands because of fear of backlash from those “haters”.  All these feelings because a couple of people hate that brand or  people tweet certain things about representing multiple brands.  This is why I always stress the importance of choosing brands carefully. It’s important for you to know the brand you’re working with.  If you are proud of the brands you choose to represent, whether that be through giveaways or through spokesperson campaigns, you shouldn’t let those “haters” intimidate you.   If you are ethical and truly love the brand, there should be no worries.  Be proud of who you work with, stand by your brand.

If you only are representing multiple brands to get free stuff, you are what we all look down at.  You are what makes the rest of us, who work so hard for our reputation, look bad.  And if that is you, then yes you need to reevaulate your priorities and the brands you are working with.

I am proud of ALL the brands I work with.  You might not like this brand or that one for your own reasons, but if I’m writing about them, I do.  I’d  hope that everyone can respect each other and their choice of brands and always remember to choose your brands carefully.

Step 1. GET A DOMAIN

You get a free one when you sign up with most web hosts, however, it’s advisable to get your domain from a domain registrar. If you get the free domain given by any web hosts, the web host company will be the registrant of the domain, not YOU.

I recommend GoDaddy.  Get YOUR DOMAIN HERE.  If you have one already, skip this step.

Step 2: GETTING YOUR WEB HOST

My recommendation for a web host is HostGator. Their customer service rocks and they are reliable! If you can afford to pay by the year, I highly recommend that.  If you can only afford to pay monthly, then scroll down for step by step instructions.

This is VERY important because you need a good host to support your new blog and domain. Unfortunately, not all web hosts allow you to pay monthly but lucky for you, HostGator does. They only have three shared hosting packages to choose from Hatchling, Baby, and Business but you need to make sure to choose the hosting package that is named “Baby” because that is the one you need for the coupon & setup to work!   Remember to enter the word ( 1cent ) or ( hostgator) when it asks you for your promo or coupon code and a discount will be applied. What’s the discount? You will get your first month for only 1 cent! After that it will be $10 or less a month.  IF you can afford to pay by the year(s), try using coupon code ( HOUSTON ) FOR $25 off any order or ( TWITTER ) for 20% off new orders.

*** You must complete the steps above before continuing on to the next step! ***

Once you’ve made your purchase, you’ll need to allow up to 48 hours for your domain to propagate, but it usually happens pretty within 5 minutes-2hrs.  Once that has completed, you can now login in to your cPanel to install wordpress.

Step 3: SETTING UP YOUR BLOG WITH YOUR HOST

Remember that email that Host Gator sent you? There will be information in that email on how to login to your Cpanel. This Cpanel is where you are going to setup and edit certain aspects of your blog. I realize that it can be quite intimidating but it’s very simple to navigate and use. I promise to help you along the way so don’t fret;)
Once you are logged into your cpanel, you want to scroll down to the bottom of the page where you will see a blue smiley face that says “fantastico” – Click his face!

On the left, you will see a menu that say Blogs and 3 links under it. One will say WordPress – Click that WordPress link!

In the middle of the screen you will see something that says “New Installation” – Click on that dark blue link and it will automatically install your blog for you. It will ask you a few questions so that you can set up your blog now…

Here are these questions and what you should type in to install wordpress:

INSTALL IN DIRECTORY: Leave this blank guys!!!

*** Below in red – whatever username and password you decide on I URGE you to
write these down NOW before you proceed – you’ll need them in a few minutes again and you may forget)

• Administrator-username: Enter the name of your new blog (same as your domain but without the www. and also with the .com – just the text name of it with NO spaces!  For example…if your domain name was www.mynewblog.com you would just enter the name (mynewblog) and that’s all.

• Password: Enter a password for your new blog – ONLY you will use this

Then it says: Base Configuration

• Now it asks for an admin nickname: Enter the same username you did above
• Admin e-mail: Just enter any email address you want here (your main email address is best)
• Site name: Just enter the name of your new blog here
• Description: Enter the description (keep it really short) for your new blog here.

Then it says: E-mail account configuration

• Now here you are setting up a custom email address that is associated with your blog.  So you can type in here whatever you want to go before the @yourdomainname.com.  For example if my domain name was www.yourdomainhere.com and I would want to make my email lori@yourdomainhere.com You can use contact if you would like to be general about it.  This has to be filled out but you don’t have to use this email after setting it up.

• Next it asks you to set a password for that email address you just created…

Skip the next two lines that read: POP/SMTP server and POP/SMTP server port. Leave them as is – DO not erase nor type anything in these boxes!!!

• Now Click The Button At The Bottom That Says INSTALL WORDPRESS.  Now some text will appear and it says step 2/3 , Just click the FINISH INSTALLATION button at the bottom!  Once you click that button, a lot of useful info will appear so I recommend you print this next page and  save for your records!

Write these details down.   Also it should appear that your blog should be set up as follows:

http://www.yourblogdomainname.com/wp-admin

So it should be your domain name and /wp-admin at the end.
That is the link you will need ALWAYS from now on to edit your new blog!
* BOOKMARK IT AND WRITE IT DOWN *

Step 4: BLOG LOGIN & CUSTOMIZING THEME

Now once you go to that URL they gave you with the /wp-admin at the end… it will ask you for a username and password. This is the username you typed in during sign up under “Install in Directory” (listed above in RED) Same as the password!

CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU HAVE JUST CREATED A BLOG.

You are now logged into your new blog – Whew! Quite a task eh?  See Part two to learn how to pick a theme, add widgets, and write your first post.

DASHBOARD

Choose your blog theme/template:

Click on THEMES, then click on the theme that you want. Your choices are limited right now but you’ll be able to add more later on.

Once you find a theme you like, you click on install.

If you want to see a preview of it, you can go check it out by typing in your domain name http://www.yourdomain.com/

Step 6: WIDGETS

It’s all about drag and drop here.  Add the widgets you want and then click SAVE!  If you have more than 1 sidebar, you can do this in both.  There are many widgets to to choose from like categories, archives, blogrolls, etc but the TEXT widget is very handy because you add anything you want in it. There is a top bar that is to be used for the TITLE of your widget and will also be seen on the blog. Enter your title in there…name it anything you want.
*** Then the big blank white box is where you place or paste the code or widget code you have *** You can also put just plain text if you want.

Once you’re done pasting in the code or text/widget/advertisement – click on Save.  That’s all folks.  Repeat this step with the following remaining text boxes. You can use as many as you want! Just play around with them.

WRITE A POST

To the left side, you’ll see Posts. Click on Add New.

This brings you to the post where you will write your first one.

Once you have written your post, you need to add Post Tags. These are description words of your content.  You’ll also need to Pick a Category.  If you don’t have a category, Add New Category.  Once that’s done, you need to decide whether you want comments open or closed.  Comments are always open by default so unless you want to close comments, then you don’t need to worry about that part.  Finally, you are ready to publish. Simply hit publish.

VIOLA!!! You have written and published your first blog post!

Note: If you can’t finish your post, you can always hit Save Draft and finish it up later.

There is no other way for me to say it but it’s just plain wrong. To have the denied applicants paying the bill for approved applicants is wrong. The reasoning behind the fee is “the $5 is to make it for people who are really into taking their blogging to the next level etc”.  One person said it well (and I won’t mention his name just in case they don’t want to be known), if people are willing to shell out the $250 summit fee and travel expenses, don’t you think they ARE serious??

Just to give you an idea—If 500 apply but only 200 are chosen, that leaves them with pocketing $1500 from those unapproved applicants.  EDITED TO ADD:  I heard that only 60 are getting chosen…ummm, no comment.

I got TONS of DM’s and emails yesterday from people who don’t want to speak up because they are friends with some of these “savvy bloggers” but I’m speaking up because I DO NOT want any people who follow me to think it’s okay to be charged like that.  To pay to apply and if not approved, get nothing.  IT’S NOT OKAY!  And if other bloggers are worried about stepping on toes, I understand, truly I do but for me, it’s about protecting the new bloggers that will fall prey to it. If you are not approved, you should at the very least get your money back, no ifs ands or buts about it.

What really ticks me off is that when a question/concern is asked, some of the “savvy bloggers” decided to be snarky or call it drama or jealousy but that’s the furthest thing from many of our minds.  We simply want answers to our valid questions/concerns.period.  We simply are trying to make sure that people aren’t be taken advantage of.

I want to thank Erin for doing her best to answer some of the questions in a professional, respectable manner…too bad some of the others didn’t follow suit.

My suggestion is to completely do away with the fee and preferably the application process(which is a whole ‘nuther story).  If you need that $5, add it to the summit fee.  There are better ways, this is not one of them.

P.S. It’s not about the money. It’s not about trying to stir up trouble or anything like that. It’s simply saying it’s not okay.

And just another thing to add….most of these are FRUGAL bloggers right??  Well that’s real frugal. #justsayin’

Once you’ve built up a solid traffic flow then you can start selling ads to local companies that compliment your blog. Even though I have a national audience, my blog, 918couponqueen.com still reaches a local audience as well. For example, I’ve found with my blog, the advertisers like to see at least 250,000 page views per month. 918couponqueen.com is a coupon/money-saving blog, so it made sense to approach advertisers who directly benefit from my content. The result? The first advertiser was a local grocery store chain and they have been thrilled with the response. A contract is drawn up outlines the specifics which includes where the ad will be placed, how long it will run, etc.

A win- win for the advertisers and my blog is all of the media I do. I have weekly segments on the television, write a monthly article for a local magazine and guest host a radio show. If you want local media coverage of your blog, you have to aggressively pursue it. Promote yourself and if the content is good, the media will come. Media coverage not only brands you locally, but also nationally. That way, when you approach an advertiser they already have a general idea of what you do and who you are.

Even our local advertisers love the national traffic flow, as it also gets their name and company out there. Since my blog centers around coupons, I strongly recommend that my advertisers offer coupons to our users. In fact, many of the ads are actually coupons. This not only benefits my blog, but the advertiser as well.

You know your blog and content more than anyone. When pitching your blog to advertisers you must focus on how your content can reach their customers. Know your audience and know your potential advertiser’s audience. Talk about the benefits the company would receive by advertising with you versus other media outlets. Your price points should be predetermined and need to correlate with the traffic you receive. Whatever your price is, stick to it. I would also advise against signing long term advertising contracts because you may undersell your blog. For example, an ad that you sell for $50 today could be worth $150 in six months.

Create a demand to advertise on your site by providing excellent content and the advertisers will follow. Your blog should be a blog that no company could resist!

Guest Post:  Sarah Roe teaches thousands how to save money on her blog www.918couponqueen.com with daily deals, forums and online workshops. She is also the author of The Power of Coupons: 13 Ways to Save. Sarah hosts weekly news segments, a local radio show and will be featured on Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer in 2010