I want to write what would be most valuable to you though, not just whatever pops out of the swirling mass of chaos between my ears.
Because multiple posts on the topic of coffee, Shakespearean odes to Twitter, why I can’t remember what a superlative is when my boys ask during grammar lessons, or the cute games my kids play with our cats probably aren’t as valuable or endearing to you as they might be to me. Seriously though have you seen what happens if kids show a kitten a Kung Zhu? Hilarity ensues. But back on topic…
If you’ve got about a minute, please let me know which of these topics you’d like information about this month? I’d really appreciate it.
Here are some of my ideas, but I’m happy to go find smart, fun guest bloggers for topics I can’t tackle well if there’s something else you’d like to know more about.
- Social Networking (Using Twitter & Facebook)
- Using WordPress to Build & Manage Your Website
- Technical Help with cPanel, Stats and Web Basics
- How to Improve Your Website (Usability Basics)
- Article Marketing
- Blogging Tips (Plugins, Content, Images, etc)
- How to Re-purpose Your Content
- Building a Mailing List (setting it up, getting subscribers, etc)
- Creating & Selling Your Own Info Products
- Automation Strategies to Save You Time
- Getting More Traffic to Your Website or Search Engine Basics
- Behind the Scenes “Stuff” I’m Doing to Grow My Business
Leave me a comment and if I blog about what you’ve suggested I’ll link to your website in the post (so be sure to include your URL in the URL field!).
Photo credit: dave from morguefile.com
Get Inspired! Free Blogging Ideas
Michelle has been online since the late 80s, creating websites since the early 90s, and has coded thousands of web pages in that time. She's worked as a virtual assistant and website designer for small business owners including marketers, authors, coaches, crafters, and other solopreneuers.
Twitter: coachdiana11
says:
Hi Michelle, can I say all? I know that doesn’t help but everything you have listed is going to help me so much! Let’s see if i can list 5 to help you narrow it down a bit:
1. Using WordPress to Build & Manage Your Website
2. Technical Help with cPanel, Stats and Web Basics
3. How to Improve Your Website (Usability Basics)
4. Blogging Tips (Plugins, Content, Images, etc)
5. Automation Strategies to Save You Time
6. Behind the Scenes “Stuff” I’m Doing to Grow My Business
Ok I ended up with an extra one because I am really interested to see what you are doing behind the scenes :)
Twitter: ofelren
says:
Hello Maám Michelle,
As a beginner, I would like to start with
1. Social Networking
2. Blogging Tips
3.Article Marketing
4.How to Re-purpose Your Content
5.Creating & Selling Your Own Info Products
6.Building a Mailing List
7.Getting More Traffic to Your Website or Search Engine Basics
8.Technical Help with cPanel, Stats, & Web Basics
9.How to Improve Your Website
10.Using WordPress to Build & Manage You Website
11Automation Strategies to save You Time
12.Behind the Scenes “Stuff” I’m Doing to grow My Business
I’m really interested to know all these to start with.
Thank you so much. I will follow you.
God bless.
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Diana, yes, you can say everything. I’m sure I won’t quit blogging after the Ultimate Blog Challenge… ;)
Ofelia, thanks for following and commenting.
Twitter: aplusvaservices
says:
Hi Michelle,
I’m very excited & more motivated this go around for this challenge! Thanks for all the two if you are doing.
As for what I’d like to see! Well all the suggestions are great! They are all things people need/can learn, but if I need to choose one I’d say article marketing!
Look forward to reading your blog in the coming days!
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Thanks, Leona. I’ll make sure I cover that. :)
Twitter: Amarimum
says:
Hi Michelle, I would very much like to see usability basics for improving a website. I hope the fact that I’m using blogger won’t be a problem?
The others are Automation Strategies and Behind the scene stuff.
I look forward to reading your updates.
Thanks.
Kifayat recently posted… Im Participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge!
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Hi Kifayat, sometimes I do mentioned WordPress specific plugins but I try to offer alternatives for those on other platforms as well. :) A lot of the basics are the same anywhere.
I see your ComLuv blog – welcome to the blog challenge!
Twitter: freelancingmama
says:
I would love to learn more about using social networks and the behind the scenes things you are doing! I am just getting serious about blogging, so extra tips from someone who is obviously doing it right would be a real treasure!
Carrie Beasley recently posted… Terror and Gratitude
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Hi Carrie, I love those topics. :) Thanks for commenting!
Hi..first thing that is one my mind: while I still dislike the whole Twitter thing, I understand somewhat what it can do for me as a freelance performing artist. I def need to know more on how to use it to my advantage.
Thanks
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Stuart, it took me a while to get on board with Twitter… I ignored it for a while because it seemed so… well, silly! But once I finally jumped in and got it figured it out, it’s great — one of the top sources of traffic to my website. I’d love to share more on how it can be used effectively. Thanks for the feedback.
Hi, Michelle! Here’s what I’d like to know about this month:
• Article Marketing
• Blogging Tips (Plugins, Content, Images, etc)
• How to Re-purpose Your Content
• Building a Mailing List (setting it up, getting subscribers, etc)
• Getting More Traffic to Your Website or Search Engine Basics
Now let me ask you: what would you like to know about this month from me?
• Social Media basics & etiquette
• Basics to be aware of if doing your own printed marketing
• Visual Identity Branding
• Networking Tips
Have fun! :)
Lisa Raymond recently posted… To Invite Members Or To Add
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Ooooh, ooh, fun!! Networking tips and branding!! I am one of those really shy people that struggles with networking so I’d love tips on that. Thanks for commenting and the question.
Twitter: ahainspirations
says:
Good morning gorgeous!
Great ideas!! I’d like to read about:
* Article Marketing
* How to Re-purpose Your Content
* Building a Mailing List (setting it up, getting subscribers, etc)
* Creating & Selling Your Own Info Products
* Automation Strategies to Save You Time
* Getting More Traffic to Your Website or Search Engine Basics
* Behind the Scenes “Stuff” I’m Doing to Grow My Business
Thank you!!
In consciousness and cupcakes,
~Namaste
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Thanks, Namaste — appreciate your comment (and compliment!). :)
Twitter: lisbethtanz
says:
For one – I’d like to know how to get the Digg Digg plugin to work so that it can show up on my blog. :) How to organize project flow so it…flows. Um. I’m brain dead this morning. I know there’s more, but it’s not forthcoming. I trust you will write about exactly what I need to know when I need to know it. :)
Lisbeth Tanz recently posted… Get Out Of Your Own Way
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
I’ll have to check that out Lis, I haven’t played with that plugin yet but I bet we can figure it out. :) Project management I’ll have to brainstorm around… good idea.
Twitter: gjsuap
says:
Hi Michelle!!
Today in #7Links in my site http://gjsuap.com there is a mention to your “Clover blog: syndication” as my favorite post in the month in another blog (yes, in spanish… but you win as my favorite post of the month!)
For your question, my favorite topics will be:
1. Blogging Tips (Plugins, Content, Images, etc)
2. Automation Strategies to Save You Time
3. Building a Mailing List (setting it up, getting subscribers, etc)
Saludos!!
Gonzalo.
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Thanks for the mention, Gonzalo, I appreciate that. Muchas gracias!
Blogging Tips (Plugins, Content, Images, etc)
Getting More Traffic to Your Website or Search Engine Basics
Article Marketing
these are the infos I’d love to read more
Bani recently posted… Groom Wedding Speech
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Thanks Bani, appreciate your comment.
Hi Michelle, beautiful name by the way! I’d love to hear about the behind the scenes stuff to grow your business…I think that is a great topic and always nice to hear tips. You are doing a great job in motivating us to be part of the challenge. I look forward to more learning!
Michelle Church recently posted… NOW Is The Moment To Be Present
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Hi Michelle, you have a beautiful name, too! lol
I love reading behind the scenes things. I’ll have to figure out what’s helpful to share. :)
Hi Michelle,
Lovely to be on the blog challenge again – thanks so much for running it.
I’d love to hear more about the behind the scenes stuff you’re doing to grow your biz.
Sounds exciting.
Thanks again
Heather x
Heather Bestel recently posted… The Ultimate Blog Challenge
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
It’s a blast, isn’t it? I love Blog Challenges! Thanks for commenting, Heather.
I would love to see more posts on blogging tips. How to add images, how to get free images, how to highlight, format, etc.
Great job on co-hosting the event. Its very motivating.
shilpa recently posted… Carnival of Testers 20
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Hey Shilpa, thanks for stopping by. I know the blog challenge motivates ME. :D
Images are a fun topic, I’ll see what I can come with to share there.
Twitter: Almost60Really
says:
Oh, kiddo, thanks for asking! I definitely want information on improving my website. I’m still such a stinkin’ newbie at it that it’s embarrassing!
You know your way around, and I’d really like to read stuff about making my site better. I need it! :D
Paula Lee Bright recently posted… I’m In a Teacher’s State of Mind- My Dream School
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
We all start out there, Paula. :) The good news is most of the time it’s pretty easy to make the tweaks and changes to get better response.
Twitter: DressingMyTruth
says:
Hi Michelle! Top of my list would be getting more traffic and SEO basics. Maybe that would help me figure out exactly what I’m doing right for those blog posts or other pages that show up on Google’s first page and what I could more of to help out the pages and posts that don’t.
I’d also be interested in behind the scenes stuff you’re doing to build your business.
And I’d love to know how to add comment systems like Disqus and Intense Debate to Blogger (or whichever ones can be added). I’ve seen it on some Blogger blogs and would love to know how they did it.
Jeanine
Jeanine Byers Hoag recently posted… Project 333- the Ultimate Blog Challenge & the Ultimate Blog Party!
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Wondering why your blog post is on the top page at Google… that’s a good problem to have, Jeanine! lol I’ll share some search engine tips.
Yes, it’s definitely possible to add those to a Blogger blog. http://disqus.com/admin/blogger/
Twitter: juliehenderson
says:
Michele
Some of the things I would like are
# Blogging Tips (Plugins, Content, Images, etc), I love the videos you create — they make it very easy to follow.
(Widgets – I just noticed the RSS is picking up my last post with that feed, even though I am using Networkedblogs…guess I need to install the widget — installing widgets and new plug ins freaks me out even though seems easy …backup and carry on….this is something I want to outsource)
# Automation Strategies to Save You Time (Is there a quick way to unfollow in Twitter or match the followers to non-followers so it’s easy to delete
# Options for Shopping Carts
If I think of other things, I will be sure to let you know. Appreciate your help, Michele. These blog challenges have been most helpful.
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Thanks, Julie! I enjoy video for that reason, too. It’s so much easier to “see” what to do rather than read it and try to match the directions to my screen.
For Twitter, I’ll blog about it later, but check out http://www.justunfollow.com and http://dossy.org/twitter/karma/
Twitter: melaniekissell
says:
Your list of ideas is super duper, Michelle — topics almost everyone would appreciate knowing more about.
I would really love to know — soup to nuts — what it takes to put together a successful teleseminar and/or webinar. Where do you start? What tools do you need? How do you promote it? What kind of follow up should you do after it’s over? Well, you get the picture. :)
Whew! You’re going to be blogging up a storm!
I’d like to wish all the participants buckets full of good times and the best of blogging success in the Ultimate Blog Challenge. The UBC rocks!
Melanie Kissell recently posted… Blogging Causes Insomnia
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Great suggestion, Melanie. I’ll brainstorm what I can share there (and who I can get over to here to share more tips). :)
Hi Michelle
Just came over from Melanie Kissell’s site, wow… what a great job you’ve done over there.
Crisp, clean and of so sophisticated.
Noticed that you have used Genesis theme – is it just Genesis or have you used a child theme with it?
I’m asking because I’ve just bought the Genesis Pro package so that I can use Genesis on client’s sites.
Michelle please accept my apologies for being off topic but when I saw Malanie’s site I just had to come over and congratulate you.
Keith Davis recently posted… Surfing the video wave
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Hey Keith, no problem! :) Any comments welcome (well, just don’t try to tell me pharmaceuticals or videos LOL).
Melanie’s is Genesis with Lifestyle child theme. Mine here is too, actually. I’ve used their themes since they were Revolution way back. I briefly switched away to Woothemes Gazette here on my blog (which I liked a lot) but ended up back with Genesis because I wanted a framework I could upgrade without re-coding my customizations. I like to mess with my theme code so I needed a safer way to do that.
Sounds good to me Michelle, now about those pharmaceuticals… LOL
Looks as though I’m going to be over here a lot picking your brains about Genesis.
Studiopress forum looks great but you can’t beat talking to a real person.
Keith Davis recently posted… Surfing the video wave
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Yep, it helps. I’d be happy to chat and help if I can. I’ll go see if we’re connected on Twitter/Facebook.
Michelle
Confession time… I’m not on Facebook or Twitter.
I’m a social media philistine.
I’ll just call in as and when.
Keith Davis recently posted… Surfing the video wave
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
LOL That’s okay. My blog will be here. :)
Twitter: ofelren
says:
Hi Michelle, as a beginner I’m very interested to know all your topics and I will follow all your blogs and emails to me. Thank you so much that I found your link.
God bless.
Ofelia Reny Victoriano recently posted… How to Create a Great Offer
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Thanks, Ofelia, and I’ll do my best to deliver helpful content. :)
Twitter: ShelHorowitz
says:
Automation, repurposing – doing more with less, in other words :-)
Shel Horowitz – Green/Ethical Marketing Expert recently posted… True Self-Publishing vs Subsidy Publishing
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Getting more done with less time is always good! But I think you may already know those ninja strategies. :)
Twitter: rhondaneely
says:
I have 3 things I’d like to know more about:
1. Twitter – I really have no clue how it works and is used properly. I know that everything I post I also tweet and that’s about it.
2. Ultimate Blog Challenge – Is this really as simple as blogging every day? No website to go to to read other’s blog posts (again the Twitter rolling thing on the UBC confuses me).
3. Writing in 3 or 5 simple steps. Is there a guide that may be simple such as, talk about the problem, write an answer to the problem, and then the benefits of doing it this way…something to make writing blog posts easy. For example, I have a template for my ezine that makes it very easy to plug in the info. Maybe you have a blog template like Opening Paragraph, Second Paragraph, Third Paragraph and what the topic of each paragraph should be.
Thanks for all you do and wow, what a great response you’ve gotten to this post!!!
Rhonda Neely recently posted… Be Present This Week with Those You Love
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
1. My favorite subject! I may do another free Twitter webinar this month.
2. Yes! UBC is just a blog 30 times in 30 days challenge. No specific tasks or topics. We share our blog posts on Facebook and/or Twitter. The suggestion is to try to comment on 1 or 2 other blogs in the challenge each day as well as posting on your blog, because you’ll get better results but it’s not a requirement.
3. Oh!! Yes, there ARE templates for that! I’ll put together some links on that and suggestions when I do the article marketing post.
Twitter: rhondaneely
says:
Oh I can’t wait for the article marketing post and the Twitter webinar!!! Both are much needed in my business.
Here’s another one, how do I make the comments that are left on my blog be displayed? Right now, they are hidden and you have to click on Comments to read them.
Rhonda Neely recently posted… This is Your Chance!
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
On the front page? Or link me to it and I can help. :)
I think social networking would be a great one since Twitter and Facebook are taking over the internet! I also loved your blog on “tomorrow is not the same as yesterday”, so I think quotes are great to talk about and what quotes keep us motivated. Good luck on your 30!!
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Social networking is a hot topic. Thanks!
Twitter: kg_photography
says:
I want to know about how to offer ebooks. I have a great idea for one that I”m going to start writing on Monday, but how do I set it up to be downloaded from my site? Do I have to use a service? Can my hosting company help me? Do I need to contact a web designer?
THAT’s what I want to know :)
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photography Blog recently posted… Photography Challenge- Fabulous Friday
Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
says:
Great questions! I’ll definitely be sharing some info on how to get setup to offer digital items for sale later this month.