Bloggy Basics: How and Why to Burn a Feed

Do you burn a feed?  Do you know what a feed is?

Let's start with the basics.  What is a feed?

A feed is simply the web feed that sends information to subscribers.  You may hear it called web feed or news feed.  It works like a newspaper subscription.  For a reader to get your feed, they must subscribe.

A feed is delivered via email or rss reader.  An rss reader is an easy way to collect all recent updates to your favorite blogs without having to bookmark them or open each individual blog - all your blogs are right at your fingertips.

Next step: Why burn a feed?

As a blogger, your readers are of utmost importance.  It is critical to make it easy for them to come back or you risk losing them.  A feed allows them to subscribe either via an rss reader or via email. It makes it easy for them to come back.

Also, many web graders and search engines rank blogs with a feed higher than those that do not.

How do I go about burning a feed?

The most popular way to burn a feed is to use Feedburner.  First, create an account through Google (same as your blogger account login).  Feedburner will walk you through the simple setup step by step.  Once you have burned your feed, explore some of the options.  Under the "Optimize" tab, make sure you select to make your feed browser friendly and a SmartFeed (to make it compatible with the most readers).  Once your feed is set up, you will need to enter the feed address into Blogger.

Take your feed address (click on "edit feed details" to view and copy your feed address) and open blogger.  Go to your settings page. Click on "Site Feed."  Paste the feed address in the box for "Post Feed Redirect URL."

In the box above, click to either burn your whole post or just a partial post. Full posts are easier for subscribers to read and easier to get on mobile devices. Partial feeds require subscribers to click through to your blog to access the full post.  Partial feeds in theory will increase your traffic numbers but may deter some subscribers who don't want to take the extra step to click through.

How do I let readers subscribe via email?

While you are in your Feedburner account, click on the "Publicize" tab.  Just choose the language for your emails.  Copy the HTML code. Go in to blogger Design. Add an HTML gadget. Paste the HTML code. Drag the gadget to where you want it. Save and view!

Keep checking back for more helpful blogging tips and more Feedburner tips.

What do YOU need help with?  Let me know in the comments! 




Read more from the Bloggy Basics series which started on my other blog here:

• Explanation of Bloggy Basics
• Networking
• Create Your Own Blog Button in 5 Steps
• HTML Code: Center
• Growing Readership in 5 Steps

This post is linked up in Works for Me Wednesday because, ya know that growing readership works for me!  Please support Kristen from We Are THAT Family as she answers the call to open a maternity house in Africa called Mercy House.

Bloggy Basics: 8 Ways to Increase Comments

I love comments.  To me, they are sort of a reward for all the hard work involved in blogging.  I love reading what people have to say and interacting.  I have learned a lot through comments as well!

So, do you want more comments?  I can help!  Since I have been applying these 8 Tips, the number and quality of comments have been steadily increasing. Before, I would average 3 comments per week. Now I get many many more!

1. Ask a Question.  This is by far the best way I have found to get comments.  Ask a question in your post.  I like to put my question, in bold, at the very end of the post.  
2. Tell Readers to Comment.  With the internet, you need to be very clear about what you are saying and what you want.  Tell your readers you want them to comment.  Many times, that is all the push they need!  Try combining these first two tips in something like, "What are your thoughts about the information in this post?  Let me know in the comments!"
3. Call Out "Lurkers."  A Lurker is someone who comes to read your posts but who doesn't comment.  Lurkers are great - they read and appreciate your hard work. They keep coming back. They may not have much to say. They may be shy. They may not think you'd care about what they say.  Ask a simple question (favorite season, favorite color, just say hello) and ask for EVERYONE who is reading to take a moment to comment.
4. Make it Easy to Comment.  I say this a LOT.  Consider turning off the word verification. Many times, I will take the time to write a comment and then have trouble with the verification. Sometimes I have clicked away too soon and my comment wasn't saved because I simply didn't SEE the word verification.  Make sure readers can find your comment form. 
5. Weed Out Spam.  Word verification does help limit spam.  So does comment moderation. Many platforms (Blogger included) now have anti-spam features beyond moderation and verification.  Make sure you at least read over comments (if you don't moderate) and delete spam comments.  Spam comments can actually lower your rank in google and other website grading programs.  Spam can also kill discussions going on in the comments or cause others to not comment.
6. Comment on Other Blogs.  Do unto others....  If you want more comments, try LEAVING more comments!  Make them relevant to the content of the post. Leave thoughtful comments. Try joining a community like SITS that encourages comments on each other's blogs!
7. Write on a Hot Topic. Nothing spurs comments more than a well-written post on a hot topic.  Choose something that fits within the content of your blog, but consider an alternative view on the topic.  Don't go against your beliefs. Be authentic. Spur on debate.
8. Respond to comments.  Show your readers that you care and took the time to read their comments.  I love using IntenseDebate for this. I get comments directly in my email and can reply from there. Readers can be alerted via email to replies to their comments if they choose.  Disqus offers similar features.

So, have you commented on a blog before?  On THIS blog?  Comment today!  Let me know you are here!  What would you like to learn about blogging?  What is your favorite thing about blogging?  Let me know in the comments!




Read more from the Bloggy Basics series which started on my other blog here:

• Explanation of Bloggy Basics
• Networking
• Create Your Own Blog Button in 5 Steps
• Growing Readership in 5 Steps 
• HTML Code: CENTER

This post is linked up in Works for Me Wednesday, because DIY blog design works for me!

WFMW: Open Sky

You all know how strongly I feel about blessing others.  You know how much I love the Free Wheelchair Mission.  I also LOVE Compassion International.  I was recently introduced to yet another ministry very worthy of our attention and support: Mercy House.

I recently decided to add advertising to this blog, but not for my family to profit.  I desire to bless others by giving to these ministries.  You can read all about Why Ads in my past post.  Here's the breakdown of what I would need to meet these God-sized goals.

Three wheelchairs: $117.60 (or $14.80 per month)
Compassion Sponsorship: $456 (or $38 per month)
Mercy House: $300 (or $25 per month)

On one hand, it looks like a lot, on the other, it seems totally within reach.  You all have already helped me raise $60 for a wheelchair!

To help reach this goal, I have opened an Open Sky store.  Open Sky works a lot like Etsy.  I am not selling my own wares but hand-picking items that I think you all may enjoy.  I receive a small percentage of each sale.  I also have an Amazon store.  Again, I am hand picking items that I have, have used, or wish I had!  Plus, even if you don't purchase something in my Amazon store, I will still get a small percentage of anything you purchase if you click through my link.  New products will be added regularly.

So, when you are doing gift shopping, consider shopping through these stores.  Get something great and help great ministries in the process!

Open Sky works for me!

ps - Bloggy Basics will be coming later today - during nap time!

Bloggy Basics - HTML Code: Center

I was so envious of the blogs that had all their buttons lined up on the sidebar. Mine would zig-zag between the side and the center.  It looked unprofessional.  I didn't like it.

Thankfully, there is an EASY fix!

Once you learn this one simple HTML function, you will be able to apply it to all sorts of places in your blog!

HTML code may seem intimidating at first.  It really isn't all that difficult.  The basic rule you need to know today is that HTML has a beginning tag and an end tag.  Basically, a code "hug" around your feature.  The beginning tag is the code word in brackets like this: <center> and the end tag (or closed tag) is the same code but with a backslash like this: </center>.

Here is an example:

I want to center this sentence.

This is how I write the code.
<center>I want to center this sentence. </center>

This is the result.

I want to center this sentence.

Simple!

So, how can you fix your sidebar items?  Also simple!

First, decide if you want your items centered or not.  Next, go to your Design function (in Blogger).  Click to edit the gadget of your choice.  You will now see code.  If you are worried about losing your data, simply copy and paste what is in the box into a Word document as a backup.

Hint: If you are editing your gadget with buttons, each button will start with the code <a ....> and end with </a>.  That should help you figure out shat button is what. It is fine to put space between the button code by using the "enter/return" key - it won't alter the layout of the buttons on your blog.

If you want to center your buttons, simply add <center> BEFORE the button code and </center> directly after.

If you wish to remove centering, simply delete those two portions of code.

Hit save and view your blog!  

You can use this code tip to center images on your page.  Do you just have code for an image?  It will default to left justification. Want to center it? Click the Edit HTML tab and put the center code around the image code.

Have you adapted HTML code before?  Were you successful with altering code using these tips?



Read more from the Bloggy Basics series which started on my other blog here:

• Explanation of Bloggy Basics
• Networking
• Create Your Own Blog Button in 5 Steps
• Growing Readership in 5 Steps 

This post is linked up in Works for Me Wednesday, because DIY blog design works for me!

Bloggy Basics - Growing Readership in 5 Steps

So, you already have great content.  You are working really hard to make your blog look good.  Now why aren't people reading your blog? Sure, you have family and friends that stop by, but other than that, you've got minimal traffic.

To grow your readership, you are going to have to do some work.  The more you put in, the more you will get out.  Here are 5 tips to get you started.  Come back over the coming weeks for more in-depth discussion of some of these topics.

1. Visit other blogs.  Leave great comments.  Check out this past post about networking.  I am turned off by the bloggers who leave comments like "Great blog. Come follow me at....." I generally won't visit their blogs.  I feel cheap. Used.  Great comments interest me. I WILL go visit those blogs and spread the word to my friends.
2. Make it easy for people to comment on your blog.  If you are using word verification (or Captcha), turn it off.  If you are concerned about spam, moderate your comments.  Don't make readers pass a test before commenting.  Make it easy to find HOW to comment - use a comment button or capital letters.  Consider using an alternate comment system.  Wordpress has a decent comment system that allows you to reply to comments and to collect email addresses to follow up with comments.  Blogger has yet to introduce a comment system that allows replies and follow up.  I use IntenseDebate with the CommentLuv plugin (so the blogger's last post is displayed to share the commentLuv!).  It was an easy install on blogger.  I also recommend Disqus as an alternate comment system.
3. Spend time in forums. Ask questions, join discussions, just be real.  Get to know other bloggers.  Visit their blogs.  Try the forum in the RediscoveringDomesticity community for starters!  Just come over and say hello!  Join BlogFrog!  Add the recent visits from my friends widget to your blog.  Visit those who visit you.
4. Change your way of thinking.  Bloggers tend to be a pretty humble group - not inclined to toot their own horns.  To gain readers, you have to TELL people that you HAVE a blog and what your blog is all about.  Try putting a link to your blog in your email signature.  Mention it on Facebook.  Make up some free business cards from VistaPrint and hand them out (or leave them for your waitress along with a GREAT tip).
5. Link up.  Join memes like Works for Me Wednesday, Gratituesday, Menu Planning Monday.  Google for a wide variety of memes.  To link up, simply write a post that fits with that meme and follow the meme's linking guidelines.  Most require you to leave a link back to the meme from your post.  As a courtesy, don't just link and run.  Leave a comment for the meme host.  Visit a few other blogs on the meme and leave them comments.

Basically, treat others the way you want to be treated.  Have confidence in yourself and your blog and let people know about it!

Read more from the Bloggy Basics series which started on my other blog here:

• Explanation of Bloggy Basics
• Networking
• Create Your Own Blog Button in 5 Steps

This post is linked up in Works for Me Wednesday because, ya know that growing readership works for me!

Sock-Fling!

Well, we don't have any children in school yet, however, we are back to school!  Since the Hubs is a professor, we have a lot of the same planning and stocking up.  Here's my favorite time saving tip for the school year!

I  H.A.T.E. messing with socks when I am doing laundry.  I don't have time to search for a bazillion mates.  I found a great solution.  The Sock Fling.

Before school starts, I go through Hubby's sock drawer and throw away ALL of his socks (I salvage the ones that I can to use as dusting rags).  I go to Kohls and JCPenneys and use the $10 off $10 purchase coupons that come in the mail and buy new socks.  I get two packs of black athletic socks of the exact same kind and two packs of white athletic socks of the exact same kind.

Now, no more messing with matching up the socks!  All the blacks match and all the whites match!  Have you had a Sock Fling lately?




Some housekeeping details:

• Want to see more great Back-to-School tips?  Check out Works for Me Wednesday!
• Come back throughout the day for the launch of a 24-hour giveaway for $3 off Diapers.com orders!  
• Join us for a CELEBRATION tomorrow on the RediscoveringDomesticity BLOGAVERSARY!  Free downloads and a HUGE giveaway start on Sept 2nd!
• Head over to PennyPinchingPenguin to enter to win a $40 CSN Online Stores gift certificate.
• Come back on Mondays for the 5 Weeks to be a Better Housewife series.  
• Weigh in your opinions in the new forum - click through in the sidebar.

WFMW: Solving a Laundry Dilemma

Do you ever struggle with the whole process of laundry?  What's the most challenging part for you?  I'm not talking about "infomercial-type" problems like not being able to pour the soap without covering yourself head-to-toe in the soap.  I'm talking about the logistics.

In our house, our washer and dryer are in the basement.  Our bedrooms are on the second floor.  Our main bathroom is on the first floor.  I have found that the way I HAD been doing laundry just wasn't working well now that our family had grown again.

I would spend a day or two doing ALL the laundry and waiting until the baskets were full before dragging them upstairs to put things away.  By the time I got around to sorting things by room and putting them away, it was time to start all over again.

Not. Working.

* Insert lightbulb moment here *

What if I sorted clothes as I took them out of the dryer when I was sure to have a few extra minutes rather than once clothes were upstairs when I certainly would not have a few extra minutes?

Bingo!

I have four baskets total.  One is dedicated to Buggy's room, one for Baby's room, and one for our room.  The last basket is our "overflow" basket to be used however we need. Now I just fold and sort as I empty the dryer and then carry each basket to the right room. 

This new method has cut literally HOURS out of my laundry routine.  I can run a basket up to a room and have it put away in 5 minutes or less. No more sorting in piles all over the floor and chasing Buggy for the socks he ran off with.

How do you make laundry easier?

Check out Works for Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family for lots of great tips about everything!

Works for me Wednesday - Duct Tape and Christmas Tree

Ah - the joys of life with a toddler.  Yesterday, Little Man and I decided to start decorating the tree.  Our adventure began with a box of ornaments crashing to the floor - glass ball ornaments do not hold up well to ceramic tile.  After sequestering baby and dog, I got the mess safely cleaned. 

Next  begins actually decorating.  Our tree is a small artificial tree that I got on black friday a few years back for just $20.  It's about 5 feet tall.  I decided to put it on top of an end table and place it in a front window.  It looks great there especially now with a baby grand piano next to it!  Anyway, please ignore the mess beside the tree and that it isn't centered on the window - now that the piano is there, it is centered, cleaned up, and looks much better!

I made it a point to take out the kid-friendly ornaments and let Little Man play with them, however, the temptation of the tree was just too much.  Those little hands reached out for the tree skirt and yanked that tree nearly onto his little head.  Thankfully, my cat-like reflexes enabled me to grab the tree before disaster struck.

Well, I can't build a fence around the tree (actually, I COULD - a friend of mine DID - but I am just not willing - Little Man needs to learn limits) so I needed a solution to make the tree safer.  Enter Duct Tape!  Have you heard the rule "if it doesn't move and should, use WD-40, if it moves and shouldn't, use duct tape?"  I figured the tree isn't supposed to move so duct tape seemed logical.  The legs are now safely taped to the table under the tree skirt.  Works for me!

Head on over to We Are THAT Family for more great tips and ideas!

Works For Me Wednesday - Preparing for the Holidays

Well, the flury of holiday season is upon us!  This will be the first year that I will be able to actually take a breath and savor the holidays rather than barreling through them in the midst of concert season (or the fog that comes with having a newborn).  Hubby will still be barreling though.

We won't have much prep for Thanksgiving.  It will just be the three of us this year which is fine.  Hubby will be exhausted and in much need of an xbox-induced coma.  We'll have a simple meal of just our favorites - meal after meal.  I love using the Thanksgiving break to really prepare for Christmas.  We will put some lights outside and put the tree up.  We will do some Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping to fill our gift closet.   We have already set our budget and already have ideas for most on our list.

Over the next few weeks, Little Man and I will decorate the inside of our home.  I love that one of the perks of Hubby being a professor is that in exchange for so many crazy late nights and weekends, he has about a month off for Christmas.  We can spend some time building traditions as a whole family.

Oh - I am already excited!

For us, the most important way to prepare for the holidays is to prepare our hearts.  Little Man and I are adapting Kristen's (from We Are THAT Family) Thanksgiving calendar into an advent calendar.

How are you preparing for the Holidays?  Join us at We Are THAT Family to see how others prepare for the holiday season!

Works For Me Wednesday - Baby Wipes Containers

I struggled for a long time with what to do with all these baby wipe containers.  I know that as a teacher, I LOVED these in my classroom.  I've been saving them and planning to donate them to local teachers.  I did donate a few to my mom who is a teacher.  I still had a bunch left over.

DUH!  I can still use these to organize in my home!

I have filled them with all sorts of things and used a Sharpie to write the contents on the outside.  So far, I have containers filled with:

• Pens
• Mini first aid kits (from a great sale at Target)
• Socks (for Baby)
• Shoes (also, for Baby - he likes to hide them around the house)
• Bibs

Oh - the possibilities are endless!

Check out other Works for Me Wednesday posts over on WeAreTHATFamily.com for more great tips!

Works For Me Wednesday - Command Hooks

I have struggled with getting settled in our home. We moved in a year ago. At the time, I was 7 months pregnant and could not do much to move in. We didn't even finish painting Baby's room before he surprised us early! Needless to say, the unpacking process slowed drastically with a newborn!

Fast forward a year. Just about all the boxes are unpacked. Two rooms are painted. A few pictures are on the walls.   Now, fall has me wanting to "feather my nest."  One particular decorating dilemma - our brick wall in the enrtyway.  Enter Command hooks!  I had no idea I could use these on brick.

I find uses for these beauties all over the house.  Here is one more great use in the kitchen!

Command hooks work for me!  Check out We Are THAT Family for other great tips!