Here at MySMARTblog, we receive questions all the time from our clients on how to pick an SEO-friendly, memorable and relevant domain name for their site. We wanted to put together some key tips that would assist you in picking your own effective domain name. Key Tips 1. Make the domain unique, yet relevant to your industry. 2. Keep the name as short as possible. 3. Think of a memorable domain name that's brand-related. Don't obsess over it too much, though -- just keep it simple. Also don't … [Read more...]
Using Google’s Additional Features
These days, it is safe to say that Google is the most well-known and widely used search engine around. For those of us who regularly use technology at our jobs or even in our homes, "Google It" has become a very common saying. While most of us are very familiar with the process of "Google-ing" something, there are many other features Google has to offer. They are constantly working on new services and experimenting with new ideas, and here are just a few of the many additional tools Google … [Read more...]
Checking Your Form Entries in WordPress
"Gravity Forms" is one of the most widely used contact form plugin for WordPress and comes included with each of our SMARTblog sites. This plugin makes it simple to create and add forms to your WordPress site in minutes. Below is an example of a "Contact Form" on one of our Demo SMARTblog sites (you may have this or a similar one on your SMARTblog site, if you have a SMARTblog membership with us). This week, we will be showing you how to check your form entries from this plugin through your … [Read more...]
8 Useful Websites to Increase Productivity
Let's face it, we're all constantly looking for that next new tool that's going to help us be more productive in some aspect of our lives. Here is a list we have put together for you of what we think are some of the most useful websites that you've (hopefully) never heard of. 1. keybr.com (Link) Wish you could type faster? Almost everyone these days accesses a computer daily, either for work or personal use. Keybr.com is an easy way to practice typing by feel, not by looking at the keyboard as … [Read more...]
How to Use Google Calendar
Do you find yourself constantly writing notes or leaving reminders for yourself so you don't forget important upcoming events? If you aren't currently using a Calendar application either on your Smartphone, Tablet or Computer, you should be. Google Calendar is one of my favorite calendar applications, as it makes it simple to track all upcoming events and important dates by syncing with your devices as well as giving you different notification options. Setting up Google Calendar The only … [Read more...]
Getting Started on Pinterest
You may have heard your friends mention "Pinning" things or seen those little "Pin It" links at the end of an article you just finished reading, but what is Pinterest? Pinterest is an image based social media network that people can use to visually share things that they find interesting. Pinterest uses visual links called "Pins" that can be placed in customized collections called "Boards". Users can browse Pinterest by searching for specific topics or browsing certain categories provided, the … [Read more...]
Gaining More Traction on Twitter
Twitter is one of the most widely-used social media networks, but it can also take some getting used to. With the use of hashtags and @ symbols, the Twitter method of communication might feel foreign at first if you aren't used to it. Luckily though, there's only a few things to learn on Twitter and it doesn't take too long to get used to. Another great thing about Twitter is that tweets are short and concise — the time investment in being active on Twitter isn't as much as on some of the other … [Read more...]
Making Sure Your Email Newsletter Sends Successfully
This Tuesday Tech Tip we'll cover what it means to be compliant with the current CAN-SPAM act, which are rules you should follow in each of your email newsletter campaigns before you send them out. Otherwise you might very well be dealing with angry newsletter recipients, issues with your email newsletter software delivering your campaigns successfully, or your email newsletter going into people's spam inboxes. First of all it is best to determine what types of message you'll be sending, as … [Read more...]
Engaging Your Audience With Your Own Blog Content
For this tech tip, we will discuss how writing your own blog content can help your online presence as well as how to do it in a way that will appeal to your subscribers. Writing Your Own Content Even though you may be receiving professionally written daily articles from us here at MySMARTblog, there are many reasons why it is good practice to post your own personal blog content as well. Including your own content with location specific information or important local news updates can help … [Read more...]
General Overview of “WordPress SEO by Yoast” Plugin
This article covers the very basics behind SEO and information about the plugin, "WordPress SEO by Yoast". This is considered the best free SEO plugin for WordPress, for more information please check out the WordPress Plugin Page or the Developer Website. What is SEO? SEO stands for "Search Engine Optimization" and refers to the process of managing a website or webpage's position/visibility in search results. As you can probably figure out yourself, the further up the list a website or webpage … [Read more...]