Blogging | Forum « Blogging Fundamentals: Session 2 Questions « Social Media Examiner

Blogging Fundamentals: Session 2 Questions (33 posts)

Topic tags: blogging fundamentals, plugins, Wordpress

Don Sturgill said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
Another informative class today. I have experienced conflict problems with plugins and am wary of adding too many. How does SocialMedia Examiner manage that aspect of keeping a site going?
@roadturn | # | Top
Michael Stelzner said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@roadturn
Hey Don,
We have had zero conflicts with the plugins I mentioned in session 2. I will say that not all plugins are created equal and not to go too nuts with them.
@mike-stelzner | # | Top
Kim said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
My company is one brand, two lines of business a supermarket and a garden center. So I’m writing two blogs hosted on one wordpress site. When folks “subscribe” to the blog, they’re actually subscribing to both the supermarket AND garden center.
Is that a problem?
As a side note, we have 9 garden centers throughout Central PA and 3 supermarkets in Lancaster County. So not all garden center customers have a supermarket near them.
Thank you again for sharing all of your knowledge!!
@kimberlycarlo | # | Top
Kristi Hines said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@roadturn Hi Don. I don’t know how SME does it, but for me, it’s a matter of trial and error. Try to put on one plugin at a time, and then see how your site behaves for a day or two after. If you notice it’s unusually sluggish, then uninstall the plugin and see if that rectifies the problem. Also, take a peek in the discussions for your plugins – sometimes people have already found conflicts and addressed them there.
@kristi-hines | # | Top
Don Sturgill said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@kristi-hines
Thank you, Kristi. My troubles have come after a WordPress update… not all plugins keep up to snuff. I’m sure a big part of it, like @mike-stelzner says is to go with proven plugins to start with.
@roadturn | # | Top
Michael Stelzner said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@kimberlycarlo
Hi Kim,
That still may be fine as you may find that the same folks are visiting both sites or share common interests. However you also may want to look into two blogs. WordPress does have a multisite capability. See http://codex.wordpress.org/Create_A_Network
@mike-stelzner | # | Top
Aura M. Garrillo said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
Mike,
Great class today, thanks! I´m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the info I got today and wonder how to go about digesting it all. But I will, LOL!
Same thing with the homework, big decisions! I kind of got lost in the Theme or custom design issue. I do have a graphic designer and a programmer enlisted to help me, does this mean I can go ahead a do it custom, or should we still select a theme? Can you expand a little bit more on this topic? Thanks!!
@auragarrillo | # | Top
Michael Stelzner said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@auragarrillo
Hi Aura,
I would go with one of the basic themes that WordPress provides or take a look at the premium theme options I mentioned in the slide deck. See what visually works for you. You can ALWAYS change your theme
@mike-stelzner | # | Top
Kristi Hines said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@roadturn Ah yes, when WordPress updates, something almost always breaks, even out of the proven solutions. I had one contact form plugin that everyone swore up and down was the best ever, but on my site it conflicted with something and caused major site speed issues.
@kristi-hines | # | Top
Pat Coakley said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
Thanks to all this great information, I decided that I have to change the theme of my self hosted wordpress blog, Waving or Drowning. Currently, I have a studio press theme that is tumblr like but it’s just not going to cut it. So, I want to switch to another one from studio press, like the “Magazine” format theme. Anyone familiar with switching child themes within the Genesis framework? Do I have to reinvent all the wheels? Plug-ins, favicons? Sometimes, I even sound like I know what I am talking about.
@pbcsky | # | Top
Aura M. Garrillo said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
Thanks Mike! On to the homework now! See you in the next session.
@auragarrillo | # | Top
Don Sturgill said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@auragarrillo
Studiopress, one of the primary theme packages Michael mentioned today, offers a package of themes to suit about any need. You choose one close to what you want and 90% or more of the work is already done for you. Have the designer throw in some suggestions to tweak it, let the developer make the necessary code adjustments (it is very possible, by the way, for a non-geek to do this stuff on his or her own–many times, all that is required is to upload a graphic) and you are rocking. Moreover, Studiopress offers mobile ready themes and built-in SEO… all very reasonably priced (some are free). I’ve used their package since I started blogging, in 1996.
@roadturn | # | Top
Don Sturgill said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@pbcsky
It’s simple, Pat. All done from the WordPress Dashboard by pushing the right buttons. Write me if you need help. StudioPress is definitely the way to go, seems to me. Their support forum, by the way, has moderators on hand to help you do whatever needs to happen. They only charge if you need serious design help (and that is between you and a StudioPress-qualified designer).
@roadturn | # | Top
Pat Coakley said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
O, thank you for that, Don Sturgill! I love any sentence with “simple” in it. I’m going to go ahead and try the switch when I get back from a long walk. My fitbit stats suggest I’ve moved so little today that they think I’m dead. I will contact you if I have some questions. That is very nice of you to offer. Hey, Michael Selzner, give Don a badge for helping senior citizens!
@pbcsky | # | Top
Pat Coakley said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@mike-stelzner, and @roadturn, ahoy! (I’m a sailor not a scout, what can I say?) I am truly grateful for all this info which is very timely for me as I am relaunching my blog to focus on weight loss and weight management issues. Loved all the plug-in information today! I’m about to change Studio Press themes and know I want a responsive theme and one that can handle video interviews, audio podcasts, as well as showcase photo imagery and infographics. In other words, a media rich one. I was thinking the Magazine format one? Or, the one that Jay Baer uses? Have any suggestions knowing the work-out it shall get? Might save me picking the wrong one. I’ve already done that once. I chose the Mindstream one initially but can see now that it is not going to work. Anyway, thanks!
@pbcsky | # | Top
Julia Serafina said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@roadturn (Don) I am a huge fan of StudioPress as well. I spent a day researching the various frameworks and themes and have concluded it provides solid capabilities and best value for money. I do wish there was more self design options as with e.g. Thesis or Pagelines, but I think to start out, StudioPress is a good way to go.
@mike-stelzner and @kristi-hines (I know you use Thesis) – Is Thesis really difficult to use for a first timer, who has only basic coding knowledge? I am curious. Also I would like to host one website using Genesis and another website using, maybe Thesis. How do I do this (or set this up) using the WP platform, via the same hosting company?
@juliaserafina | # | Top
Aura M. Garrillo said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@roadturn and friends,
Thanks for all the info on themes and StudioPress, can´t wait to get started!
@auragarrillo | # | Top
Michael Stelzner said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@juliaserafina
I have never used StudioPress, but I know it is simply a beefed up version of WordPress so it must be easy to use
@mike-stelzner | # | Top
Stacie Walker – Woman in Leadership Founder said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@mike-stelzner I had to listen to the recorded session this morning. Thank you for the excellent information.
I am in a bit of a dilemma. Any suggestions from you Mike or other members of this group would be wonderful.
My parent site/blog is: http://www.womaninleadership.com The blog platform has been Typepad for over three years. I am willing to make the switch to Wordpress.org. My big concern is that it has experienced tremendous growth with the search engines, opt-ins, and readership within the past six months.

Some of my prospects are funneled from http://www.womaninleadership.com to my membership site: http://www.essentialmarketingsuccess.com. My membership site is also on the Typepad platform. It doesn’t get much traffic and has less than 100 members. Since my membership site is still in its infancy, I believe the transition to Wordpress.org will not be overwhelming.

Should I leave my parent site/blog: http://www.womaninleadership.com on the Typepad platform?
@staciewalker | # | Top
Michael Stelzner said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
@staciewalker
You are facing the Seth Godin challenge I spoke about. I think if you are experiencing growth you just want ask yourself this question: Will this platform grow with my needs? If it will, then perhaps stick with it. But if it won’t get out now before you are stuck forever.
@mike-stelzner | # | Top
Alison Gygax-Mather said
10 months, 2 weeks ago:
Hello everyone. I ahve a question. I ahve been blogging about http://www.birdsferrylodge.co.nz for a wee while now using blogger http://luxurybandblodgenz.blogspot.co.nz/
I have added this to our new website on its own page.
My question is SHOULD I STAY WITH BLOGGER OR CREATE A NEW WORDPRESS.ORG BLOGG FROM SCRATCH.
I want to grow the blog and include alot of useful information about travelling to new zealand and in particular our area.
@alisongygax-mather | # | Top
Alison Gygax-Mather said
10 months, 1 week ago:
http://codex.wordpress.org/Installing_WordPress#Famous_5-Minute_Install
INSTALLING WORDPRESS.ORG – Am I in the right place to do this? It looks very complicated.
Any assistance appreciated!
@alisongygax-mather | # | Top
Pat Coakley said
10 months, 1 week ago:
Alison, My hosting company, Blue Host, did the install for me. They have Wordpress. I wonder if your hosting company offers this as well? They offer phone assistance for any thing like this which is one of the reasons I love them. Good luck.
@pbcsky | # | Top
Michael Stelzner said
10 months, 1 week ago:
@alisongygax-mather
Alison – Looks like you are considering the move to WordPress. I would if I were you. However as I stated in session 2, it will require someone who is techy to install it.
@mike-stelzner | # | Top
Michael Stelzner said
10 months, 1 week ago:
@pbcsky
Hey Pat – You should click on the person’s @name above so they get auto notified when you reply (in any box where a reply is you will see the @name in the upper right). Good chance that @alisongygax-mather missed your reply above
@mike-stelzner | # | Top
Don Sturgill said
10 months, 1 week ago:
@alisongygax-mather
Many hosts, Alison (I know GoDaddy does) will auto-install WordPress for you. You only need to purchase a hosting plan (not expensive), then call customer service and they will walk you through it.
@roadturn | # | Top
Brenda Green said
10 months, 1 week ago:
There are lessons on wordpress, which may help us all through some of it.
I am sure there are more technical books available too. Any recommendations on the Techi wordpress.org books?
I managed to transfer my own blog from wordpress.com to wordpress.org with godaddy hosting service. The provided a guide that was missing some steps, but I figured them out on my own. It takes 2-3 days to complete everything.
My premium theme, is not transferable. I am still waiting for a response from them to see if I can switch that theme to a crafting blog that will stay on the .com site. So if you are doing the switch, check on the theme aspect prior to the move.
The odd thing is on .org, it says there are thousands of themes to pick from, it doesn’t appear that way. Are there more than one page of samples? Maybe my version of Internet Explorer is limiting me…
@bridalletter | # | Top
Michael Stelzner said
10 months, 1 week ago:
@bridalletter
Brenda – There really are 1000s of themes. However they are not all housed on Wordpress.org. Just Google WordPress themes and you will see what I mean.
@mike-stelzner | # | Top
Alison Gygax-Mather said
10 months, 1 week ago:
Thanks @micheal stelzner I am considering but won’t leap right in yet”
@alisongygax-mather | # | Top
Charlotte (Charlee) Hanna said
10 months, 1 week ago:
Hi All, I have read all the comments about jetpack in another question box. So how does jetpack measure against what @Mike-Steizner suggested ie. All In One, Disqus, DigDig etc. Or am I confusing things.
By the way-I am really terrified to actually publish my blog. It is almost ready. I have attended the summits, read the articles, bought Launch and marked it up so it is impossible to read now.
My blog is about Organization Issues (org design, alignment of people/purpose, change management). I have some of the best minds out there willing to write, and are writing for it.Name: Organization Survival Playbook. The source for organizations to align, survive and thrive.Goal is 45,000 readers in 6 mos. (I have others)Target Audience- Organization decision makers, little time, very bright but may not know a lot about this subject. English may be second language.
I AM scared. It is as bad as rafting a class V river.
@charlottecharleehanna | # | Top
Sandra Matty said
10 months, 1 week ago:
In regards to metrics, how do I show ROI or that blogging has a positive impact on the company? Typically, an organization that is new to social media will want to know how blogging will help profit them. Showing them subscribers may not be enough. Any ideas?
@s_tank_matty | # | Top
Michael Stelzner said
10 months, 1 week ago:
@s_tank_matty Try this article: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/6-social-media-success-metrics-you-need-to-track/
@mike-stelzner | # | Top
Barry Spielman said
10 months ago:
I have been following the recorded sessions as I unfortunately can’t join live. I went through session two today. Extremely informative. I have a blog on wordpress.com - thinkingofisrael.com - I got the .com domain through the wordpress.com website. I think this was probably premature. It sounds like it makes sense to move to wordpress.org, I understand I need a host which would then install the blog. Am I correct that the domain I got through wordpress.com is not a host? Would the host be able to use the domain name I have now?Thanks for any light you can shed on this. I’m learning…..Barry
@barrysp | # | Top

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