My Blog Guest is all about guest posting; which is a strategy many blog owners use to increase blog traffic, blog readers, RSS subscribers, email lists, income, blog links and even SEO. It’s been around for some time as a free and effective method for blog exposure, but it wasn’t till late last year that it gained major ground. Who is behind MBG? The community was created by SEO expert Ann Smarty, now let’s take a closer look at the top five reasons you will love it.

1. Active Community – one of the top reasons to love My Blog Guest is that it’s a very active community with many members. Although not every member contributes, many do and regularly. When you register a free account, you get to create a profile which includes a link to your blog sites along with a link to your social profiles. Depending on several factors, you get a power rating and this rating tells the rest of the community of your standing, sort of like a badge of experience and or skill set. One thing that is unique about your profile section on My Blog Guest is that you get to also include links to guest post articles you’ve written, which is great for showcasing content and or to gauge someone’s writing. My only bit of criticism is that because the site is set up as a forum, it can (at times) be confusing to make out what goes where, as far as the different sections are concerned.

2. 100% Free – another reason to love MBG is that it’s 100% free to join and partake in the fun. Simply register your account, set up your profile and get to socializing with the members. Be sure to decide early on what it is you want out of the community. Is it to give guest articles? To receive guest articles? Or both get and give. Once you figure this out, then you can proceed with a plan. Well you don’t really need a plan, but you can’t reach a goal without a plan, right? This is what I mean. If your goal is to generate 10 links from guest posting, then you know you will need to submit 10 guest articles. Plan it out and your chances of reaching your goal dramatically increase.

3. Heavily Referenced – since the inception of this site, every major blog owner and net marketer has referenced the site. It is without a doubt the go to resource in its niche. Why does this matter? It matters because the more exposure and traffic My Blog Guest receives, the more quality members it will attract and in turn – better guest blogging opportunities.

4. Smartly Managed – Ann Smarty is the blog owner behind MBG and she has been in “improvement mode” since day one. Just today it was announced the site has a new look and new features, which proves yet again how very dedicated Ann is to making this a viable and relevant web destination for all blog owners. There are also several moderators on the site who see to it that the community remains safe, helpful and active. With Ms. Smarty manning the ship, full speed ahead.

5. Friends – what is a blogger without friends? Not much, as you can’t be a blogger without a community behind you. If you need just one reason to join or visit My Blog Guest, meeting and getting to know like minded others – should be the reason. Once you’ve been a member for some time, you will invariably establish connections and recognize the massive potential in this resource, not too mention become a raging fan like me.

Those are my five reasons to love My Blog Guest. If you’re a blog owner or blog manager, the benefits are too numerous to pass up. So get crack-in and set up your page. When you do, come back here and leave a link to your profile below.

Till next time!

I’ve got several projects in the works, as usual I can’t stick to just one. Have to always be working on a million things at once, hence the nickname Missy “Are you nuts?” Diaz. But that’s how I like it, wouldn’t want it any other way. Ok, let’s get to it.

1. iPhone 4 Covers Blog – this is my preferred baby at the moment. It was born June 2010 and is doing really well in terms of traffic and sales. In it I showcase cool covers and cases for the new Apple iPhone 4 cell phone. Feel free to subscribe and or follow on Twitter for updates.

2. Cheap Blog Help.com – another new site of mine. This one I created to direct SSWT forum members when they need quick blog help. It’s targeted mainly at WordPress help, other odd blog jobs and will be marketed via forums and social media.

3. iWannaBeSurprised.com -this is my second baby at the moment. The idea came to me when I was online shopping around and was just plain bored senseless with what I was coming across. I wanted to be surprised, I wanted to not know what I was ordering – and that’s when the idea hit me. How about creating a site where one places an order for an unknown item? A total surprise at the mailbox! This special project will be marketed via guest blogging, press releases and social media.

4. Cell Phone Cases Blog – similar as the iPhone 4 site above but covers the gamut of cell phone brands and models.

Aside from the above, I also have my usual gigs and assorted character of sites and blogs. Some get more attention than others, but all are on the blackboard.

What are you working on this July?

• adding or changing a website header
• deleting the date stamp from blog posts
• configuring a WordPress plugin
• adding in a Twitter or Facebook widget
• creating a Contact page (or any other form)
• need a Buy Now button to sell stuff on your blog

If you need help with any of these quick minor tasks, we now offer a new service for bloggers at CheapBlogHelp.com, which you can order straight away.

Services are performed by my staff and I as time allows. Do take note that since most services are performed at only $5, please don’t expect delivery yesterday. If you need or want it asap, there will be an extra charge.

Having said that, since we just opened the doors, we WELCOME you to submit a micro service order for any WordPress help you need, and we’ll get right on it. As of this writing, there’s no backlog. Let us know how we can help you!

My research has unearthed the following sites as the best for bringing you to the next level with your web properties and online marketing projects. Join one of them today!

1. Warrior Forum – this forum is a power house of information and a hot bed of networking opportunities. Looking for a JV partner? Register and become a contributing member, then begin your search for a suitable joint venture partner here. Everyone from PPC marketers to WordPress bloggers and seasoned online marketers reside at the Warrior Forum. $30 To Join, Then $19 for Each Special Offer. A+++

2. Self Starters Weekly Tips – this forum is run by long time affiliate marketer Lynn Terry and is aimed at those who run affiliate sites. Lynn is herself a super affiliate who has been successfully earning an online income since 1997, and this forum is very active with both newbies and experienced marketers. My favorite part about SSWT is the weekly live webinars where we get to discuss our web properties and affiliate marketing strategies with her and with each other. Lynn does a good job of keeping everyone on their toe’s and constantly working toward our goals. $27 per month. A++++ [PROUD MEMBER & AFFILIATE OF SSWT]

3. Digital Point – popular among those who are new to the online marketing space, DP is free is to join but don’t let the low cost fool you. This is a top notch online money making forum. My favorite area of the Digital Point Forum are the BUY/ SELL/ TRADE section, which is a fantastic marketplace for low priced services, such as articles, design, site development, etc. This is where I secure low cost blog headers each month from several designers who charge a flat rate per banner. Excellent destination for discounted online marketing services and goods. FREE (with optional upgrade) A++

4. Problogger – if you’re a blogger you’ve heard of this forum, as it’s run by Darren Rowse. This one is aimed at those who are new in the blogging space and for networking with other blog owners. Not as active as it was when first opened, but still a viable option if you seek guidance for your blog. It’s moderated by several members and although Darren never (or hardly ever) makes an appearance, it’s a good solid community for those who manage a blog. $5.95 a month. A++

5. Sitepoint – multi purpose forum aimed at website designers, blog owners, site flippers, online marketers and more. Established and very active, this forum is an excellent choice for you if you’re into making money with your website design and development skills. A must join for the CSS and PHP crowd! FREE A+++

6. Wicked Fire – kick butt attitude permeates this online money making community. It’s focus is internet marketing and its audience is hell raisers who take no prisoners. Maybe I am in over kill mode, but this (super active) forum is rock ‘n roll, plain and simple. FREE A+++

7. A Best Web – probably the most established on my list and very well connected. This forum is frequented by a lot of big hitters in the affiliate marketing space including network managers and seasoned affiliate managers. A good bet if you seek to network with industry experts or need contacts in the AM niche. FREE A+++

READER QUESTION

Which one of these forums are you already a member of and what has been your biggest benefit since joining? Share with me below in the comment area.

But what are these plugins good for? Essentially they expand the functionality of the WordPress software, much like the add ons available for Firefox and apps for the iPhone. Each one makes a task easier, faster or more robust. If you’re wondering which are the must have plugins for your blog? Wonder no more, as I share my top picks.

I NEED THOSE STATS YESTERDAY!

1. WordPress.com Stats – this is clearly one of the absolute must add WordPress plugins to your blog. It tracks visitors but displays the stats within your admin dashboard. I’m highly addicted to this plugin and add it to ALL my blog sites. Yes! I do use Google Analytics as well, but barely ever check it. I check this one instead because all is right there within easy view; such as search engine traffic, social media traffic, daily weekly and monthly visitor count, keyword terms, and much more.

MY 8 BALL

2. Physic Search – one of my super top secret WordPress plugins. This one accompanies the plugin I use above, and for good reason. The reason is that it shows me (with a link) the key term or phrase someone entered in the search engine to find me, AND the page they landed on. A powerful and must have plugin on your blog.

ALERT GOOGLE NOW!

3. Google XML Sitemap – one of the best ways to let Google know you have updated your site is via the use of a sitemap. With WordPress you can add a sitemap plugin and make it crazy easy to alert Google each time you post an article.

EASY BREEZY SITEMAP PAGE

4. Dagon Design Sitemap Generator – the difference between this plugin and the one mentioned above is the format. This one creates a Sitemap page on your blog and keeps track of all your articles and pages.

ADSENSE HEAVEN

5. Post Layout – another one of my super top secret plugins. This one makes it nice and easy to add Adsense, an affiliate banner or anything at the beginnning, end or middle of posts to your site. Simply drop the code in the plugin and you’re off.

I’M TO SEXY FOR…

6. Sexy Bookmarks – my preferred social bookmarking wordpress plugin, because it takes something mundane and makes it SEXY. How can you not love this plugin, add it to your site at once.

MY MEMORY IS SHOT, HELP!

7. Subscribe to Comments – many times when someone visits your blog and leaves a comment, they will completely forget to return later, because they can’t remember where they were. This plugin adds a small checkbox at the end of a comment, and if the commenter checks it off, they will be notified if (and when) a reply has been posted. A nice way to make it easy for someone to return to your blog to continue the conversation.

NO COMPLAINTS PLEASE

8. Contact Form 7 – a simple no frills contact page plugin. But the neat feature of this particular one is that it allows you to create multiple contact pages or areas on your blog. Let’s say you want to create a “Submit a Tip” page or a separate “Advertising” page, use this plugin to create them both.

GOOGLE SMOOGLE

9. Easy Privacy Policy – easy way to instantly create a privacy policy page on your blog. Enable this plugin, complete the fill in the blanks section, and you’re good to go. A privacy policy is required by Google if you have Adsense on your site, to stay in compliance. This is the fastest and quickest to set one up.

PIC ME UP A RELATED PIECE, WILL YA

10. Link Within – a cool way to display related articles on your site. When you set this plugin up on your blog, it fetches related articles, but with an accompanying picture. A super highly under rated way to lower your bounce rate and keep visitors on your site longer. It’s popular on all my blogs as readers seem to really like it.

COLOR ME BLIND

11. Tiny MCE Advanced – this neat plugin adds extended functionality to the wp editor, such as background color for text, quotes, additional font styles then what’s default in WordPress and more. I use this one whenever I plan to spice up a site with cool fonts and more color.

MISS CONGENIALITY I AM

12. Most Commented Widget – do you have popular articles with lots of comments? Feature them on your site with the use of this plugin. See it in action on this blog in the sidebar.

SOCK IT TO ME!

13. Exclude Pages from Naviation – you ARE so learning all my secrets today. This power house plugin enables you to hide (or exclude) pages from showing up in your navigation bar. For example, let’s say you decide to offer up a new service on your blog, but the plan is to promote it strictly via Facebook. You don’t want your regular readers to haphazardly stumble upon the page, without being fed a proposal first. So you exclude it from navi and only those who come via your Facebook marketing efforts see it.

Or let’s say you want to set up a series of “child” About pages, such as an About this blog, About my income, About my car, etc. But you don’t want these child pages cluttering up your navi bar, exclude them. Zap!

note: many newer WordPress themes have this function built in, if that’s the case. Then obviously you won’t need this plugin. But if your theme doesn’t support “page exclusion from navigation”, this is a must have.

READER Question

These WordPress plugins are my personal faves, which I use on a repeated basis and can’t do without out. Which are your personal faves and why?

1. Enhance the Look

The website flipping market for startup sites is very competitive so it is important to create a website that is unique and catches the buyer’s attention. A professional logo or header and a custom template will make your startup look unique and professional. If you have a blog, adding images to your posts will also make a big difference.

2. Add Quality, Unique Content

In addition to the look of the website, the content is also important. Avoid using PLR articles as-is or syndicated articles from places like Ezine Articles. Instead, rewrite the PLR articles or write your own from scratch. The more unique content you can add to your website before you sell the better. Aim to have at least ten quality, unique articles.

3. Get Backlinks

Having just a handful of backlinks can add immediate value to your startup website. A few comments left on do-follow blogs and some social bookmarking should do the trick. If you want to go the extra mile, submit a few articles to some of the large article directories. The more backlinks you manage to get before listing your website for sale, the more valuable it will be – and the more money it will command.

4. Generate Revenue No Matter How Small

Before you list your website for sale, strive to generate at least “some” revenue – even if it’s just a few dollars from AdSense. If it’s an affiliate site, try to generate at least one sale. And if you’re promoting an ebook, such as a PLR ebook you put together, create a sales page on the site and see if you can sell one copy. Once your website is generating revenue you can use it as a “proven method” of profitability. Any startup site that is generating revenue will always have an advantage over other startups that aren’t generating revenue.

5. Create a Mailing List

Create a mailing list isn’t as hard as it may seem. Create a free report or an online course using PLR articles and give it away for free when people sign up. If you can get a handful of people on your list prior to flipping the website you’ll be one step ahead of your competition as most startups won’t have lists.

With plenty of competition among startup websites and prices dropping, your website needs to truly stand out. Using the above methods prior to flipping will put you ahead of the race and get you more money in the end!

This article contributed by Travis Van Slooten. You can read more of his articles at http://www.flipwebsites.com

1. Niche directory – whatever niche you’re blog is on, most likely there’s a niche directory out there for it. Seek these out via a Google search, with the following formula: niche + blog directory. For example, if you’re blog is on the topic of surfing you would type into Google the following: surfing + niche directory. Niche directories are usually good sources of relevant, good PR, one way backlinks.

2. Blog Directory – similar as the above method, but these tend to only accept blogs and cater to a variety of niches. Some of the more established blog directories on the web include; Blog Catalog, My Blog Log, Blog Flux, and of course DMOZ. Submit your new blog to each one and make sure you also link to the “blog profile page” from your site.

3. Guest Blogging – we’re big fans of guest posting, and have written extensively on the subject. One of the absolute best methods for getting in front of a relevant audience and as a bonus, securing the almighty backlink. How does this method work? Quite simple really. Find blogs in your area of specialty, send them an email via their contact form and pitch them on a guest article. They will either say yes or no, but always worth a good try.

4. Article marketing – this is an excellent method to get backlinks to a new blog and involves writing a series of articles, about 5 or so and submitting them to an article directory, such as Ezine Articles. First create an account, write your article in their dashboard and wait for approval. Ezines is nicely moderated, so they tend to keep junk out, which is a good thing and article approval takes anywhere from 3 days 7 days.

5. Social media – Some social networking and social media sites send juice back to our blogs, the key as mentioned above is relevancy. For example, if you run an internet marketing or affiliate blog, a good social media site for you would be Sphinn. But on the other hand if you run a shoe blog, Sphinn is a waste of time for you. So look for social media sites that complement your topic, become a regular active member and periodically submit your articles for a boost in the search engines.

But what is the best way to receive guest articles on YOUR site, over and over again?

Essentially what you want to do is “create a dedicated guest article submission page”. You need to make it easy for others to submit guest content on your site. The easier, the better!

When you do this, I assure you, the submissions will flow.

First make it loud and clear that you ACCEPT guest posts on your site. Use banners or text links to announce that you freely (and gladly) make use of guest post articles. Then give clear instructions on where and how to do it. Via the guest article submission page. In this page, you would include the following:

• a form that others fill out
• the form (or page) would look like this
• allow for picture uploads (optional)
• allow links (optional)
• do NOT set the submissions to auto-approve (unless you like s.p.a.m.)
• look over each guest article submission, and approve accordingly
• send a note via email to the sender, when article is approved (or denied)
• thank the sender
• enjoy the free content!
• want more good examples of guest post submission pages? See Wisebread, Trick Daddy, Wp Blogger and I Will teach You To Be Rich

How To Create The Page

You can create the guest article page several ways, but one quick way is through the use of a wp plugin. I use a contact WordPress plugin and tweak it a bit for my purposes.

image via WpBlogger.com

Once you’ve created the page, be sure to write a post on your site letting those who follow you, know that you accept guest articles. Then pass that post along to your social network. In other words, get the word out.

And do it periodically, not just once.

Ideally your site or blog, should have some PR juice that it can pass along to the guest blogger, anything above a PR 1 is good. This is the best way to thank the blogger for the content he or she has freely given you. To check the PR of your site, use this free pagerank checker tool.

This is a pretty simple and straightforward (traffic and backlink tip) anyone can implement right away. Ok. Let’s recap.

The best way to receive countless guest post articles on your blog is to make it EASY for others to submit it. Via the creation of a dedicated guest article submission page. However, no one will submit anything if they don’t know you allow this. So get the word out that you LOVE to receive guest posts.

You know what comes next, right? Yep! I want to let you know that I freely (and gladly) accept guest articles on my blog. And you can do so, via my guest article page. The categories which I discuss on this blog, are as follows; Blogging Tips, Net Marketing, Site Flipping, Twitter and anything exciting to do with Wordpess.

Know examples of good “dedicated” guest post pages? Share the name and link below.

(blogger image via) Ruud Hein

So, what the heck is it? Apple calls it a tablet. In other words, an entirely NEW category of device.

Which brings me to the following question. How do YOU plan to protect your tablet? With a case, cover, sleeve or bag? Due to its irregular size, many are not sure on how they plan to keep it scratch, dust and accident-free. Plus since Apple is not including any built-in accessories, many also need room to hold extra connectors (and whatnot) to expand the iPad’s functionality. Such as the camera connector, etc.

G34 media has created a new web property dedicated to iPad covers and cases.

The blog site was created in January 2010, the same day Steve Jobs announced the iPad. As we learned from an (ebook reader site) we created, protection will be key. Especially since it’s such a coveted, expensive and high end device.

But what will SELL best? Cases, covers, sleeves or bags.

That is the question. So far, it seems cases are in the running. Followed closely by bags.

Did you pre-order an iPad? If so, do take a minute to let us know below how you will PROTECT it.

Blog site specs:

• The blog site runs on WordPress
• Uses the gorgeous Snow Blind wp theme
• Has 30 plus articles, 100% original (all written by me)
• Built-in eBay shop, promoting new iPad screen protectors
• Laced with Amazon affiliate links
• Google Sitemap submitted and approved
• Initial on site SEO completed
• Initial off site SEO completed, including a press release submission
• Custom logo – on order!
• Traffic – organic search engine traffic via Google, Yahoo and Bing
• Revenue – over $50 (so far) from Amazon, eBay and Commission Junction

We’re closely monitoring the blog site to see how it performs, as we get closer to the iPad launch date of April 3rd.

To follow progress on the site, subscribe through RSS, via email, or follow on Twitter.

Questions? Ask below.

Why not offer a $5 blog here on G34 Media for my readers and visitors, who might be looking to get one.

The catch?

There’s a tiny catch, but a very reasonable one. You need to sign-up with hosting through me, as this way I get a small commission which offsets my precious time.

I specialize in niche blogs and can create one on any product or niche, the blog would include the following:

• WordPress install (the latest version)
• Premium or free WordPress theme (from my personal collection)
• full set-up and configuration of wp admin backend
• 5 WordPress plugins, including All in One SEO, Google XML Sitemap, Sexy Bookmarks, Adsense, and Privacy Policy
• an About page
• a Contact page
• initial on site SEO
• a sweet custom logo
• FREE 30 minute Skype chat consultation with me
• FREE referrals to low cost writers
• turnaround time, will depend on demand
• optionally, I can also set up a (matching Twitter account) for a few extra bucks

So you get a complete and well designed WordPress niche blog for FIVE bucks. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Ready to order? To discuss your niche blog and to order, visit Fiverr.com, remember to avail of this $5 March blog blow out special, you MUST sign-up for web site hosting through me.

Go to Fiverr.com now and let’s get that dream blog of yours going.

Don’t wait! This offer is only good through March 31, 2010.