Got a WordPress blog? Posting to it from your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad?

A few weeks ago, WordPress 2.6 for iOS was released to the App Store, and was followed very quickly by some very critical comments and negative reviews. Lots of people were having problems even connecting to their blog, including Jon Katz ,a well-known author, and long time client of Mannix Marketing, Inc. I had the opportunity to work with Jon when he stopped by the office, trying to get the new version of the app to work right. Unfortunately, for Jon, who was getting ready to go on tour for his new book, we were unable to help him, as it was an issue with the app itself, and he opted to wait for another update. Well, that new update has come (WordPress 2.6.1 for iOS)… and while it seemed to solve the connection issues we were seeing before, it has brought an onslaught of new problems, rendering the app basically useless.

At the suggestion of  Senior Web Applications Developer Toby Dawes,  we took to the App Store to see if we could find an alternative solution. Enter BlogPress. For $2.99, one can connect to their WordPress blog (or, several other types of blogs) and post real-time updates. You can work with already live posts, post drafts, and even cross-post to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

BlogPress is a great solution for those WordPress 2.6 blues! Itʼs definitely a must-buy if youʼre having problems with the new WordPress app, like so many other people are having.

Our Mannix Marketing, Inc. programming team are problem solvers - we love to make things work! Contact us for custom programming applications, content management systems, etc. - we can help!

Just starting out on a blog? Need advice and a clear strategy to generate more interest and traffic?

Below are 7 tips I have learned that can help you create and maintain a successful blog. I have many more ideas on the topic, so I will write a follow-up post in the upcoming days so stay tuned. Please share your blog secrets and tips with me too. I would love to hear them!

1. Have a Clear Topic
Before you even begin to jump into the ‘blog circuit’, put together a road-map of what you feel your blog will be all about. Have a clear direction in your mind before you begin – A) What is your Topic, B) What are your Categories and C) What would be some of your posts in your Categories). (see map below courtesy of ProBlogger) The best blogs have a specific focus that really connects with a specific target audience. If you fill out the map, you will already have pre-planned a large chunk of your initial blog posts! Also, keep a list of 10-20 post ideas you want to write about so you never get stumped. View the map after the jump (more…)

[For those that have been reading our blog for a few months, this entry is a hybrid of our SEO Expectations post and our How To on Blogging.]

We’ve recently seen an increase in customers coming to us and asking us to help set up a blog for them on their websites. As Internet marketers we love to see our clients become more involved on the Internet, learning to use the resources at their disposal and providing additional services to their own customers. Having the ability to control the message their customers see is such a powerful tool that they should inherently understand its importance. But do they?
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Blogging has always been around, but why the sudden push to “get it going”?

Just like journaling or passing notes in class, blogs are personal sentiments that have many benefits. Share your thoughts, post some questions, and get your audience involved in what’s going on in your world. That’s what blogging is all about. Social communities, networking and blogs are what’s in. Perfectionism in blogs is what’s out. Scary thought for all you A-typers out there!

Cut the drafts…just write. Blogging allows you to create a conversational feel between you and the other interested eyes. If a comfortable setting is created, more people will ‘befriend’ you, ‘link’ to you or just plain read (and quite possibly agree with) what you are putting out there for the world to see.

Afraid of meeting in person? No problem! Blogging makes it easy to state an opinion or debate a hot topic without that, my stomach is in knots because I don’t know what is going to be asked next feeling. Be All That You Can Be…behind your computer screen.

For those who are market savvy: Blogs are perfect for search engine optimization. Check out this post on SEOmoz.org – straightforward tactics and tips for blog writing. Like minded bloggers know the importance of links and want to link to you if you are credible in your industry. By posting frequent blog entries, you create a sense of authority and relevance. For the latest products, news or events – people will remember you and also refer to you for the most up to date information. Adding keywords and anchor text in your blog will enhance keyword relevancy, thus enhancing your site credibility. Blogs provide a plethora of fresh content – search engines relish this.

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but blogging also has it’s challenges. To make it work to your advantage, you must be committed. That daunting ‘c’ word. If creating a blog for SEO purposes, refrain from the Used Car Salesman approach. Instead, create a sense of fun and lightness on your blog. Keep it factual, updated and personal. No sweat, right?

We need to know if we can get top positions in a blog?? How (long) would you need to get good results in Google/Yahoo/MSN… Our blog has not been made yet, first I need to know if it is possible to get good positions…blog will be for hotels and online bookings. I will be awaiting your comments. Thank you & best regards from Spain!!

Hello – It is possible to get “top” positions for a blog, but it will not happen over night. There’s no time line on when you would be able to get results in a specific search engine, especially if it is a new site/blog. In Google it could take up to a year or longer to start being found. If you are dedicated and like blogging about the subject then you should do just fine. Blogging means a commitment. You should not just be focusing in on what position you are in, but are your readers enjoying your blog. Word of mouth can spread your site faster than a number one position in Google. Try joining other blog conversations related to your industry, create a feed, be proactive within your community.

Optimizing a blog is not that different than optimizing any web page. The Title tag is usually controlled by the actual title of your entry. Optimizing and capitalizing on a good title can go a long way. The body of the blog entry can be fortified with keyword rich content and interspersed with anchor text links. Use common sense, don’t spam, don’t write about jibberish, do your keyword research, link with other respectable blogs / websites, keep up with your entries and with time you will gain positions and readers.