What is RSS?

11 September 2009

Making money to blog requires a vast array of knowledge. Of course you need a blog to get started, and then you’ll integrate some ad services like AdSense and WidgetBucks. These ad services will help us generate money with our blogs, but without the readers there is no money. RSS plays a big role in building our fan base.

(Here's my feed if you would like to subscribe now)
Subscribe to Earn Money to Blog!


Ok great, so what exactly does RSS stand for and why should I care?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. When you create a new post with Blogger it publishes a new RSS “feed”, which is simply a stripped down version of your website. It contains the basic text and any images you display.

I don’t get it. What’s so good about a stripped down version of my site?

In today’s ADD, news-hungry society, RSS has exploded in popularity. People want as much information as they can get their hands on, with as little effort as possible.

With RSS comes “Feed readers” like Google Reader. These applications allow readers to “consume” or subscribe to your sites feed. When you post a new article, the user is alerted. The great thing about these feed readers or RSS readers is that they provide a quick list of your article subjects. So instead of being overwhelmed with a page load of content, they can simply scan for subjects that interest them and then drill down further if they wish.

I’m starting to get this RSS thing… but maybe you can create some analogy for me to make it clearer?

Boy you sure do ask for a lot. Ok – here goes: Let’s say you go to the store and purchase a magazine on computer software. Chances are good that you will flip open a page and have a subscription card fall on to your lap. For this example, let’s pretend it’s a subscription to the latest Microsoft news. Well, if you like Microsoft and you care about their news (I’m an Apple guy by the way) you’ll fill out their card, write a check and send it off in the mail. Now the first of every month – you’ll get a brand new magazine from Microsoft and learn about their many failed attempts to beat Apples’ iPod with their Zune (sorry, I just had to throw that in there). And of course if you get tired or the same ol’ same ol’, you can cancel at any time.

RSS is the same way (Minus the paid subscriptions, thankfully). If you run across a site that you find interesting, you can simply subscribe to that sites feed and you’ll be alerted to anything new coming from there. And of course, you can cancel the site feed at any time.

This was an introduction to RSS. In future articles I will discuss ways we can present an RSS feed for our users to consume. In the meantime, digest this information, because RSS is something you need to know about if you’re going to be a serious blogger.

How to Install a Custom Blogger Template

09 September 2009

You can create and install a custom blogger template for your blog. Many websites offer free, custom blogger templates. Just find a template you like, and make sure you can change the graphics. Check the terms of service for use. You may need to provide a link back to the original website in order to use the free template.

  1. Set up your Blogger account on its website. If you already have one, sign in.
  2. Choose "Layout" on the dashboard screen. Next, click on "Edit HTML." Download a full copy of this, and save it somewhere on your computer as your backup copy of your original Blogger dashboard.
  3. Make a copy of all the graphics you plan to use. Upload a copy to your own website, if you have one. Or, use a free service such as Photobucket.
  4. Locate a template you would like to use. Free is always good, but if you want to purchase a template, that's fine too. Download the new template you have chosen. Don't copy anything below the black line at the bottom of the page. Save a copy.
  5. Make any changes you like to the templates. Use your graphics to customize new Blogger page. Save a copy of this version.
  6. Click on "Edit HTML" in the Blogger dashboard. Next, choose "Expand Widget Templates." The template reloads with a check mark in the box. Remove the old code, and replace it with the new code that you have customized. Copy the new code in its entirety.
  7. Preview your changes. If all looks good, enjoy your new, custom template. If the template still needs editing, go back and make the necessary changes.

How to Create Blog with Blogger

08 September 2009

This time we learn how to make a blog with blogger.com.

first time before create a blog, you must have an email, I recommend using gmail. If you have one, then we go to next step. Here we go..


  1. Link to blogger website.
  2. Click on the orange arrow that says "create your blog now".
  3. On the "Create a Google Account" screen enter in the information required, see picture for detail. Then click on the "Continue" arrow.
  4. On the "Name your blog" screen, enter the title what you like, This is the title that will appear at the top of your blog page and will also be the default name that will appear in users' browsers when they bookmark/add to favorites you blog, so choose something that will give readers a clear idea of what your blog is about. And then pick something that you'll remember easily and that is easy to type on your blog address. Click "Continue".
  5. On next page,choose your very best template for your own blog. Click "Continue".
  6.  On the "Your blog has just been created!" screen, click on the "Start Blogging". 
  7. And the last step is posting your first post.. HAPPY BLOGGING..!!!

What is a Blog?

Definition blog is 
"Blog is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog." (Wikipedia)

A blog is basically an online diary - A journal written by an author, about the author and/or the author’s interests. The great thing about a blog is there are no boundaries whatsoever. You can blog about your dog, cat, career, relationships, car, favorite ice cream, etc, etc. You have total control to be as creative as your heart desires!

The important thing about this journey is that you blog about something that matters to you. Different people have different interests and you’re no exception. Chances are good that others just like you are ready to delve into your material because they have similar tastes. Don’t hesitate to write about something you’re passionate about - just do it! (like Nike).
If you want to learn more about blog, just go ahead to Wikipedia.

What is AdSense?

07 September 2009

In the Getting Started series of articles (links on the right side of this page, if you missed them - shame on you), we learned a little bit about AdSense. We learned that Google AdSense could help us earn money from blogging. You probably saw the words money and blogging and feverishly read on to other articles, but hold on cowboy (or cowgirl)! This isn't a get rich quick scheme. We need to educate ourselves and today we're going to do just that.

AdSense is a free Google program that allows site owners to earn money from ads. What's great about these ads is that they're targeted to your content. The AdSense actually "crawls" your text and from there determines what ads are best suited for your website. How cool is that? So if you have a blog about cars, well you're going to get ads targeting car subjects.

Well that's fine and dandy but how do we generate money off of these ads?

I'm glad you asked. The answer is both simple and complex. I'll keep this article simple and save the complex for the future. But in a nutshell - you make money from people who click on your AdSense ads. That's it! Really!

But users have to purchase something on the advertising site before we make money, right?

No! That's what makes this program wonderful. Google's business model is brilliant - they help people make money, while making more money in the process. In layman terms: the advertisers pay Google to promote; when a user from your site clicks their ad the advertiser wins (they get additional traffic, possibly more business), Google wins (they get a big piece of the advertisers money they used to promote), and we win (we get a small piece but it's a piece that will add up over time... more on that in future articles).

There's a reason why Google is the Internet giant and AdSense is a perfect example. It's a snowball effect that helps all participants involved: Google, the advertiser, and most importantly… You!

 
 
 
 
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