Blogging categories that help people to find your blog are supposed to be as simple and as minimal as possible. I read from WPromote.com that 3-4 is sufficient, I also read on another blog to not do more than 8. It says that using the words intitle:"query" will give you all of the sites that contain the word that is being searched for. For example for my blog I would use intitle: "dog interests" or intitle: "dog events" or intitle: "pet supplies" to be searchable. It said to not make it so basic like just the word "dog" because it is too broad and readers won't know what it is that you're focusing on. This is what makes it easier to reach my target market. When they find a category that is relatable to them.
This can help to grow business because people will be attracted to say "dog events" to see if there is anything they would like to participate in, and would show that I am keeping the blog current with upcoming events. This is using the right SEO strategies. And having guest bloggers from different pages I follow on Facebook for example from the AKC or Ridgeback Club would be of interest. It makes it easier for readers to search and see if they're interested and want to comment or follow.
In regards to categories within my site, I would use the categories of "product users" and "product influencers" and "dog events" and "dog product ideas" and "guest bloggers" and just "site followers."
The categories can help to make it more easily searchable and also keep it more organized.
I commented on: Krong N, Karen D, Tiffany D.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Week 10 Part 1 Blogging for Business
Adding human interest to blog posts can help to build a relationship with the customer and the company. It brings it down to a more personal level and helps build a relationship. There may be similar interests, different events that you'd both be interested in, different articles or authors, other sites you have in common. It can build trust and drive business to your site without actually doing a sales pitch or asking for the sale. And could even build loyalty.
There are definitely different times and products or services that would be appropriate or not to get personal with. Some businesses need to stay strictly professional or direct to the point. Where others are more casual or there are services where you need to build a relationship based on your service your selling,.
My business falls under the casual category where it is appropriate to get personal. Selling doggy supplies to pet parents, some take it very personally as their dogs as their kids. I even use my own personal photos of my dog and her friends as my profile or cover photos on different sites. I also personalize local events that are going on in my area. And I relate to the Rhodesian Ridgeback community since that's what Roxy is. And I re-post things that I get from them. So it is OK for my business to get personal and get to know my followers, and them me, because I sell products that can be bought in a million other places, so to get the loyalty, it is important to build that connection and relationship.
There are definitely different times and products or services that would be appropriate or not to get personal with. Some businesses need to stay strictly professional or direct to the point. Where others are more casual or there are services where you need to build a relationship based on your service your selling,.
My business falls under the casual category where it is appropriate to get personal. Selling doggy supplies to pet parents, some take it very personally as their dogs as their kids. I even use my own personal photos of my dog and her friends as my profile or cover photos on different sites. I also personalize local events that are going on in my area. And I relate to the Rhodesian Ridgeback community since that's what Roxy is. And I re-post things that I get from them. So it is OK for my business to get personal and get to know my followers, and them me, because I sell products that can be bought in a million other places, so to get the loyalty, it is important to build that connection and relationship.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Week 9 - Twitter
For my new Twitter site I created two lists using the word "dog" as my search. And I added some celebrities on a search that I know are "dog friendly or dog related." I also searched some sites that I know are dog related organizations.
I created an influencers list that includes: Ellen Degeneres, Cesar Milan, The Animal Rescue Site and Rachel Ray. They all have either dog activities or non-competing dog products or services they provide for dogs and are all high profile about it.
The other list I created is product users who includes the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, RR Club, Humane Society of the US and the ASPCA. They are all influencers as well, but could be product users based on the fact that they are all hands-on helping and rescuing and transporting animals on a daily basis. So as they use the products, they could also tweet and recommend them.
Creating the lists adds some focus on specific members that could be helpful for the business. And following them may have some impact on the number of people that may search and find my site. It also gives interesting and relatable content to the people who will see my site.
My site has only been up for 4 days, but already has 76 impressions according to the analytics data, and I have 4 followers, from just 3 tweets.
I created an influencers list that includes: Ellen Degeneres, Cesar Milan, The Animal Rescue Site and Rachel Ray. They all have either dog activities or non-competing dog products or services they provide for dogs and are all high profile about it.
The other list I created is product users who includes the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, RR Club, Humane Society of the US and the ASPCA. They are all influencers as well, but could be product users based on the fact that they are all hands-on helping and rescuing and transporting animals on a daily basis. So as they use the products, they could also tweet and recommend them.
Creating the lists adds some focus on specific members that could be helpful for the business. And following them may have some impact on the number of people that may search and find my site. It also gives interesting and relatable content to the people who will see my site.
My site has only been up for 4 days, but already has 76 impressions according to the analytics data, and I have 4 followers, from just 3 tweets.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Week 8 - Get Visual
There are eight major social media sites available that all have 100's of millions of users. They are all good for different reasons, but the most popular are Facebook and YouTube.
For my business, Go Virtual Products, or a.k.a. Go.Pet.Products on Facebook and Instagram, I feel like these are the best two to choose from along with my website and email pages.
It seems like most people are on Facebook with 1.4 billion users! And having a page on there has brought me likes and comments from people I don't even know!
{Keep in mind, this is a fictitious company, and I am not actually selling products on it, yet.}
I just set up an Instagram account today and already have five followers!
What seems to be the best advertising and marketing for my products; waste poop scoop bags and training pee pads for dogs, are pictures, not videos. But what I've learned is to not JUST SELL the products, but to post other related things that are of interests to my followers. For instance other sites to follow, events that are going on in the area, interesting dog related news and my personal favorite because of my own dog... anything to do with Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
YouTube does not seem to be a place that would be beneficial to post for my business because of the nature of my products. People probably don't want to see these products actually in use!
But photos are OK, so any one of the sites to post photos would be good. I chose Instagram because that is more known for photos than say Twitter. But Twitter also does photos, videos and ads now too. I have not set up accounts for Twitter or the other four sites I'm going to mention. Snapchat has a lot of good content, but does not stay posted for very long. Pinterest I think is good for unique postings that you are trying to get attention to. But for my products, they are not the kind of fancy or "pretty" images that would be effective there. Tumblr seems to be more about the blogging content and a platform for the latest trending events. And lastly Google+, I am considering, because of the number of users, and if I can get MY pictures posted on the shopping section, it could link to my Google website for people to order directly from me, if I set up an online store.
So all in all, the more visibility the better when it comes to social media now days. Because there are more users than ever on all of the sites, and the younger generations live and die by their phones, tablets and social media accounts! But older users are now the fastest growing segment on social media. Not all sites work for all businesses, so it depends on your end goal. Mine is just consistent relationship building and product visibility, and links to all of my different sites, so I've started with the four and will continue to add in time. My goal is to get people to like to come to the site to see the new event and information posts, and buy their products from my site out of loyalty and relating to what content I share with them.
For my business, Go Virtual Products, or a.k.a. Go.Pet.Products on Facebook and Instagram, I feel like these are the best two to choose from along with my website and email pages.
It seems like most people are on Facebook with 1.4 billion users! And having a page on there has brought me likes and comments from people I don't even know!
{Keep in mind, this is a fictitious company, and I am not actually selling products on it, yet.}
I just set up an Instagram account today and already have five followers!
What seems to be the best advertising and marketing for my products; waste poop scoop bags and training pee pads for dogs, are pictures, not videos. But what I've learned is to not JUST SELL the products, but to post other related things that are of interests to my followers. For instance other sites to follow, events that are going on in the area, interesting dog related news and my personal favorite because of my own dog... anything to do with Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
YouTube does not seem to be a place that would be beneficial to post for my business because of the nature of my products. People probably don't want to see these products actually in use!
But photos are OK, so any one of the sites to post photos would be good. I chose Instagram because that is more known for photos than say Twitter. But Twitter also does photos, videos and ads now too. I have not set up accounts for Twitter or the other four sites I'm going to mention. Snapchat has a lot of good content, but does not stay posted for very long. Pinterest I think is good for unique postings that you are trying to get attention to. But for my products, they are not the kind of fancy or "pretty" images that would be effective there. Tumblr seems to be more about the blogging content and a platform for the latest trending events. And lastly Google+, I am considering, because of the number of users, and if I can get MY pictures posted on the shopping section, it could link to my Google website for people to order directly from me, if I set up an online store.
So all in all, the more visibility the better when it comes to social media now days. Because there are more users than ever on all of the sites, and the younger generations live and die by their phones, tablets and social media accounts! But older users are now the fastest growing segment on social media. Not all sites work for all businesses, so it depends on your end goal. Mine is just consistent relationship building and product visibility, and links to all of my different sites, so I've started with the four and will continue to add in time. My goal is to get people to like to come to the site to see the new event and information posts, and buy their products from my site out of loyalty and relating to what content I share with them.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Week 7 Facebook Page Likes
I have different pages that I have liked on my business page Go Virtual Products, Facebook.com/go.pet.products/
They are all dog related which are all going to be of interest to anyone that is interested in my page. But they are not just "selling" sites, they are beneficial in different ways with information and resources for dog owners. The pet industry has been in a constant growth phase for many years now, and is not slowing down. Many dog parents consider their dogs as part of their family and many as their kids! The amount of money and time spent with their dogs is increasing. And people are as active as ever with their dogs, taking them with them wherever they go; on vacation, hotels and camping, to the store, restaurants, hikes and beaches, the list goes on!
The 5 that I have chosen to be featured pages are:
1.) The Animal Rescue Site - this page has a feature that you can click on every day and they will donate a bowl of food to a shelter for every click. Also, they have an online store to buy all kinds of things and there is more food that is donated based on the amount of money that is spent. Many items have paw prints or animal related themes which dog owners love to buy. There are even buy one, give one free items that can be purchased. There are also links to other sites like The Rainforest Site and The Greater Good Site that are of the same premise of clicking and them giving donations to the different causes.
2.) FIDO (Fiesta Island Dog Owners) - Fiesta Island is one of the few off leash parks on Mission Bay in San Diego, or beach, that are left in San Diego. There is a proposition that is trying to get passed to clear the park and build a mobile home parking lot on it. There are many people that use this dog park and do not want it to be taken away. There are "meetup groups", like the "Ridgeback meetup group" that will get together on the weekends for all of our dogs to play together and be off-leash. They love it. Last weekend I took my dog Roxy and there were 20 or more Ridgebacks that she got to play with! FIDO also organizes clean up days for people to go clean up the park of dog waste and trash to keep the park nice and clean.
3.) Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, CA Division - many times people do want a specific pure bred or mix breed dog, but don't want to, or can't afford a pure bred from a breeder. Or that may just prefer to rescue a dog in need or an older dog. Breeders usually sell puppies. This group does rescues from dogs that have either been in bad situations or that have been relinquished for different reasons. People can use this site to see if they can find a dog that is a good fit for their family to adopt.
4.) Kamp Kanine Dog Care - they have 8 different off-leash yards for dogs to go for the day and hang out with other dogs and play, have fun and burn off energy. Depending on the dog's size and demeanor, they place them in different yards where they'll be most comfortable for the day. Roxy goes one or two days a week to the big dog yard. They also offer hikes that they take the dogs on trails throughout the city to spend a couple of hours hiking or jogging. Roxy usually goes every other week on a hike. It is great fun for the dogs, and also good training of how to walk on a leash, walk in a dog pack and learn from the other dogs the do's and don't's of how to behave while hiking on a leash. The dogs teach each other dog manners while in public. The kamp also has trainers that offer classes for obedience, agility, Canine Good Citizen (for therapy dog training), etc. It is a wonderful business and Roxy loves it! The trainers and care givers are all SO professional and ALL know Roxy and me by name and her friends there that she likes to hang out with.
5.) AKC (American Kennel Club) - there are so many different breeds of dogs. So how do you find a breed that is compatible with your lifestyle and living situation? The AKC is an organization that maintains information and events that deal with every dog breed that is recognized. Dogs also can be registered to the AKC if they are of certain lineages and breeding. They offer information about different breeds, like Roxy is original derived from South Africa as a hunting dog. They tell all about their temperament and attributes. They also show different events that are taking place and now have a calendar of events. You can search by breed for events, like showing conformation or agility or whatever you are interested to participate in. It is a great resource site to learn about your dog, or future dog, and learn their history and characteristics about them before or after you adopt your new friend!
So find a new friend, or family member, if you have not done so already, or add another dog to your family and enjoy their loyalty and companionship. They give unconditional love and fun and will forever be "man's best friend."
They are all dog related which are all going to be of interest to anyone that is interested in my page. But they are not just "selling" sites, they are beneficial in different ways with information and resources for dog owners. The pet industry has been in a constant growth phase for many years now, and is not slowing down. Many dog parents consider their dogs as part of their family and many as their kids! The amount of money and time spent with their dogs is increasing. And people are as active as ever with their dogs, taking them with them wherever they go; on vacation, hotels and camping, to the store, restaurants, hikes and beaches, the list goes on!
The 5 that I have chosen to be featured pages are:
1.) The Animal Rescue Site - this page has a feature that you can click on every day and they will donate a bowl of food to a shelter for every click. Also, they have an online store to buy all kinds of things and there is more food that is donated based on the amount of money that is spent. Many items have paw prints or animal related themes which dog owners love to buy. There are even buy one, give one free items that can be purchased. There are also links to other sites like The Rainforest Site and The Greater Good Site that are of the same premise of clicking and them giving donations to the different causes.
2.) FIDO (Fiesta Island Dog Owners) - Fiesta Island is one of the few off leash parks on Mission Bay in San Diego, or beach, that are left in San Diego. There is a proposition that is trying to get passed to clear the park and build a mobile home parking lot on it. There are many people that use this dog park and do not want it to be taken away. There are "meetup groups", like the "Ridgeback meetup group" that will get together on the weekends for all of our dogs to play together and be off-leash. They love it. Last weekend I took my dog Roxy and there were 20 or more Ridgebacks that she got to play with! FIDO also organizes clean up days for people to go clean up the park of dog waste and trash to keep the park nice and clean.
3.) Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, CA Division - many times people do want a specific pure bred or mix breed dog, but don't want to, or can't afford a pure bred from a breeder. Or that may just prefer to rescue a dog in need or an older dog. Breeders usually sell puppies. This group does rescues from dogs that have either been in bad situations or that have been relinquished for different reasons. People can use this site to see if they can find a dog that is a good fit for their family to adopt.
4.) Kamp Kanine Dog Care - they have 8 different off-leash yards for dogs to go for the day and hang out with other dogs and play, have fun and burn off energy. Depending on the dog's size and demeanor, they place them in different yards where they'll be most comfortable for the day. Roxy goes one or two days a week to the big dog yard. They also offer hikes that they take the dogs on trails throughout the city to spend a couple of hours hiking or jogging. Roxy usually goes every other week on a hike. It is great fun for the dogs, and also good training of how to walk on a leash, walk in a dog pack and learn from the other dogs the do's and don't's of how to behave while hiking on a leash. The dogs teach each other dog manners while in public. The kamp also has trainers that offer classes for obedience, agility, Canine Good Citizen (for therapy dog training), etc. It is a wonderful business and Roxy loves it! The trainers and care givers are all SO professional and ALL know Roxy and me by name and her friends there that she likes to hang out with.
5.) AKC (American Kennel Club) - there are so many different breeds of dogs. So how do you find a breed that is compatible with your lifestyle and living situation? The AKC is an organization that maintains information and events that deal with every dog breed that is recognized. Dogs also can be registered to the AKC if they are of certain lineages and breeding. They offer information about different breeds, like Roxy is original derived from South Africa as a hunting dog. They tell all about their temperament and attributes. They also show different events that are taking place and now have a calendar of events. You can search by breed for events, like showing conformation or agility or whatever you are interested to participate in. It is a great resource site to learn about your dog, or future dog, and learn their history and characteristics about them before or after you adopt your new friend!
So find a new friend, or family member, if you have not done so already, or add another dog to your family and enjoy their loyalty and companionship. They give unconditional love and fun and will forever be "man's best friend."
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Week 6 Facebook Business Page
This is my first time to create a Facebook business page. The online company is called Go Virtual Products and can be reached at: https://Facebook.com/go.pet.products/
This is a business I was considering starting, but have not done so yet, so it is fictitious.
The post "reach" is defined by Facebook as the number of people that saw my page posts as I have made them. This could be my cover or profile pictures, my notes, my posts, my photos etc. This can be with or without doing any paid advertising, which they term "organic." I have 3 people on my page that I have reached since I set up the page on September 28th.
The post "engagement" is defined as the total number of actions that people take involving the posts. This shows the relevance that the posts or ads have with the different people that view it. They could comment, like, follow the page, share the page etc. It is however they interact with what they've seen. On my page I have 51 post engagements, 29 views, 14 likes and 14 followers. I am surprised to have so many so far... for a new, fictitious business page! And many of the names that are likes or followers I am not familiar with. So my page is reaching many people!
Knowing the difference between post reach and post engagement is important because the reach is just the people that posts were served to. The engagement is anyone else that has seen the page or posts and have taken some action, even just by viewing it or liking it.
Using the Facebook Insights page is useful because it is great tracking information as to what is working or not working that is grabbing people's attention, or calling them to take some sort of action. It breaks down how many people have just viewed the page, how many have liked it or commented, followed it or taken action. And it is tracking on a daily basis for about a months period of time. So when it is tracking what is being received well by people you can make decisions to do further posts that are similar, or that will attract them to view and take action again, like share the page with all of their friends! Which is the ideal way of getting the word out and marketing is to get people to share with as many people they know and then maybe their friends will continue to share it. This is the ultimate goal... positive word of mouth and referrals are the best form of marketing and advertising!
This is a business I was considering starting, but have not done so yet, so it is fictitious.
The post "reach" is defined by Facebook as the number of people that saw my page posts as I have made them. This could be my cover or profile pictures, my notes, my posts, my photos etc. This can be with or without doing any paid advertising, which they term "organic." I have 3 people on my page that I have reached since I set up the page on September 28th.
The post "engagement" is defined as the total number of actions that people take involving the posts. This shows the relevance that the posts or ads have with the different people that view it. They could comment, like, follow the page, share the page etc. It is however they interact with what they've seen. On my page I have 51 post engagements, 29 views, 14 likes and 14 followers. I am surprised to have so many so far... for a new, fictitious business page! And many of the names that are likes or followers I am not familiar with. So my page is reaching many people!
Knowing the difference between post reach and post engagement is important because the reach is just the people that posts were served to. The engagement is anyone else that has seen the page or posts and have taken some action, even just by viewing it or liking it.
Using the Facebook Insights page is useful because it is great tracking information as to what is working or not working that is grabbing people's attention, or calling them to take some sort of action. It breaks down how many people have just viewed the page, how many have liked it or commented, followed it or taken action. And it is tracking on a daily basis for about a months period of time. So when it is tracking what is being received well by people you can make decisions to do further posts that are similar, or that will attract them to view and take action again, like share the page with all of their friends! Which is the ideal way of getting the word out and marketing is to get people to share with as many people they know and then maybe their friends will continue to share it. This is the ultimate goal... positive word of mouth and referrals are the best form of marketing and advertising!
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