Beth Oppenheim-Chan – 25 & Trying |25andtrying.wordpress.com
This week I review Beth Oppenheim-Chan’s “25 & Trying”. Beth is currently hosted on WordPress but is contemplating making the switch to self hosted, and has some questions related to her general blog design.
The Takeaways
- Determine your blogging goals before spending ANY money.
- Use Categories (not pages) to seperate the various niches within your blog
- Make a cool (custom) header image for your blog using free stock photos, free programs, in 60 seconds!
- Use Feedburner to optimize your RSS & Email blog subscriptions
Have a question or suggestion? Feel free to share some words in the comments below! HEAD OVER HERE for an index of all “5 Minute Blog Reviews”
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Matt! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. This was incredibly helpful. I really really am excited about the changes and most of all to email you to learn more about self hosting..since it is something I am interested in pursuing.
Once again, thank you! I really appreciate it.
Thank YOU Beth for reaching out. I’m happy to do this for anyone who’s interested. I hope it serves you well moving forward and we’ll be in touch regarding hosting. Cheers!
Five minute reviews are a fantastic idea Matt. That is a great way to drum up business!
Thanks John, it’s honestly not so much about drumming up business (although I wouldn’t turn it away here and there) as it is about helping folks who may not need a full-on design and consultation (or may not have room in the budget) but want a few pieces of wisdom that may help them take that next step. Thanks for coming by!
Matt, love the video as I’m working on a blog regarding leadership for Gen X & Yers. I’m not ready to host my own site as I’m using wordpress as the play ground for things to come at the moment. Is there away that we in cyberland could obtain a list from you of what free programs have worked best for you (like the one you used for branding in the video)?
Thanks!
Bryon – I use a variety of things to “get the job done” – in reference to what I mention in the video (IRFanView) – you can download it here: http://www.irfanview.com/
If you have any specific questions feel free to lay them out to the community here or shoot me an email. Thanks!
Oh my god you are my hero! The template of migrating from blogger to wordpress (private hosting) will probably give me the push I need to get the transformation going!!
I know I submitted my blog review to you a long time ago… I’m okay with you doing it about my current blog (on blogspot) unless you really only want to review wordpress blogs!
Love these 5 Minute reviews!
Yes – I’m working on it. Unfortunately, Blogger is a bit messy when it comes to the transition – but it is my goal to figure it out myself, so I can in turn help all of you figure it out. I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop as to how that progresses.
I have you on the schedule – fear not – I am finally getting back into recording these, it’s my own fault for leaving so many people hanging – but I’m committed to getting at least one of these up per week. Thanks for coming by, as always, Lindsey!
Matt, phenomenal work on the video as always–thanks for all of your tips!
Thanks Norm. By the way, I am not neglecting your email and I promise I’ll get back to you over the weekend.
No worries at all, I know you’ve got a full plate–I appreciate it!
“Determine your blogging goals before spending ANY money.”
Ruhhhh-rooohhhhhhhh. Does getting offered a book deal that will allow you to never work in an office again count as a blogging goal? Too broad right? Crap!!
Haha, I think that’s a pretty noble goal (it’s on my bucket list as well). If I can craft my ideas here into a published book (which I hope and plan to), coupled with tours, speaking engagements, pantsless Gaga dance-offs, et cetera – that would be the epitome of success for me. What else would I have to live for?
A blogging goal (or any goal for that matter) doesn’t have to be modest, it just has to be real and attainable, even if far-fetched.
Great tips that I learned early on. Thanks Matt. I love your reviews!!!
Thanks for coming by and watching Patrice. Hope these are useful for you and everyone.