The latest and greatest version of WordPress, version 2.8 “Baker” is now available. 2.8 represents a nice fit and finish release for WordPress with improvements to themes, widgets, taxonomies, and overall speed. Following is a quick video overview of everything in the new release:

Wordpress keeps on getting better. They make it easy for just about anyone to have a web presence without having to shovel out the big bucks.
Read more about it from http://wordpress.org/development/2009/06/wordpress-28/

Many do not realize the power of RSS feeds and are not even aware that most blogs, websites and other online resources have feeds built right in.  Feeds give you the power to easily distribute and share your content on the web.  As you probably know, the more places on the web that your content is, the better.  Fresh content increases the number of visitors to your site and the frequency in which they visit, ultimately leading to more conversions.

When you sign up for a service, look for an option that allows you to add your RSS feed.  When you see this option, you should always take advantage of it.  For example, Facebook  and FriendFeed allow you to add a feed.  The feed content (from your blog, website, Twitter, etc.) is then added to your Facebook and FriendFeed network.  ClassifiedFlyerAds also allows you to add a feed to your profile, which is then picked up by search engines.  So where can you get your own feed?  Let’s start with Twitter.  Located at the bottom right of your Twitter profile is a feed that contains your Twitter stream.

You can place this feed in other online resources that accept feeds, making your Twitter stream content appear in those places too.

WordPress also has feeds built right in.  If you have a WordPress blog you will have a feed that contains your blog posts and your comments. Grab your WordPress blog feed and place that anywhere that accepts a feed.

Okay, so now you know how to get a feed.  Now let me give you some resources where you can share your feed.  I have personally submitted feeds to all of these and as of this date they are all active resources.  I will add and remove from this list as time goes on and I come across other resources. Get out there and spread your content out across the web!

Feed Specific Directories

http://www.feedage.com
http://www.millionrss.com
http://www.icerocket.com
http://www.feedest.com
http://www.rss-spider.com
http://www.feedlisting.com
http://www.feedgy.com
http://www.Feedraider.com
http://www.feedbees.com
http://www.feedagg.com
http://rssmountain.com
http://www.feedsee.com
http://feedfury.com
http://www.rssmicro.com
http://www.feedbase.net
http://outpost-earth.com
http://www.azfeeds.com
http://www.goldenfeed.com

Blog Specific Directories

http://technorati.com
http://www.blogged.com
http://blogville.us
http://www.bloglisting.net
http://www.bloglines.com
http://www.genwi.com

Once upon a time, a long long time ago, you could get a decent response just from advertising your business in the local paper, sending out promotional ads via direct mail, or buying a spot in the yellow pages. No more. Today, hundreds of millions of people are searching the internet for information, products, and services. Newspaper circulation is way down, making those ads less powerful, promotional direct mail has become “junk mail”, and advertising in the yellow pages… wait, what’s that? Google is the new yellow pages, and the internet is the new source for gathering information, communicating, and buying stuff. Are you effectively advertising your business online?

A recent study by Nielsen Media Research found that more than 85% of the world’s population has shopped online, up 40% from just two years earlier. Combine this statistic with the fact that 87% of home buyers search for property online, and that 3 out of 4 car buyers also search online, and it’s hard to ignore the fact that people are relying on the internet for more reason than just to surf; they’re also there to buy. If you own or run a business – whether freelance, real estate, automotive sales, product sales, service provider, or anything else – then you need to be marketing online.

So, how do you advertise your business online? The options available to you are many, and if you are just getting your feet wet in this arena then things can be confusing and overwhelming. Do your market research due-diligence, consumers are not going to leave online shopping behind any time soon.  Here are a few options to get you started:

1. Website – An effective website is much more than a static placeholder. Take tips from articles like “10 Steps to Measuring Web Site Success” and the Google Blog.
2. Blog – Blogging can be very effective if done right. Refer to advice from successful bloggers like Chris Brogan, CopyBlogger, the Online Marketing Blog, and others.
3. Post Targeted Ads – These types of ads can create a broader online presence for your business and be targeted to your market.
4. Google AdWords – Create online ads based on a set of keywords and set your own budget.
5. Social Networking – This one can be tricky, and many people use it entirely the wrong way. However, if managed successfully, social networking can be a great way to build your brand and presence online. To start in the social networking arena (see Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), I suggest you do much more watching and listening in the beginning to get a feel for how it is done successfully in your market. Find and connect with others in your industry who have been successful, and define a strategy with measurable goals.

The most important thing about online advertising for your business is to start. Have questions on any of these advertising methods? Disagree with me? Have another to add? Post your 2 cents in the comment section below.

Photo credit: jaaron

Whether writing a title for your classified flyer ad or a post on your blog, it is very important to do it right. An effective title can oftentimes be the difference between a successful effort and a flop. Here’s a few tips to consider:

For Online Classified Flyers

Online flyer ads are great for promoting products or services online, but are most effective with a targeted title. Since these are syndicated to web directories and indexed by search engines, it’s important to keep search terms in mind. Think about what you are offering, then think about what your buyers and clients might actually type into Google. An effective title will synchronize these two concepts so the searcher finds just what they’re looking for – your ad. Many people, to their own detriment, try to title their flyers with catchy phrases, much like they would title an article, essay, or blog post. This creativity is lost on an online flyer, since buyers and clients rarely conduct a search using that phrase.

For Blog Posts

A blog post is a whole different ball game. Think about your Blogsite from the visitor’s perspective. Try to title your posts in such a way that would appeal to a visitor, as well as search engines. Search engine optimization definitely has its place, but remember,  foregoing the usability of your site and the functionality of your posts for a little SEO juice is not going to encourage visitors to return or refer others. If you are clever enough to title your posts in such a way that they will be search engine friendly and visitor friendly, then you’ve found the jackpot. Remember also that you can always use tags and titles for an SEO boost, without compromising the user experience one bit.

Whether a blog post title or a flyer title, it is often the reason that someone decides to read further or move along. It is worth the time invested to put some thought into who your audience is and what they’re looking for. Now go and title wisely!

Image credit: Paul Worthington