In Part I of this series I showed you how you can easily create custom menus for your WordPress website (version 3.0 or greater). You can see that video here.

In this followup video I’ll expand on that to show you how you can…

• remove menu items
• have a link to an external site open in a new window/tab
• rename menu items without affecting the page titles
• make a menu item un-clickable in case you want it to be a heading for a dropdown menu.

This gives you a lot of flexibility in creating a powerful and effective menu system for your WordPress site! It’s Awesome!

As always, you might want to watch this in full screen mode so you can see what I’m doing.

Hope this helps! 

Are you new to WordPress? Or maybe you’ve just never really got a handle on creating menus with WordPress.

Well, ever since the awesome version, 3.0 hit the streets, creating menus in WordPress has been VERY cool and easy.

In this screencast tutorial I show you how to create custom menus in WordPress (3.0 or greater).

This screencast shows you how you can create pages in a WordPress site. It also shows you how you can create custom menus and add your pages to them, as well as creating dropdown menu items.

You’re probably going to want to view it in full screen mode so you can actually see what I’m doing.

Hope this helps!

You’re great at what you do. You love doing what you do. You’re an artist; a craftsman. You offer a product or service that really is awesome!

But you tell yourself, “you’re not a writer.”

Blogging / Content Marketing

Everyone is telling you that blogging/content marketing is the greatest thing since sliced bread in order to develop your brand online.

Everyone is telling you that you need a blog on your site.

Okay, you’ve set up a blog. Now what? What do you write/blog about? You’re not a writer.

Wait a minute…. You ARE a Writer! (you just didn’t realize it)

Think about the most frequently asked questions you get from your customers about what you do. Think about how many times you’ve explained to people how you / your business can help them have the life they want to be living! (or at least help in some way)

There’s your content.

Now you just take that message and put it into blog posts.

Don’t think you’ve got to be the next William Shakespeare.

• Keep it brief.
• Keep it simple.

Write as though you were talking to your best friend, helping them with a problem.

That’s it. Just get started and within a short amount of time, by using this approach, you’ll be blogging, spreading your helpful message out to the masses, and developing your brand and online identity as an authority in your field.

I think most people are well aware of how much YouTube has grown as a search engine. It’s currently the second most popular search engine being used these days. (you all know who’s #1, right?)

This post has two purposes.

1. Find Video Answer’s to Practically Any Question

It’s really no surprise YouTube has become such a well-used search engine. People are wanting to read less and less and less and less these days. If they can watch a video, they would much rather see that than read step by step instructions on how to do something.

Video is also just often more effective in answering people’s questions. By being able to see someone demonstrate something can be much more helpful than just reading how to do that same task.

I used YouTube to learn how to replace the valve in one of my toilets not too long ago! Made me feel like Bob Vila!

Have questions on how to use (understand) Twitter, Facebook, Google+ for business. You can spend hours learning from qualified video instruction on YouTube.

Warning: Not every video on YouTube is solid gold. You may have to look for the right video for you, but seriously, it’s worth taking a look.

2. Take Advantage of YouTube to Get Your Information Out There!

I cannot stress this enough. Video – Video – Video! 

Not so surprisingly, a lot of businesses still have yet to produce a lot of video to help their branding. SO, this gives you a chance to jump ahead an get your information out there.

My own story as an Example:

I’m a photographer here in Las Vegas, so I can use my personal situation as an example for you.

There are 3,000,000,016 (I think) photographers here in Las Vegas so it’s not an easy category to rank high in Google search results pages. Especially since I’ve only hung my shingle out for a little less than a year.

So in a Google search for “Las Vegas Photographer” I’ll usually show up somewhere between pages 10 – 17. (not good, just in case you’re wondering)

However, if you click on Video Results for that same Google search I come up on page 1 (several times). (that’s great, just in case you’re wondering)

And, if you do that same search on YouTube.com I also come up on page 1 of the results (several times). I’m sure you can understand how beneficial that is for businesses.

Take a look for yourself

• Google Search for Las Vegas Photographer (Ted who? What?)
• Google Search for Las Vegas Photographer – Video Results
• YouTube Search for Las Vegas Photographer

Right now you may only see a couple of my videos, but if I’m keeping as busy as I should be, and producing and posting videos from each shoot, you might see four or five of my videos on page 1.

How About You?

Do you use YouTube for a search engine? Got any tips you’d like to share? Also, are you putting out video for your business? What are your results?

I know a lot of my clients haven’t jumped whole-heartedly onto Google+ yet, or a lot of my friends for that matter. It’s the new kid on the block and just something else that people will have to learn.

Why Setup Shop on Google+?

You may be thinking, “I”ve already got a big network setup on Facebook, or Twitter. Why should I setup a profile on Google+?” Remember when everyone was on AOL? Remember when MySpace was all the rage? (and I’m taking this comparison from Chris’ book) Networks don’t last forever and it’s good, especially as a professional, to keep up on current web trends and not have to play catchup later.

How to Help You Learn Faster

Chris Brogan is a guy I’ve been following for the past couple of years because his ability to stay on the forefront of what’s happening especially in online business trends, while keeping things very human. He’s also one of the people I frequently suggest that my clients follow in order to keep up with fresh marketing and business trends.

Chris recently came out with his latest book, Google+ for Business. I had Chris’ other audio book, Social Media 101, so I was definitely waiting for the audio version of this new book to hit iTunes. It has. I bought it, and have been listening to it. I’m only about halfway through, but wanted to start recommending it now. 

Chris has a fantastic way of imparting skills and an overview of something in a very useable and understandable way. This new book is no exception. Google+ is gaining momentum quickly and if you’re not already on it, it’s definitely something you should get started with. Check out Chris’ new book, Google+ for Business to get a better understanding of how you might be able to use this new online tool to help continue to develop your biz!

How About You?

Are you using Google+ yet? Maybe you can share your experiences, how it works best for you.

It’s widely accepted that the titles are the first important attractor, determining whether or not someone will actually read your blog post. They are like text versions of thumbnails.

If you’re looking at a page of thumbnails, you’ll click on the most interesting, compelling thumbnail first, to view the full image. The titles of your posts act in the same way. That’s why your titles are so important. There is so much content available out there everyday. You want to make sure that yours stands out – and gets read!

Here are five tools you can use to create more compelling post titles:

Lists

People LOVE lists. A list gives someone hope that they can accomplishing something using a given number of steps.

• 5 Easy Ways To Create Better Blog Post Titles
• 10 Steps to Lighting Nude Photography
• 7 Marketing Tips To Double Your Business

How To…

Again, your providing someone a quick solution for something. EVERYONE is looking learn something. “How To” is a great way to get their attention.

• How To Lose Weight Without Dieting
• How To Triple Your Twitter Followers in One Day
• How To Make Money From Facebook

Juxtapose Subjects

This is an interesting way to capture people’s attention. A blog post title that presents an unusual combination can be compelling, the same way that it’s used in photography. You see a photo of a beautiful woman in a gorgeous evening gown standing in the middle of a garbage dump – it get’s your attention.

• Why Blind Monkeys Make Great Babysitters
• Using the One-Legged Kick Boxer Philosophy to Increase Your Income
• Why Jennifer Lopez Would Want to Work For You!

Invoke Popular Media Icons

People love their favorite movies, TV shows, bands, etc… If they see them mentioned, it gets their attention.

• Watching Seinfeld Will Improve Your Bottom Line
• The Depeche Mode Business Model
• Why Jennifer Lopez Would Want to Work For You!

Sex

Pretty obvious, huh? This may take a few different shapes and sizes along the way but it will never go out of style. Humans can’t help but notice something when sex is involved.

• Why Blogging is Like Sex (one of my most read posts)
• Principles For Improving Your Profits AND Your Sex Life
• Why Jennifer Lopez Would Want to Work For You! (okay, used too much?)

How About You?

These are just a handful of ways to create stronger titles. What are some other ways you can think of? What are some of your most read titles? Share in the comments!

You’ve got a business. You’re an expert at what you do. (that’s most likely true, especially if you’re running your own business.) You know your products and services will help people and you can’t wait to get out there and help as many people as you can, and watch your business just thrive!!!

Hmmm, Social Media, Social Networking, Social Marketing, etc., etc., etc., Huh?

You’ve heard using social networks for marketing is all the rage. You’ve even been keeping tabs on your family with Facebook. You enjoy watching the occassional funny video on YouTube, but for Marketing?

• How do you start?
• Do you just push ads for your business?
• Just blast people with how awesome you are?
• What exactly are you supposed to be doing with these networks?

Don’t Worry, You’re Not Alone.

Social networks and social marketing have been around for a while now. As popular as networks have grown, many businesses still don’t really know how to best circulate, mix in and make new friends on these platforms.

Social Marketing Is Conversation-Based

Using social networks to market your business is about starting REAL conversations. Not necessarily with each and every person in your network, but your posts should be conversational in nature.

Relate to your followers and the needs that your business can help them with, but this is important….

Do Not Sell!

When I say, “be conversational,” I mean it. And not it a smooth, corporate voice, obviously telling them how wonderful you are. Put yourself in your clients place.

Be Personable

Act as if you were a co-worker, or just a friend and REALLY JUST TALK TO THEM. Make jokes, have fun, relate stories. Be genuinely interested in, and focused on your followers, clients, customers and relate to them as a human being. Not as a business looking for the next sell.

The Specifics

I can’t tell you what to say to your followers. What you talk about will be specifically determined by who you are, what your business does and how you can help people.

But, A Place To Start

- think about why you got into the business your in and how it helps fill a need
- think about the 10 top questions you’re constantly asked by your (potential) clients
- think about how you like to be talked to and understood

Hopefully this gets you pointed in the right direction. If you want to be successful in using the social networks to build your business, you’re going to need to approach it in the same way you work to develop a strong friendship.

How About You?

What have been the most successful things you’ve done to improve your marketing through social networks? Use the comments section to share! We can always use some good advice!

So you’ve been blogging for a while, giving your readers juicy bits of info and engaging, entertaining prose. Working diligently to build your followers and community on your business site.

You’re feeling pretty good about all this. You’ve developed your voice of authority. You’re clients come to you to see what you think. It’s going great!

Hey, this blogging stuff really does work!

Then you get that first negative comment.

Oh oh! WordPress has notified you that you’ve got a new comment awaiting approval. You’re excited because, hey!, it doesn’t look like spam! It’s a real comment so let’s go approve it.

Wait a minute! This commenter is telling you you’re ideas are wrong, or maybe they’re expressing disappointment in your products, services or your blogged thoughts.

Okay, better delete that negative comment quickly, right? Wrong, let it go through.

The best ways to address a negative blog comment is:

• Approve the comment
• Respond in a positive way
• Never respond in a negative, argumentative voice
• Respond in a helpful way
• Politely correct the commenter if they are misinformed
• Politely refer to facts that back you up
• Make things right for this person if they’re a dissatisfied customer with a legitimate complaint…

…and above all…

Always Be the Bigger Person

Always take the high road. Be gracious. Don’t argue or get petty. Don’t name call or do anything that is just going to steer the conversation into an argument and drag you both (especially you) down in the mud.

Why let the comment go through at all?

One

Your blog is just one place for this person to express their views. If they tried to come to you first but you shut them down without being heard, that may just “inspire” them to go somewhere else to start talking about you, and you’ll have very little control at that point.

and Two

It will show your followers/clients/customers how you deal with complaints, opposing view points, criticism, and bullies, etc…. It gives you a fantastic opportunity to look like someone who handles things well, believes in what they are doing, and can take valid criticism in a gracious, mature fashion. That can turn this situation from a negative into a blessing!

How About You?

Have you had to deal with this kind of situation? I’d love to hear about it! Share your experiences in the comments.

I’ve converted another one of my clients over from the darkside (Joomla) to the light (WordPress)! Now I’m not slamming Joomla. Actually I’m the one that set this client up on Joomla about 4 years ago. I know…. booooo,  hissssss! Right?

At that time I still looked at WordPress as just blogging software. No more, no less.

WordPress = CMS

WordPress, over the past few years, has really developed into the most powerful content management system (CMS) out there for developing your brand online. In short, that just means the site’s owner can login and manage the site without having to know any code.

One Down, a Few More To Go….

I’ve still got a few clients that have their sites running on Joomla. I’m looking forward to the day when ALL of my clients have made the switch! (you know who you are )

Genesis Framework by StudioPress

On a side note for all your developers out there, if you’re developing sites on WordPress but aren’t using the Genesis Framework, you really need to check it out. Take a look. Visit StudioPress.com (affiliate link)

Check It Out!

And definitely stop by and take a look at Al Phillips new online diggs – AlPhillipsLV.com