My Wonderful Visitors

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For free BLOGGING SEMINARS AND TUTORIALS, click the tabs below. I am sorry, but I am not available for personal blogging questions as I am writing full-time and my work takes precedence.

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Friday, September 30, 2011

How to Blog: Blogging 101: Class 2: Visitors Don't Read Everything



You have just entered a free online class for women by Cindy Adkins, author of “Blogging: It’s a ‘Woman’ Thing” and “Blog from the Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Blogging,” both available on Amazon.


While this class was designed for women, men are invited too!


* * * * * * * * *


Welcome! Blogging allows you to be the Star of your own show~This seminar was created to make your blog rock!


From this class you will learn:


1. How you can create permanent back-links on a post

2. Why brevity is very important in blogging

3. Why putting your MAIN point in your title is vital

4. How to attach a blog button in blogger.


First, I need to clarify something from yesterday’s lesson. You can have other people put your blog button on their blog and vice versa to create back-links. But, have you ever written about someone on your blog and made a link that included their blog address? If so, you created a permanent back-link to them already! (Remember that creating back-links is essential for bringing up your blog ranking.)


I create back-links all the time because I talk about people on my blog and put a link to their names. That makes a back-link for them. Here is an example:


June of Dezinaworld and Gail of Shabby Cottage Studio have amazing images for sale. I know this first-hand because I design for both of these amazing women. Go over and take a look!”


See? I created permanent back-links to 2 people in one sentence!


* * * * * * * *


To learn how to attach a blog button to Blogger, go HERE!! I have written complete instructions with pictures on my Whimsical Musings Magazine blog.


Attaching blog buttons to Wordpress is different. As I have Blogger, this is the method that I personally use. If you have a Wordpress blog, yours will be added differently.


I am a graphic artist and if you need a blog button for your blog, I make them for any type of blog. Just email me at: Cindylou_20@hotmail.com They are not expensive! Also, be sure to tell me your blog address so that I can visit and give you some solid advice about the button.


* * * * * * * *


NOW, ONTO TODAY'S LESSON: Class 2--Visitors Don't Read Everything


Do you know that MOST people only spend split-seconds visiting blogs? Well, it’s true! So, if you bog your visitors down with lots of writing (like I am doing now), chances are that they will not read what you say word for word.


So, what can you do? Post some pictures, put very little text, and you are done!


It will not take you as long AND your visitors will appreciate it.


A TRUE STORY:


I was at a blog the other day in which a woman showed some beautiful pieces of art, but she also told about something terrible that was going on in her life. I looked at the comments. NO ONE mentioned it or said, “I’m so sorry to hear that.” Do you know why? Because they did not read it! Her post was so long that she “lost” people because she was not concise enough.


We blog in between life. We are not trying to spend our whole lives on here. So, if you have something SUPER important that you want people to know, put it in your title. That will get their attention. Then, they can scroll down to read the info. and won’t miss something very important you need to tell them.


How am I doing? Was this class helpful? I’ll see you tomorrow for Class 3.


If you are not a follower, could you please scroll up and join my blog on the top left?


Also, could you please click the Facebook button down below and post this to your Facebook page? I am hoping that thousands of people will come to see it and be helped with their blogs!


If you missed my first lesson, just scroll down to the next post--It is there.


On a special note: I will not be around this weekend~so I won't be able to answer questions.


I have several tutorials on my Whimsical Musings Magazine blog. You might want to go take a quick look in case there's something you need help with, such as centering your blog header or making and inserting a favicon.


Thursday, September 29, 2011

How to Blog: Blogging 101--A Free Online Seminar for Women



Class 1


You have just entered a free online class for women by Cindy Adkins, author of “Blogging: It’s a ‘Woman’ Thing” and “Blog from the Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Blogging.”



While this class was designed for women, men are absolutely welcome too! While researching for my books, I came across a great deal of information, BUT it is not all in one place. So, I created this seminar to provide you with tips that you might not know about--and these can help you on your blogging adventure.


From this class, you will learn:


1. How to obtain your blog ranking

2. The importance of back-links

3. The importance of having a blog button


Part 1


We all know that there is plenty of social media to access on the internet. But, with a blog, YOU are the star of your own show!


Want more followers? Here are 3 QUICK TIPS for today:


1. Put your “Followers” widget up at the top of your sidebar so people can find it quickly. If visitors have to hunt for it, they may not join. Make it visible and get more followers. (If you are new to this blog, please become a follower.)


2. Make sure that your blog address is embedded in your email so that when you write someone a letter, they will be able to find your blog at the click of a button.


3. If you have “word verification” on your blog when people leave comments, they may not be as likely to leave comments. So, unless you are really worried about receiving comments from bots, go into your template designer and get rid of “word verification.”


Now, let’s talk about back-links. Did you know that your blog has a ranking on Google? The higher your ranking, the more visibility you will receive in search engines. Yes, it’s true!


Exercise 1:


To check YOUR ranking, just click here.

Put your complete blog address into the box.

Push the button that says “Search PR.”

When you come to a new page, fill in the code box (so that they know you’re a person.)


You will receive your ranking for free. Easy!


The results could surprise you!!!


Before you proceed to Part 2, please scroll down to the bottom of this page--ALL the way down until you reach a gray area where you will see a music player box. Right above it is a widget for you to check your stats. I will always keep it there. So, whenever you want to check yours in the future, come to my blog, scroll down to it and put your info. in. It will take you directly to the SAME page ranking site you were just on. It is ALWAYS a good idea to check your page rank periodically and I will have this available for anyone who visits my blog so that they can check their progress.


* * * * * *



Part 2


Let’s see one method of creating ever-important back-links for you. You know how we have blog buttons for each of our blogs? When you grab a friend’s blog button and place it on your blog WITH a link to their blog, you have JUST created a back-link for them.


BUT, you did not only help them. You could have just helped yourself too. Do you want to know why?


Exercise 2: Try it and see for yourself!


Go to your Google search bar (you know, the place where you go to find things on the internet), click “Images” up at the top left, and put in the words Cindy Adkins Whimsical Musings into the Google search bar and click “search images.” You will see images from my blog. But, look carefully because you will also see pictures of other people’s art.


If you already put my blog button on YOUR blog with a link to me or if you have mentioned me on your blog with a link to my blog, most likely, you will also come up under a search of my name under “images” and vice versa.


A quick glance at my page on Google and you will see artwork from Dorthe at Den lille lade, Terry at Terry 2 Dogs, Lynne from Adorn, Donna from My Shabby Chateau--and more!


If people are searching for my blog in Google, they could also come upon many people that link back to me. How neat is that?


Now you can see why you want your button on your friends’ blogs and why you want theirs on yours. Exposure is the name of the game and as you get more back-links, you will get higher ranking on Google!


Also, when you visit a blog and become a follower, the same thing happens, so don’t forget to follow as many blogs as you can.


If you need to know HOW to insert a button on Blogger, just click HERE. I have complete instructions!!!


Tomorrow in Class 2, I will reveal a little-known fact about blog content.


Just to let you know--All other classes are extremely short and do not contain exercises for you to do!


As a graphic artist, I design blog buttons and would be happy to design yours if you don't have one. Just email me for the price at: Cindylou_20@hotmail.com They're not expensive! Just let me know your blog address so I can visit and give you advice on what I would suggest for the design of it.


Was this class helpful? If so, please tell your friends about it. Thank you, Debbie of Simply Debbie for announcing it on your blog.


If you have a Facebook page, would you mind posting this on Facebook? The Facebook button is right below this post and says "F." Thanks SO much! I am hoping that this class will reach thousands of people!!!


Linking this to Pink Saturday!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Sewing Notions



Hi Everyone~
I created this digital piece with images from Dezinaworld from a new sheet that is available. (Additional graphics from The Graphics Fairy and Scrapgirls are also included in this piece.)

I hope you're having an awesome day--My free Online Seminar for Women starts Friday!

XO
Cindy

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Blogging 101--A Free Online Seminar Starts Friday!!!


If you've read my new “girlie girl” blogging books, then you know that they show you how to “blog from the heart.”


This Friday, I will begin a ONE-WEEK course that will explain how to get higher ranking on Google and bring more traffic to your blog. Classes are completely free!


The class will end with a “tell-all” story about moi and a particular blogging mishap that all but turned my world upside down when I first began blogging.



BIG NEWS!


The winner of my Autumn Collage is Wayna of Creative Grammie! Congratulations, Wayna! I will be sending it out right away to your lovely doorstep in fabulous Hawaii!


A Big THANK YOU to: Diana of Nana Diana Takes a Break who featured me on her blog today--Wow, Diana, thank you so much!!!



Until I see you all next time, remember to blog your heart out! We all know it’s fun!!


XO

Cindy


Linking this to White Wednesday!

Halloween Goodies!



Over at Dezinaworld, there are plenty of Halloween goodies! When I saw this graphic of a starry night and this adorable graphic of a little girl with a pumpkin boy, I just knew I had to create a picture about Halloween Love.

Did you know that in addition to being a night for Trick-or-Treating, Halloween is one of the most romantic nights of the entire year for couples? Who would have known?

I just LOVE statistics like that--The more romance the better!

XO
Cindy

P.S. I've got a Special Announcement later today, so please come back to see it.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Pink Journal

I adore creating journals~


I made this journal with scrapbook paper, lace,
and other embellishments...



I created these tags with a background from Dezinaworld.



Then, I used one of the tags to place atop
the journal.


XO
Cindy



Monday, September 19, 2011

Celebration Giveaway!


I just found out that my work has been published in
the brand-new September issue of SNR--Scrapbook


This issue was just released last night
and is available online!


In celebration of this event, I am having a giveaway.
I just created this Autumn Collage made from a
vintage book.

The lowest-placed flower is in champagne--it
looks pink, but it's not. The other flowers are
delicate fabric with gold glitter and of course,
deep red roses.


As you can see, I am ready for fall...


and I couldn't wait to make this piece with images
from Dezinaworld. Their new sheet has gorgeous
fall color designs!


If you are decorating for fall too, then maybe this
collage will fit in with your decor...



If you'd like to win it, just leave me a message to let
me know if you'd like to be entered into the giveaway!

Oops! and one more thing--could you please push the
BLUE +1 button underneath this post? I'd really
appreciate it!


I hope you're having a great week!!

XO
Cindy

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Exciting News!!!

Hi Everyone~
I've got some exciting news!!! My books
have just been published and are
available on Amazon!!!


The first one is called Blogging:
It's a "Woman" Thing



The second one is Blog from the Heart:
A Woman's Guide to Blogging



and For Brides Only:
Creating a Wedding Blog

These are available in Ebook form~I couldn't
wait to share my news with you!


If you would like to read any of them and don't have a Kindle, you can go to this link and download software to read ebooks on your computer. (I just tried it and it works!)

The software is installed in seconds and the software is free.


My link party is still in full swing all week on my
other blog! (The button is on my sidebar.) I hope you'll
join me and link up~

Linking this to Blogger's Bodega!

Linking this to White Wednesday!
Linking this to Time Travel Thursday!
Linking this to Potpourri Friday!
Linking this to Show and Tell Friday!


XO
Cindy

Friday, September 16, 2011

Shabby Goodness!!!


The Ohh-la-la Link Party is now in full-swing and
will be posted for one full week!!


Remember the surprise goodies I received from Angie?
Well, I have been busy making cards for the party!
The female image is from Dezinaworld!


Wishing you all a "Shabbilicious" good time!!




XO
Cindy

Linking this to Potpourri Friday!
Linking this to Pink Saturday!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Shabby Decor Chic --Live Your Passion


The Shabby lifestyle is so intoxicating...


You can feel swept away...


to a place


of dreaminess...


where you can live your passion.

Graphics from Shabby Cottage Studio and
The Graphics Fairy.


XO
Cindy

Linking this to White Wednesday!

Linking this to: Show and Tell Friday!

Halloween!


Hi Everyone~

As you know, I design for Dezinaworld--and they
have amazing graphics for sale! Here is a sheet for
Halloween--and there's more, so wow, you
might want to check them out to use for
your craft projects!



Here's a piece I just completed and I decided
to use anything other than Halloween colors
just for fun!

xo
Cindy

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Beach Cottage Decor, Coastal Decor

Beach Cottage Collage--New in my Etsy Store


So fun to make!



Lots of whimsy for a Beach Cottage Setting and
definitive of "Shared Moments" with friends.

Just click on images to see close-ups.

XO
Cindy

Linking this to the "Shared Moments" Challenge on Gingersnap Creations!

Linking this to The Graphics Fairy!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Shabby Chic Surprise Package!


Hi Everyone~

Today I received the most AWESOME surprise
package in the mail from Angie!!



Imagine seam binding, gorgeous tags,
exquisite lace, adorable buttons--just too
much to mention!!! I'm in Craft Heaven!!

Angie--Thank you SO much!!!

If you'd like to visit Angie, her blog

XO
Cindy

Shabby Chic Wedding Ideas


Hi Everyone~

Here are some Shabby Chic wedding ideas...First,
a tussie mussie made especially for the bride.


Shabby chic birdcage for the
reception table....


Bridal Tussie Mussie



Wedding Wish Bottle for the happy
couple where guests write down their wishes for
the newlyweds and place them inside.

These are all available in my Etsy shop.

XO
Cindy


Monday, September 12, 2011

Shabby Chic Decor--There's Going to Be a Party!




Hi Everyone~
This Friday will be a link party on my
link up anything that has a shabby or
Paris-inspired look.

One more thing--You can link up
an older post--It doesn't have to
be a new one--and it's the only
link party I will be having!

XO
Cindy

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Beach Cottage Decor


Hi Everyone~

Besides creating The Shabby Chic Girls' Club, I have
been a busy bee making these seaside creations.


I created a shadow box from a frame....


And here is an altered book with a seahorse charm...


An altered Mermaid bottle....


It's a way to keep the beach spirit around all year long...



and have a few moments to relax...

All of these items are available in my Etsy store.

Wishing you a Happy Day!!!

If you haven't visited my new blog, just click
here for a giveaway!

Linking this to:






XO
Cindy

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Shabby Chic Decor--Did you hear the latest buzz?



Hi Everyone~

There's a NEW CLUB in town! If you click here,
you can see it for yourself...(It's a little
surprise that I've been planning for awhile
now.)

It's a chatty little place where I hope you'll
have some fun!

And YES, there's a giveaway--so, I hope you'll
visit and join in the fun!

XO
Cindy