May 1 is RSS Awareness Day

Daily Blogging Tips has proclaimed May 1 RSS Awareness Day. Their goal is to get as bloggers as possible talking up the benefits of RSS so that more readers will use it. I thought I was a late adopter of RSS, but it turns out that the vast majority of internet users still have not caught on to how easy it is.

I signed up for Google Reader back in December, so here are my five reasons why you should use it, too:

1. See all of your blog reading aggregated in one place. This saves me a TON of time, because I just scroll through all the new posts and decide what's worth reading.
2. Don't waste time visiting blogs that haven't been updated. Before I signed up for RSS, I spent quite a bit of time each morning checking blogs that didn't have any new content, hoping maybe this would be the day for a new post.
3. Get recommendations on related blogs. When you sign into Google Reader, it suggests other blogs that you might like based on the content that is currently in your feeds (similar to Amazon.com recommendations). This is a good way to discover new blogs.
4. Find out what your contacts are reading. If your Gmail contacts choose to share their feeds, then you can see what they're reading and discover new blogs that way, too.
5. Show your favorite bloggers some love by subscribing to their feeds. Yes, you should still comment regularly, but subscribing to their feed is another way to voice your support. Bloggers love big numbers (at least this blogger does, so sign up for my RSS feed here).

This post from the archives has more tips on organizing information online.

Top Search Terms for the Urban Muse

I admit it... I'm a little addicted to StatCounter. I'm fascinated by how people find my blog, what browsers they use, and how deep they delve into the archives. It's almost sick, but then it's probably better than being addicted to TMZ.com (in fact, I'm not even going to support those pseudo-journalists with a link).

Usually people find me using the search terms that you'd expect: my name, the names of the writers I've interviewed, or phrases like "dealing with disappointment" or "promoting your blog." Other times I have no idea how they typed a bunch of seemingly random keywords into Google or Yahoo and came up with this blog.

In fact, I've been tracking my blog keywords for the past few months, and here are a few gems:

• my best bra
• shiny spandex clip
• new york and inside the wall and scratching
• baning girl clips
• psychosomatic bedbugs
• everything in this world de paris hilton
• problems with dell inspiron 1200

That last one is pretty self-explanatory (and also kind of funny when you think about people contemplating buying a new laptop and finding this). Is "baning" even English? Where do people come up with this stuff? I can only imagine how disappointed some guy must have been when he typed in Paris Hilton and found a blog about freelance writing.

In case anyone is curious, the two most popular internet browsers used by my readers are Firefox 2.0.0 and Internet Explorer 7.0. Now I'm curious... what's the weirdest keyword sequence that has brought readers to your blog?

Guest Post: 5 Reasons Blogging Helps Me Write the Cyber Highway

By Michele L. Tune

When I first hit publish on Blogger, I was mortified. What had I done? In a whim I had created Writing the Cyber Highway, a blog where I hoped to share my struggles, triumphs, goals, and successes for all the world to see. But now I was apprehensive. Could I do it? Could I really be a "blogger?" I mean, I write. Is that so different? Before losing my nerve and deleting the entire thing, I posted immediately, welcoming my cyber neighbors to come see my new virtual home.

That was July, 2007. Now I'm a little more comfortable with my blogging abilities.

I decided it was time to share five reasons blogging has enhanced my writing life.

1. Blogging frequently, for me, has made my writing better. How? Don't you remember an adult from your youth reminding you: Practice makes perfect! This is so true. By posting blog entries several times a week - even daily at times - I've honed my writing skills. I may not be the best writer out there, but I'm more polished than I was pre-blog. Some of my posts have even sparked ideas for articles - articles that sold!

2. I've found a new confidence. In retrospect, I've always had hermit tendencies. I'd rather steal away to a quiet room than face the world. Although I'm a very compassionate and caring gal, I need "my time", and a lot of it. Too much noise clutters a writer's head - this writer anyway. So, by conversing with other bloggers, as well as honing my writing skills, my confidence has risen to new heights.

3. It has been a wonderful form of networking. I've met amazing writers along the cyber highway and am making lasting friendships all around the globe. It's a beautiful experience to glean from my blogger friends and offer support and advice when needed. According to the feedback I receive, my readers are inspired by me as well. They also offer encouragement, gentle criticism, tips, and advice because they truly desire to see me go to the next level.

4. I've learned a little HTML, which is a bonus for some writing/blogging gigs. It's fascinating and I glean from those who know it and are willing to give step-by-step instruction and as I learn, I share the knowledge with my readers.

5. Getting discovered. One of the main reasons I started my blog was because I read about a girl (I wish I could remember where!) who was blogging from her quaint home in the woods, while an editor was following her every word! The writer never ever even knew it, but eventually the editor contacted her asking to buy reprint rights for several of her posts and asked her to write an article about the process of blogging, I believe it was, and a budding relationship transpired. That girl now has a couple of books under her belt as well as some pretty nice publishing credits. I haven't been discovered like that, no, but my intuition served me well. My newest client found my blog, followed it, checked out my clips, and has hired me to write about a topic I'm so passionate about!

If you don't have a blog already, I urge you to start one. It may very well be the best choice you've ever made.

Michele L. Tune is a Freelance Writer and Blogger. Find her at www.michele-tune.com or Writing the Cyber Highway.

Happy Blogaversary!

Today marks one full year since I started this blog, and I'm amazed by how much it has grown and evolved. One year ago, I tentatively entered the world of blogging with posts about trying to break into bigger markets and improve my craft.

Now--230 blog posts and countless* comments later--uh, I'm still posting about trying to break into bigger markets and improve my craft. But I've "met" a lot of writers and bloggers who have graciously shared insights and encouragement every step of the process. I've also upgraded to a custom template (thanks, Goofy Girl!) and learned a ton about blogs and writing for the web.

Here's are some of my "greatest hits" from the past year:

• Beating Burnout
• 4 Must-Read Articles for Writers
• Things a Publisher Should Consider
• Weekend Adventures
• How Creatives Deal with Criticism
• Query Challenge Recap

Thank to all of you for reading my writings (and occasional rants) this year. Here's to many more!

*I started adding up all the comments and my calculator went a little wacky. Suffice to say, it is a LOT!

Voting: It's Your Civic Duty

Tomorrow is an election here in Cambridge, but unfortunately I won't be voting due to a series of computer malfunctions at the RMV (don't get me started). Instead, I'm voting for Michael Stelzner's Top 10 Writing Blogs. And you can, too.

My colleague Alena nominated moi, and I'd love another couple of nominations (hint, hint) so that I can progress to the next level. But even if you don't vote, it's a great opportunity to discover new writing blogs. And, as a member of the blogging community, it's your civic duty. What are you waiting for? Michael is accepting nominations through November 30, so vote early and vote often!

Commenting for a Cause

Kathryn over at The Budget Fashionista is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness month by donating $1 for every relevant comment posted during the month of October. I think that is a fabulous idea, and I might have to steal it to support MSA. You probably haven't heard of it unless you a) are a neurologist or b) know someone with the disorder, since it's not one of the "trendy" diseases that get made-for-TV movies on Lifetime or awareness months. But until I get my act together, click on over to The Budget Fashionista and support her very cool blogging initiative.

Aw, shucks!

Blog traffic really picked up today because Maria at The Writer's Perspective gave me a shout out. I'm honored to be the first addition to her new blogroll, and I wanted to thank Jenny for telling me about Project 20/20 (20 writing blogs in 20 days). If you'd like to throw your blogging hat in the ring, check out this link.

Welcome to Urban Muse 2.0!

Last week I broke up with my boyfriend just after our one year anniversary (the irony is that I had just finished an article on "Couples Vacations" two days prior). This week I have a cool new template so I can reinvent myself as even sassier and more fabulous than before. I'm thrilled with the new look that Goofy Girl created!

On a more humorous note, there's this blog review site where I wanted to submit my blog after the redesign, but I couldn't find the link. I tried googling various phrases like "blog reviewers" and "woman reviewing blogs" until I got so frustrated that I googled "review my blog, darn it!" The correct link? ReviewMyBlog! As the ex used to say, "sometimes you're the dumbest smart person I know."

Five MORE Ways to Promote Your Blog

Some of your remember the post Five Ways to Promote Your Blog. Well, those were good to start, but I've been thinking of the other strategies bloggers use to drive traffic, and voila, this post was born. Enjoy!

1. Start a meme. I used to think memes were the blog equivalent to chain emails (which I outgrew around the time I outgrew skorts, circa 1998), but it's actually a smart strategy to build reciprocal links. Create one that is appropriate to your niche and start spreading the word. Everyone experiences blog block from time to time, so a meme can jumpstart a blogger's creativity, too.

2. Take it offline. Bloggers usually think in terms of internet marketing, but don't underestimate other avenues. If I'm at a networking event for writers or marketers, I'll mention my blog and ask if others are blogging. I decided not to include the blog on my business card (my website is more professional so I want that to be an editor or client's first impression), but you certainly could.

3. Join a blog carnival. These collections of blog posts are a great way to attract new readers who might not know about your blog. Here's an example, and here's where to find more.

4. Post interviews. Interviewing influential people in your niche is a great way to up your reader appeal and give exposure to others in your field. Not only will you be more google-able, but you may earn a link on your interviewee's website or blog, too.

5. Do something different. Come up with an unusual gimmick and others will come out of curiosity. Jeremy David created a stir a few weeks ago by asking successful writers to teach him how to write. He may not have gotten their unconditional support, but sure he got site traffic! Maybe you'll start a contest like Kristen King did or post video of your cat tap dancing on a pizza box (if only I had that video digitally - it's hilarious!).

As always, feel free to add your marketing or blogging ideas below.

E-tiquette for Bloggers?

I just read this NY Times article about the new proposed code of conduct for bloggers. I guess I'm super-lucky because all of my readers know how to play nice and I've never gotten nasty comments (but lots of nice ones, thank you, kind readers!). However, I've seen other bloggers get blasted by rude anonymous commenters, so I can certainly understand the need for something like this. What do you think?

Blogging Works!

Really, it does. A couple of days ago, I got an email from Jason at Jibber Jobber saying he'd picked yours truly as his "You Get it!" pick of the month. Basically, he singles out one person each month who exemplifies the concepts of personal branding. And I'm it for March! How did I win this title? you ask. Did I get nominated by my local senator? Write an essay about "what personal branding means to me"? Send in $5 with proof of purchase? Nope. I commented on Brazen Careerist and Jason happened to click on my website. Amazing how that works!

And in other news, traffic is way up thanks to so many of you fabulous readers adding links to this site (thank you!!). I also noticed that there's an unusual amount of traffic coming from Queensland, Australia. Apparently, I'm big Down Under. So if you're reading this from the other side of the world, I'd love to know how you found me. Don't be shy - leave a comment and we can exchange links!

P.S. I'm taking a few days off for some R & R, but I'll be back next week for more blogging fun!

Word of the Day: Blogbrain

You’ve heard of blogfat; well, I’d like to point out another phenomenon called blogbrain. This affliction is characterized by an inability to focus on other tasks. The blogger may begin to think about life in terms of blog posts ("gee, I should blog about this" or "where's my BlackBerry? Must write this down!") and obsessively check other blogs. When I first started this blog it was sometimes a chore to come up with new topics every few days. Now I have to restrain myself from constant updates. Yup, definitely got blog on the brain. See also blegging, blog hop, and bloggable.

Are you a sufferer?

Why I Blog

I have been tagged by Shanna at Write from the Beginning to write about why I blog. Here goes...

Like many people, I don't have a very interesting day job, so blogging is my release. Here I can be my sassy, irreverant self and most days I can't wait to get home and unleash my inner muse on the blogosphere. No one can pester me about Oxford commas or question my word choice (or wardrobe choice, as is so often the case), because this is my creative outlet. Here are a few more reasons:

• To connect with other writers. This is my calling card so that when I comment on other people's blogs, they know I'm not just a psycho with a penchant for overusing parenthesis.
• To practice writing short and pithy pieces. It can be harder than it looks, but magazines are always in need of front-of-book (FOB) pieces about the same length as a blog post.
• To build my personal brand. My hope is that when I send editors here they will appreciate my chatty, girly style and think "this is the kind of girl who could write about dating/Gen Y/travel/money for my women's magazine." You never know...
• To track my progress as a writer. I've tried keeping a journal, but I find myself crossing out, drawing arrows, and generally over-editing myself. Blogger does all that for me. And I can already see a greater sense of confidence and progress since I started this blog last November.

All right, time to pass the torch. Why do you blog? Liz and Alicia, you're next!

Five Ways to Promote Your Blog

Unfortunately, "build it and they will come" doesn’t apply to blogging, as you can see from today's Will Write for Chocolate comic. If you want people to come, you have to create some buzz. Here are a few of the tips I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Add your link to all your profiles. This includes your email signature, your profile page on MySpace, Facebook, Yelp, AIM, and anywhere else. Its not too obtrusive, but people DO click on it out of curiosity. Also include the URL in your alumni notices, if appropriate.

2. Comment Early and Often. Commenting on other blogs in your niche is not only good karma, it’s also a good way to get noticed. Be sure to log into your blogger account or leave your URL so they can check out your site. Hopefully this will lead to item #3.

3. Create reciprocal links. Blogging is all about linking. Add like-minded bloggers to your blogroll and ask them do the same (leave a few comments first so they’ll know who you are). Clicking through blogrolls is a great way to discover new ideas and new bloggers. Also link to and comment on posts from those blogs that interest you.

4. Google/Google Alerts: Regularly google your name and your blog's name so you’ll know when people are mentioning you and leave a comment thanking them. It's how I found this blog. Try searching for both "links:MyBlogName.blogspot.com" and "My Blog Name." If that’s too time-consuming for you, then sign up for Google Alerts.

5. Register with blog directories. A few examples: BlogCatalog, BlogHer, BlogWise, DelightfulBlogs, and Technorati. If you’re just starting out, then these can also be a good source for your blogroll.

Here are some more ideas:
ProBlogger's How to Market Your Blog in 2007
Web Pro New's 25 Tips for Marketing Your Blog
And great ideas for your general marketing needs: InkThinker's No Frill Freelance Marketing

Anything I've missed?

Tools of the Trade

Liz Strauss posted a blogger’s treasure trove: post ideas for the entire month of January! Lately I’ve had no lack of things to blog about, but we all struggle with writer’s block from time to time. Following Liz’ lead, today I’m featuring free online tools for bloggers/writers: StatCounter, Copyscape, and Profnet.

The first two look like stylish accessories for your blog, but they offer more than just a pretty icon. StatCounter offers free web tracking, so you’ll know how many hits you’re getting per day (both page views and unique visitors), plus the referral link, the country of origin, and more. I warn you, though, it’s pretty addictive.

Copyscape helps writers search for duplicate content, so you’ll know in a matter of seconds if your words are being used elsewhere.

And thanks to Christine Junge for mentioning Profnet in her freelance writing class at BCAE. Its a great resource for finding expert sources on a variety of topics. Note to bloggers: there are very few of you registered as expert sources, so you could generate some interest that way. Do you have any tools you'd to share? Feel free to post below!

Not another LiveJournal!

While all my high school friends poured out their secret crushes and petty rivalries on livejournal, I swore I would never be that self-indulgent or self-absorbed. Who'd want to read about all the minutiae of my suburban adolescence in diary form? Heck, I planned to wait until I hit middle-age and compile all that stuff into a best-selling memoir. But it appears that blogging is the new frontier for journalism, and I have finally succumbed to its allure.

My parents' annual Christmas letter proclaims for all my neighbors, relatives, and former piano teachers to read that I hope to break into mass media markets in 2007. Well, it doesn't get more mass market than the internet, but ultimately I have my sights set elsewhere. Perhaps the Times or the Globe or at least the Improper. Don't laugh, all those publications do publish freelancers, and I intend to join their ranks one day!

So, if you'd like to read the musings and struggles of a recent grad and an up-and-coming writer, you've come to the right place. Just don't expect me to reveal any grade school crushes or adolescent rivals (gotta save something for those memoirs).