I’ve been having a little trouble with something in my sidebar and it’s been frustrating the heck out of me. Here's the issue - my Categories show up on my sidebar, but when you click on the specific category, it comes up “page not found” – however, in the same sidebar, in the same widget, mind you, where I have Archives and you click on the month, the page comes up.
So anyway – I’ve been exhausting my efforts as well as searching out some advice on the WordPress forum – I’m just waiting it out for the right tip to come my way. Oh – my – gosh – “Hello Brain?” - yeah – why don’t you try asking Laura at her Skip the Scams student forum you belong to. (Note to self: after finishing with this post, go to Laura’s forum and ask her for some advice.)
Well, in my own defense, I just spent four crazy but fun long days at the Anaheim Convention Center for the SCVA Boys Classic Volleyball Tournament with my oldest son, so my brain is still trying to acclimate to “regularly scheduled programming” hahaha.
Okay, so I’ve already learned a lot about on-site SEO in the past weeks, and now I’ve learned about two off-site SEO methods in Lessons 39 and 40. One of the methods was something called linkbaiting – a way to invite natural backlinks to your site. Laura’s course suggested writing some “how-to articles” or “numbered list”-type posts because it’s a great way to receive organic backlinks; so I wrote a couple of “numbered list” posts in hopes that in the future, other sites will want to link to my site.
Interestingly enough, I also learned that one-way backlinks are more beneficial than having reciprocal backlinks (where you have their link and they have yours). Apparently search engines are keener to the notion that another site has a one-way link to yours. More value is placed upon it instead of it being a “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” situation. Also, having a good quality niche site is a perfect way for other sites to want to “one-way link” to you. This is why I’m spending a good amount of time making sure of the accuracy of the information I’m putting out.
I’m also trying to inflect my personal thoughts or experiences regarding the content I’m writing. Regarding reciprocated backlinks, Laura does say not to discount having them, because they still provide your site some value.
Oh, so how funny is this, as I’m learning in the Affiliate Marketing Schoolbook about contacting other web sites/webmasters for links or letting other sites know I’d like to link to them - I got a bit nervous hahaha – I’m not face to face with anyone since I’m behind my computer, so why should I be nervous? That’s where I think – geez, I don’t think I would be good at networking. It’s such a foreign concept to me.
I began to feel – my site’s too new, it’s not established yet, what if “my stuff” just isn’t that good to other people – or other webmasters are going to scoff and toss my request. But after another little chat with myself along with a deep breath, I convinced myself I’m just going to have to get over it, just take everything one little step at a time. I then came to the section on “Invite Links” in Lesson 40 where Laura shows us a way to get backlinks without having to contact webmasters. I was like – hmmm – yes; I can begin like this – baby steps hahaha.
Until next time.....
- Kelli
Laura's comments:
I'll have to be quick today because I've got several things happening at once here, but Kelli can be reassured in knowing we all feel that way when we request links or any type of feedback on our first sites. It's a bit scary! But keep in mind that a lot of the other webmasters you'll be contacting feel the same way about their sites, and they will likely be flattered that you noticed their site and want to connect with them!
As for Kelli's sidebar issue, we'll figure out what the problem is and include the answer in next week's post, either in her portion or mine. Keep up the good work, Kelli!
I LOVE my “job.” Affiliate marketing takes work, but it doesn’t feel like work.
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