Blog Updates – December 2008
December 14, 2008 Posted by Tyler CruzIt’s been nearly four months since I last gave an update on how I’ve been evolving my blog, so here is a list of the changes and improvements I’ve made during the past 4 months. In these "Blog Update" posts I list any notable improvements, modifications, or milestones related to my blog such as new plugins installed, design changes, or new features.
However, I only list things here that I haven’t already announced or touched on in other posts.
You may wonder why I make these Blog Update posts, where I mention very small or seemingly unimportant improvements and modifications. Well, while they may not seem too notable by themselves, over time these small things can (and do) make a big impact. The key is to keep looking over your blog or site with a very critical eye and to constantly try improving it.
By simply making small improvements here and there, my blog has evolved by leaps and bounds since it’s genesis three years ago. So, maybe you’ll pick up an idea or two by reading my blog updates. Feel free to search for my past Blog Update posts to get even more ideas.
WordPress & Plugin Updates
- Upgraded the plugin Email Users from v3.1.1 to v3.1.4
- Upgraded the plugin Exec-PHP from v4.5 to v4.8
- Upgraded the plugin Digg This from v1.0.1 to v1.0.3 (Which, come to think of it, didn’t work the last time it was supposed to… v1.0.4 appears to have come out a couple months ago so I should upgrade to that soon since it appears to have fixed the bug.)
- Upgraded WordPress from v2.6 to v2.6.2 and then recently again from v2.6.2 to v2.6.5
- Uninstalled the plugin WordPress Link Cloak and replaced it with Ninja Affiliate instead.
Blogroll Changes
I did symbiotic link exchanges with CDFNetworks.com and ZacJohnson.com, both of which I’m glad to have on board. I also replaced BloggingTips.com with WinningTheWeb.com since BloggingTips redesigned their site and opted not to keep their blogroll.
One of the easiest ways to bring in new and relevant traffic is still to do link exchanges.
Design Changes
- I reduced the whitespace in the footer slightly which was shown in IE browsers.
- I replaced two old testimonials with ones from MarketLeverage and MotiveInteractive to provide more credible and respected testimonials.
Advertising Updates
I updated the advertising page to reflect recent site stats and metrics as well as replace the Feedburner RSS graph image with a more recent one.
Embedded 300×250 Banner Price Increased
I increased the price of my Embedded 300×250 Banner from $375 to $550 due to a continued strong demand for the spot, and a bidding war between two rival affiliate networks who both really wanted the spot.
The increase was also justified by keeping up with my rising RSS subscriber count, and since this ad is displayed in the RSS feed, and the only ad at that.
Paid Review Price Increased
Some time ago, I raised the price of my paid reviews and paid plugs from $150 to $175 due to a backlog of 4 and eight past purchases at $150. The raise is also to keep up with my rising RSS subscriber count.
Guest Bloggers Needed
I’m always looking for more guest bloggers to occasionally submit posts on my blog. Why do I want guest posters? It’s simple really: there are times when I’m too busy to write a new post, and could really use a guest post to fill in the gap. Since I try to post every day, having a few guest posts on file for when I need them is very useful.
I’m looking for good writers who can write about affiliate marketing, making money online, blogging, marketing, or web development and the articles/posts must be written specifically and exclusively for TylerCruz.com.
In return, you’ll have your name attached to each post which can be linked to your own website. This is not so much for backlinks as it is to gain a bit of exposure and traffic. I’m also fine with you writing a small blurb (1-2 sentences) plugging your own blog within the actual post, either at the very beginning or end.
With over 2,000 RSS subscribers reading your posts, you’ll also get the benefit of receiving a lot of feedback from readers and the knowledge that you’re writing to a large, targeted audience. And, of course, you’ll be helping me out as well 
The way it currently works is once a guest blogger submits a draft, and when I don’t have time to write a blog post, I then publish the draft into a post on the site.
If you’re interested, please contact me with a sample post or two.
If I think your writing style and post-length is suitable for my blog, I’ll upgrade your account to Contributor status within WordPress, and you can submit a post whenever you’re willing!
Great stuff Tyler. I’m surprised you haven’t upgraded WP to version 2.7
2.7 is AMAZING and has increased my productivity ten fold.
I have not used 2.7 yet either. So I don’t think Tyler is too far behind. I’m going to wait a week or so to see what the complaints are.
From what I’ve heard, the complaints are only from the plugin writers whose plugins are worthless now. For instance, 2.7 supports native threaded comments.
I wished i could guest post here soon. But i need to improve my style. Maybe people can visit my website and check if i’m eligible or rightful to become a guest blogger.
Wowsers! A lot of bloggers should be hiring you as a consultant 🙂 I have about 17,000 subscribers on my main (non-personal) blog and you are just about making more money than I am, although sadly my niche isn’t quite as profitable as affiliate programs.
Or you could open your eyes and see that he has 50000x ads on his website. No offense tyler but 90% of your reads have an IQ of 10.
Someone catch you in a bad mood today, Jason? Cheer up!
My IQ was a bit higher than 10 last time I checked.
In addition , I’m pretty sure this website is about MAKING MONEY and not about making YOU HAPPY. I don’t mind the ads, they’re relevant and I’ve used them to sign up to a few of the networks.
Besides , he posts about his ad revenue , so us small guys can understand how important it is to develop good content.
readers*
I am curious what do you use the Exec-PHP to do?
Also, you might be interested in the WP-GreetBox plugin. I use it on some blogs and it is great to offer visitors from different referrers a welcome message. Just a thought.
nice and short update there..
I might guest blog a post soon.
Thanks.
[…] […]
I remember when those ad spots of yours were still under $100!!! lol
-Mike
OMG.Advertising here is so expensive. Really can’t afford it. Well, maybe it’s really what you pay what you get.
Some nice changes, Tyler. Your advertising rates are a lot higher than mine, but you still seem to do well with it. As for blogroll links, you’ve been the only one on mine for a couple months now.. How has the traffic been? I should add a few more.
I’m surprised you haven’t updated to WP 2.7 either.
I personally don’t like the layout of wp2.7 , thus why I haven’t updated the majority of my blogs.
I’m glad to see you’re doing so well, you’ve increased your ad rates by quite a bit, which shows you’re really being successful.
Good luck Tyler!
Appreciate all the details, regardless how small. Many blogs forget readers need information on how to get it done. That means details. Most of the plugins I did not know existed, some I could use. Seeing how a successful blogger incrementally increases his advertising rates is informative. Blogroll/link exchanges, I didn’t see the value, but I have a hard time arguing with success. So, it will be something I will try. It all helps.
always nice to hear what you’re up to behind the scenes
Wow – Increased the banner price to 550 ? That’s quite a lot of money you’re making there Tyler.
😀
In don’t want to see guest blogging here Tyler. You individual style is what matters.I quite enjoy it.
Good to see the blog going strong. I’ll be sure to contact you about the guest posting too, it’s a great opportunity for other bloggers.
[…] January 25, 2009 Posted by Tyler Cruz Paid Advertisement It has only been 5 weeks since I last gave an update on how I’ve been evolving my blog, but I made a fair number of small improvements since then so […]