January 25, 2014 Some links are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may get a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks fo

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January 25, 2014

Some links are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may get a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support in this way!

Hi there!

This week, the price of stamps goes up 3 cents in the US from 46¢ to 49¢ (on Sunday, January 26) so it's your last chance to get forever stamps at the old price. Also, Pinterest has been busy, introducing GIFs (pronounced like the peanut butter, Jif) as well as recipe search.

1. Got sound bites?

One of my goals for this year is to work on my verbal communication, particularly when I'm being interviewed. I tend to ramble and bounce around from thought to thought. So I've created a spot in Evernote for sound bites. I'm going through old emails and old interviews, pulling out the most common questions I'm asked and literally writing out my answers so they are concise and straightforward. Then I'm going to practice them. I wish I had started a sound bite file at the very beginning...

2. Google Publisher Plugin released

If code gives you hives, Google just released the Google Publisher Plugin (beta) which allows you to easily add Adsense ads to your WordPress blog and verify your site in Webmaster tools. Here's how to use it. (Don't forget to keep my plugin tips in mind and here's how to install a plugin if you need it.)

3. How to use Amazon to come up with post ideas

Rob Wormley has some good ideas in How To Come Up With 50 Blog Post Ideas In 10 Minutes, but I particularly like the idea to look at the table of contents of Amazon books to get ideas (see the tip under the "Minutes 4-6" heading). I would add, choose books from the bestseller lists because they're a good indication of what people want to read.

4. New dos and don'ts for Facebook Pages

Another algorithm change and an official statement about Facebook Pages. In a nutshell, if you want your Page to have more reach:

Don't post memes (those funny or relatable pictures).
Don't link to your latest blog post by pasting the URL in a photo upload.
Don't link to your latest blog post by pasting the URL in a regular status update.
Do use the link-share feature. These will now have more reach.
Do use high-quality posts. FB will reward you. (No change here.)

Broad statements like these are risky since there are always exceptions to the rules. The bottom line is, do what works for you. If you are one of the fortunate few who has actually seen an increase in reach since December, keep doing what you're doing!

5. Did you miss something?

How to Be Yourself: Advice From a Five Year Old. Bloggers, take note.
Heads-Up: Name Your Own Price Mac Bundle. I love stuff like this.

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See more tips in the Useletter Archives.

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Have a great weekend!

Amy

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