Midweek Mumbling – How To Be A Better Movie Blogger Part 2
It is time for the second instalment in the self-help guide to being a better ‘Movie Blogger’
Last week we talked in quite depth about the social side of blogging. The etiquette. And any successful blogger will concur that in this niche it is all about being part of this lovely family. But underneath it all what we want is a finely tuned website/blog. The benefit of WordPress is the sheer amount of fiddling you can do. Luckily I have been faffing around with mine for the last 7 months until I believe I am finally happy with it. I have tried dozens and dozens of plug-ins that promise the earth and generally only deliver half of what you need.
I have put this little post together to show you what I use. I am not by any means saying that this is the PLUG-IN BIBLE. Far from it. These are just the ones I use and they seem to do everything that I want them to.
OK on with the technical stuff.
Blog Directories and Back-links.
Last week I mentioned The LAMB. This is probably the best and most relevant of the directories to get yourself listed at. But there are many others. Here is a list of the free ones. What submitting to these will do is provide another external link to your site and mean that Google and other search engines will see you clearer.
Also submit your URL to the major search directories as well to help them to send their spiders out to your site.
Another great way to get links to your site is to exchange links with your new friends (because you have been commenting right?). See on the right of my site. There is a blogroll. These are all blogs I love and visit. I am providing a ‘back-link’ to their site. Most have me at the other end returning the favour. Again this helps with the search engines being able to find you, and also with the fabled PAGE RANK.
PLUG-INS
These little beauties will help you in time work more effectively and also help to get your blog noticed by search engines.
Jetpack for WordPress
Jetpack is a WordPress plugin that supercharges your self-hosted WordPress site with the awesome cloud power of WordPress.com.
Features include:
- Simple, concise stats with no additional load on your server. Previously provided by WordPress.com Stats.
- The WP.me URL shortener.
- Hovercard popups for your commenters via Gravatar.
- Easily embedded media from popular sites like YouTube, Digg, and Vimeo.
- For the Math geeks, a simple way to include beautiful mathematical expressions on your site.
- A widget for displaying recent tweets. Previously provided by Wickett Twitter Widget
- Your readers can easily share your posts via email or their favorite social networks. Previously provided by the Sharedaddy WordPress plugin.
- Your writing will improve thanks to After the Deadline, an artificial intelligence based spell, style, and grammar checker. Previously provided by the After the Deadline WordPress plugin.
SEO Plug-Ins
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It is a fancy term for tidying up the code of your site making it easy for the search engines (google and Yahoo for instance) trawl your site and find answers to the search queries people put in. Now the beauty of WordPress is that there are tonnes of plug-ins to help. I have tried quite a few and these are my favourite…
SEO Friendly Images
SEO Friendly Images is a WordPress optimization plugin which automatically updates all images with proper ALT and TITLE attributes. If your images do not have ALT and TITLE already set, SEO Friendly Images will add them according the options you set. Additionally this makes the post W3C/xHTML valid as well.
ALT attribute is important part of search engine optimization. It describes your image to search engine and when a user searches for a certain image this is a key determining factor for a match.
TITLE attribute play lesser role but is important for visitors as this text will automatically appear in the tooltip when mouse is over the image.
WordPress SEO
WordPress SEO is the most complete WordPress SEO plugin that exists today for WordPress.org users. It incorporates everything from a snippet preview that helps you optimize your page titles, meta descriptions and keywords to XML sitemaps, and loads of optimization options in between.
WEB Ninja Auto Tagging System
This plugin uses the new Yahoo Term Extraction YQL and tagthe.net API to find the most relevant keywords from the content of your post. It will then remove any keywords that you preset and add any global keywords that you have set in the settings screen. It will then add your keywords as tags when you save or update a post. With this you also have the ability to re-tag all posts or tag all post with no tags with the click of a button.
The auto tag system is also completely automatic. It will work anytime you save or update your post and it also works with any autoblogging software you may have that automatically inserts post from RSS feeds.
Read through the list of all the features below to get a feeling of what this plugin can do.
Plug-ins that make it easier for the reader…
Google +1 Button
There is no getting away from it. Googles new social media is set to take over the world, as with everything else they do. So get on the band wagon early and give your readers the option to +1 your posts
WPTouch
WPtouch automatically transforms your WordPress blog into an iPhone application-style theme, complete with ajax loading articles and effects, when viewed from iPhone, iPod touch, Android, Palm Pre, Samsung touch and BlackBerry Storm/Torch mobile devices.
The admin panel allows you to customize many aspects of its appearance, and deliver a fast, user-friendly and stylish version of your site to touch mobile visitors, without modifying a single bit of code (or affecting) your regular desktop theme.
The theme also includes the ability for visitors to switch between WPtouch view and your site’s regular theme.
Now you may not think this is important, but making it easier for your readers to read your posts from their phone can only be a good thing.
I believe this is already part of any wordpress.com site, only relevant to self hosted ones.
Subscribe to Comments Reloaded.
Subscribe to Comments Reloaded is a robust plugin that enables commenters to sign up for e-mail notification of subsequent entries. The plugin includes a full-featured subscription manager that your commenters can use to unsubscribe to certain posts or suspend all notifications. It solves most of the issues that affect Mark Jaquith’s version, using the latest WordPress features and functionality. Plus, allows administrators to enable a double opt-in mechanism, requiring users to confirm their subscription clicking on a link they will receive via email.
Again this is more for the self hosted WordPress sites. But it is something that really bugs me when visiting blogs. It would be nice to know that the author of the post has replied to the comment you have posted.
WP Super Cache
This on is for the readers but it is something they will never know is there. It saves a cache of your entire site on the server meaning that when someone loads your website up, it loads much much quicker. I truly believe that this plug in saved my server the last time I was featured on IMDb’s front page. It enabled people to get in and out from the page without putting too much stress on the server.
Plug-Ins for you, The Author
Tiny MCE Advanced
This plugin adds 16 plugins to TinyMCE, WordPress’ wysiwyg (What You See Is What You Get) editor: Together these plugins can add over 40 new buttons to the toolbar, which is now two rows plus one hidden row. Some of the new features added by this plugin are:
- Font size and font family selection.
- Support for making and editing tables.
- Advanced list and image dialogs that offer a lot of options.
- Search and Replace while editing.
- Support for XHTML specific tags and for (div based) layers.
- Support for adding inline css styles to any element.
Tweet Old Posts
This one comes in handy once you are up and running with Twitter. It enables your blog to tweet old posts at an interval that you specify. I have mine set to every 4 hours. It means that you will get more readers not only to your new posts but also all the amazing posts you have done in the past.
That is roughly it. All my worldly knowledge for all to see. If you take up the practice that I mentioned last week and use the plug-ins and other ideas from this week you will be well on your way to taking over the world with your fantastic blog. I look forward to reading them all!!
Do you have any plug ins you use that I have missed? Are you on Blogger and have some suggestions? Comment Below…
Scott Lawlor
![mystic1[1]](http://www.frontroomcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/mystic11-110x70.jpeg)
More great tips! I use Blogger but I’ve noticed many of my fellow bloggers use WordPress and wonder what the advantages are of doing so. I have been taking a look at free WordPress for a friend so thanks for all the Plug-In info.
Hi Fabo,
Yes I realise I am slightly looking at this post one sided. But I have very little knowledge on what people use on Blogger.
How do you find Blogger? Is it easier than WP? Does it allow as much customisation?
Thanks as ever for the comment my friend
C
I still think Blogger is much better than WordPress
And all I post, both stories and images, go directly to Google since Blogger is theirs.This is why, when you Google, a huge number of celebs, their pictures from HOLLYWOOD SPY will appear quite high in the search lists
The only thing I do like about W.Press is that, unlike Blogger, you have an option to directly reply to comments which creates a possibility for chain comments, and that attracts readers and commentators.
PS Custie I’m not liking this new gray background of yours, give it some colour and brighten it up ;P
Oh that is very interesting. I guess that makes a lot of difference with SEO if you blog on a site owned by the mega Google!!
Yes chaining comments is very cool!! Looks like a proper conversation!!
You are not liking my purple and blue theme? I though I looked a bit posh. HA shows what I know hey?
What colours would you suggest, remember I always use an image by Lyn as my header.
I didn’t mean the header, which is fine, but this dark gray background of the whole site
It’s a bit depressive, if I may say. Put in something lighter and brighter /hidesfromcustie’spunchinthehead/ 
I wouldn’t punch you sill, especially not for giving advice.
I will look at the colours right now and see if I can make it less depressing for you my friend
Dezmond, you can easily replace Blogger’s default commenting system with a third party one that supports threading. For example I use DISQUS on my blog, and it works quite well.
Yes, but I hate those third party systems because then, all my Blogger readers have to write in all the data every time they comment and that’s kinda irritating, that’s why I don’t use it – it puts many people off and a lot of people just won’t comment if they have to write in name, site and mail address instead of the site already recognizing their data.
It’s really not that much of a hassle. Users can choose to login to Disqus with an existing google, twitter, facebook, or openid account.
I wish I could do that on this site…
I have tried DISQUS too BT, but I am afraid I didn’t like it. I guess it is down to personal taste hey?
Are you saying that you have to fill out your details every time you visit?
Surely your browser remembers?
Thanks for commenting my friend!!
Well I don’t have to retype the details every time, but i do have to double click each field and then select the correct one.
epic. half went over my head today. i may need to give you another hit stat another day!
hey custard, did we tell you hwo awesome you are for these posts yet? perhaps we should all get a greeting card to sign and have a whip around to buy you a giant tin of roses?
HAHA Thanks Toby, you flatter me far too much. I am just trying to help people learn the things that I had to find out the hard way, trial and error.
I would prefer Quality Street actually Toby
you get what youre given. you ungrateful little man! quality street didnt have an advertising campaign with the song “thank you very much for being our best friend” did it? i thought that was roses. if they did then you shall have your quality street afterall.
No, You are right.
Roses were the ones that said that. I see you point much clear now….
Going to self harm for a little while, OH THE SHAME!!
LOL
right. now you know your place!
enjoy the coffee creams that i leave in the bottom of the tin for you.
HAHA Thanks, would you like to roll them around on the carpet first?
Another great post. I think registering with the blog directories is one of the first things people should do.
I have been thinking of using an SEO plugin but have yet to decide which one.
I also think the regular posting of links to archive posts on Twitter is a good thing. I’m going to have to set that up to.
It was when reading your comment that I realised that I had forgot to mention the most important plug in of all, the Super Cache. I have now added it to the post!!
Yes Dan the Tweet old post plug in works really well. I used to have it tweeting every 2 hours but had to tone it down.
Give it a go.
Can I recommend W3 Total Cache as the cache plugin of choice. It has lots of options and seems to get the best reviews and a lot of people use it. It is the one that I use.
I’m now set up with Tweet Old Post…this could be quite handy!
HAHA I have taught the master something!
Oh really?
I will look into that one, although I have had no issues with WP Super Cache, does everything I want it to.
Like most plugins – if it is working for you then I wouldn’t change. I just looked at a look of user comments before deciding on which cache system to use and W3 seemed to come out on top.
For self-hosted wordpress sites a cache system is an absolute must.
You are totally right matey. A cache plug in (what ever the form) is vital if you are hosting yourself!!
Thanks for the link to the blog directories. I’ve been meaning to locate those and haven’t done it yet (besides the LAMB). So this should be really helpful.
You are very welcome Dan. I hope that you find some of this useful!!
Thanks for commenting
C
Wow, this is awesome Custie, I have a lot to learn obviously. I’m gonna have to peruse this list more closely as all the technical stuff tend to whiz past my head
Btw, LOVE the photo on your header. Pls tell Lynn what a fantastic photographer she is!
Hi Ruth,
Thanks so much for your warm and friendly comment. You are very kind. You do not need any of it if I am honest!! Your blog is one of the best out there written by the nicest blogger in the world!!
Gosh Custie, what a lot of incredible info. Some of the stuff I can’t do right away cos I’m not on WP but a lot of it I can. I’ll be reading part I now obviously
Thanks so much 
Hi Paula,
Thanks so much for reading. If you take away one thing that is new then I am a happy bunny!!
C
Yes, finally
but I tried WP cache and it failed, I should try the super cache. I didn’t know the details but I read somewhere that it is a recommended plug-in. But some other stuff sounds soo good. thanks for posting this!
WP Super Cache is a totla god send. The site will load a hell of a lot faster if you use it Andina, that is a promise!!
I’ve been curious about using wordpress, but don’t think I’m up to the daunting challenge of transferring my content. Only after doing this for a few years am I now starting to become obsessed with tweaking with all of the features that blogger has. It sounds like wordpress has much much more bells and whistles.
If you did move. It isn’t that hard to import it all over. But it is a very daunting ordeal so not for the weak of heart!!
The Blogger vs WordPress debate is a bit like Ford vs GM, similar products both do the job very effectively but in different ways!!
I love plugins!!! You just listed a couple I didn’t have and will now implement. Tiny MCE is one I wasn’t aware of, and now see is crazy awesome!
Hi GBC great to see you here!!
Tiny MCE is a great little plug in, makes the WYSIWYG editor so much better!!
Thanks for commenting my friend
In my experience, the LAMB belongs in a different category than all of those blog directories. All of those other massive blog directory sites are overrated and don’t really send much return traffic your way. I also doubt Google gives much weight to those as back links. The LAMB on the other hand is a very good interactive community for Movie blogs.
As far as back-links go, I find that actual links in posts are more valuable and useful than permanent blogroll links.
and about the WP plugins, no comment since I’m a Blogger blogger.
I agree with a lot that you say here BT. But I really do not think there is any harm from pimping your site out to as many places as possible. Especially if the site has a higher page rank. It all helps. You may not get a lot of traffic back, but a link is a link.
I totally agree about LAMB that is the first place I recommended last week that any want to be movie blogger check.
I used to have a ton of those blog directory badges when I first started, but have slowly been weeding them out. I don’t think it’s harmful, it just feels like I’m giving them free advertisement with nothing in return.
I can understand your point.
There are some that are better than others. Just don’t pay for it is my recommendation!!
Great SEO tips. I wish wordpress.com accounts had the ability to install custom plugins. I love the sense of community the .com site provides, but it should allow for more customization.
You are dead-on about making image tags SEO-friendly. I have been getting more and more traffic from people who have found my site via Google Image Search. The importance of using ALT tags cannot be overstated.
See I wish I didn’t feel like the black sheep being a .org site. I miss the sense of community. They should let us in!! HAHA
Yes Images provide me with a lot of traffic. It is a godsend truly that plug in!!
Nice useful post for WordPress users! I might get me that TinyMCE plugin. Also make sure to not install too many plugins, they will only make your website slower. WP-Super Cache is definitely a life saver for any WordPress blog. Also blog directories are a thing of the past, I mean who in their right mind actually browse blog directories anymore?
Yes that is very true Castor!! I have whittled down my plug ins!! No one wants a slow site!!
I am glad to inform you on the tiny MCE plug in, I really like it!! Subtle but nice
Thanks for another f*ckin amazing post! Damn you’re on a roll right now. Now I have a aton of tweaking and testing stuff out to do again.
Thanks Joel!!
Although I really didn’t want to send you into another tweaking run. It seems like only yesterday that you settled into your new theme!!
Have a good one matey
You can never tweak enough! Hell I’ll just use it to procrastinate my writing a little. I have a really busy schedule right now when switching between two jobs. But I’m tired of writing alibi/apology posts on why I don’t post. I’ll try to get something interesting up this weekend.
I had noticed that you were a bit quiet this week.
I look forward to you getting back in the swing of things in your new job!!
Yes I’m going back to production again and it will affect the blogging as well because its time consuming labour. I’ll sure try do some production blog from the set as well though!
I use a lot of these already, but I don’t use Tiny MCE (ADDED!). This is a very helpful post and I look forward to more entries in this series. Since I just got back I’ll have to look at part 1 pronto.
Hi Max!! I am glad you are back!! Did you have a nice holiday?
TinyMCE is a nice little plug in that does a lot of cool stuff. Makes adding video and so forth much easier!!
Thanks for asking. It was a great holiday and I caught some new japanese animation films that I would like to do write-ups for. I’m hoping to catch ‘Rise of the…Apes’ this weekend, but also ‘The Beginners’ is playing in town and I’ve heard good things about that too.
Decisions, Decisions.
As I’m hosted on wordpress.com and not running it seperate the plugins are not applicable although these do look like cool features.
One thing you mentioned was the blogroll and to my amazement I hadn’t added your wonderful site to my blogroll yet, will do so as soon as possible.
Also have a question if it’s possible to get the latest articles through email (even if it’s just a summary)? It’s an option I use a lot on wordpress.com sites, but here I see it only for the post you’re commenting on.
HAHA I need to add your site to mine also!! What are we like hey?
I am not sure about the email subscription to posts. I know it is possible on .com sites, but I can never find a plug in that does it on .org…
I will look into it for you!!
These plugins all sound great but I would have no idea how to set them up. Are any of them available for normal .com WordPress? They sound more like bonuses for .org users rather than just tools anyone can utilise.
I am sure that a lot of the plug ins are out there for .com sites. They are very easy to set up. Most do it all them selves anyhow
Hope you have a good weekend matey and your Bro in Law is OK
C
@Dan
Tweet Old Posts
I am not a fan of retweeting random old tweets. I looked at this plugin. There is no ability to choose which old tweets get retweeted.
You should do some SEO manually so you know how it is effecting your system.
Tiny MCE Advanced
Good find Scott.
@MarkusWelby1
you can pay to have your site transferred from WordPress to Blogger or read in forums how to do it yourself.
@Bonjour Tristesse
“All of those other massive blog directory sites are overrated and don’t really send much return traffic your way. I also doubt Google gives much weight to those as back links.”
Agreed.
@Eric
“You are dead-on about making image tags SEO-friendly. I have been getting more and more traffic from people who have found my site via Google Image Search. The importance of using ALT tags cannot be overstated.”
I learned this long ago and properly tagging your photos is great for increased traffic.
@Castor
“Also blog directories are a thing of the past, I mean who in their right mind actually browse blog directories anymore?”
Agreed plus look at the date on that list of directories.