Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Business Networking Tips 03
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Warning to Wordpress website owners
Warning to Wordpress website owners
By now you’ve probably heard of the Warning to WordPress website owners.
I hadn’t published anything about this, because our clients websites are already secure.
We already change many of the “standard” things about WordPress to prevent these problems from happening to our clients.
For example . . .
(and this gets a bit “techy” so I will try to explain simply) . . .
The WordPress database tables, (the files where your website information is stored), are installed with standard names which makes them very easy to find and hack, (change or corrupt).
So, one of our standard procedures when setting up a new website is to change these names to something meaningful to us, but a bit more random.
This stops the hacker from guessing the file names and being able to access them.
Now, back to the current threat.
The problem arose because people use standard login names on their website . . . such as “admin” . . . and common passwords.
Essentially . . . the hackers have released “bots” or computer program robots that are attempting to login to a website thousands of times with the userid of “admin” and a range of commonly used passwords.
They are doing this by “brute force”. In other words, making thousands of attempts to log in to websites.
Even though these may be unsuccessful, they could have the effect of slowing down your website response times.
And quite often, this random approach is yielding a successful login access to the website because the website owner has:
- used a userid of “admin”
- been lazy with their password choice
So if you do either of these on your WordPress website, you should immediately:
- change the “admin” userid, and/or
- reset the password to something totally random that the robots will not easily guess, like “1jhrs93-$%GH”
- make sure your website has the latest version of WordPress
- take a full backup of your website, (you should regularly do this anyway)
These steps will put you ahead of 99% of the websites out there, (which is why our clients have not had this problem), and then you will probably never have this problem either.
If you are managing your own websites, the WordPress codex website has a good article on improving the security of your website:
http://codex.wordpress.org/Hardening_WordPress
You can read more about these attacks here:
http://ithemes.com/2013/04/15/ongoing-wordpress-attacks-details-and-solutions/
In particular, take note of the list of common or easy-to-guess passwords that the robots are getting most success with:
- admin
- admin123
- 123456
- 123123
- 123456789
- password
- 1234
- root
- 1234567
- 12345
- qwerty
- welcome
- pass
- abc123
- 12345678
- 1111
- test
- monkey
- iloveyou
- dragon
- demo
Well, that is quite simple really!
.
What should you do now?
- Change your username and password
- Upgrade your WordPress version
- Do a website backup
- Want some help or ideas? Just contact us at Hotpink Websites now.
.
Quote
There is no security on this earth; there is only opportunity.
~ Douglas MacArthur
Remember – Warning to WordPress website owners
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Related articles
WordPress Sites Under Botnet Attack: Keep Your Site Secure
WordPress: Under Attack
WordPress, Joomla websites hit by major hacker attack
Recently got hacked on WordPress
Wide-scale attack against WordPress blogs reported – Computerworld
WordPress hit by massive botnet: Worse to come, experts warn
How To Put Your Shields Up To Protect Your WordPress Site
WordPress Site Hacked 2013: Massive Botnet Targets ‘Admin’ Username, More to Come
Is your WordPress website secure?
Warning to Wordpress website owners
Business Networking Tips 02
Business Networking Tips 02
We can all use some good Business Networking Tips to get the most out of our marketing activities.
But there are some very simple steps to getting much more value from the time you invest in this.
This tip when mastered, can be applied anywhere, not just at Networking Events . . .
And that is . . .
Perfect Your Elevator Pitch
The story goes like this . . .
You get into an elevator and turn around to see your ideal client – the client that will bring you a huge commission, or turn your business around.
You must connect with this person, but what do you say?
In a very short 15 seconds time, you will reach their floor, and they will exit the elevator and your life forever.
What are you going to say that grabs their attention?
Another way to look at it is . . . you just got onto an elevator with the girl or boy of your dreams . . . (lol)
How will you get their attention in a way that makes them want to spend more time with you, get to know you better?
The answer lies in your . . .
Elevator Pitch
It’s the sales pitch that you can deliver in the 15 seconds that it takes for the elevator to reach your prospects floor, at which time they leave the elevator, and your life, forever.
So, it has to be short, snappy and attention grabbing.
It needs to immediately address the problem or issue that the prospect is facing.
And it needs to be delivered calmly and confidently.
Now there are many other things that you can do to build rapport and connect with that person, and these are important too.
But you still have only 15 seconds to get your message across.
Networking Events are the same.
You really have a very short time in which to capture the heart and mind of the other person before there attention starts to wonder to other people and other opportunities in the room.
Developing an awesome Elevator Pitch is aided by good understanding of your USP Unique Selling Proposition.
“Hello Jack. What do you do?”
”We are cleaners. We can clean your home or office.”
So what? So can every other cleaner.
“We are mechanics. We can service your car, and give a free 25 point safety check.”
So what? So does every other mechanic.
What makes you stand out from the crowd?
What makes people want to do business with you instead of any other company offering the same products or services?
“Hello Jack. What do you do?”
“One of our clients recently spent $10 with us on sms messages and generated $1,800 of new business. How would that work in your business?”
“We turn websites into profits with websites that are business and marketing tools, not just a pretty brochure. How would that work in your business?”
“How would it change your business if your clients were raving fans – an unpaid sales force working for you?”
Developing a good Elevator Pitch is a hot Business Networking Tip, and is a whole workshop in itself.
So start giving it some thought now.
Well, that really is quite simple!
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What should you do now?
- Think about what makes you unique.
- Develop a snappy Elevator Pitch and practice delivering it.
- Want some help or ideas? Just contact us at Hotpink Websites now.
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Quote
If you die in an elevator, be sure to push the UP button.
~ Sam Levenson
Remember – Business Networking Tips
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Related articles
How to Perfect Your Elevator Pitch For Your Business – 5 Tips
Your Elevator Pitch Stinks. Here’s How to Fix It
The Elevator Pitch: Top Tips
Elevator Pitch
Rock Your Business Network Meetings
Elevator Pitch; How Long Should Your Pitch Be?
Business Networking: 7 Warning Signs You’re Probably Doing It Wrong
Business Networking Tips 02
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Should I register all variations of my domain name?
Should I register all variations of my domain name?
One question which comes up frequently is, “Should I buy all of the extensions of my domain name?”
This is a common question because sites which sell domain names will often try to get you to purchase every version.
A new client recently asked me about what domain names he should register, and in particular, how many variations of his basic domain name he should register.
I replied that there were pros and cons each way.
I have mixed thoughts about registering multiple derivations of domain names.
Yes, it does secure many variations and cover many options.
But each domain has a cost to maintain, albeit relatively it small.
You might also consider popular mis-spellings of your domain name.
I do not think that it can hurt to have more rather than less domain names registered.
But I am not sure that it is going to add much commercial or SEO value for you.
http://www.seoinc.com/seo-blog/should-you-buy-all-of-your-domain-name-extensions
5 Domain Name Failures
Choosing a good domain name is vital for the success of your business. Your website is the virtual shop front for your business, so it’s essential that it’s easy for your potential customers to find. Choosing a domain name may seem simple – it’s just the name of your company, right? – but there are still a number of pitfalls for your company to fall into if you’re not careful! Here are our top 5 domain name fails:ᔥ NSDesign Blog » 5 domain name fails
Will people type in the domain or use Google?
Things have changed with the power of search–the idea that most people won’t type in a URL, but they’ll search for the terms in Google.
Here’s the Google search for “fast wordpress hosting” (with no quotes):
- Google search for: fast wordpress hosting
As of today, the business who owns fastwordpresshosting.com isn’t even on the first page.
Or second.
Or third.
Hmm.
So they might as well not even exist–or at least be competition. Wouldn’t they “automatically” be on the first page because they have an exact match domain?
Not necessarily. In fact, who comes to the top?
Well, the very top are the advertisements. The people who pay get to the top. But that’s not the same as true search, of course.
So who’s at the top of the search results? The sites with the most “authority” on those search terms.
This the heart of SEO (search engine optimization). . . . ᔥ Should you to buy all variations of a domain name? – Likoma
Here is some further discussion on the relevance of domain names to business.
Does the domain name even matter anymore?
You could make an argument that the domain name plays a much less powerful role than it did before search became so commonplace.
Who is at number one in search? Our pals over at WP Engine. Did they buy fast-wordpress-hosting.biz?
No, they didn’t bother. They just have a page on their site that’s dedicated to Fast WordPress hosting or at least is “optimized” for that search term. You’ll notice I’m talking about SEO here more than domain names or variations on spelling. That’s because the Internet isn’t the Yellow Pages. The Yellow Pages, at least in its paper form, didn’t have search. You went to the page you wanted (under the letter F for fast … or maybe W for WordPress or maybe H for hosting … ) and found them and called them.
To answer the question of whether or not you need to worry about your . . . ᔥ Should you to buy all variations of a domain name? – Likoma
More Reading
↬ 10 Tips on Choosing the Right Domain Name | MotoCMS
↬ Kevin Rose, the Domain Name Variation Guru | Accidental Domainer
↬ NSDesign Blog » 5 domain name fails
Introduction
As all brand owners know, protecting your name and trade marks online is becoming increasing complicated as new internet domains are opened up on a regular basis, including the new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs, that is, as a .brand domain).
Because of the proliferation of domains available, even the most well resourced brand owners cannot protect their key brands across all domains through prophylactic domain name registrations.
The long discussed Trademark Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) is intended to assist brand owners to prevent third parties from registering domain names which incorporate their registered trade marks. The Clearinghouse is now set to launch and will begin accepting registrations on 26 March 2013.
.ᔥ Protecting your brand from domain name piracy- the launch of the Trademark … – Lexology (registration)
How to Find a Decent Website Name
One of the most important things you will do for your online business is to choose a name for your web site.
It can be extremely difficult to find a name that reflects the business that you do, especially if you have a great deal of competition and most of the names you are thinking about have already been purchased.
1. You are going to have to put some thought into your web site name, and a good starting point is to list some terms that are extremely relevant to the type of business that you do.ᔥ How To Find A Decent Web Site Name – InventorSpot – Inventorspot
More Reading
↬ Domain name update: the Trademark Clearinghouse is now accepting … – Lexology (registration)
↬ Troutman Sanders LLP | The Brave New World of Domain Names: How to … – Linex Legal (registration) (press release)
↬ A Legal Expert Explains The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Play With Your Brand … – Branding Magazine
↬ The coming change in domain name search – Domain Name Wire
↬ Master of Your Domain? – NACS Online
Using Google Adwords to Test a Domain Name
Finding and Securing the Perfect Domain Name
Domain Names – Do You Need One?
This video is a bit amateurish, but has some good basic information.Skip through the first 45 seconds and the last 30 seconds.
It’s only when you go looking for a domain name that you realise how much of the Internet is just empty plots with Sold signs stuck in them.
— seanblezard (Sean Blezard) (@seanblezard) Sun Apr 21 2013
Until twitter auto-linked it I never knew http://t.co/d7xMq42leb had his name as his domain too – I wonder which came first…
— SCRWD (Jon B) (@SCRWD) Sun Apr 21 2013
Well, that is quite simple really!
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What should you do now?
- Choose your domain name(s) wisely.
- Balance budget against commercial results.
- Want some help or ideas? Just contact us at Hotpink Websites now.
.
Quote
There are times when we are confused because we have too many choices, and there are others when we are confused because we don’t have any choice.
~ anonRemember – should I register all variations of my domain name
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Related articles
Never Use a Hyphenated Domain Name for Your Website
What could the new ICANN domain names mean for online marketers?
Mintues After Explosion Domains Registered: bostonexplosion.com, bostonbombing.com
How one tiny hyphen destroyed our SEO efforts
UPDATE: Now Over 70 Domains Related To Boston Explosion Including “Relief” Domains
Feds put 126 newly registered domains on Marathon scam watch listSample List of Possible Domain Names
This list, while not exhaustive, shows how many domain name variations are possible.
qwerty.com.au
qwerty.net.au
qwerty.com
qwerty.net
qwerty.co
qwerty.co.nz
qwerty.net.nz
qwerty.asia
qwerty.info
qwerty.xxx
qwerty.mobi
qwerty.tv
qwerty.tel
qwerty.org
qwerty.biz
qwerty.in
qwerty.co.in
qwerty.net.in
qwerty.org.in
qwerty.ind.in
qwerty.cc
qwerty.me
qwerty.mx
qwerty.im
qwerty.ws
qwerty.so
qwerty.co.za
qwerty.id.au
qwerty.org.au
qwerty.eu
qwerty.be
qwerty.it
qwerty.at
qwerty.fr
qwerty.no
qwerty.co.uk
qwerty.me.uk
qwerty.org.uk
qwerty.nl
qwerty.pl
Should I register all variations of my domain name?
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Business Networking Tips
At one time or another we all need some good Business Networking Tips.
Most business owners have been to a networking event at some time or other, looking for new business, new contacts, new ideas.
And there are some very simple steps to getting much more value from the time invested in this activity . . .
And the first of these Business Networking Tips is not all that unique . . .
Be Prepared
Well, that is quite simple really!
Or so it would seem.
And yet countless people go to Business Networking Breakfast meetings and other events . . .
without the slightest bit of preparation
Make a list of what YOU need to take and check it the day before to be prepared.
What’s going to be on that list?
- Any promotional material that might be appropriate
- Business Cards
- Flyers
- Product Samples
- Door Prize
- Presentation Notes
All of these are important, but I am still amazed that people go to these events without any, (or enough), business cards.
In another post, we will discuss that Business Networking is NOT just about handing out the most business cards.
But not giving people a way contact you after you have made some connection is just giving away opportunities.
SO . . . if nothing else . . .
remember to take a good supply of business cards
And because it can be easy to forget, leave a supply of them:
- in your car
- in your briefcase
- in your handbag
- in your wallet
- in your iPad cover
Create a reserve supply.
Well, that really is quite simple!
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What should you do now?
- Create your reserve supplies of business cards now.
- And then they are there when you need them.
- Want some help or ideas? Just contact us at Hotpink Websites now.
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Quote
My own business always bores me to death; I prefer other people’s.
~ Oscar Wilde
Remember – Business Networking Tips
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Related articles
Business Networking with Food Allergies
How To Get More Mileage (and Customers) Out of Your Business Cards
How To Make Your Business Card Stand Out
A great business card is a powerful budget marketing tactic
Business Card Etiquette: 7 Tips To Improve Your Networking
Grow Your Business Network
Business Networking Tips
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
The source of All Great Keywords
Sunday, 14 April 2013
Reasons to not use graphical email signatures
Are you missing the power of video in your business?
Thursday, 11 April 2013
What will the best corporate blogs be doing well?
Monday, 8 April 2013
Why your blog will never work!
Why your blog will never work!
Wanna know why your blog will never work?
I keep telling my clients that they should be writing more blogs about their business, and they keep saying . . .
I don’t know what to write about.
Blog Topic Ideas Happen Everywhere
As we sat there I thought to myself that there was a blog lesson in here.
I was tired and worn out; he was friendly.
The flight attendants were tired after a long day; he was friendly.
When I appeared to lose steam, he stopped talking and let me sleep.
When I got off the plane I was reminded of the impact that a friendly person can make on someone’s day.
Mine, the flight attendants, probably anyone else that Jim met that day. This interaction was a good check-up for me. It made me realize the power of nice and how it can have far reaching effects.
So what is the moral of this story?ᔥ Blog Topic Ideas Happen Everywhere.
More Reading
↬ Several Ways To Pick A Blog Topic – Blogging Tips
↬ The Rusty Battle Axe: Random Table Top RPG Blog Topic Generator
↬ 40 Attention-Getting Post Topic Ideas for Your Freelancer’s Blog
↬ Looking for a good blog topic to write about? | Paul Brodie
Ideas for Bloggin are everywhere . . .
Megan has been a food aficionado for as long as she can remember, tying her apron strings to join her dad in the kitchen.
So when her parents wanted her to take on a summer writing project at the age of 8, she decided to create a food blog.
“She is pretty ambitious. Honestly, it was for fun. It’s kind of just a hobby,” said her mother, Barbara. “Our friends read it and every once in awhile she’ll get a comment from someone she doesn’t know, but it started off just as a way to practice writing and an excuse to go try new restaurants.”ᔥ Young chef’s blog mixes passion for writing and food – Beach Reporter (blog)
More Reading
↬ Writing a beyond bucket list blog post to get Ed Reed to do something… – Houston Chronicle (blog)
↬ Russian teenager aims to write educational blog that doesn’t bore peers – Alaska Dispatch
↬ Five Lessons on Writing and Reading I Learned Through a Year in Blogging … – Business 2 Community (blog)
↬ What is Co-Blogging? – Business 2 Community (blog)
Running A Blog is everywhere nowadays. There appear to be bloggers everywhere, writing a blog on every topic imaginable. It takes planning and hard work to create a successful blog. Do some research and use what you’ve learned here to create the blog you’ve always wanted.
Ideas 4 #blog #marketing #writing 15 Years Blogging And Still Learning http://t.co/0h6qBd7OdZ via @ProBlogger
— Noah_Xifr (Noah Xifr) (@Noah_Xifr) Mon Apr 8 2013
Ideas 4 #blog #marketing #writing Blogging is More Important Today than Ever Before http://t.co/Kw2Dm3FtfO via Social Media Today – The wo.…
— Noah_Xifr (Noah Xifr) (@Noah_Xifr) Mon Apr 8 2013
Looking for blog ideas. What are your questions on writing and publishing? Post them here: http://t.co/vfx3H2pFw2
— AuthorAlchemy (Robin Hoffman) (@AuthorAlchemy) Sun Apr 7 2013
Blog Posting is the act of creating a website with chronological entries listed on the main… http://t.co/3NO9li9VCx
— Sonji_Cosby (Sonji Cosby) (@Sonji_Cosby) Sun Apr 7 2013
Pre-writing blog posts before I started placement was one of the best ideas I’ve had! #crazybusy
— BelsMay13 (Bel Hankey) (@BelsMay13) Sun Apr 7 2013
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What should you do now?
- Get blogging or get us to do it for you.
- Either way, your business needs it.
- Want some help or ideas? Just contact us at Hotpink Websites now.
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Quote
Blogging is an art which can be explored for knowledge sharing, Interactive journalism, Self-marketing, Self-expression and Community building.
~ anon
Remember – FInd out why your blog will never work!
Related articles
Writing Resource StageofLife.com Offers 10 Tips For Bloggers
Several Ways To Pick A Blog Topic
Blog More Successfully With These Great Tips
Steps to A Successful First Guest Post
Blog More Successfully With These Great Tips
Recreational Blogging or Who Am I Doing This For?
Why your blog will never work!