It’s the start of a new year, and what better time to start fresh with a new blog, and put in some of our favourite plugins!

In the past 5 and a half years, I’ve installed WordPress more times than I care to remember. Since 2004 it’s been my platform of choice for blogs, and in the past year or so, it’s become perfect for small-scale websites.

A large reason behind this is the plugins. Anyone can whip up a plugin that taps into pretty much any of the built-in features of WordPress, to make an already brilliant platform that little bit better.

Theres a handful of plugins that I couldn’t work without, going from behind-the-scenes of WordPress to sidebar widgets:

WP Dummy Content

By Zvi Band – http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-dummy-content/

WP Dummy Content

When you’re working on a WordPress theme, the last thing you want to do is spend 20 minutes making a bunch of pages to fill the menu, and enough posts to make your page numbers show up. Even then, there’s only so much Lorem Ipsum you can use.

This plugin gives you as many posts/pages/sub pages as you want, with paragraphs, lists, quotes etc. So you can style everything as you need, then just hit the “Delete them all” button when you’re finished!

Page Lists Plus

By Tim Holt – http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/page-lists-plus/

Page Lists Plus

This plugin is so powerful, it’s hard to sum it up in a couple of paragraphs. In a nutshell, it overrides the wp_list_pages function, adding heaps of new features, like

• Changing the title text of your menu links from the default of the page title
• Open certain links in new windows
• Redirects (ie. Links to external sites in the header)
• Include (my personal favourite, removes pages from the list)

There’s also a ton of options for the list as a whole, such as adding span tags around links (perfect for weird background images), adding a ‘home’ link to the start of the list, unlinking the current page, and heaps more.

Twitter For WordPress

By Ricardo González – http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/twitter-for-wordpress/

Every man and his dog (well, just about) uses Twitter, and with over 200 websites using WordPress, there’s some overlap.

There’s a ton of different ways to integrate twitter into your blog, but Twitter for WordPress gets my vote. Automatic @reply recognition, URL hyperlinking and email linking are options, and it can be used as a widget, or by a call to twitter_list_messages(); in your template code if you want it somewhere different.
I love this plugin so much, I’ve been working on a modified version that supports twitter lists…

Widon’t 2.1

By Shaun Inman – http://www.shauninman.com/archive/2006/12/05/widont_2_wordpress_plugin

The effects of this plugin probably go largely unnoticed by a large portion of people, but the few that notice it will love it.

It removes ‘widows’ (a word by itself on a line) from page titles (and any other specified tag), by adding a none-breaking space between the penultimate and last words.

Simple Flickr Photos

By Onur Kocatas – http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/simple-flickr-plugin/

Simple Flickr Photos

This one does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s simple, and it shows Flickr Photos. My only disappointment with this plugin is that you have to know your Flickr user ID (idgettr solves that issue though). Aside from that, It’s simple, but has a load of options (user photos, group photos, tagged photos etc). You can see it in action at the AFLPA Blog.

WP-PageNavi

By Lester ‘GaMerZ’ Chan – http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-pagenavi/

Before

After

Out of the box, WordPress adds ‘next’ and ‘previous’ links to blog pages. While this is useful, some people want a little more control. That’s where this plugin comes into play. It adds page numbers to your archive pages, and in the case of a lot of themes (such as those from WooThemes), there’s ‘plug-and play’ support for it.

Obviously there are a lot more useful plugins, but these are the main ones that I use with any fresh WP installation.

Which plugins can’t you live without?

Wow! What a year it has been for the Thinktank Media team and the social media world. We have made some huge connections in 2009, from small business owners, personal brands to big brands and organisations, and it’s mostly down to ultilising social media as a way to connect and build our relationships. We want to thank EVERYONE who has part taken this year, you really have been the difference that makes the difference. Whether it be commenting on our blog posts, hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter, sending us thoughtful feedback emails or simply soaking up what we have to say on here!

THANK YOU.

Before we see the new year in with fresher than fresh content, I wanted to refresh your memories and fire up your motor neurons to what have been the hottest posts of 2009. We simply can’t wait to share and engage with you even more in 2010! It’s a year that will truly be hotter than the sun!

So here they are – the hottest posts or 2009! Would you agree?

Social media – ROI ! – some controversial comments and thoughts here from our readers. Definitely worth hearing what they have to say!

Our top 11 wordpress plugins – always a popular one, and we will be covering “our top wordpress plugins for 2010″ early Jan by Thinktank Media’s brainbox coder Matt Bannon.

How to use twitter lists in your business – this was a HOT post by Jade Craven and one that ranked highly due to it’s timely release and informative content. Things are moving on from this, however it’s a great refresher.

Never take short cuts within social media – ow boy! A lesson learnt. This is definitely something we all need to remember when playing in this social media world..well, life actually!

A great new tool from Google for small business – google business centre – have you heard about it?

Interesting Web 2.0 stats 2009 – ow how the figures have changed since I wrote this post, and watch them sky rocket next year!

Get super connected with twitter and facebook widgets – a handy post if you want to add widgets to your wordpress blog.

How to use Web 2.0 to shamelessly promote your business – Oww what a year – last year I had a space to promo the business whilst being in hospital and looks like this year I will do too.. pregnant belly space!

Well, there was just a sprinkling guys. Have a ripper new year and we can’t wait to thrive with you in 2010!

If there is one thing you do today then it must be this. Gravatar it up people !

Gravatar – is a globally recognised avatar ! What this means is that you upload your image to this site and the image follows you around the web. When you make comments on peoples blogs, shazam…there is your picture right next to your name.

It’s free, simple, quick and easy to do plus is a must for personal branding! Get your face splattered across every forum,  blog, chat, website or any other online community you vist when you comment!

Hop onboard and sign up here http://en.gravatar.com/site/signup and get recognised.

Social Media…WOW.…. how these two words hold so many meanings! A buzz marketing term? An exciting platform to connect with your target market on? A term that confuses you?..or maybe overwhelms you? A concept you are eager to hear more about? So many meanings are added to these two words with many emotions attached to them!

It’s a super Sunday, and I planned to write a super special post on “The power of using video in your business”. However, due to the amount of  “ HELP ME mail”  I received on Facebook and Twitter this week, I have chosen to listen to my audience (as any good business owner does).   In this post, I aim to shed some sunlight and inner calm on this whole Social Media thing! 

Before I answer by far the most popular question asked this week (” Where do I start with Social Media..I’m confused? “), I feel it’s best to give you a few definitions.

•  The super social savvy Brian Solis shares that “Social Media is, at its most basic sense, a shift in how people discover, read, and share news, information and content. It’s a fusion of sociology and technology, transforming monologue (one to many) into dialog (many to many.)” 

• ” Social media is a type of online media that expedites conversation as opposed to traditional media, which delivers content but doesn’t allow readers/viewers/listeners to participate in the creation or development of the content” claims Susan Ward

• And me….Sam Mutimer’s definition :-) – “ Social is the communication, interaction and relationship building part of the process.  Media is the platform in which these conversations, interactions and relationships take place (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, FriendFeed ). It’s just like the old media  - newspapers, magazines, radio and television, however the new part to this media is using some of the platforms I have mentioned above to communicate your message”.

One more definition if you are still a little hazy, from the trusty Wikipedia -   Social Media Wikipedia

So where to start within your own business? I say, as my old PE teacher used to harp on about  “keep it simple”. Take one step at a time and start to build up your connections and platforms at your own speed. There is no race here ( I have only just learnt this!). Do what’s best for you, with the time you have available. Anything is better than nothing!  If  you already have a blog set up, then good on you! I would say you are in front of many business owners in Australia. For those of you that haven’t…..this would be an ace place to start! Blogs are a fantastic place to begin.

To give you just a few benefits in short :

1. Blogs give a personal touch to your business as they are usually a more friendly place to connect with your target market,  as opposed to a colder website platform.

2. They can help to place you as an expert in your field, building up trust, confidence and a fan base for your brand/personal brand!

3. Search engines LOVE blogs and you can get a nice little ranking in places such as Google.

There are many more benefits of having a blog and I will go into more depth in the ” Why blog for business?”  post.  My favourite reason to blog is to share some great content and I hope to enthuse, energise and empower small business owners to get excited about web2.0! Its power to the people at last and we all have the opportunity to grow here in a cost effective and fun manner!

Are you a little clearer now? Click the comments section below to share your feedback! I’m pumped to read your thoughts! Whoop whoop!

High fives…. to your Social Media super success!

I’m in England right now – God save the Queen…and all that Jazz!  (If you are curious to know why – then click here – Sam’s youtube video  ).

Any how, I have many friends in the UK that own their own businesses, from small business start ups to companies increasingly expanding. Now, I must say, if I’m passionate about something and know it works then you can’t shut me up….I’ve been told I can be a little full on at times! FULL ON…come on…..if you’re passionate about something and know it works then why not share, especially if you know it’s going to boost their business and gain them more exposure!

Right now,  one of the strategies I am utilising with my clients (to gain exposure and push them up the Google rankings) involves blogging. I luuurve da blog –   INNIT!  (said in a cockney London accent!).

Why???? Well, I’ll go into that on my next post, yet firstly I’m guessing some of you may not know what a blog is, so I will break it down.

What is a business blog?

A business blog is also known as a web blog. It’s basically a journal with software that is installed into your computer.  It has a content management system (a system where you can control the content) and uses a data base and a scripting language….blah blah. Yet, the main feature of a blog is that YOU can contribute messages (posts) into this and have full control over it. POWER TO THE PEOPLE – AKA – WEB 2.0!

A blog is like a website yet far more powerful (in my eyes) as it’s interactive and engaging (Web2.0), that’s if your website hasn’t been all web2.0ed up yet!

Your business blog is like a diary. It can contain tips about your products, success stories about your clients, quality information about what your target market would like to read, who is in your team (a personal version from the heart..with pictures or video) etc.  It’s you – you are your brand! Remember, you are helping people and engaging them in the conversation, you are giving them previews of what’s new and what’s coming up – there are so many exciting things a business blog can write about. I’m going to burst!

So why blog?

As mentioned above, a lot of my friends run businesses, and the usual questions they ask  me are :  “what shall I do to increase traffic to my business web site” and  “what shall I do to let people know my business exists” “how can I sell more  and position myself as an expert, whilst banding  myself”, to name just a few! My first answer..honestly…  START A BLOG!!!!

So, why am I so aweeeeeeeeeeeeeeee  about  blogging?

Ok, think about a normal website for a sec, (static website) that has not been web2.0ed up…by us  :-) ! It’s pretty much like a brochure, wouldn’t you agree? So many websites we upgrade are like printed brochures in an online form (web 1.0). BORING! There are usually a few pages that describe what the business does, how they do it and their vision/mission along with the services they provide. The language is usually in marketing speak; you know the ones, right? Can I be honest and straight to the point?  People get bored and distracted by this; they’re more interested in how you can help them (what’s in it for them), how can you relieve their pain! Or fulfil their pleasure!

Think about this..then read our “Why blog?” and “How to blog for business success” in the next coming blog posts – be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out!

If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave comments below (you can leave comments by clicking the comments link under the tweet this link) – I can assure you I will get back to you in the shake of a lambs tail …or something like that!  (Also share this on facebook and/or tweet it)  if you believe it’s a great post using the buttons below!) I will be tracking these!  :-) Whoop whoop!

 I’m so pleased you asked! The simple fact that you are here right now shows me that more and more businesses, like yourself, are looking to understand and utilise this powerful platform and the strategies available to make business simpler, easier and more productive online. 

This post has been specifically written for the Freshies out there – I love working with you guys because you get me to think right back to the basics! The fun stuff!

Ok, I believe to gain a better understanding of Web 2.0, Web 1.0 would be the first step to move you forwards.

What is Web 1.0?  When you search on the web and pull up a site, a web 1.0 site tends to be a read only site (1 way communication). You get shown some information and then…..you read it. There is very little in the way of interacting with you or how you can contribute with content. However, in its day, this is exactly what most business owners online wanted. Their goal for a website was to create an online presence then make their information available to anyone at any time.

Yet the world has moved on, thank goodness. Whoop whoop!  More and more people are using the web to interact and connect these days (business and pleasure) and it’s all thanks to Web2.0!

What is web 2.0? Web 2.0 creates a platform to interact, communicate, share information and build up strong relationships – and it’s all through a screen on your computer or mobile phone. Imagine the power that this has within business-your business!

Already, I am starting to form an opinion in your head! You may be starting to warm to me and like the way I communicate with you, leading you to subscribe to my blog…or not!

 I’m using this Web 2.0 platform (a blog) to share with you my knowledge, opinion and I trust inspire you, compelling you to act! The most successful way to use this platform for your business all boils down to TRUST! If you trust, like and respect someone then you are more than likely to talk about them, buy from them or work with them for a win win!

Hosted services like social-networking sites, video sharing sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies have led to the development and evolution of web culture communities – and I love them! Choose which ones best meet your business goals then start to work your strategy from there – and most importantly BE YOURSELF!

Here is another view on Web 2.0 by Tim O’Reilly

“Like many important concepts, Web 2.0 doesn’t have a hard boundary, but rather, a gravitational core. You can visualize Web 2.0 as a set of principles and practices that tie together a veritable solar system of sites that demonstrate some or all of those principles, at a varying distance from that core.  

Some eg’s of Web 2.O platforms you may know of.

Face book, Twitter, You-tube, Blogs, Linkedin etc

I trust I have shed some light on What is Web 2.0? Feel free to use this web 2.0 based platform right now to share or contribute your thoughts and feelings through the wonderful world of Web 2.0 space! I’m really looking forward to reading your comments! Whoopa!