Series: Blogging: The Low Cost, High Return Business Marketing Tool - Part 8: Businesses Perfect for Blogging

Any business that wants to increase their web traffic, improve their search engine rankings, build their prominence and reputation, influence customer choices and communicate more personally with customers is a candidate for blogging. A few examples of businesses that are considered perfect for business blogging:

Professionals – Doctors, Attorneys, Real Estate Agents, Financial Advisers and Accountants.

Service Industries – Restaurants, Retail Stores, Wedding and Event Planners, Consultants, Mechanics, Salons and Spas.

Arts and Entertainment – Musicians, Artists, Photographers, DJ’s, Theaters and Movie and Stage Production Companies.

Tourism and Travel – Restaurants, Hotels, Tour Providers, Travel Agents, Cruise and Airline Companies.

Click the grid for a larger view

t 2 b, l 2 r: make a jazz noise here fine art photo, vincent teuliere, elizabeth luxe hair comb - lulu splendor, sunset sakura tunic - ahpeele, vintage upcycled red leather travel case - get ready, set, go!

The bottom line on blogs is simple--any business that would benefit from building their reputation and improving the trust of their clients and potential customers can benefit from blogging. The cost is low, the advantages are high, and the outcomes can be very rewarding for companies, the bloggers and their readers.

Items displayed in this post are from the handmade and vintage shops of Etsy. Follow the links above to find more in these and all the shops of Etsy!

This is the final segment of my blog marketing series. If you missed parts 1-7, please visit my archives to read the entire series.

Copyright pfeiffer photos 2009 - all rights reserved. Please do not use my writing or photographs without permission. Contact me HERE for more information or permissions.

Food for Thought: Eco-Tip - Save Water

If I turn off the faucet for two minutes while I brush my teeth (or while hubby shaves), I can save 4.4 gallons of water--enough to stay hydrated for 12 days. That's six 8-ounce glasses of water each day!



The image displayed above was captured at Bridal Veil Creek in Oregon. It is available to own as a print (various sizes, mat included), or a hand-mounted, blank note card with matching envelope in my Etsy shop. Please visit my shop or contact me direct for more information or to purchase...thanks!

copyright pfeiffer photos 2008 - all rights reserved.

Food for Thought: U Comment - I Follow

If you take a look at the source code for your blog, you'll probably see several references of the rel='nofollow' tag. This tag was originally created to prevent search engines from indexing links in order to reduce spam. However, this simply doesn't seem to work, even as a deterrent to would be spammers. Spam still exists, and if anything the problem of spam is worse than ever.



The most annoying thing about the "nofollow" tag is this: it prevents legitimate, and helpful links from being indexed by three of the top search engines: Google, Yahoo and MSN. Rather than deter spammers, it's more of a deterrent to commenter's and those who would otherwise link back to your blog. [1]

There is something we can do about this: remove the "nofollow" tags!

During my recent blog renovations, I removed the rel="nofollow" tags from my blog template. This allows backlinks, and links in my comments to be indexed by the three major search engines when they spider this blog. Search engines often use the number of backlinks that a website has as one of the most important factors for determining that websites search engine ranking.

Simple translation: using backlinks = increased blog traffic.

Readers who share useful and information in their comments on my blog will automatically be displayed with a link back to their blog, and this works the same for those who link to my posts.

"Linking to someone with a NoFollow attribute is a sign of not trusting them. It’s like reaching to shake someone’s hand, but stopping to put on a pair of latex gloves." [2]
~ Loren Baker

If it ever happens that a comment appears to be spam, I can always use the "delete" button to remove it.

So you may be wondering..."how can I remove the 'no-follow' tags from my blog?" The same way I did--follow the easy tutorial written by the very friendly, super helpful, Amanda Fazani at Blogger Buster. Fanzani's blogsite is a treasure trove of Blogger-template-tweaking, designing, tweaking, improving and promoting tips and techniques ripe for improving and generating loyal readership for your blog! She offers a full list of all her easy to understand (even for the tech-challenged) tutorials right HERE.

For more information on the You Comment - I Follow movement visit Blogger Buster, Randa Clay Design, or try a Google search for this phrase and see what you find. If you decide to remove the 'no-follow' coding from your blog, please post about it and let your readers be aware of not only your choice, but of the benefit they can spread by sharing the same open networking through their blogs...and "share the link love"!



All items featured in this post are from the shops of Etsy. Click on the grids above to increase the view size. Find these handmade and vintage shops by visiting the links listed below.

grid 1, l 2 r:
may i share your perch? print - at whim, blood sisters photo - dan keys photography, knit faux bling red scarf - little purls, tea time wood silhouette - mountain brook

grid 2, l 2 r:
shared view photo - jennifer aitchison photography, dotted vintage upcycled scarf top - tangente, connect four silver necklace - shiny bits


[1] Fazani, Amanda. "Remove 'nofollow' tags from your template to spread some link love." [Weblog Blogger Buster] Jan 2009. Blogger Buster. 26 Jan 2009 .

[2] Baker, Loren. "13 Reasons Why 'NoFollow' Tags Suck." [Weblog Search Engine Journal] Jan 2009. Search Engine Journal. 26 Jan 2009 .

New in shop: Oregon Coast

These photos will be featured in my Etsy shop this weekend. They were all taken at the Oregon Coast, are available in various sized prints or as hand-mounted, blank note cards. Matting is included, shipping is free (to addresses within the lower USA 48), and neighbors in Alaska, Hawaii and International shoppers are always very welcome. Please visit my shop or contact me direct for more info or to purchase...thanks!

Do something FUN this weekend just because you can!

copyright pfeiffer photos 2008 - all rights reserved.

Etsy Treasury: Glowing Things

My thanks to Dylan Strzynski of Fine Art by Dylan Strzynski, for choosing my Fabulous Jackpot Records image to include in his neon-riffic Glowing Things Treasury on Etsy!


Click the photo grid for a much larger view!


Fabulous Jackpot Records by Tina - Pfeiffer Photos

Strzynski originally hails from Flint Michigan - that's where they used to make Buicks. Grew up mostly in Traverse City by Lake Michigan - that's where they grow cherries. He now resides in Ann Arbor and works as a full time artist. Dylan's work includes original mixed-media collage, mono types and etchings.

All the glowing works in this treasury are brought to you by the working artists of Etsy. Handmade and glowing are such a good mix, wouldn't you agree?

Fabulous Jackpot Records photo is available in my Etsy shop as a print (various sizes) or handmade, blank note card. Visit the shop or contact me for more info or to purchase.

copyright pfeiffer photos 2009 - all rights reserved.

Neat Things: Painting Elephants

Watch the whole thing...it's worth it. I just love it!

Etsy: Cowgirls

Click this photo grid for a much larger view (it's so worth it!)

l 2 r, t 2 b:

ranch exit fine art photo - lauri, annie oakley collage pillow - lipstick ranch, vintage leather cowgirl bag - surrender dorothy, smokey distressed leather belt - moxie and oliver, golden fine art photo - art in mind, vintage navy cowgirl boots - vintage booty, cowboy on fence wall decal - freckled hound, vintage tooled leather mexico wallet - small earth vintage, cowgirl fine art photo - mary palmer photography, annie oakley denim jacket - lipstick ranch, sassy cowgirl collage - big girl art, vintage denim cowgirl hat - moxie thrift

All items displayed in this post are from the shops of Etsy--yeah, that handmade site we all know and love. Some art handmade, some are vintage, all are terrific, western and fabulous!

And I quote...Alfred Hitchcock, Frank Lloyd Wright & Fred Allen

"TV is chewing gum for the eyes." - Frank Lloyd Wright (1869 - 1959)

"Seeing a murder on television... can help work off one's antagonisms. And if you haven't any antagonisms, the commercials will give you some." - Alfred Hitchcock (1899 - 1980)

"Television is a medium because anything well done is rare." - Fred Allen



t 2 b: color tv, roadside photography series - jen zahigian photography, old school tube tv pendant - ragtrader, retro tv notecard set - jack-a-ruu

All items displayed in this post are from the shops of Etsy...buy handmade, it does a body good!

My Art: Bohemian Souls ACEOs

Original art cards displayed in this post by Tina of tina's whimsy (aka Pfeiffer Photos), copyright 2009 - all rights reserved. To purchase please contact me direct for more information.

No comment(s)

My new format change has definitely caused a major blip. My ability to receive comments from you, faithful followers, is down. After staying up until almost 1:00 A.M., I feel much like the first two guys in the photos for this post. Finding a fix for the comment glitch is top priority for me today. Again, if any of you have switched to 3-column format and know how to remedy the 'no comment' problem, please let me know asap...and THANKS!


Garbage Nap by Chris

If I may ask you to humor me...please try re-subscribing to follow my blog, and then attempt to leave me a comment today. I will be checking back throughout the day to see if anything is getting through. It is just no fun logging in to my dashboard, and not having any comments from you to publish!


Metro Punk by Tina

Thank you to Leah of Moxie Photo and Design, and Char of ramblins..., for sending me private messages via email to alert me of this issue--glad you've got my back, ladies!


Streetcar Rider by Tina

In the meantime, hope you enjoy these candid street shots we took around town last spring. In posting these, I realized that we seem to find our best subjects at bus/trolley stops. Also near (or on!) garbage receptacles!

Onward and upward...have a super day, all!

All photos displayed in this post are by Chris and Tina Pfeiffer, Pfeiffer Photos, copyright 2008. If you're interested in a print or note card please contact me direct HERE...thanks!

New look for '09

You might be noticing that I changed my template to a 3-column design today. I found a template for editing the HTML code at Blogcrowd.com. I like the way it looks...what do you think?

I lost all my widgets in the conversion. I can live with that...they are easy enough to reload. The bad part is that I also lost my follower widget, and I'm not entirely sure what that means to the actual followers. If you are one, and you're still able to follow and read, please leave me a comment and let me know!

I also lost my custom header, and I'm not sure why but the new template won't allow me to upload it again. Guess I've got some research to do to figure this one out. Again, if you've converted yours and know the secret to uploading a banner, please share with me how it is done.


The ultimate goal for the conversion will soon be revealed...once all the bugs are worked out, so please stay tuned!

Etsy: Handmadeology

Handmadeology = the science of handmade. Handmadeology is the brainchild of Timothy Adam, a self taught metal artist who makes his living selling handmade goods online.


Adam is also dedicated to helping others achieve their goal of successfully selling their handmade goods through online venues including Etsy, Art Fire, Red Bubble, and others. Over 700 blog followers agree, he has THE blog to read if you've been considering trying social networking tools--Facebook, Twitter, etc--He can help you maximize their potential for your online small business, and he writes in non-tech language so the rest of us can actually understand...nice.

Beginning January 26, 2009, we can all learn more from Timothy at Handmadeology.com.

Follow Handmadeology NOW on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube!

You can also sign up for the FREE newsletter on Timothy's blog for news you can use and updates about Handmadeology!

Items displayed in this post are from Timothy Adam's Etsy shop...visit, shop, enjoy.

Etsy: Navy and Lime

Click on the photo grid for a much larger view

t 2 b, l 2 r:
white & navy nautical vintage dress - joules, lime green cups - imelda vintage, two mojitos 70s vintage scarf - the lucky fish, birds on wire navy hoodie - basho, yo lime bird notecard - happy day studio, vintage navy t-shirt dress - dalena vintage, lime cat note card - mod dog shop, lime shoulder wrap pattern - crocheteria, vintage 60s navy skirt - green eden vintage, vintage bakelite lime bangles - true colors for you, vintage print dress - joules, bette davis vintage pumps - thrush, lime fused glass pendant - bay design, lime crochet beret - savannah lane design

All items displayed in this post are from the shops of Etsy. Many of these shops carry vintage goods that are one-of-a-kind...and maybe just perfect for YOU. Please visit their links to view more vintage and handmade shopping goodness galore!

Neat Things: American Idol Season 8

Ah, yes...American Idol's back and the auditions "start" on Fox tomorrow night.



I am really not a big TV-watcher, and "reality" shows can be some of the worst of the offerings on the airwaves. That being said, I shall now contradict myself and publicly admit (at least to the 83 people who read my blog) that I am a fan of American Idol. It took awhile to grow on me, and yes, I get weary of the bickering, the judges, Seacrest, and the rest...BUT...as a singing competition it is always such FUN!

Leave me a comment and let me know who your favorites were from any of the past seasons and if you'll be tuning in for Season 8!

Chris and I watch together. Here are some of our favorite performances from seasons 1-7.

(Just click the pause button on my AI playlist in the right column to enjoy the music on the video clips!)













Top to bottom, Contestant/AI Season: Melinda Doolittle (4), Kristy Lee Cook (7), Elliot Yamin (5), Brooke White (7), David Cook (7), Kelly Clarkson (1), Fantasia Barrino (3), Bo Bice (4), Michael Johns (7), Blake Lewis (6), Clay Aiken (2)

Neat Things: Farmhouse Wares

These lovely items are some I liked while browsing at farmhouse wares this morning. I found this charming home decor site through a link on the equally lovely blog of Chelsea, author or {frolic!} She's got great taste, pay her a visit...you'll be glad you did.

New in shop: Disneyland

California Screamin'


Queen Mary



Steam Train

All photos displayed in this post are by Tina, copyright Pfeiffer Photos 2008. These are the newest posted in our shop this evening--available as matted prints or blank note cards. Visit the shop or contact me for more information.

Happy Weekend!

copyright pfeiffer photos 2008, all right reserved.

Recipe: Your Choice Pasta Salad

I admit it...my repertoire for cooking is a bit limited. Okay, perhaps it's more accurate to say that while I love to eat (raise your hand if you're a foodie), I do not always enjoy the process of making something to eat.

I am thankful for the Food Network. We all have our favorite hosts, don't we? Mine are Giada De Laurentis, Tyler Florence, Emeril Lagasse and Ina Garten. Chris and I often watch together and we really enjoy Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri, Iron Chef America, Tyler's Ultimate and (on Travel Channel), No Reservations with the ever-snarky, always-traveling-to-someplace-exotic, Anthony "Tony" Bourdain.


People's Co-Op

The first time I posted a recipe on the blog it received a number of positive comments, so I thought I would make this a semi-regular feature and share another.



Your Choice Pasta Salad

Ingredients and Prep

1 pound cooked pasta (ratatori, fusilli, penne, or farfalle all work well)

Cubed cheese - your choice of varieties and amount:
Sharp cheddar, Havarti, Swiss, etc...I usually use two.

Cubed meat - your choice of varieties and amount:
Ham, turkey, pepperoni, salami, cooked/crumbled bacon, etc...again, I tend to use two.

Diced or sliced veggies - your choice of varieties and amount:
Carrot, tomato, broccoli, green or yellow beans, olives, red/yellow/orange bell peppers, red onion, etc. Frozen veggies work fine, just throw them in with the pasta during the last few minutes of the boiling.


Peppers

Mayonnaise and Ranch Dressing - your choice of each amount, depending on the size of the salad you are creating and which flavor you like best. I use both as the mayo lends body and the dressing adds another layer of flavor.

Kosher salt, fresh grind black pepper, dried herbs - your choice of amounts for each ingredient.

Cook the pasta (and veggies if you choose to use frozen), drain, rinse with cold water until all are cold. Mix pasta and all other ingredients in a large bowl and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers and the flavors will mix overnight and be even better on the second go-round!

This is a quick and easy meal that works well for cleaning out the fridge. It's even better on a hot summer night when you don't want to heat up the house. Bonus: it's super tasty!


Carts

All photos displayed in this post are by Tina, copyright Pfeiffer Photos 2008, and are available in our Etsy shop as prints or blank note cards or shoot me an email for more information.

Neat Things: Zoo Tycoon II

So, Chris came home last weekend with a surprise for me. I found the box on my desk Friday night. It's fun, it's a bit addictive, and it's called Zoo Tycoon 2. A video game? Yes, a video game...and I'm officially hooked, my friends. H-O-O-K-E-D.

My hubby's a tail-end baby boomer and I'm an early Gen-X'er. The advent of MTV (with actual music videos!), personal computers, a little company called Apple, and the new "fad" of video games...they all came to be in our era. Of course, back then, we didn't switch on the TV, juice up the console or log on to the Internet. We went to the arcade. Those big, black rooms pulsing with neon, music, pinging, blooping, blipping and scores of bug-eyed kids pumping the change machines for quarters, quarters, quarters. Donkey Kong, Galaga, Centipede, Space Invaders, Frogger, Burger Time, Pole Position, Paper Boy, Dig Dug and the list goes on including, my all-time fave, Ms. Pacman! We'd save up the pop cans (Oregon has the bottle bill), flip the couch cushions and check my dads pockets in the laundry hamper--all in pursuit of that "High Score".

Fast forward 25 years (give-or-take), and I'm playing Zoo Tycoon 2 on my Macbook. Building my zoo, creating exhibits, adopting animals, entertaining my guests. Care for the animals, win awards, manage finances, check my stats, go on a photo safari...it's all 3D, very interactive. It's not just kid stuff; I'm learning a lot...really!

My hubby, the gamer, strikes again. Thanks, Chris!

Etsy Treasury: Triple Feature

Triple feature at the drive-in? Triple scoop at the treat shop? Nope, but just as good. We've been featured THREE times this week in Etsy Treasuries!

Thanks go out to Shay of Simply Doodles for including my Bridal Veil Falls image in her Forest Treasury...




...to Kim of Grace Art & Antiques who selected my Otis Cafe photo for her fun Road Trip Treasury...



...and to Jeannie at Bead Stylin' for picking my Thistles Series for a Thistles, Thickets & Thorns Treasury (which I didn't view in time for a screen capture, drat!) Photos of the Thistle Series are shown below and in our Etsy shop.

The items displayed with ours in the Treasury grids above are available from our fellow small business owners in their shops on Etsy--visit anytime for handmade goodness and light!

copyright pfeiffer photos 2008, all rights reserved.

Fingerprints Friday

In reading my blog roll updates this morning, I looked in on Beki, of Pampering Beki. She's started a feature called Fingerprints of God Friday. The gist is to find those things in your Friday that make us grateful and to truly see and enjoy His handiwork. Beki extends an invitation to us all to join via a nifty new linking feature on her blog, to post our Fingerprint Findings on our blogs, share photos of same, and then enjoy! How could I not sign up for this?

My Fingerprints of God Friday photos today are love notes. Since before we were married, my husband, Chris, has been leaving me love notes. More literally, love post-it notes. We keep slightly different schedules (read: he's an early bird and I am not) so he's up before it's light out and covets his alone time to browse the Internet, read, catch up on Facebook, and enjoy some online gaming with his compadres. Often, before I have rolled out of bed, he drops a smooch on me, and is off to work.

More often than not, after the rolling out of bed is executed, I head for our office to warm up my computer for the day, and find a note from my hubby on top of said computer. I got in the habit of tucking them away...in case someday they are here but he is not. Yes, that does seem a bit macabre but I tend to lean to the melancholy, friends. This morning, I dug into my little box of notes and found I had far more than I remembered receiving.

I cherish my little love notes, and find them even sweeter in the reading months down the road. This one is from today...

Guess who has accused her husband of not being romantic enough at times? What a fool am I to speak in such haste! This is one tradition I would surely miss if it were to end. Today it is my offering to share with you a Fingerprint of God in my life.

Looking forward to more sharing, and reading about and viewing of your Fingerprints as well!

Art Cards

In the summer before last, as in 2007, I discovered a quirky little website called ArtCardsWanted.com. I posted a handful of my ACEOs [aka Art Cards] for no charge, and not too long after, all but forgot about it.

Yesterday I received an email from PayPal informing me that I have sold not one, but TWO of those aforementioned ACEOs. Was I surprised? Yes, well, that is an understatement...especially since this was an endeavor I had not been keeping tabs on!

Fairy Series I, Harlequin Man (from Bohemian Souls Series) - mixed media collage ACEOs by Tina (aka me)

But maybe you're saying, "What are Art Cards?"

Just like sports fans collect baseball cards of their favorite players, art fans collect art cards of their favorite artists or artwork. An art card is a small pocket-sized piece of art. They are commonly know as ACEO (Art Cards, Editions & Originals) as well as ATC (Artist Trading Cards). ATCs are only traded between artists, ACEOs are purchased. They can be original artwork or prints/reproductions of original artwork, collage, photography, mixed media, etc. These cards are bought, sold and traded all over the world--and also very popular on Etsy! The official standard size of an art card is 2.5" x 3.5" (64 x 89 mm).

There are three main categories of art cards:

Open Edition - Prints/reproductions of artwork or photography that is printed in the standard card size. Open editions can be printed and reprinted depending on the demand for the card. There is no limit to how many will be printed. This can also be a mini-print of a larger original artwork.

Where's Alice? - mixed media ACEO from Art by Candace

Yellow Pansy Butterfly - screenprint ACEO by Checker Spot

Limited Edition - This type is also a print/reproduction, but there is a limit to how many cards will be ever printed/sold. These cards are more valuable then open edition cards, because there is only a limited amount of each card that is available in the world. Many times, limited edition cards will be numbered on the back of the card.

Madeline - original illustration ACEO by Matou en Peluche

Let There Be Lights - altered photo ACEO by Marisa Allegra Williams

Original Artwork - This card is a unique piece of artwork done by the artist. It can be painted or drawn, but it will be 100% original and only one card exists in the world. This type of card is the most valuable and usually (not always) carries a higher price point.

Pink Flowers Aqua Sky - photo ACEO by Stimples and Strummels

What's Behind - etching ACEO by Ingrid Art Studio

If you haven't tried making these mini art gems yet, give it a whirl. Whatever medium you dabble in, in any theme or design. Use that sheet of watercolor paper you've had lying around...or a page from that Bristol pad. Cardstock of any sort--smooth, textured, hot or cold pressed, it all works well. If you want your cards pre-cut and ready to play, search the SUPPLIES catagory on Etsy, keyword: ACEO blanks. I've also received great service and fun and creative art supplies for a number of years from Vickie at Bemuse!

More ACEO Galleries and Supplies:

ACEO ArtCards.com - Gallery, supplies, community & more!

ACEO Supplies - Squidoo.com

Shabby Cottage Studio - Gorgeous stuff here!

Retro Cafe Art - Gallery and art supplies

Manto Fev - Collage and art goodies with a retro vibe. Be sure to check out her VINTAGE and FLEA MARKET catagories...trust me, it's sinfully good.

Art Chix Studio - Collage, art, ACEO, papers...all the fun stuff. Tell Helga I sent you!

Art displayed in this post is copyright of the individuals listed...click the links to visit their Etsy shops and enjoy!