The "State Of The KLOG" Address
Break out those Champaign glasses and pour yourself a little bubbly... it's time to celebrate. One year ago tomorrow I started this Search Engine Marketing Blog and thus far it's been a wild, wild ride. Looking back at my 56 posts, I've covered a little bit of everything that the SEM industry threw our way.
Do you remember when the SMA-NA debuted at the Search Engine Strategies conference in New York almost a year ago? Or... when MSN announced its intentions of stepping into the Pay Per Click industry? Those were some pretty big announcements. How about when I received a letter from a fellow SEM claiming that my opinion of his/her involvement at a SES conference was off-based. Remember that? They all seem so long ago, but surely enough, they all happened in the past year.
So what is the "State of the KLOG"? Well, first of all for those of you who didn't already know the KLOG is my Blog's nickname as given to me by my All Web colleague Jessica Guadiana. Apparently The Karl Ribas.com Blog is a bit too long for her to say and write and so she decided to shorten it up to KLOG. Now, it seems as if everyone in the office has adapted her way of thinking.
Anyway, a week or so ago the President of the United States stood center at the white house and delivered his "State of the Union" address, which we all know is when he addresses the nation and congress reviewing his past year and his plans for the next. Building off of this idea, I've decided to do same thing here, except I'll be reviewing this past year's changes to my Blog and outlining what you readers can expect in the year to come.
So, without further ado... here's the "State of KLOG" address:
THE KLOG REVIEW
Since signing up with Blogger a year ago I have made some tremendous improvements to the design and layout of my blog. If you remember correctly, I first posted on a 100% Blogger template. Since then I've done my best to incorporate the Blog into my website and to better the overall experience that my readers have. Here are a few of last year's major changes:
Added Blog Links Section - I've added this as a second navigation option and to compliment the main navigation found at the top of every page of my website. These links are Blog specific and highlight pages that relate to the KLOG and those that my readers maybe interested in viewing.
Blogger's Profile - This was a page that I created to explain a little bit about myself and my position in the SEM industry. I personally enjoy reading about the authors of my favorite Blogs and newsletters and I figured that maybe some of my readers shared that same interest.
Added Syndication Section - This was one of the latest elements I've added and it had been long overdue. This section includes specifically formatted links that when clicked automatically add my Blog to some of the more popular RSS readers such as "My Yahoo!", "My MSN", and the "Google Reader". For those of you not familiar with RSS readers it's a program that will import the content of all the places you subscribe into one central place (either online or a desktop program like MS Outlook). The point of a reader is to save you time from having to check each day for Blog updates.
If you happen to use any of these RSS readers, please feel free to subscribe to my blog. In addition, I provide a standard RSS and an Atom feeds for your viewing pleasure.
Added Email Subscription Option - This is also a pretty new element which I am very proud to offer. Much like the Syndication feature, readers can begin receiving my Blog's content without actually visiting the KLOG. If you're interested, simply subscribe via email and my Blog posts will automatically be delivered to your "inbox" shortly after I've posted it.
Added Blog Roll Section - This is a list of Search Engine Marketing and Website Design blogs that I personally tune into. I thought that these maybe of some interest to my readers.
DISCLAMER: Please note that the views and opinions expressed within any of these Blogs are not necessarily the views and opinions of Karl Ribas or the Karl Ribas.com Blog.
Added 2005 Blog Archives Page - The 2005 Blog archives page is just as it sounds... a place where I've referenced descriptions and links to all 2005 Blog posts. This was of course created for those few readers who maybe interested in reading back that far or catching up on their Search Engine Marketing happenings over the past year.
THE FUTURE OF THE KLOG
The exact future of the KLOG, like most things, is a bit hard to predict but I can definitely share with you some of the ideas I've been considering.
Adding Google Adsense - I have been tossing the idea of Google Adsense around for awhile now. I have gone as far as opening an account and testing them in different locations throughout my blog but am still pondering whether or not displaying these text-based ads is at all relevant to my users... even if it does help pay the bills.
Adding Category Archives - This is a thought I'm entertaining where I would categorize all of my posts by categories. The idea is to have a "Pay Per Click" category where readers can find all my posts regarding Pay Per Click or a "Tools" category where readers can find all my posts regarding the cool tools and resources I've reviewed.
Improving the Design and Layout of Emails (for email subscribers) - As of now, email subscribers are receiving their update in a pretty standard template. I'm thinking about possibly incorporating my Blog's design into this template here very shortly.
Blogging More - I've been putting some serious thought into possibly posting more each week, instead of just on Fridays. This will of course depends on how much "free" time I have and whether or not I really want to spend it on Blogging as opposed to other website upkeep.
Providing Better Conference Coverage - I posted every day of this past SES conference (instead of just 1 post at the end) and my readers seemed to have enjoyed that a bit more. Because of the positive response I've received, I will be posting conference notes daily whenever I'm fortunate enough to be attending one.
Inviting Guest Bloggers - Yes... guest Bloggers. I'm seriously considering the possibility of inviting other Search Engine Marketers or Website Designers to post on a subject of their choice. Even though this is my Blog, I think that this idea may turn out to be very beneficial for some. Hearing the views and opinions of other industry members could definitely change things up a bit.
Well, I think its time to wrap up this thing up. Unlike, the "State of the Union" address, I hope the "State of the KLOG" address was entertaining and not so much boring. I want to thank you all for reading this week's. It's been a pleasure of mine to provide you with Search Engine Marketing news and updates. Furthermore, I appreciate those of you who've subscribed via feeds and email and for those of you who've shared your comments on past posts. It definitely makes Blogging worth the effort!
Do you remember when the SMA-NA debuted at the Search Engine Strategies conference in New York almost a year ago? Or... when MSN announced its intentions of stepping into the Pay Per Click industry? Those were some pretty big announcements. How about when I received a letter from a fellow SEM claiming that my opinion of his/her involvement at a SES conference was off-based. Remember that? They all seem so long ago, but surely enough, they all happened in the past year.
So what is the "State of the KLOG"? Well, first of all for those of you who didn't already know the KLOG is my Blog's nickname as given to me by my All Web colleague Jessica Guadiana. Apparently The Karl Ribas.com Blog is a bit too long for her to say and write and so she decided to shorten it up to KLOG. Now, it seems as if everyone in the office has adapted her way of thinking.
Anyway, a week or so ago the President of the United States stood center at the white house and delivered his "State of the Union" address, which we all know is when he addresses the nation and congress reviewing his past year and his plans for the next. Building off of this idea, I've decided to do same thing here, except I'll be reviewing this past year's changes to my Blog and outlining what you readers can expect in the year to come.
So, without further ado... here's the "State of KLOG" address:
THE KLOG REVIEW
Since signing up with Blogger a year ago I have made some tremendous improvements to the design and layout of my blog. If you remember correctly, I first posted on a 100% Blogger template. Since then I've done my best to incorporate the Blog into my website and to better the overall experience that my readers have. Here are a few of last year's major changes:
Added Blog Links Section - I've added this as a second navigation option and to compliment the main navigation found at the top of every page of my website. These links are Blog specific and highlight pages that relate to the KLOG and those that my readers maybe interested in viewing.
Blogger's Profile - This was a page that I created to explain a little bit about myself and my position in the SEM industry. I personally enjoy reading about the authors of my favorite Blogs and newsletters and I figured that maybe some of my readers shared that same interest.
Added Syndication Section - This was one of the latest elements I've added and it had been long overdue. This section includes specifically formatted links that when clicked automatically add my Blog to some of the more popular RSS readers such as "My Yahoo!", "My MSN", and the "Google Reader". For those of you not familiar with RSS readers it's a program that will import the content of all the places you subscribe into one central place (either online or a desktop program like MS Outlook). The point of a reader is to save you time from having to check each day for Blog updates.
If you happen to use any of these RSS readers, please feel free to subscribe to my blog. In addition, I provide a standard RSS and an Atom feeds for your viewing pleasure.
Added Email Subscription Option - This is also a pretty new element which I am very proud to offer. Much like the Syndication feature, readers can begin receiving my Blog's content without actually visiting the KLOG. If you're interested, simply subscribe via email and my Blog posts will automatically be delivered to your "inbox" shortly after I've posted it.
Added Blog Roll Section - This is a list of Search Engine Marketing and Website Design blogs that I personally tune into. I thought that these maybe of some interest to my readers.
DISCLAMER: Please note that the views and opinions expressed within any of these Blogs are not necessarily the views and opinions of Karl Ribas or the Karl Ribas.com Blog.
Added 2005 Blog Archives Page - The 2005 Blog archives page is just as it sounds... a place where I've referenced descriptions and links to all 2005 Blog posts. This was of course created for those few readers who maybe interested in reading back that far or catching up on their Search Engine Marketing happenings over the past year.
THE FUTURE OF THE KLOG
The exact future of the KLOG, like most things, is a bit hard to predict but I can definitely share with you some of the ideas I've been considering.
Adding Google Adsense - I have been tossing the idea of Google Adsense around for awhile now. I have gone as far as opening an account and testing them in different locations throughout my blog but am still pondering whether or not displaying these text-based ads is at all relevant to my users... even if it does help pay the bills.
Adding Category Archives - This is a thought I'm entertaining where I would categorize all of my posts by categories. The idea is to have a "Pay Per Click" category where readers can find all my posts regarding Pay Per Click or a "Tools" category where readers can find all my posts regarding the cool tools and resources I've reviewed.
Improving the Design and Layout of Emails (for email subscribers) - As of now, email subscribers are receiving their update in a pretty standard template. I'm thinking about possibly incorporating my Blog's design into this template here very shortly.
Blogging More - I've been putting some serious thought into possibly posting more each week, instead of just on Fridays. This will of course depends on how much "free" time I have and whether or not I really want to spend it on Blogging as opposed to other website upkeep.
Providing Better Conference Coverage - I posted every day of this past SES conference (instead of just 1 post at the end) and my readers seemed to have enjoyed that a bit more. Because of the positive response I've received, I will be posting conference notes daily whenever I'm fortunate enough to be attending one.
Inviting Guest Bloggers - Yes... guest Bloggers. I'm seriously considering the possibility of inviting other Search Engine Marketers or Website Designers to post on a subject of their choice. Even though this is my Blog, I think that this idea may turn out to be very beneficial for some. Hearing the views and opinions of other industry members could definitely change things up a bit.
Well, I think its time to wrap up this thing up. Unlike, the "State of the Union" address, I hope the "State of the KLOG" address was entertaining and not so much boring. I want to thank you all for reading this week's. It's been a pleasure of mine to provide you with Search Engine Marketing news and updates. Furthermore, I appreciate those of you who've subscribed via feeds and email and for those of you who've shared your comments on past posts. It definitely makes Blogging worth the effort!
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posted by Karl Ribas Friday, February 10, 2006 Read Comments (6) | Post a Comment | Subscribe  
 
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6 Comments:
Congrats on your anniversary!!! It's been a pleasure riding your 'wild ride' of a year. Keep up the good work.
By
Anonymous, at February 10, 2006 3:29 PM
WooooHooooo!!! Happy Birthday KLOG!
By
Drew, at February 10, 2006 7:53 PM
Thanks Drew. I really appreciate your comments as of late. I know the SEM industry isn't your thing, but I'm still glad to see you participating. Maybe you'll pick up a few things for your own marketing efforts.
By the way, great job with maintaining the DMC website... it looks great! For those of you whom haven't made it over to see Drew's website... be sure to. His design and layout talents are out of this world!
By
Karl Ribas, at February 10, 2006 10:53 PM
*Imitation Marilyn Monroe voice* Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday dear K L O G Happy Birthday to you (and many more)!!!!
By
Jackie, at February 10, 2006 11:32 PM
Woohoo! Happy Anniversary Klog!
I just wanted to let you know that I've thoroughly enjoyed the "State of the Klog" and previous posts. You not only provide factual information of what is occuring in the SEM world, but you cleverly role it in with personal opinions without sounding pompous and arrogant. The only thing that I would like to see in the future is the total transition of Karl Ribas.com and the Karl Ribas blog completely over to "The KLOG".
I'm telling you, if you sold T-shirts and little wooden klogs with the "KLOG" on it, I'd be there supporting it and wearing it at the next SES.
By
Jessica, at February 13, 2006 8:10 AM
Thanks Jessica. I appreciate the comments.
I can honestly say that there isn't going to be a KLOG transition any time soon... at least not this week anyway. But, you never know. One day you could be checking back and Wham,... you could be looking at a brand new logo featuring a little wooden Klog (shoe - for those that didn't know).
And hell, who needs Google Adsense when I could sell KLOG shirts and wooden Klog's at the SES show. Do you think that Danny will give me a booth? Eh, if not I could always sell them in the hallway outside of each session. Wanna make an extra buck?
By
Karl Ribas, at February 13, 2006 8:18 AM
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