KNOW WHEN TO FIDGET WITH YOUR WIDGETS

All you blogging veteran's out there might read this and say "DUH, been there done that", but for those of you just getting started like myself these tips might come in handy.

Two fellow bloggers informed me recently that when they tried to go to my site they got a "404"error. That usually means there is an error in one of the pages or there's a little publishing goin on. If you're anything like me, I'm always surfing, trying to find new info and widgets. I'm pretty quick with the computer and can copy and paste like the RoadRunner, but once I would place my new treasure on the page, the majority of the time, I didn't like where it was and moved it several times before pleasing myself. That whole perfectionist thing. Well.....the mistake I was making was saving each time I moved something instead of doing a preview each time, then when I was content with the layout, hit save or publish. I know It only takes the server a few seconds to update, but If you go back and fourth as much as I do you might lose a visitor, and they might not return. Be sure to save every so often in case.....well, you know.

Also get a site to monitor your blog and it's visitors, blogpatrol works great and is free. This will allow you to see at what time, along with other things, your readers are accessing your site so you will know the best times to update or publish without interfering with access.

Another thing I've started doing, so I don't have to run back and fourth, is pasting html codes on notepad. I'm pretty sure most Operating Systems have this. Be sure to hit the return key after each item you pasty and give each a title so you remember what they are for. Don't save the doc. in notepad, just keep it in the background, so if you come across a widget or article you can paste it there. then when your ready to update your blog or site, their all right there. With some things you may have to insert the html into your page ASAP.

Just one more thing that might save a little time. Whenever you want to view a link, hold down the "crtl "key on you keyboard when you click on it. This will open the site in a separate tab or window. For example, in bloglog, you click on the contact, then on one the blogs you are interested in, the blog is now at the top of the screen, if you do "ctrl "click the blog will appear in a separate tab or window. So....when your done checkin it out just close it and your right back where you were. This might not work for all browsers but definitely will for Explorer 7.

I hope someone gets some use from this. I just get so excited I must share....even if it might be "DUH"