The third year of ConvergeSouth has come and gone, and I’m feeling renewed, recharged, and really good about this blogging thing I took up over a year and a half ago. I feel in my element at gatherings like this. In other words, around other geeks
. In my typical everyday life, I attempt to discuss matters relating to blogging, web design, online video, etc. and people look at me like, huh? But on Saturday I was talking away–asking questions and receiving answers. I wish I hadn’t missed the first day (Friday), but as I try not to dwell on the past I will just focus on the day I was present and the information I walked away with. And also the wonderful people I met. I was most excited about the how-to session on SEO and the panel on CurrentTV.As you all may have noticed, I’ve added a few ads to my site because I wish to move in the direction of monetizing this blog. I figure after a year and a half, it won’t hurt to try. So I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing (only better) and see what happens. Anyway, I mention all this because it connects to the SEO session I attended. Believe it or not, I didn’t know what those three letters meant until about 2 weeks ago when I read a particular comment on a blog post. So, I’m all excited about my discovery of SEO and then realize there’s a session at ConvergeSouth on the subject. The presenter, Brandon Pierce from ShifterTV, was very thorough. I came away with some great tips and tools that I will definitely begin implementing to increase my blog traffic. And good news for anyone wanting the info. He made the presentation available here.
Ok, now CurrentTV…oops! I mean Current, they recently revamped their name, url and site. I’ve been a fan of Current since a friend recommended the site a year ago. Saskia Wilson-Brown and Brandon Gross, both of Current, led a how-to session. I was just thrilled to be able to ask questions and receive informative responses from experts in the world of online video. And they were really cool too! Please go and visit Current’s new site, they have some awesome viewer created content…excellent citizen journalism pods.
Unfortunately, I also missed the highly raved about ConvergeSouth Music 2007. So I’ll just send you over to the master for his recap. Saturday night ended (for me) with the CovergeSouth Film Festival (first year for both the music and film fest). There were some great submissions. I was pleasantly surprised. My favorite had to be Dear Stranger submitted by Ajit Anthony Prem. And I even won a prize in the raffle! Thanks to Andy Coon, because that was a nice ending to a wonderful day. I’m already looking forward to next year’s conference. And a plus is that Greensboro will be one of the stops on the inaugural BlogHer Reach Out Tour, in tandem with ConvergeSouth 2008. Good things are a happenin’ in lil’ ole Greensboro
Stay tuned.
It sounds like you had a good time another good thing to use is anchor text love that’s what Bobby Revell has called it. I use it when I recognize my readers.
When linking to them I use specific terms or I’ll use their name. I believe everyone can benefit learning some type of SEO.
My highest traffic on my newer websites is driven from social networking engines and referrals from other websites. I receive a lot of traffic simply by leaving comments on other peoples blogs. If I don’t have anything to say I don’t comment but I will read.
It was great that you were able to attend the session.
Opal Tribble’s last blog post..HomeSchooling: Exploring Nature
Thanks so much Opal, I’ve learned a lot from reading your blog. And in such a short period of time.
Yes I’m glad I attended the session, but I’ve also learned much from the SEO references on your site.
Thanks again.
You’re welcome! I’m glad they are helping you out!
I had no idea what SEO was until this past April. I had already done some of the things before like anchor text love but I picked up other valuable things also such as using keyword phrases that tied in with my websites. I’ve learned a lot and my traffic has increased each month.
Thanks for the mention.
Opal Tribble’s last blog post..HomeSchooling: Exploring Nature
I think we’re going to have to bring Brandon back - his session’s group wouldn’t let him leave! That’s the best part of CS. Are you having a great session? Well, just go on having it…we don’t throw you out of the room, we just move the next session scheduled for that room. It’s the “un-conference” thing.
Sue’s last blog post..Want to be at the top of Google?
This was a very good read. Thanks
David’s last blog post..#8 On Google But No Money