Security is very important for any Web business or website. If you have a blog that runs on an open source platform like Wordpress, it’s even more important. Hackers tend to target open source systems to gain access and do bad things like drop spam files and so on.

If you want to stop spam from entering your comments area then you need to use Akismet, a WordPress plugin that stops 99.9% of the spam that tries to get through. But beyond that, you can make your WordPress blog more secure by using a password that makes it difficult to hack. If you use a simple password that is a dictionary word then you make yourself vulnerable to hacks and attacks. Make your password longer and more difficult to guess.

A good password should consist of numbers, letters, special chacters, and lower and upper case letters. A word like “wordpress” is not enough as that is easy to guess, particularly by a robot that runs through the dictionary automatically guessing passwords. If, instead, you added numbers and characters as well as upper case and lower case letters then you’d have a more secure password. For instance, “W3ord&p2rEss!4″ is a lot more secure and more difficult to guess. For every character that you add you make your password exponentially more difficult to crack.

Blog security begins with your password. Make it something that is easy for you to remember but difficult for hackers and robots to guess and you’ll be much more secure.

In a discussion about PageRank sculpting, which is something you don’t need to know anything about, Google’s web spam guy, Matt Cutts, recently said this:

Q: Okay, but doesn’t this encourage me to link out less? Should I turn off comments on my blog?
A: I wouldn’t recommend closing comments in an attempt to “hoard” your PageRank. In the same way that Google trusts sites less when they link to spammy sites or bad neighborhoods, parts of our system encourage links to good sites.

You know what this tells me? That outbound linking actually has value in itself.

It looks like Cutts is saying if you only link to yourself then you not much more trusted than a site that links to bad websites like those that download malicious software. You may as well just be a spammer.

I don’t think this is referring to internal navigation links. Static websites should use an internal linking strategy and not have many, if any at all, outbound links. But a blog is a different kind of website. It’s social in nature and should have some outbound links. If your blog is just a self-promotional website that only links to your own sites and nowhere else, you could be hurting your social reputation. That’s not good.

Drew McLellan gave me, along with many other pro bloggers (and I’m honored to be included with the likes of Copyblogger, Yaro Starak, David Meerman Scott, Seth Godin, Liz Strauss, eMoms at Home, and many others), kudos for our inspiration to him in starting his new blog a year ago. Thanks for the mention, Drew. But you did all the hard work!

Drew offers the New Blogger’s Toolbox. I’m not sure whether I’m the screw or the nail, but his list of bloggers to read and learn from is a great list. If you are starting a new blog for your business, I highly recommend going through the links in Drew’s toolbox and reading a few blog posts from those mentioned. Of course, you’ll get lost for hours on some of them so be sure to manage your time. And a year from now, when you are celebrating your first anniversary, you can offer up your own toolbox for new bloggers.

Have you hit a blogging wall? Out of ideas? Not comfortable with writing in general? You’re not alone. Small businesses have plenty to do–online and elsewhere–and we tend to avoid something that “feels like work.” There is another way around this dilemma and generate an online presence that’s beneficial to you.

How? By visiting other blogs and leaving comments. You’re networking, passing along helpful tid-bits in much smaller writing quantities than blogging yourself, and leaving a trail back to your site. Smart, huh?

First, you have to find relevant blogs and website content to comment about. You do this by creating Google Alerts. Take your keywords and keyword phrases and visit Google Alerts and set up an account. Google will send you email updates on when anyone writes about the keywords you listed. Google Alerts will list newspaper and magazine articles, television and radio announcements and recaps of shows in which those topics are discussed, and it will also list blogs that mention the words you listed.

When your email box fills up with Google Alerts, you’ll feel a little overwhelmed at first. That’s okay, it’s worth it to start reading. The online world has just opened up to you. You will literally see how relevant your topic is. You’ll be able to start to track who’s hot, which keyword/topic phrase generates the most hits, who your competition is and who you should be networking with. In the beginning, you need to dedicate some time every day, or a large chunk of time once a week to begin to gather information and know who’s out there and who is making it happen on the Internet.

Create a folder of the best Google Alerts and save the ones you want to get to know.
Follow your gut reaction and visit the blogs or articles that pique your interest. Did you know that you can leave comments on many newspaper and magazine sites as well? You can, and they get read by thousands, and get indexed well because these companies have the money to spend to get that valuable SEO (search engine optimization) placement needed to get noticed online.

Next, leave a comment–and not just “Fantastic!” That won’t get you much. Leave a couple of sentences that actually has to do with the subject they wrote about. Comment about something they said, specifically. Add to the conversation–in a friendly tone. Don’t sound like a know-it-all. Sound humble. Sound generally interested. Sound like you know what you’re talking about and you’re glad to be a part of scene, but you’re not taking over. Sound nice.

How? Tell them something they said or did right. Tell them you like their blog and their content is good. Leave one or two small bits of info that’s helpful. You can even politely disagree or offer another opinon, but do it respectful. You can even comment about another comment, which can create a conversation. At first, keep it simple and get used to the system. Your goal is to make connections, get known, and quietly point someone your way. At the end, sign your name, and under it leave your website, and that’s it.

Can you link back to your website within the body of your blog comment? Yes, but don’t go heavy handed, and only if it’s not really relevant. But sometimes it really is relevant. You have content on your site or blog that adds to the conversation–then go for it.

Chances are, the blogger/owner of the site is going to come over and check you out. They do–a lot of the time. Be sure to respond, say thanks for stopping by. This is n’etiquette. People online like to know their effort isn’t going unnoticed.

It might even lead to a guest blog. If you like someone else’s style, invite them to guest blog on your site–or you guest blog on theirs. This gives you fresh content, and it also does something else that’s really cool. They’ll advertize it on their site, and their readers will come over to your site. Cool. If you do decide to guest blog, or ask for another blogger to guest on yours, talk about how to handle links and promoting ahead of time so that everyone’s on the same page.

Another great way to build an online relationship with another blogger is to request to use their content on your site. Ask ahead of time. Tell them that you really like their blog on X, and can you quote part of it and link to their site. Nine times out of ten they’ll say yes because you asked ahead of time, complimented their work, and will attribute them.

Commenting is so smart and so easy. Three to four sentences on other blogs allows you to respond to a topic already generated, network, get your name out there, and build an online presence. The old adage, “Work smarter, not harder” definitely applies.

Why are blogs appealing? When they’re done right, they give you great information, insight and direction. You can read a blog in five minutes or less–and then go on with your day. Small businesses are perfect for blogs. Why? Because you’re a customer expert. All you do all day–online or in a brick-and-mortar store is talk to, sell to, and think about customers. You are driven to be effective. You already have that natural tone, candor, and appeal customers are looking for.

Secrets to Writing a Great Blog:

By creating a clear, dependable writing style, your blogger gets to know and trust you. You can still show personality, tell a crazy story, and be personable with your audience. Blogs are long enough and have enough content for you to express who your company is and what you have to offer–and that it’s more than just hard sales–it’s a relationship.

In today’s fast-paced, media driven world, businesses have to be on top of their game. One of the best ways to create a conversation with your business clients and associates is by using Twitter. Small businesses will find Twitter easy and fast to use–and a great way to network online and build amazing connections.

Twitter is a lot like texting. It’s technically micro-blogging, and you can only type up to 140 characters–which is great for busy people. Your “posts” are called tweets, and you can even do them from your mobile device or computer. It’s actually addictive. You can break down your message into bite-size morsels, and respond to client’s comments and questions in a flash.

What’s so great about Twitter? I’ll tell you!

Twitter is a great place to make announcements about products and promotions, ask questions, answer questions, give great how-to hints, and use your humor and personality to really kick start a dialogue with your business connections.

Learn more about Twitter from this article on HubPages: “How to Use Twitter to Grow Your Business.”

The world’s gone Twitter crazy. Every television and news show ends with “Follow us on Twitter.” So are you? Twittering, that is? Twitter is great for small businesses. If it weren’t, then every celeb, big business and entrepreneur wouldn’t bother. Twitter gets your message out there–in bite size bits–again and again with lots of chances to update. What better way to reach your audience?

“I can’t figure out Twitter about!”
Understandable, so let’s break it down:

Twitter is like snippets of a bigger conversation.
First, open your Twitter account, and invite your friends and family–and a few work associates. Start slow and learn to be consistent. Twittering does take a committment. It works best when you “tweet” (Twitter’s word for post) often.
Fill out your profile and make sure your website, phone, and other pertinent information are all listed.
Be patient. Like any new application, it takes a while to get the hang of it. Others will begin to follow you–which means every time to “tweet” they’ll get an update.
“Tweet” from your Blackberry/phone. It’s just like texting, and this freedom lets you update wherever you are–which might be your topic of conversation.
Don’t hide that you’re a business. It’s okay that you are so be up front. Be helpful. Be of service. Don’t hard sell.
Carry on a natural conversation. Ask questions. Mention your contest or new product. Answer a question. Solve a problem. Share a work situation you recently encountered. Share a funny story.
What would someone ask you if they walked into your store? Break down that question–and answer–into several “tweets.”
Mention where you’re speaking or if you’re at a seminar or workshop.
Announce your e-newsletter or webinar or new video. And yes, link to it.
Be sure to mention on your blog that you’re on Twitter. And mention it at conferences or other business gatherings. Twitter is hot right now, so let others know you’re on the Twitter train.

It takes time to get the hang of Twitter, and the more you “follow” other small businesses, the sooner you’ll see how to do it–what you like, and what you’d do differently. It’ll take a few months or so to build a decent size following, but most people start to enjoy Twitter, so it’s worth the effort. You’ll make new connections and promote your business–in small increments you can manage.

“Do you really want everyone to like you?” That’s what I told my teenagers when they were feeling the need to cave into peer pressure. Sometimes trying to fit in costs you your true identity. It’s the same for small businesses. Sometimes we try to cover too much territory. Our true power lies in what we’re good at. You’ve earned the right to call yourself an expert–by hard work, dedication, and doing one thing well.

If you haven’t honed in on your area of expertise, ask yourself:

What makes my company unique?
If I had to only do one thing, sell one item, what would it be?
If I had to let go of one line of service or product, what would it be?
What do I do/sell that no one else does? (Or very few)
What services do I offer that fills a real need or void?
If someone introduced me/my company at a party, what would they say?
What other business is the most like mine?
Does my website really state your expertise?
Do my keywords reflect my products or services accurately–or are they only close but not spot on?
What segment of the market have I not quite tapped into yet?
What do I enjoy doing the most? What’s easy for me?

Once you answer a few of these questions, then make sure you input these changes into your online marketing, local marketing, and traditional marketing plans. What good does it do to specialize and then not let people know what you’re good at!

Ways to promote your expertise:

Do a news release (also known as a press release)
Start a separate website that focuses on your expertise–and list is as a separate page on your main site. Besure to list your new site on the various directories. Go to OpenDirectory.com and register your site. Now that you’ve learned a thing or two about websites and SEO strategies, implement your knowledge.
Begin to blog about your expertise–what you have to offer, how you got to be good at this one area, and focus on how you can help others.
Change or add pertinent keywords and keyword phrases
Pitch yourself to a radio show. Start using your voice and stating that you’re an expert in a given field. Don’t consider it arrogant. If you’re really good at something, then it’s a service to offer your advice and direction to others–as long as it’s presented in a way that’s helpful.
Do a search on your area of expertise and check out the competition. You should have less now that you’ve narrowed your focus. What are they doing right? How can you tweek your site to offer something slightly different?
Mention your expertise when it’s appropriate on your social media–especially in your profiles on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Author Marcus Buckingham reminds us in his book, Now, Discover Your Strengths, is that we shouldn’t try to be good at everything. Our brains are even hardwired at birth to begin to pull away from the less strong connections, and that our neurons bundle around one strong cord–that’s how we begin to specialize–and why some of us can play the piano and others can whiz through calculus. By fleshing out and then promoting your expertise, you begin to define your small business and discover your true market.

If you’re not living under a rock, then no doubt you’ve heard a lot about Twitter.
It’s everywhere–mentioned on CNN, on the Today Show, on Ellen, on MSNBC News. Celebreties are twittering, sports figures, CEOs, and soldiers–and it’s perfect for busy small businesses.

Twitter makes microblogging and social media easy. You only post 140 characters at a time–2-3 sentences. You can read a tweet (post) in a sec–from your phone or laptop. No wonder Twitter is now seeing close to 10,000 new accounts per day. An extimated 4-6 million people follow Twitter worldwide, which makes it a marketing opportunity goldmine.

Small businesses have found that SMS devices such as the iPhone and BlackBerry increase their efficiency and productivity and allow them to stay connected. Twitter is perfect for smartphones because you can market on the go–and because your tweets (posts) are short, you don’t have to overthink.

How Businesses Are Using Twitter:

Offer discounts to those who Twitter.
Offer helpful hints, tid-bits, or ask for questions.
Stay in touch–running late to a meeting? Post a tweet and you don’t have to send out individual emails. Wish a client happy b-day. Give a “good job” to an employee.
Promote a contest.
Connect with other businesses. Share ideas. You might even find a partnership.
Too intimidated to blog? Do it one tweet at a time. A sentence or two is all you need.
Keep in touch with your suppliers.
Take an informal poll–people love to post their opinion and you can improve your sales by knowing what customers want and need.
Announce speaking engagements, and other special events.
Post a link to your webpage, but make sure it’s relevant to what you’re talking about. People like Twitter because it’s light,, so don’t get heavy-handed. Just post a link and say check it out.

The Internet thrives off of what’s new and what’s relevant. Don’t miss the Twitter “boat” There are too many great small business networking opportunities. Twitter makes it easy to be casual, connected, and helpful throughout the day.

Abraham Lincoln said, “If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend 6 hours sharpening the ax.” In other words, preparation makes a hard job easier. It’s no different when it comes to creating a small business blog. Here’s a few tips to help you get your blog off to a great start.

1. Register your domain name. Don’t just leave it under “www.yourname@freeblogsite.com.” Connect it with your website URL. This is more difficult to do later, so this prep step shouldn’t be skipped.

2. Don’t procrastinate, post! It does no good to sign up for a blog on WordPress or E-Blogger, and then not post. It’s not a blog until you publish something. Don’t make the mistake of getting caught up in designing your blog in lieu of actually blogging, or intimidated by all the techie info you don’t quite understand yet. Content is king in the blog world, so write an introductory post, say who you are, a little about your business, and maybe the direction your blog will take (how-to, helpful hints, product information, etc). It doesn’t have to be long–a paragraph or two is great–just get started!

3. Spread the word. Tell people you have a blog. How? Start with your email contact list. Email everyone you know–personally and professionally–and give them the address of your blog and beg for links and comments. Some of your family/friends/co-workers will support your efforts and get you off to a good start.

4. Be consistent. Once, twice a week is enough to get you rolling. Ideally, you’ll blog every day–at least five days a week, but if this feels overwhelming, then go with once or twice a week. Put it on your to-do list and commit to it. Again, shoot for a couple of paragraphs. Listen at work for conversations that can be turned into a blog post–a question someone poses, a suggestion…you’ll be surprised how many ideas you’ll pick up on.

5. Mention your website–often. Link to your own website–and not just to page one (your landing page). If you have multiple pages (contact page, photos page, products page), then refer to them as well, and link to it from your blog. Do this at least once per post.

***One for the road: Keywords. Remember developing your webpage and researching those keywords–words that people use when they’re searching? Be sure to use those keywords as you blog. You should naturally–they’re what your small business/products and services are all about. Keep them in mind as you write your blog. Sound natural, as if a customer were standing in your store chatting with you.

These five keys help you prepare for creating and maintaining a successful small business blog. It won’t take long until blogging is an easy, economical way to market and network with your clients–and potential clients.