Google Docs - An Essential Blogging Tool?

In managing my blog one of the tools I rely on is Google Docs. In this article I provide an introduction to Google Docs and explain its advantages to those running an blog.

What is Google Docs?

Google Docs is best summarized as a completely web-based, simplified, free version of Microsoft Office. It provides basic functionality such as word-processing, spreadsheets and presentations. The fact that it is an online service gives it a number of advantages, but there are also one or two disadvantages you need to be aware of.

Web-based service

The fact that Google Docs is an online service has a great advantage, you can work on a document from anywhere you have Internet access and a browser. This is more convenient than it sounds. For example, I have several computers and, using OpenOffice, I might create a Word-compatible document on, say, my desktop computer. If I am then on the road I don't have access to that document from my laptop as the document might still be on my desktop computer's hard-drive.

There are ways to transfer between computers, and one technique I used in the past was to email the document to Hotmail. This ensured that I could access the document from any of my computers and it was backed-up by Microsoft. This wasn't convenient though as I ended up having several versions of the document on different computers and keeping track of the current version proved difficult. Google Docs solves this problem as all the documents you create are hosted by Google. You can access your documents from any computer that has a browser and Internet access.

Summary

I would say I am addicted to Google Docs and find it to be an essential part of running my blog - it is one of the main reasons I use Blogger. It is convenient, easy to use and being able to store your documents (and publish them) on the web is a huge advantage. I no longer have to transfer documents between computers or worry about issues such as versioning. It is very easy to be able to export the documents to a local file, such as a PDF. So far, I have found Google Docs to be invaluable.

Google Docs can be found at http://docs.google.com

Tony Bedford first started blogging in March 2000. Tony currently maintains a free guide to more profitable blogging at http://the-business-of-blogging.blogspot.com

Entrepreneurs - Why Use Free Tools To Grow Your Business? (Hint - Its Not What You Think)

To help you "Fake It Until You Make It", entrepreneurs and small business owners need to consider two critical objectives: the ability to act big on a small budget and look like a high quality-professional.

In order to accomplish these objectives you need to assess how technology can help you. If you're seriously interested in succeeding, answer these questions:

1. What tools will propel my business to the next level?

2. What tools are needed to run my business?

3. What tasks can be automated?

4. What tools will save time and increase efficiency?

5. What training is needed?

6. What tools will enhance customer relations?

7. What tools will enhance partnership relations?

8. What tools will enhance employee relations?

9. What tools are needed for data security?

10. What tools will make the business more competitive?

Before making a technology purchase, growing companies must consider the return on investment. Unfortunately, some benefits might not be tangible or cash may not be available to justify a purchase.

Since, you don't risk a cent, now is the time to make technology your BFF (Best Friend Forever). Take advantage of FREE technology tools, not just because they are FREE but to defy the odds, out perform competitors, increase revenue and propel your small business to the next level.

Real AdSense Secrets - Build Your AdSense Business Today

How to Get Number 1 Rankings on Google, Yahoo and MSN Using Video Hosting Sites

Proper tagging elements include coming up with a TITLE for the Video, a DESCRIPTION, and TAGS or KEYWORDS. Let me say a little about each area.

The TITLE tag is the #1 most important tag. It's the one the search engines will display in the search results. If someone searches for "free home based business dvd" in a search engine, and you are offering a free home based business dvd, you want your website to come up, as well as your video. So tag your Title well, with up to 3 phrase or keywords you are hoping to be found by. As a marketer, you can find out what are the most popular keywords by simply looking at Google's Trends website. Search for Google trends and they tell you what is hot right now in search.

The DESCRIPTION tag is the #2 most important tag. I always recommend, if you are plugging a website or are marketing something, put the URL as the first thing people see in the description slot, follow by a logical telling of what the video is about, being mindful of good keywords and phrasing. Make sure the URL begins with http:// in the front, as some movie hosting sites will turn it into an active an hyperlink, while sometimes they won't. I dunno why they work sometimes, and then not work others.

The TAGS are simply the keywords and phrases to plug your video with. Don't be stingy with your tagging. Get em all in there so you might be found, but try to be a relevant to the video and do not tag spam!

Finally - Make sure all your login and pw info is stored correctly in Tubemogul so that your videos will post correctly to the video hosting sites, and then push the button that makes this machine come alive and within hours, you'll see your videos posted in their appropriate places in your accounts. I love using tools which can easily automated task one used to have to do by themselves.

Do a quick Google search, using the title of your video and see how fast Google has indexed that video. When I did this last time, within 24 hours, I had the top 3 listings for the keywords I wanted to be found and listed with.

So, making a video or using audio and pictures to make a video is really simple. Once you have your video made, upload it to Tubemogul, tag it and post it and within hours your videos will be all over the search engines bringing you free leads and traffic daily.