Month: July 2019

Google Analytics brings you the exact stats about the performance and impact of your site. It provides you deep insights about the number of site visitors, users’ activity, traffic sources, referral links, clicks, visitors on individual web pages, bounce rate, duration of stay, and several other activities reflecting the overall status of your site. So, if you want to earn good returns on your blog or site and review/optimize its performance then you would have to add Google analytics to your WP site. In this blog, we will discuss 2 different ways to do that:

•    Manually adding Google Analytics to your WP Dashboard

•    Using WordPress Plugins

Conventional manual method

The conventional way of adding Google analytics to your WP site through coding is not an easy option. You need to go through a complicated task of copying the analytics code and then pasting it to the exact sections of your files. Any minute mistake will negatively impact the results.

How to manually add Google analytics to the WP site?

·         Create your Google Analytics account. Provide your relevant business details and click on the button “Get Tracking ID”

·         Click on tracking info in Go to Property tab (in the center) and select the option Tracking Code

·         Select and copy the entire code snippet starting with <Script> Tag in a box just under website tracking option.

·         Now visit your WP site dashboard. Select the option Editor under Appearance menu

·         Open Header.php file and paste the copied tracking ID code just before the tag </head> and Click Update File button

·         Go back to the Google Analytics Page. Refresh it and check the code to ensure that it has been pasted correctly and can receive Wordpress data.

·         You can also click send test traffic button that will allow you to test the updated settings.

·         Keep in mind that it can take up to 24 hours for the data to start flowing to your Google Analytics account.

Pros

·         Copy-paste steps

·         No need to overburden the site with plug-in

Cons

·         Not feasible for users with limited technical knowledge

·         Each change in analytics requires additional manual coding

·         Being a manual process, it requires repetitive actions and constant intervention. It is highly prone to human errors like negligence, forgetting, incorrect steps, or pasting the incomplete code (remember that even minute omission of a single letter or element can defeat the objective)

·         Disturbs the schedule and consumes lots of time, attention and efforts

WordPress Plugins for Adding Google Analytics to WP site

The best way to add Google analytics to your WordPress site is through WordPress plugins. Quick and easy to use these plugins save you from intricate coding process and also eliminates the chances of human error. Here is a review of Best WP plugins for adding Google Analytics to our WP site:

1. MonsterInsights

MonsterInsights is a simple yet arguably most effective plug-in to quickly add Google analytics to your WP site without going through any complicated process. The installation is easy and you can directly add it to the WP Dashboard.

You will get the deep, quick actionable insights on key factors affecting your site popularity and revenue like the number of visitors along with the demographics like gender, geographical region, browser and device activity, etc. It also fetches you details about the sources that sent them to your website.

Features

·         Optimizes your eCommerce benefits by integrating Woocommerce, MemberPress or Easy Digital Downloads to effectively monitor business-specific insights like the size of the order, transaction volume and rate of conversion

·         It can be set up almost instantly without disturbing the code or going through the scripting process

·         Get detailed reports on current data to quickly optimize it for multiplying instant real-time benefits. It includes a wide array of parameters like events, sales and even the blog posts that go viral

·         Universal tracking features assure you accurate stats concentrating on single-user behavior even if s/he switches multiple devices or platforms while browsing your site.

Pros

·         The simple beginner-friendly setup process

·         Eye friendly visual format

·         Business-centric data analysis for eCommerce sites

·         Facilitates A/ B testing implementations for enhancing returns

·         The UI is simple and almost intuitive that requires a very small learning curve

·         You can easily export the reports for further perusal

·         Installing and setting up is easy and doesn’t require detailed process

Cons

·         The pro users might need even for more data to gain maximum benefits

·         It is among the priciest Google analytics plugins

·         Free users are restricted from many of the popular friendly features of the plugins that make them get only the basic benefits insufficient for enhancing the commercial potential of the wp site

2. Analytify

Analytify is another plugin that you can add to your dashboard to track the vital stats of a specific page, post, activity or traffic source of your site.

Features

·         It provides you an easy way to widen your scope of benefits by further multiplying its range of analysis using other specific add-ons like Woocommerce, for business-specific analysis or UTM for analyzing digital campaigns.

·         Those who are not comfortable viewing Google analytics on the WP dashboard can also opt for email reports that fetch the vital stats in a more simplified manner.

Pros

·         Google Analytics Integration facilitates viewing of top click generating pages and networks

·         Almost instant configuration of social sharing buttons with its simple backend interface

·         The free version comes with really decent features that actively help in enhancing the revenue potential of your site

Cons

·         Huge list of features look overwhelming for those who need only basic tracking capabilities

3. Google Analytics WD

Google Analytics WD allows you to get the detailed reports in your WP dashboard thus eliminating the need to switches between multiple tabs for checking the stats and then taking actions based on the reports. It is available in both free and premium versions.

Features

·         Facilitates setting specific goals for more result-oriented users also offers filtering capabilities

·         Business-oriented reports for the stats that directly affect the commercial potential of your site

·         Enhanced link attribution

·         Improved tracking provision for outbound inks

Pros

·         Email summaries options for concentrated view for both the premium ad-free uses

·         Strong provisions for supporting outbound links tracking

·         Pro version allows you to customize the dimensions

Cons

·         The visual format of the reports looks overwhelming even intimidating to the eyes. It could have been more eye-friendly for a quick analysis of key feature without straining your eyes.

4. WP Google analytics events

WP Goggle analytics events facilitate adding tracking code and are concentrated on monitoring different actions of visitors who land on your WP site. It is helpful for the site owners who wish to optimize their website for promoting positive interactions and eliminating negative experiences. It is also a great asset for those who are looking for first track the interaction stats and then optimize their site for best returns based on the same.

Features

·         It automatically adds tracking code to your site without any complicated manual intervention

·         Track diverse actions including but not limited to scroll depth, video players, total clicks on outbound links and more.

Pros

·         With many result-oriented capabilities, it amplifies the potential of Google analytics

·         Zero coding event setup allows easy setup and quick use for intended benefits

Cons

·         The free version seems too basic to provide real capabilities or benefits

·         Uncomplicated setup process: It can be set up almost instantly without disturbing the code or going through the scripting process

5. Google Tag Manager

Google Tag manager facilitates the quick tag management and updating without having to go through any complicated technical process each time. To understand it better you first need to know the definition of a tag. A tag in this context refers to JavaScript snippet or tracking code that conveys your site’s key information to Google or other third party sources to facilitate smooth functioning.

Features

·         Google Tag Manager allows you to deploy Google Analytics tracking code or tags to the WP site without editing the site code.

·         Here’s a possible scenario to describe real-life benefits of Google Tag Manager: Users who need to track file downloads just have to add a new tag in their tag manager instead of the conventional detailed process of enabling event tracking and going through the process of manually updating every download link that is not only tedious but is also prone to human errors. So if you have Google tag manager installed on your site, it would be easier for you to add Google Analytics tracking code to your WP site. 

Pros

·         Free and easy signup to get unique container code

·         A good number of guides and help topics along with a thriving community makes things even easier for you

Cons

·         It requires setting up a data layer on your site and some more technical processes that would need you to hire a developer

·         It lacks the personalized support for setting and implementation

·         This is the manual method and is prone to human error but more advanced users who expertise in (and love) coding and don’t bother about its complexity might like this one.

Final Verdict

There are multiple ways to add Google analytics to your WP dashboard but as a blogger or business, you need to pick the most direct, simple and uncomplicated process that should not disturb your schedule. So among all the options we discussed here the best way is to opt for the best Google analytics plug-in and our recommendation is MonsterInsights. It is easy to install and use and delivers the maximum insights in a user-friendly format. The best thing is that while it requires the beginner level skills to operate, MonsterInsights offers the maximum insights and is equipped with tons of features.

Conclusion

Google Analytics helps you to gain the key insights of your website and thus proactively helps you to gain maximum returns out of the same. In this blog, we have discussed various options for adding Google Analytics to your site. The readers are advised to use their discretion while making the right choice. You need to consider the factors like your technical knowledge, objectives, time availability and the efforts you are willing to invest and then choose the option that aligns best with these parameters. Also, you need to review your experience to decide if you are satisfied with the results or would like to change the option.

Multiple branches increase the sales opportunities of a business. In the same way, having multiple WordPress sites multiplies your income potential. But it is equally important to manage all your sites with equal efficiency. In this blog, we are going to mention some important tips on how to manage multiple WordPress sites more competently by minimizing the complexities.

Security: Update your WordPress and check for loopholes

The hackers across the globe are constantly finding loopholes to attack and damage the sites. Contrary to the notion they don’t only target the premium brands but also attack small businesses and individual bloggers as well. As soon as the new vulnerability is reported the WordPress quickly takes action and patches the security. However, failing to upgrade your WordPress and continue older version will keep your site exposed to cyber attacks that can damage your business. So, it is very important to instantly update your site as soon as new versions are released.

Plugins: Avoid using outdated versions (at all cost)

Plug-ins facilitate and automate various complex and tedious tasks that can actively help in management of multiple WP sites. However, they also create more gateways in your WordPress site thus multiplying the security risks. The smart hackers have technology and talent to easily identify the WordPress sites using outdated versions. So make sure that your plug-in version is not outdated or unsecured as it can make you a soft target for the malicious elements. >>

External Templates: Check compatibility with latest WP version

Apart from the main site of WordPress, there are many other sites from where you can download or purchase the WordPress themes. These templates are especially architected to be compatible with the most current version of WordPress. However, with time as the new WordPress versions are introduced these templates may become incompatible and as a result, your site may experience performance fluctuations and other technical issues that will annoy your visitors.

You would certainly not like your audiences to abandon your site just because of some technical issues. Hence it is best to make sure that you are not using the outdated and incompatible version of WP templates. Also, ensure that the template provider’s mails are not getting piled up in your spam folder. >>

Updates: Avoid updating live sites directly

To make sure that updates should not affect the site performance or annoy your audiences, it is also recommended to first test the thing by updating the local copy of your WordPress site especially if you have to update multiple sites. While you would need to go through some learning curve, using the plugins like Snapshot makes the things easier for you by backing up the WordPress site and installing the same on your system. After you have backed up your site on your own system, test the updates to ensure that the things are working fine. If you are satisfied then you can proceed to apply the updates on your live site. >>

Check for reputation of Plugin providers

Many times the owners of multiple websites are so desperate to streamline and facilitate the things that they end up downloading dozens of plugins without checking the reputation and authority of the providers. It can expose your valuable site to a number of security risks. In fact, it is not uncommon to find the plugins with hidden provisions to spy your site or steal vital information. You would certainly not like to trade the security for convenience. Hence it is best to check for the reputations, history, and profile of the plug-in provider. >>

Technical requirements: Make sure you can comfortably manage it

Another wise piece of advice is to ensure that the theme or plug-in that you intend to download is compatible with your technical knowledge. Managing multiple sites s already a difficult thing and you would not like to further multiply the complications by juggling with technical issues that you are not able to tackle. Here are the same key factors to be considered:

·         Installation time: The quicker the better

·         Operation: Simple and Hassle-free

·         Administration: Intuitive interface, neat ecosystem and user-friendly tools.

Analyze purpose-specific features

Deeply analyze the competency of your plugins by testing their performance through the entire process related to your purpose. Many plugins facilitate a few primary steps but prove to be less efficient when it comes to the more crucial and concluding steps. For instance, even a plug-in that is great at the backup job loses its value if it requires a tedious process to restore the website. >>

Constantly analyze site performance

You also need to make sure that your site offers reliable performance and delivers a premium user experience. Checking various aspects of your site performance can be extremely difficult especially when you manage several websites. Thankfully, there are several automated options to measure your site performance. Some such plugins are even capable of repairing the nagging issue with minimal human intervention. >>

Centralized dashboards for ultimate solution

While the above-mentioned tip and tools will help in facilitating and accelerating the tasks on each site, they cannot be called the ultimate single stop solution for all your needs as you still require to login to different accounts using different login credentials. Repetitively switching between different sites causes stress and makes things complicated. Thankfully there are single login centralized dashboards that allow you to manage multiple sites from single dashboards without having to switch between different sites or remembering multiple login credentials for each site. One such example is wpCentral. These platforms offer you single click admin access and updates along with easy ways to generate reports or manage multiple themes and plugins.

Conclusion

In order to get most out of multiple WordPress sites, you need to manage every site competently but it can be a difficult task, especially for the nontechnical users. In this guide we have discussed various tips, tools, techniques and safety guidelines to follow when working with multiple sites in order to ensure best performance and maximum security.

Starting a blog isn’t a difficult thing thanks to the CMS like WordPress. However, it takes some time to start earning from your blogs. You need strategic ideas to turn it into a reliable source of income. In this guide we will present the top 5 ways in which the beginners can start making stable periodical income from their blogs:

Join Affiliate Programs

Many top bloggers rely on affiliate programs as a major source of their income. The best way to earn through affiliate programs is to write in-depth and informative articles on the brands that you have joined with affiliate links. If your audience clicks on the links and buys the product/services, you will earn a commission on that.

Tips

·         Many brands offer a discount to the buyer if they buy through an affiliate link. Highlight this point to attract audiences and boost sales.

·         Research some unique content regarding the products/services you have joined and keep on posting the content around

·         Pay attention to the end purpose of the blogs. The audience especially loves how to articles and the ones written around the latest industry news/issues.

Top Affiliate Program for beginners

Affiliate Program	Minimum Payout*
ShareASale	$50
Rakuten	$5.01 minimum (pad quarterly)
CJ Affiliate	$50
Amazon Affiliate	$100

* Minimum payout may change with time and/or region. Consult the website for confirming the present rates/ conditions before proceeding

Did you know the top qualities of affiliate marketing?

·         Convenience: 6 out of every 10 affiliates work from the comforts of their home

·         Less efforts: 47 out of every 100 blogger promote 10 products on annual basis

·         Good income: More than 3 out of every 100 affiliates’’ annual income exceeds $500,000

Google AdSense

Google Adsense enjoys a prime position as the best and most reliable income source for the bloggers.  The deliverables are simple and straightforward. You display ads and Google pays you for that. You will be paid based on the page views (counted as $X per 1000 page views) or Clicks (counted as $x per click).

Tips

·         Your income is determined by your traffic and clicks. So the best way to increase your Google Ad sense income is to increase the traffic and using smart strategies that attract maximum clicks

·         Trying to outsmart Google can be very risky as it uses the latest techniques and tools to tell fake traffic/click from genuine ones and strictly penalizes the rule-breakers

·         Be highly active on social media. Create dedicated groups for readers and interested audience and instantly share each of your post

10 world-famous bloggers earning through Google Adsense (with monthly income)

1. Jack Herrick of Wikihow.com: $7,000,000
2. Kevin P. Ryan of Businessinsider.com: $4,000,000
3. Pete Cashmore of Mashable.com: $1,000,000
4. Jeff Pillou of Kioskea.net: $1,000,000
5. Hongkiat Lim  of Hongkiat.com: $4,40,000
6. Courtney Rosen of eHow.com: $116,000
7. Amit Agarwal of Labnol.org: $50,000
8. Shawn Hogan of DigitalPoint.com: $25,560
9. Srinivas Tamada of 8lesons.info: $9,000
10. Arun Prabhudesai of Trac.in: $5,000

Sell Tutorials and know-how

Contrary to the general notion you don’t have to be an experienced teacher or university professor to sell courses through your blog. If you have flair to precisely impart the written knowledge in a user-friendly manner then you can easily create a paid course with minimal investment.

Tips & Advice

·         Having some relevant qualification, expertise and a proven track record establishes you as an authority and plays a prime role in boosting sales.

·         For instance, the “Advanced Growth Hacking Course” can get a much better  response if it is written by a digital marketer with 2 decades of experience

·         Depending upon your preferences and comfort level you can either sell video courses. EBooks, interactive courses, memberships or audio lessons.

Best Tools to create and present online courses (with Affordable price tag and/or free option)

·         Beaver Builder

·         Canva

·         Thinkific

·         Vimeo

Get hired by potential clients

People need talented professionals to get their work done. If you are good at marketing your skills you can expect premium clients who are ready to pay you a decent amount for your services. That is why an increasing number of bloggers now have a dedicated page on “Hire me” where they advertise their talents and services they can provide.

Tips & Advice

·         Depending upon your strengths you can offer writing services, training services, marketing services, etc.

·         There is a difference between selling your services to an employer and selling them to your audience/potential clients. Don’t use general CV’s or a prosaic language as it will not allow you to connect quickly with the potential clients.

·         Be charming, assuring and positive while talking about you. There should be an element of genuine pride naturally reflected in your profile. It will not only show that you take the personal brand seriously but also tell people that you are really worthy of their attention (and dollars!)

Solve Problems and offer advice

If you specialize in troubleshooting issues then you can also go for consulting sessions. The examples can be many and varied right from resolving technical glitches till offering best solutions to bring back a failing marketing strategy on track.

Tips & Advice

·         Make sure that the consulting services should match the profile of your blog.

·         The best and preferable way of consulting services is Skype communication or email. Bloggers can bill the clients based on the time (like an hourly bill) or project/issue ($xyz for resolving x issue).

Conclusion

In order to earn a stable income from your blog, you need a well-designed strategy. Things could be more difficult for beginners. In this guide, we have explained the best ways to earn a decent income from your blog. We have also mentioned the actionable tips that will help you concentrate your efforts in the right direction and avoid the possible pitfalls. While we don’t claim it to be the one-size-fits-all guide, It is worth mentioning that many ideas presented in the blog are supported by the top bloggers and a good number of beginners have seen positive results after seriously following these ideas.