First you need to make sure that the DNS settings in your domain control panel point to your hosting account.

Haven’t got hosting yet? Download our free PDF guide.

[download id="6"]

The DNS Settings will have been sent to you when you first purchased your web hosting server space. The Email will look something like this:

Welcome to the hostgator family!
Your Domain:     yournewwebsite.com
Your Username:   yourusername
Your Password:  cr4zypassword
Your sites IP address:
34.55.456.234
Your name servers:
ns0234.hostgator.com
ns0235.hostgator.com

These last two strings of numbers and dots are the Domain Name Servers. They tell your browser where to look for your domain. i.e. The server your site is hosted on.

Creating An Add-On Domain in Cpanel

1. Login to Cpanel and find the Add-On Domains button.
2. Click the Addon Domains button.
3. Enter your new domain into the New Domain Name: field.
4. Enter a strong password. TIP: You can write it down first on a secure text document then copy and paste it.
5. Click Add-Domain! Cpanel will take a moment to set everything up.

Now you can install WordPress from Cpanel and start building your site!

You need to sign up to his mailing list to get the free e-book. Click here to get started:

http://www.dailyblogtips.com/make-money-blogging/

The e-book is broken into in 5 chapters: Content, Design & Usability, Networking, Promotion and Monetization.

Some of the topics covered are:

• The three mistakes that bloggers make when choosing a niche.
• The three characteristics of good content.
• Why your content strategy should have one cornerstone.
• The two factors that create magnetic headlines (and how to apply them).
• A deadly mistake that bloggers make when designing their blogs.
• Practical tips that you can use to network efficiently.
• A promotional strategy that most people forget to use.
• The two requirements for making money with Google AdSense.
• The best trick available to make money with CPM deals.

Head on over to his website now and grab this great free e-book on how to make money online with blogging.

http://www.dailyblogtips.com/make-money-blogging/

What It Does: Allows you to quickly and easily, search for and insert YouTube movies, royalty free images from Flickr, Wikipedia links, Google searches and even links from your own site, into your posts and pages.

Insights uses a dynamic AJAX interface which loads search results in seconds, all within the WordPress posting page!

Who Needs It: Anyone that has a self-hosted WordPress website.

Link: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/insights

Author: Vladimir Prelovac

Instructions

To add a YouTube Video:

1. Position your cursor where you want the video to appear.
2. Click the Videos button within the Insights box and in the Search field enter the Title of the video.For a more specific search you may want to paste in the actual videos title from YouTube. Like most search, the more keywords you use the more your results will refine.
3. The window will magically expand and show you the search results.
4. Click on a video thumbnail and it will open up and allow you play the video.
5. Click the Add Video button to insert the movie into your post or page.

To add an Image from Flickr:

1. Click the Image button
2. Enter a search term or name and press Search
3. The page will window will automagically expand to show image results from Filckr.
4. You can choose the image size from the drop-down.
5. Click the image you want to insert it into your post.
6. You can then highlight the image again and click Unlink (link defaults to the larger image on Flickr) or align it with the text aiignment buttons.

To add a link from Wikipedia:

1. Click the Wikipedia button
2. Enter a search term or name
3. Clicking the text link will take you to the page in a new window.
4. Highlight some text in your document.
5. Click the small Pen Link button next to the link you want in the results window.

You can even search your own site with the My Blog button. Very handy!

To initiate the search you can also press return on your keyboard.

Video Screencast Training

Screenshots:

This short video Screencast will show you how to upload plugins (or anything for that matter) using Cpanel.

Cpanel is a very common admin backend system that comes with most hosting packages.

In this case we want to upload and install the WP-Easy Uploader plugin. This one plugin gives us the ability to upload anythign to our WordPress blog. Plugins, Themes and anything in fact.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-easy-uploader/

This one plugin allows you to upload and install many other plugins and themes from within the WordPress admin interface. Very cool!

Geeks basically, that make really cool new features available by creating little applications that run within the structure of WordPress.

Hot Tip: Find new plugins and themes fast! Try our new Google WordPress search engine page.

Want to add video from YouTube and Quicktime movies to your site? Try the Vipers Video quicktags Plugin. Maybe you want to make sure the email addresses you display on your page can’t be harvested by spam bots. Go for the DBD EMail encoder.

This 5 minute screencast will show you the most elegant expedient way to try out new plugins on your site.

Keep in mind that some (not many) of these plugins require some coding experience too.

2 Plugins feature in this Screencast:

• WP-Easy Uploader – allows you to upload anything to your WordPress web space, try out plugins or themes and upload media.
• Ozh’ Admin Drop Down Menu – gives you the quick drop down menus for WordPress 2.6.5 and earlier.

Installing a new plugin goes as follows:

1. Find the plugin you are after by using our Google WordPress search engines on this site. Go to http://effectiveclassywebsites.com/wordpress-search/
2. Find the download link on the WordPress.org website.
3. Right-Click on this link and choose Copy Link Location (in Firefox). This will copy the url to the plugin file to your memory.
4. Go to your WordPress Dashboard and select Manage > Upload Files.
5. Paste into the From URL field by Right-Clicking and choose Paste.
6. In destination, choose plugin. Options can generally be left alone.
7. Press Upload!
8. Go to the plugins page and activate your new plugin.
9. Make any settings and options changes you need to operate the plugin.

Grab the full quicktime downloads of the latest version of WordPress Screencasts. Subscribe to our free newsletter now. (look up!)

This video training shows you how to create and edit sidebar widgets in your self hosted WordPress website. A summary of which is as follows:

Open 3 Tabs in Firefox

1. Your home page or WordPress front-end.
2. Design > Widgets and
3. Write > Post

Having these 3 tabs open at the same time allows you to switch between them, and refresh the pages you’ve changed. Remember, WordPress is a dynamic system and when you press Save changes are instant, BUT you have to reload the page to see them.

The exception to this is if you have a caching plugin installed that stores html pages on your site for extra speed. If this is the case you will have to turn this function off before trying to refresh a page.

The new post is used as a way to edit or create the code we need to paste into the text (HTML) widget in the second tab. We will not actually be publishing a post. This allows us to edit in a visual environment rather than a code or geek way.

NOTE: If you have more than one sidebar you will need to select the correct one from the Current Widgets selector and press Show.

Firefox is a wonderfully flexible browser. A strong community of developers have created a huge range of extensions for Firefox that add many practical and enjoyable features to the experience of using the web.

Here is my list of must-have Firefox extensions.

The links open a new window where you can download the add-on.

Essential Firefox Add-ons

Download Management

• Save Complete – Allows you to save a whole webpage for offline viewing.
• PDF Download – Gives you total control over PDF management.
• Download Manager Tweak – Makes the download process in Firefox more convenient.
• Fast Video Download – Inserts a button in the bottom right corner of Firefox that lets you download video from sites like YouTube and many others.

Tabs and Browsing

• Basics – Adds a new tab button to your toolbar.
• New Tab URL – Opens the URL you designate when you create a new tab.
• CoolIris – Click the new button on your Firefox toolbar and enjoy a totally new and cool way to experience the web!
• Google Preview – adds a cool visual preview in the search results page for the website that it points to.
• Session Manager – Saves and recalls the state of all windows and tabs.
• Feedly – A very clean and fast Google feed reader that looks like a magazine. Definitely worth a look!
• Gmail Notifier – Puts a small icon in the bottom of your browser that gives you quick access to your Gmail.

Security and Optimization

• Secure Login – Makes the process of logging in to your WordPress site and any other website quick and easy. Works like the wand in Opera.
• Autofill Forms – Speeds up the process of filling out forms online. Create a profile once and then click the pen to fill out web forms automatically!
• Flash Block – Prevents all those annoying flash ads from showing up. If you want to allow a particular site (like YouTube) it’s easy too.
• Stealther – Surf the web privately without leaving a trace.

Twitter and Social Networking

• Power Twitter – This adds a lot of new much needed features to the Twitter web experience.
• bit.ly Preview – Allows you to see what is beneath those short links. Also lets you create links if you have an account.
• Twitter Search – Adds real-time Twitter search to your list of search engines in Firefox.

WordPress Specific

• Google Gears – The turbo link at the top right in your WordPress admin needs this extension in order to speed up the administration of your website.
• WordPress Helper – Helps you working with WordPress by providing useful help and tools. Also gives you quick access to your WordPress driven websites.

Webmaster Tools

• Firebug – A great tool that will help you find and edit CSS and get more information on your web pages.
  
• YSlow – This will diagnose your web page loading times and give you a report so you can make your sites load faster.
• ColorZilla – A suite of useful color tools.
• WebDeveloper Toolbar – Many essential tools in one place.

A simple integrated FTP add-on.

Fire FTP – A free secure FTP program that works within Firefox. This last one can be a little geeky.

So here you will find a list of essential software for the Mac and PC. All the download links open a new window. NOTE: Many of these applications are the same across both platforms but the ones that are different we have chosen the most simple and free option!

Web Browser

The only choice for mores secure web browsing AND full compatibility with WordPress. I hope you’re not still using Internet Explorer!

Download Firefox 3

Email Client

Email is a huge part of our personal and business life so we need something reliable and secure.

MAC – Apple Mail – The standard apple email client. Comes preinstalled with new Macs.

PC – Mozilla Thunderbird – A safe and configurable email client for Windows. Imports from Outlook Express easily.

Image Management

Images are a key part of our online and web presence so we need a way to organize and optimize our picures.

Mac – Apple iPhoto – Comes pre-installed with any Apple computer

PC – Download Picasa by Google – A simple clean and powerful application that will make organizing your images a pleasure.

Music Player and Management

We love our music and now we need a way to easily manage our music collection, create playlists and burn CDs. Apple to the rescue again with iTunes!

Download iTunes

Video and Media Player

With so many video formats online we need an application that loads everything without a hitch. Here it is. VLC plater is an all round medial player that just works with everything!

VLC Media Player

Quicktime Player

As well as VLC this makes sure you have the latest version of Apples Quicktime on your computer.

Download Apple Quicktime player

Adobe Flash Plugin

Flash is very common online now from YouTube to those horrible ads on MySpace, having the latest flash plugin ensures smooth playability. (There is a way to control flash ads in Firefox. Article to come!)

Download Adobe Flash playe

Adobe PDF reader

PDF or Portable Document File is a very common document format that displays across many different platforms and operating systems.

Download Adobe PDF reader

Unzip Utility

Unpacking files and sending them over the net generally means being able to compress and/or unzip files.

MAC – Zipeg Unzip utility – Free unzip application. You could also try Stuffit Standard.

PC – Download ALZip Unzip – Opens virtually every archive format imaginable. Or you can try Zipeg for Windows as well.

Anti-Virus Software

Windows especially can be brought to its knees from one exposure to a nasty virus so we need something free and simple that updates and keep us safe.

MAC – Clam Xav Free Virus – Also read a Mac Virus update here.

PC – ClamWin Free Anti-Virus – Open source anti-virus project with good reviews. Have been using this app and has worked well so far. Time will tell…

And because Viruses and Security are so important here are some other Apps definitely worth checking out.

• Bitdefender – These guys get very good reviews for their software.
• Avast Anti-Virus – A lightweight anti-virus application. 60 million users and its free!
• HiJackThis – A good Spyware detection tool.

Utilities and Optimization

Keeping your system running smoothly is pretty important once you get everything running the way you like it. These applications will help optimize your system.

Mac - DiskWarrior – Protects your directory from becoming damaged. An essential maintenance tool!

PC – CCleaner – System optimization, privacy and cleaning tool.

Check out this detailed article on optimizing Windows XP.

Just Plain Useful

This is a general category for Applications that will very likely come in handy.

Find out where your Hard Drive space has gone!

MAC – WhatSize

PC - TreeSize Free

Easily take screen shots on your computer.

MAC – Press Command + Shift + 3

PC – WinSnap

Simple Wordprocessor and Document editor.

PC - NoteTab Light – Free note pad software.

Instant Messaging Client.

PC – Pidgin – Links in with all the major clients.

So that’s the list of must-haves for the moment.

This list is subject to review so if you have any suggestions please feel free!

Take care and happy surfing!

NOTE: All the links in this article open a new browser window.

Download Applications & Plugins.

Firefox 3 – The most secure and fully featured browser.

Quicktime – An essential internet plugin and player.
Flash – Used everywhere on the net so get the latest.

Download Firefox Add-Ons.

• Google Gears – Allows you to use the Turbo function in WordPress and speeds admin functions.
• Live PageRank – Shows you the page rank for the current URL. This is an SEO tool that shows you how popular a website is. NOTE: PageRank is a meaure of inbound links.
• PDF Download – Gives you control of PDFs on the web.
• Save Complete Webpage – Downloads a whole webpage to your computer correctly.
• Explore more Firefox Add-ons here.

WordPress Admin Details

Find the adminstration links for your WordPress website.

They would have been in an email created when you first installed WordPress or sent to you by your Webmaster. They should look something like this:

Your WordPress Website Account

Public URL: http://yourwebsite.com/
Admin URL: http://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/
Username: yourname
Password: someobscurestring

Firefox Bookmarks Setup

1. Click the Admin URL shown above, enter your username and password and press Login.
2. Allow Firefox to save the password if you haven’t already. This is only something you should do if this is a private computer. As an added level of security you can also create a master password (Options on Windows or Preferences on a Mac then Security). You will arrive at the WordPress Dashboard.
3. Open the Bookmarks menu by selecting Bookmarks (in the top menu) then Bookmark This Page. Or you can use the key stroke (Command+D for Mac and ALT+D for Windows).
4. Click the top arrow on the right of the Bookmarks window. This will open up the Bookmarks folders.
5. Highlight the Bookmarks Toolbar at the top (by clicking on it once) then create a new folder by clicking on the plus symbol at the bottom left.
6. Name the folder MyWebsite or anything you like.
7. Click Done and this will put the link to our WordPress Dashboard in this new folder that will be accessible from our Firefox toolbar.
8. From the Dashboard, click the Write a New Post button.
9. Bookmark this page to gain quick access as described above.
10. Repeat this with any other pages you want quick access to. For example I like to check out my drafts page often. Manage > Posts > Drafts.
11. In the right hand sidebar find the Shortcuts section. Right-Click on the link that says Press This and select Bookmark This Link. Navigate to the folder we just created and save the Bookmark.
12. Now we should have a folder in our toolbar with our quick links and, with your password saved, your WordPress website is just a click away!

NOTE: Select Bookmarks > Organize Bookmarks to move and rename items to make things display the way you prefer.

Hot Tip: You can right click on any link and select Bookmark This Link.

Download the Artists Websites Offer PDF here.

I have been working for artists for many years, mostly musically but more so lately visual artists, so I do understand their concerns and values to some degree.

Aesthetics, color, design, simplicity, creativity. Many of these things seem to be important.

But also a sense of empowerment and control of the outcome. Creatively involved in their own career, and with an understanding of the unique marketing approach that compliments your personal style.

Combine that with marketing and a clear idea of who your audience is and build that understanding into the structure of the website, THEN combine that with direct marketing and presentations that prospective clients or buyers can review and download, and you have a recipe for success.

Also some beautiful Image Gallery plugins assist the presentation side of things.

Some color scheme ideas and a visual theme that suits the look and feel of your work and you have a professional online marketing tool that can leverage your contact with customers.

And Remember. You are the product too, not just the pieces. So don’t be afraid to show your face and tell your story. With musicians, this is even more important.

Read below for some examples of artist sites I have created.

How a website can help you succeed as an artist.

1. I start by finding out what your goals are and who your target audience is. I incorporate marketing and targeting into the development of your online presence.
2. Update, edit and add content at anytime with just a username and password. Once the site is set up , you can fly it away. With some training!
3. Use the power of blogging and a newsletter subscription form to keep people informed of your activities. This also makes for a more interesting site that is not static.
4. Excellent Search Engine Optimization makes your site easy to find (with your name at the very least).
5. Clean, classy themes that can be customized to suite your look and feel.
6. An awesome photo gallery system that displays your work beautifully. It also allows you to add or remove images at any time.
7. Integrated shopping cart that you control to check sales and add products.

Integrate a shopping cart and you can sell prints,
t-shirts and any other products on your website.

Use direct marketing to contact galleries, and private buyers.

Mobile : 0407 036 772
Email : Send me an email

Click on the thumbnails to see a larger image.

Here is an example of a wonderful painters website, JandamarrasArt.com

And a great musicians website, the world music composer at TerryOldfield.com