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My Wordpress Site Got Hacked
My wordpress sites www.supportthisshow.com and www.stageclothes.net both got hacked over the weekend. The good news is the hackers only performed the following:
They changed my password which made it impossible to login to my wordpress.
They changed the index.php
Here is how I fixed it:
Login to your website control panel.
Go to Php Myadmin
Click on yrou wordpress database.
Click on wpUsers
Click on the browser button
Click on Edit
Enter your email address.
Go back to your website and request the password be sent.
Go to your email and click the link that is sent to confirm the request.
The new password is sent. Copy it and paste it into the login screen.
Now that you are in, click on Users and change your user password.
To get the front page back to normal, install wordpress on your website (from scratch). Go into the index.php page and copy that code. Then copy this code into your hacked index.php file removing all code from that file before pasting in the new code. When you save it and refresh the screen you should see your site come back. If not they may have deleted your data. Then you can go in and delete your second installation of Wordpress.
One great tool to back up your wordpress installation is a plugin call WP-DB-Backup. Which I originally heard on the Internet Business Mastery podcast with Jason Van Orden (who I met at the first Podcast Expo). This backs up your tables in the event that things go horribly wrong and ALL your data is taken and deleted. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Are you ready to avoid the pitfalls? Then its time to go to the School of Podcasting and start a successful learn how to podcast today.
How To Podcast - Poorly
This show originates from www.schoolofpodcasting.com where you can learn how to start your very own podcast for pennies a day.
How to Podcast Poorly
Have a Robot Read Your Text
Podcasting is all about conversing with your audience. At http://sixfiguremarketer.com their "Podcast" is their blog being read by a computer. This means you're too lzay to talk to me, so consequently I won't listen. You just don't get it Gary.
Make an Infomercial This Week
The company Kerusso (www.kerusso.com ) has PHENOMINAL Christian Products, but there podcast has 4 episodes and they are almost all the same 20 minute commercial for their company. I like the history of the company, but I don't need to hear it four times.
Likewise I'm not even sure what I'm listening to when it starts, as a marketing company I'm surprised there is no call to action. You could build an audience who networks through your website to get your message out to the world.
You have a built in audience (your customers). You can get the word out about your podcast, and they will spread it to the world (which will then spread the word about your products).
A member of the School of Podcasting (who is a kerusso reseller) is closer to the target. At www.llmlive.com they have Christians share their experiences (helps build community), and he also mentions that the podcast is courtesy of www.lordliftedmelive.com
The name of their podcast is "Kerusso" and to this I ask, "Who is looking for that?" Why not name the podcast "Jesus 2.0." Then be sure to put in the proper ID3 tags. This way if someone stumbles across the mp3 file they know where to find more.
The good news is they've launched a podcast, and many people don't get that far. However, they need to tweak it.
If you need help tweaking your podcast check out our tips and tutorials at http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com
Create Custom Wordpress Themes in Minutes
I've been waiting years for software like the tool we have today.
I just found Artisteer at artisteer.com which is a phenomenal software that allows you to create a wordpress theme from scratch. I am completely blown away. If you'd like to see a quick overview I jsut did a quick video at http://www.weeklywebtools.com
You can download a trial version at artisteer.com there are two version starting at $49 (home version). The "standard" version is $150 and right now is on sale for $99 (you get more graphics and effects). I am amazed at the control you have when creating a wordpress theme, and how easy it is to master.
Listener Questions
Q: Dave I don't see my album art when the podcast downloads and I play it.
A: There are two places to use your album art. One shows up in the iTunes podcast directory, and then each episode has the album art "inside" the mp3 file in the ID3 tags. If you don't tag your file, it won't show up (it only takes a couple of minutes).
Q: Is wordpress.com a good solution for podcasting?
A: Wordpress.com is like buying a "starter home." It's a good place to live at first, but as soon as you grow you will more than likely want to move. The last time I checked moving is always a pain in the rear end.
Ready to Start Podcasting?
Check out the School of Podcasting and learn to podcast today.
Thesis For Wordpress
Today's show spotlights a cool new theme for Wordpress with built in SEO, and easy to customize the site. I asked the author of the theme what it did for SEO and he answered,
"Thesis also features the most advanced, semantically-correct HTML markup structure on the market. There are lots of situations where using default WordPress settings will result in a sub-optimal markup structure, and Thesis recognizes these situations and issues the proper markup instead. <h1> and <h2> tags are handled to perfection on every page of the theme, and you even have the ability to control nofollows and noindex attributes on an alarming number of theme elements and core pages (tag archive pages, for instance).
Also, Thesis is built for the future of SEO because it contains a ton of microformatted content served up in a meaningful way. In the years to come, search engines are going to use microformats to pull specific pieces of information from sites. In theory, this information is more "rich" because the markup contains additional data about the information, and in my opinion, SEs are going to leverage this in their results. Oh, and even if microformats do not become a meaningful piece of the SEO puzzle, they're still a HUGE piece of the accessibility puzzle, so you're going to win on that front no matter what."
I love the flexibility. If you dig in real deep you are going to need to have a little bit of code knowledge, but their forums are very active with people who can supply the answers you need. If I had one suggestion it would be to take that group of users and get them to put together some sort of wikki manual.
Check it out at www.thesis4wordpress.com
If you are looking to start a podcast, and avoid all the pitfalls and confusion, come sign up and learn to podcast at the School of Podcasting www.schoolofpodcasting.com
BluBrry Powerpress Reviewed
This show originates at www.schoolofpodcasting.com where you can Learn to Podcast.
Blubrry PowerPress Reviewed
Today I talk about the Blubrry Powerpress Audio Player for Wordpress.
I like the Podpress player, except that when the latest version of Wordpress came out it was not compatible. Then Blurry released the PowerPress plugin for Wordpress.
I never used half of the features of Podpress, and Powerpress has all the features (and a few new ones) that I really like.
iTunes tags
Redirects for advertising networks
It separates the whole RSS and the Podcast RSS so you can submit the podcast RSS to iTunes (I recommend putting both feeds into Feedburner).
It takes the information entered by Podpress and uses it so you don't have to edit all your old posts (COOL!)
Allows people to stream, play in new window, or download episode.
The only thing it doesn't do is allow me to chagne the look of the player. The good news its not a bad looking player. Check it out at http://www.blubrry.com/powerpress/
Keeping Everyone On the Same Page
I answer a question about www.premiumcast.com and some of its features from Kenn from www.blackmanwithagun.com he asked why I didn't use Premiumcast for my membership site. The biggest reason is when I started the School of Podcasting in 2005, Premiumcast didn't exist.
The other feature I was asked about is "keeping everyone on the same page." For example if you have a fitness podcast, you may want people to listen to every podcast from start to finish. Unfortunately, if they sign up in iTunes they will "jump in" wherever your last episode is. Using Premiumcast, you can make start at episode one, and then time released your episodes (for example once a week). It's a great feature used by authors to time release their chapters of their books. Check it out at www.premiumcast.com
If you're ready to start podcasting, if you don't want the technology to get in your way then learn how to podcast at www.schoolofpodcasitng.com
Key Ingredients of a Podcast
is the company I used to get my business cards. This show originates at www.schoolofpodcasting.com
Key Ingredients of a Podcast
1. It will help the audience, or teach them (like this podcast)
2. It will entertain the audience (laughter, music, etc).
3. A unique persepctive (like a stay at home Dad, a solder in Iragq).
4. The ability to move the audience (taps in to the eomotions of the audience).
How Many Downloads Can You Expect on Your First Show?
I've released the first episode of the Dates From Hell Show. We are not listed anywhere (iTunes, Podcast Alley, etc). We had a whole 19 downloads. This may seem poor, but you have to keep in mind that I've done very little publicity for this show (so don't get discouraged).
A New Kind of Business Card
As the Dates From Hell Show may have a wider appeal than many of my podcasts I wanted a different type of business card that was geared more toward driving traffic to my website instead of contacting me. It explains its an "Internet Radio Show." It explains that you can listen online. The great thing is if you order 500 cards, they are only 6 cents each.
Start Podcasting Today
Sign up and learn how to podcast at the School of Podcasting where we have step by step tutorials, podcasting resources, and live question and answer sessions with a podcast consultant.
Embracing the Sight Impaired Audience
I am taking a class on online learning (part of my bachelor's degree in education). I watched a person who is sight impaired surf the Internet. If we would all take a few minutes on each post we could make life much easier for those who are site impaired.
Use Headings
When using wordpress, click on the icon to show two sets of formatting buttons and use the format such as heading 3. The big bonus for a site impaired person is they can jump from heading to heading in their software that reads the screen to them.
Use "Alt" Text on Images
This is the "pop up" text that shows up when you hover your mouse over and image. This helps explain what the picture is for those who can't see it. This will also help you with search engines.
Use Alt Text on Links
When you use alt text on links you can write something like "Buy this product at amazon.com" so a persion who is site impaired know what to expect if they click on that link
Last 5 in 5
What were the last 5 podcasts you listened to?
Internet Marketing
http://www.ai-digital.com/index.php?p=a
60 Minutes Podcast
HOrrible Audio
Ask a Ninja
http://www.askaninja.com/
Marketing Over Coffee
http://www.marketingovercoffee.com/
Artist Empowerment Radio
http://www.gcast.com/user/TheBuzzFactor/podcast/main?nr=1&&s=110247627
Submit you last 5 via the www.podcastvoicemail.com number at 888-563-3228
Free Podcasting Theme Music (Repost)
Today I thought I would look into the Podsfafe Music Network. Iâve always known that you could find great music there, however in looking over the paperwork I was surprised that its not required to mention the musician (only the podsafe music network). As a musician I urge everyone using the resource to mentioned the musician.
We also get a report from Fred Castenda of www.strugglingentrepreneur.com and www.gaincontrolofyourday.com who interviews Dave from Wizzard media about the new wizard media. Itâs very simple. Enter in your RSS feed, answer a confirmation email (stating that you are the owner of the feed). Wizzard will populate your player, and you are off to go.
The player is completely customizable via skins. It also checks to see if you have a high speed connection, and then either feeds you the mv4 file or the flash file. They also have a partnership with tubmogul where your video will get blasted into all sorts of different video portals. Sign up go to http://tools.wizzard.tv
iPod Alternatives and Pacing Yourself
iPod Alternatives
If you don't want an ipod, what mobile device are you using to listen to podcast? Rich Palmer is using a Sansa E260 4 Gig audio/video player and syncs his player using Podcast Ready. Currently you can get the E260 for $58.27 Byron uses www.ziepod.com to manage his podcasts
Pacing Yourself
If you find yourself with a flood of information, PACE YOURSELF. Do not put it out at once. There will be times when the information is coming in very slow, and you will be worried about what to put into your show.
Mentioned on the Show
I used www.podcastvoicemail.com to get a special number for my new podcast The Dates From Hell Show podcast (coming in October). I you have a story about a "Dates From Hell" call 1-866-97-DATES or 1-866 - 973 - 2837
September Sale
Use the coupon code BTS to save 20% off at the School of Podcasting during the month of September. www.schoolofpodcasting.com
Blubrry Tools Reviewed I
This show originates from www.schoolofpodcasting.com
Back to School Special
Easrn 20% of at the School of Podcasting using the coupon code " bts " now through the end of September 2008. Don't be Tardy!
Blubrry Tools (part I)
One of my Podcast Fast Pass clients is using tools from www.blubrry.com The first one I started uysing was their PowerPress Plugin. To me this is like "everything and I love about Podpress with all the things I hate about Podpress left out." It does your itunes, puts a streaming player on your site, it has the ability to work with Podtrac (or Blubrry stats), and provides the ability for listeners to download the file or play in a Pop Up window (all of which is customizable). The only down side is you can change the color of the player.
Blubrry Premium Stats
I've also started using their premium stats service on one of my client's sites. It provides QUICK stats, and show everything like referers, what they are using as a podcastcher (itunes, zune, juice), it show you their operating system. I do like Libsyn stats that show the total times a podcast has been downloaded. So far so good.
The stats are set up using what I call "the Podtrac method" where you put in a redirect before your media URL. The best thing is if you are using their powerpress plugin, you enter this redirect location once and forget about it (and the plugin puts it into the episode automatically). This is again one of my favorite features of Podpress (that broke a while back in version 7ish...) and now works great in PowerPress.
What's the difference between blurbrry stats and podtrac? It appears blubrry gives you more details (a few), except podtrac also provides a tools to measure demographics (age, income, of listeners). The blubrry network also works with Podtrac (when you are using blubrry to help find advertisers). PoPodtrac makes it a bit easy to see the stats per episode at a glance. However, blurbrry gets you great stats (as in you can dig deaper) per episode (so you can see operating system of this episode).
Why would I use these stats?
More and more people are talking about using Amazon S3 to host their media as its very cheap (.15 gig for storage and .17 per gig of bandwidth). So you have the "back bone" of amazon.com and the ability to track your downloads (as S3 doesn't have any stats out of the box).
Meet the Members: Fred Castaneda
Fred has 9 Different Podcasts including:
Struggling Entrepreneur
www.strugglingentrepreneur.com
Gain Control of Your Day (free and Paid Version)
www.gaincontrolofyourday.com
Jungle Warrirors (Great Audio Book)
www.junglewarriors.org
CASABLANCA to VE Day (Another great audio Book)
www.premiumcast.com/a-paratroopers-memoirs
Austin Podcasters Meetup
www.austinpodcasters.podomatic.com
Combat Infantrymen's Association (Austin Tx)
http://www.cibaustin.org/
Whats New at IMB
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=267037423 (itunes)
Arriba folklorico music and dance of Mexico
http://folkloricomusicdance.blogspot.com/
His exposure via podcasting may be leading to a career as a consultant for movies.
People Choice Podcast Awards
These kick off on September 15th at http://www.podcastawards.com/ be careful with these. Too much begging for votes = bad content = loss of listeners.
Additional Sites Mentioned
PremiumCast.com
Zune H2 Portable Recorder
Getting Olympic Caliber Guests
Learn how to attract olympic caliber guests to your podcast. This show originates at www.schoolofpodcasting.com This is show 151
Getting Olymic Caliber Guets
Today I share a technique I learned from Gary Lealand from www.fastpitchillustrated.com (and www.podcastpickle.com and www.todayinpodcasting.com ). If you are trying to get somone on your show, and they have endorsements from a company, contact that company and explain how you'd like to have that person on your Internet Radio Show to talk about your nich, and their product. It's working great for Gary. Gary is using his podcast (which he is very passionate about) to help sell products (which are featured at his site). He is also being seen as an "Expert" in his field because of his podcast.
Check out how Gary is using a podcast to drive traffic to his sporting goods store at www.fastpitchillustrated.com
Podcasting For Pennies a Day
Microphone - $99
Cord - $10
Mixer - $60
Pop Filter - $20
Headphones - $35
Cord to connect Cable to Computer $30 (or there is a $5 version at Radio shack)
Audacity Software - Free
Website Hosting - $60/yr
That comes $324 USD a year or 86 cents a day.
Can you point to any magazine, radio, tv, or other medium that reaches the world for less than a buck a day? The second year (with no equipment to buy) you would spend 16 cents a day.
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