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Q&A: How can I tell when my blog is loading from the new server after I switch hosting companies?

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Question from Jay:  I have a WordPress blog and it started going down on me at random times a couple of months ago.

I’ve signed up for a better hosting account with a different company and they’ll move the blog to the new server for me at no cost.

I’m planning to put in the request for the move when I get back to the office on Monday, but I’d like to ask you a question in the meantime.

I’ve been told that it could take quite a while for my blog to start loading from the new server after they make the switch. How will I be able to tell when my blog starts loading from the new server instead of the old one?

Rick’s answer:   [Read more…]

Q&A: Can using Bitly to shorten URLs hurt my blog’s Google rankings?

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google-logoQuestion from Kevin:  For a while now I’ve been using Bitly to shorten my blog post URLs before I post them on Twitter and LinkedIn so I can track the clicks on them.

Yesterday I heard that using a URL shortener can cause a website to rank lower in the search engines.

Is that true? If it is true how can I get all the Bitly links removed from Twitter and LinkedIn?

I’m asking because my blog’s Google rankings took a nosedive a few months back. Do you think Google is penalizing my blog for using Bitly?

Rick’s answer:   [Read more…]

Why you should (almost) always login to WordPress using an ‘Editor’ account

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Do you have a blog that’s powered by WordPress? If so, you should know that you have a virtual target on your back.

More blogs run on WordPress than any other blogging platform, and that makes WordPress blogs a preferred target for the hackers of the world.

Unless you’ve taken steps to harden your blog against hacking attacks, it’s fairly easy for a skilled and determined hacker to either guess your WordPress login password or intercept it from the data stream that’s created when you log in to your WordPress Dashboard.

In other words, if you have a WordPress blog, it is constantly at risk of being hacked.

There are several things a hacker can do to damage your blog should he gain access to your WordPress password, but there’s a simple way to prevent him from altering your blog’s theme, plugins and critical blog-wide settings: Always log in using an account that doesn’t have administrator privileges!

This is what I recommend:  [Read more…]

ATTN Bloggers: Beware insecure and malicious WordPress plugins

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Are you a blogger who uses WordPress to power your blog?

If so, you probably have several plugins installed that add extra features or functionality to your blog.

To be sure, WordPress plugins are wonderful things. They can add all kinds of useful and attractive bells and whistles to your blog and make it more enjoyable to use.

What’s more, installing a high-quality security plugin can help protect your blog from hackers. And believe me, your blog IS being attacked by hackers on a daily basis, whether you realize it or not.

Unfortunately, all of the above being said, some plugins can also put your blog and all of your hard work at risk.  [Read more…]

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