Let me show you exactly what I mean and this easy search tip below.

Using &gl= Google Search Customisation

When I type “How To BackUp Your WordPress Database to LocalHost” in google.co.za guess what, webdesignlove.co.za comes up in position 1 for South African googlers.

But does the website come up as number one position for US or UK searches for example? The answer is no and here is the proof using the &gl=us or &gl=uk customised Google search.

US Search Results for “How To BackUp Your WordPress Database to LocalHost”

UK Search Results for “How To BackUp Your WordPress Database to LocalHost”

So how did I get to see what US and UK searchers are seeing but not leaving my google.co.za webpage?

The answers is to simply add the &gl=us or &gl=uk tag on the end of any google search result in the url address bar.

So when I first search using google.co.za for “How To BackUp Your WordPress Database to LocalHost” I got this result in my address bar:

http://www.google.co.za/search?hl=en&biw=1280&bih=709&q=How+To+BackUp+Your+WordPress+Database+to+LocalHost&oq=How+To+BackUp+Your+WordPress+Database+to+LocalHost&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=19367l19367l0l19849l1l1l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0

Then I customised it for US searchers by adding the &gl=us tag on the end of that same search address so it looked like this:

http://www.google.co.za/search?hl=en&biw=1280&bih=709&q=How+To+BackUp+Your+WordPress+Database+to+LocalHost&oq=How+To+BackUp+Your+WordPress+Database+to+LocalHost&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=19367l19367l0l19849l1l1l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0&gl=us

So I bolded the only little bit I changed. Great hay.

So now you know how to customise your Google search results to see which web pages are ranking on the first page of Google search results for different countries without leaving your webpage using the &gl=us or &gl=uk code.

Chatting to others on the internet marketing forum, warriorforum.com I got a great lead on a new company to help speed up your website called CloudFlare.

My CloudFlare Review

CloudFlare is supposed to be different from a content delivery network (CDN) like maxCDN or amazon cloud. I actually found it too complicated for me when trying to get a CDN up and running on the blog. CloudFlare is so much simplier. Oh and it is free to use the basic service.

If you want there is a pro service option for $20 p/m which will give you your stats within 15 minutes not every 24 hours like the free one.

With CloudFlare you do need to know where to find your nameservers which moving host companies recently did teach me. If you use big hosting companies like hostgator that is easy. There are tutorials and the live support with hostgator are phenomenal.

CloudFlare automatically scanned my domain for the info it needed and I just manually entered the two nameservers of the current hosting company under “NS”.

Cloudflare then gave me two new nameservers from them to enter in my DNS control panel. I did that and viola all done.

Checking whatsmydns.net I coudl see within in 20 minutes different servers around the world were already picking up the new cloudflare nameservers. So I will be waiting 24 hours to see the stats from CloudFlare for my domain. I’ll add it as an update when I see it.

Some added benefits that CloudFlare advertise is that they will protect your domain email from spam bots, protect from spam comments and speed up your website loading times.

It looks like you can still use CloudFlare in conjunction with a wordpress cache plugin like WP Supercache or W3TC.

You also don’t change hosting companies or domain name registers. All you do is add the new CloudFlare nameservers and your done.

I did come across a situation where you would need to know some of the code stuff to get Headway to display Google adsense ads they way you want it to though. Let me show you.

Using Easy Hooks in Headway for Adsense Ads

In the Headway theme you have a choice to use “Easy Hooks”. These hooks are areas on your website where you can insert html code or script like adsense ads.

So I wanted to show visitors Google adsense ads only when they view the single post not when they see my home page with the recent posts excerpts. This is where I needed to know about WordPress conditional tags.

Using Conditional Tag “is_home”

So in the Headway easy hooks section I choose “After Featured\Single Post Title”.

So as you can see from the image that means ads will show below the posts headline.

So if you just put your adsense script in the box it will show the adsense ads no problems. But this is where I had to use the conditional tag is_home to stop the ads showing on the home page. This is what I had to put in the easy hooks box:

<?php if ( ! is_home() ) {?>

<script type=”text/javascript”><!–

google_ad_client = “pub-YOURADSENSECODEHERE”;

/* 336×280, created 02/01/11 */

google_ad_slot = “4686401619″;

google_ad_width = 336;

google_ad_height = 280;

//–>

</script>

<script type=”text/javascript”

src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”>

</script>

<?php }?>

Viola! My ads no longer appear on the home page of the blog. Like this image shows:

Hope this helps.

Recently I had a problem where I could log into the dashboard of my test wordpress website on my laptop localhost server, but couldn’t see the XAMPP localhost website pages or posts on my browser. It turned out a very, very simple error on my side was the problem (I’ll explain later). However this problem made me think I had broke the database so I needed to reinstall it. Now I needed to find out more on how to backup a wordpress website database from the hosting server to the localhost server on my PC. I want to share what I learnt on Google today with you

How To Backup a WordPress Database

I am going to show you the information I learnt from a variety of other websites. One of the best places to start is web developer Ivan Kristianto’s website. Thanks Ivan!

PHPmyAdmin Database BackUp Steps

First thing is to backup your database. I did this using phpmyadmin as recommended by WordPress.

1. Log into your hosting phpmyadmin (I used Cpanel from my hosting company to go to PHPmyAdmin)
2. Click on the database needed in PHPmyAdmin
3. Click Export tab
4. Follow WordPress example for boxes to click
5. Save File As – I choose “gzipped” helps with larger databases
6. Saved file to desktop looked like “example_database.sql.gz”

WordPress Files BackUp Steps

The second thing I did, as Ivan recommended, was to download the WordPress files from my hosting server.  Again I used Cpanel to achieve this.

1. Log into Cpanel on your domain (Hosting companies usually send you the details in your signup email with them)
2. Go to File Manager
3. Click the folder with your wordpress website e.g “public_html” or “httpdocs”
4. Click the compress button on top right
5. I chose the “Gzip Tar Archive” option to save as
6. Then find the file “example.co.za.tar.gz” and click download
7. Save to your computer where you want. (I choose desktop)

Add Downloaded WordPress Files To LocalHost Steps

Now you have your downloaded wordpress database and files from your hosting server time to put them on your PC’s localhost.

1. Extract the wordpress file “example.tar.gz” using software like 7Zip (freeware) or other recommended by gzip.org
2. The file becomes a .tar file which you can extract again using 7zip
3. Now you can see a folder with all your wordpress stuff, like wp-admin, and lots of other folders and files
4. Add all these folders and files to a newly created folder in your XAMPP localhost htdocs folder. (mine was called “test”)

Add Downloaded WordPress Database to LocalHost PHPmyAdmin

Now you have to add the websites database you downloaded in the beginning to the XAMPP localhost phpmyadmin.

1. I logged in using http://localhost/phpmyadmin/index.php
2. Then used the create a new database section to make my database called “test”
3. Then clicked import tab whilst in my database called “test’
4. Browsed for my database file called “example_database.sql.gz” on my desktop
5. Clicked “Go” in bottom right corner
6. Now I could see all the database tables loaded on the left
7. Clicked “wp_options” table in the database on the left
8. Changed the option name “siteurl” from the website address to http://localhost/test
9. Changed the option name “home” from the website address to http://localhost/test

Get LocalHost WordPress Files to Work With LocalHost Database

Now I need my downloaded wordpress folders and files to work with my downloaded wordpress database.

1. Go to htdocs in XAMPP localhost on your PC
2. I clicked my folder “test”
3. Found the wp-config.php file
4. Opened using notepad
5. Changed the existing DB_Name to “test”
6. Changed the existing DB_User to “root”
7. Changed the existing DB_Password to “”
8. Saved the wp-config.php file.

My Internet Worpdress Website Now on Localhost

If all has gone well you should be able to log in to your wordpress website on your own PC’s localhost without the internet.

1. I went to http://localhost/test/wp-admin/
2. Logged into to the wordpress dashboard using the exact username and password as needed for the internet website
3. Able to see the same wordpress dashboard with all my posts and settings from the internet version of my website
4. See your website at http://localhost/test

Where I Went Wrong

In the beginning I mentioned my original problem was that:

I couldn’t see the XAMPP localhost website pages or posts on my browser

This is a basic mistake I forgot to do. CHANGE THE PRETTY PERMALINKS TO DEFAULT

That was it! So please don’t get frustrated wondering why you can log in to your XAMPP localhost wordpress website, see the front page of the website at http://localhost/test but then not see any of the posts or pages when you click on them cos you forgot to change the permalink setting like me.

WordPress BackUp Plugins

I know there are wordpress plugins to backup your database with one click like:

• WP-DB-Backup by filosofo
• WP-DBManager by Lester ‘GamerZ’ Chan.

I would recommend these as they are very simple and important.

However, I have had problems with these wordpress database backup plugins on certain hosting servers because of the way the servers are setup. So I now I at least know how to backup manually and how these plugins work.

My Bonus Localhost WordPress Plugin Find

In my whole learning mission with this backup saga I found a great make your life easier wordpress plugin when using XAMPP localhost wordpress websites.

The wordpress plugin is called “No Login” by Ozh

This wordpress plugin means you do not have to remember or type in your username and password on the XAMPP localhost wordpress website anymore

When I go to http://localhost/test/wp-admin/ I am automatically logged into my wordpress dashboard. It saves time and frustration if you forget your username or password.

Download No Login by Ozh from the official wordpress.org website or just search for “No Login” in the add plugin section of your wordpress dashboard.

My Helpful How To Backup Saga Websites

Here is my recommended reading. These are the website pages that helped me alot with my original Google search question of “How to backup up your wordpress database to localhost”

• Bring Your WordPress Blog To Local Server For Testing Environment by Ivan Kristianto
• XAMPP for Windows by Apache Friends
• Installing XAMPP and WordPress by Tamba2
• WordPress Backups by WordPress Codex
• Restoring Your Database From Backup by WordPress Codex
• Gzip Software and Explanation by gzip.org

The biggest problem for most SME’s is that they end up with unnecessary costs that could have been saved had they taken a few of these important facts into consideration.

The reality of the situation is that the costs involved in designing and developing the same site can vary into the thousands. Some web design companies will charge almost double for a job simply because their belts and bellies are as big as their appetite for more. If you choose a provider to do the work for you, then make sure you’re getting quality work at an affordable price. The best advice here is to see examples of previous work, and then make your decision from there.

A second option is to look at having a content management system put together. Usually these systems are cheaper to put together, as the bulk of the development work is already done for you, and you only need to add the content. The great thing about a CMS is once you have your site set up, you can gain access to the site yourself and make your own changes as you see fit.

The final option is to learn how it all works on your own, and do everything from scratch. In most instances you would need access to web design software like Dreamweaver or Photoshop, but they can take time to learn. The good news is that once you are up and running and able to put together websites as and when you need them. You may even end up turning it into another small business of yours.

So now that you have the sweet and short version of it, you can delve deeper into web, diversify your business or simply up-skill yourself with useful tools that can further aid your business and your products. Take careful consideration with any given channel and make the right choice

MATT CUTTS TALKS BACKLINKS

I think these are some great points as they are simple and we should be doing most of them anyway. So lets look at the points Matt made about a back link building campaign more closely.

Get a Blog/Website

This is so easy nowadays, Web Design Love could help you get your own domain and website design up quickly. You can also get free website hosting by blogging companies like Blogger, WordPress & Typepad These blogging companies allow you to join for free and not need to know anything about the html or php code or things like mysql databases. You simply click and choose templates and start writing. They are a great way to get started on the internet. If you want to make money with Google adsense use Blogger, if you want tons of themes and plugins use the most popular blogging software, WordPress.

A recent find was a do it yourself flash website company Wix. The traditional problem with flash websites are they have been very search engine UNfriendly because they couldn’t read what what on these websites. Wix say they are search engine friendly. Who knows but they do have a Google Page Rank of 8 for their homepage which is flash based.

You could also use a tumblelog service like posterous or tumblr. A tumblelog is micro-blogging platform that creates a short form blog allowing users to post text, images, video, links, quotes, and audio to their tumblelog. So you could be posting on the internet by emailing from your Blackberry phone.

Write Great Content

Sounds simple, but it can be complicated for some. You want to read and see how magazines and newspaper journalists write. They write like they are telling you a story. You can hear them speaking to you, well they good ones like Malcom Gladwell.

So please do not just write a short boring very factual article unless of course your in academics, but most websites are not. I would say aim to write 400 – 3000 words per article if you really want to.  Yes you can write lots like 3000 words or more even. It is your blog and you are the journalist so think like a journalist and you will do fine. The best advise I can give you is really look at how your favourite magazine, newspaper, blogger writes and see what you like about it. Then try write like that yourself it will come more naturally the more you practise.

Avoid Controversy

Some people love to shout. The internet could be a great place for someone angry about something in this world to let it out on. There are websites dedicated to peoples anger about poor service like Hello Peter in South Africa.

I think negative energy is harder on your body than positive energy so why not talk about what you love. You have a passion for some hobby in life so why not write about it, takes pictures about it or make videos about it. Trust me it is so much easier and you will do it because it makes you feel good.

Create Original Internet Research

Yes I know this back linking seo article isn’t original but I wanted to tell you my experience. I aim to provide information that is already on the internet but maybe in lots of different places. They way I link all the information on these SEO websites is what I like to tell you.

So maybe do something as simple as Matt Cutts said where some guy just opened a few free email accounts like Gmail and Hotmail and then  just tested to see which had the best spam filters. Simple internet research but it could be very catchy and people would like to read it and then possibly link back to the website article. Personally Gmail rocks over Hotmail.

Make Internet Videos

It is said that most people on the internet watch at least one online video per day whilst surfing the net. The most popular video sharing website is YouTube then you get others like Metacafe and Vimeo. You can easily create a video using your cellphone camera and post it on the internet using these video sharing services.

You hear it all the time how some nobodys suddenly became famous because they got so many views on YouTube like SA rap band Die Antword- Enter The Ninja. Videos can create links back to your website.

Answer others Questions

The biggest reason we like the internet is it answers our questions – most the time. So if you know something why not help others get their internet fix by answering their question. You can give an answer either through a blog post like this one, chat on online forums, tweet you answer on twitter, discuss on a facebook fan page and on and on.

You never know you could become an expert in a field so people will visit your website or link back to you. The internet was created to connect people. So get yourself connected today to help yourself and others.

Send out a Newsletter

This is a more time consuming back link building way, but it works. If you have a business that already sends out a newsltter to customers why not just have potential customers read it also by letting them join you mailing list through your website. Leave links to your website in the email newsletter to get more hits and links back to your website. For email marketing in South Africa I would suggest Graphic Mail.

Spend Time Where Others Are

You can catch me on Twitter that’s if you are also on social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc.. If you want to try catch peoples attention and trying to find followers for your website then networking is another way to get those back links. There is such a massive choice when it comes to websites that are classified as social networking sites. So where do you start? Well definitely the two most popular in the western world are Facebook then Twitter. So you could just be apart of these two to start finding, connecting and sharing your website with others.

You also get other places where people like to spend time like forums e.g. MyBroadBand or bookmarking websites e.g. Delicious, StumbleUpon. Again go where the people you who would want to read your website topics go.

Try to Avoid Only Writing List Articles

You get those articles on websites that just have a list of things with a link. It means nothing to you as a reader. This is what Matt was trying to say. Give viewers of your website a story of interest to read. People love stories we thrive on them. Why do you think the gossip T.V channels, magazines and websites are so popular. It is a natural human instinct to love a story so give it them.

Create “How to” Articles

I hope this is seen as a “how to” article. I have tried to show you how to get a website, write a blog and network your website through back link building. This again is all to help your organic search engine optimisation. Teaching others how to solve a problem can be rewarding. Think about all the stuff your read. Do you ever get a chance to pass your knowledge onto others less fortunate?

The information you have if you never use it is it being selfish? I think the web wouldn’t be as popular as it is if we didn’t have people letting us know through their website “how to” solve a problem question we typed into google. So give it a bash and create some content on your website with the question of “how to …”

Make a Service or Product

You could create an ebook (paid for or free), develop a new website theme, internet widget application, iphone app, software solution, physical product whatever. All things we do for others is a service. When you create something you need to think of how this is of service to anyone else especially if you want to make money.

So my service aim for you today is to help you understand, for free, some of the website worlds strategies for back link building SEO. That was my goal in writing today and you should have your goal in mind all the time when doing your website and trying to get back links. People link back to something of value to them!

Can Search Engines See Your Website?

I was surprised to hear Matt Cutts, from the biggest search engine in the world Google, say how many websites in the world cannot be seen properly by search engines. Wow! How can you create a website for others to see when they won’t be able to find you. All you have to do is submit your website and any articles you write to search engines like Google. I do this for clients websites using a wordpress plugin called xml-sitemaps.

You need to create a sitemap in xml format and let Google webmaster, Bing webmaster and Yahoo site explorer know. As you see all three biggest search engines have a webmasters section where you can see website stats, and submit your website information. This is another basic step that has to be done with any website development .

Back Link Building SEO Conclusion

I know, whhhh that’s a lot. Well that is actually just a little bit of what you apart of your website back link building campaign. This is a great start though and it should at least inspire you to try do stuff right now whilst your on your computer. Go try what has been said above and let me know what you do to help back link building for your website or maybe if you think you use some back link technique, software, trick. It is all about learning. Remember to make the web beautiful and love your website(s).

Early last month the mayor of Topeka, Kansas stunned the world by announcing that his city was changing its name to Google. We’ve been wondering ever since how best to honor that moving gesture. Today we are pleased to announce that as of 1AM (Central Daylight Time) April 1st, Google has officially changed our name to Topeka.

What the Hell! was my first impression. A town in Kansas changes it name to Google, well I could believe that in America. But Google changing its name, products and headquarters to Topeka was the biggie. I actually needed to read the whole official Topeka Inc. article on the official Google blog written apparently by Eric Schmidt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Topeka Inc. Not once did I even thinking it was an April Fools Day Joke for 2010. Well done Google you made me feel like an April fool that’s for sure.

So I saved you from being an April Fools Day victim for 2010. You can read the full official Google changing its name to Topeka Inc. article below from Google’s website.

I know how it feels being a small business owner myself that it is important for you or your company to have a website. Allowing people to find you business on the internet is vital in the 21st century. People are data hungry and will trust what the web says over other media outlets.

I’m sure you agree, seeing that you most likely found Web Design Love through something like a Google search for “website design” or “website development”. So if  someone wants information on your company can they find you easily on the internet? No, well then speaks to us at Web Design Love.

Remember having a website that appears on the first page of Google is important so that new customers can find you to do business with you. So why not let Web Design Love see if we can help make sure your company is looking good on the web for your desired business sector.

So it is as easy as contacting Web Design Love through our online contact form to see if we can help you.

Getting a website can seem so confusing and such hard work. You may think it will take a long time before you could see your website on the internet. Well guess again. We recently helped get a South African website onto the front page of Google for their desired sector within 13 hours after launching the website. I know, WOW! Well I was also stunned at this example this was by far the quickest I had ever seen. It just shows you have to be impressed by the power of the internet and I am amazed everyday at the ability to do better business on the web everyday. You have to have a business website no um’s or but’s.

So I lets get you a website on the internet simply, fast and looking good. Lets give your business some internet marketing to boost revenue and meet new clients. My name is Gary and I’m here to help.

Regards,

P.S You can easily use the internet for marketing your business.

P.P.S Get some website tips in the blog section.