I recently completed a custom WordPress design in which the client required a very distinct feature within his WordPress Menu.  Essentially he wanted a second line of text “underneath” the main navigation bar page link/text.  Sounds easy enough right?  Yes and [...]]]>

Span Tags are code snippets for styling WordPress menu

I recently completed a custom WordPress design in which the client required a very distinct feature within his WordPress Menu.  Essentially he wanted a second line of text “underneath” the main navigation bar page link/text.  Sounds easy enough right?  Yes and No.

I had a pretty good idea to accomplish this I would have to be adding span tags to the WordPress menu, however I was curious to see if maybe there were any newer techniques out there, and so I did a little research and I found a little over a million articles on the subject.  I got through the first two pages in a Google search and threw my hands up.  I read one article that had over two thousand words and by the time I finished reading the article I was totally confused.  This sort of stuff is not complicated but after reading these articles even I was confused.  There’s always a way to explain a complicated technique in a more simpler way so that the average person can understand.

Here’s my very simple guide with instructions that you’ll be able to follow very easily along with supporting images on how to accomplish adding span tags in order for you to be able to further customize your WordPress menu navigation bar.  To make things even simpler we’re using the Twenty Ten theme but you can use pretty much any WordPress theme.

Step 1 – Header.php

We need to add a code snippet to the header.php file of your theme within the wp_nav_menu php code.  This will establish a span tag after the wp_nav_menu code.  In the image below you’ll see where we’ve added the code snippet (this is the “After” image).  Clicking the image you’ll get a pop up image of the header.php file “Before” the code snippet modification.

Look half way down this header.php file and you’ll see the php code that calls the features for the wp_nav_menu, and if you track it to the second line after the word ‘primary’, you’ll see beginning after the comma the code snippet we added (‘link_after’ => ”, ‘link_after’ => ” ).  Notice in the “clicked” pop up image the “before” image shows the same wp_nav_menu code “before” any span tag code snippet modification.  Why do we use the link_after call?  Because we want the text to display after the main page link in the navigation menu bar…not before.

Step 2 – Style Sheet

Now that we’ve established a span tag after the wp_nav_menu code.  We now need to add some style sheet custom code to tell the theme how you want the menu styled and displayed for the second line in relation to the first line or main page link.  In the image below you’ll see where we’ve added the custom style sheet code (this is the “After” image).  Clicking the image you’ll get a pop up image of the original Style Sheet file “Before” the custom code modification.

Look in image where it says /* Adding a second span line */ and you’ll see the custom css I used to style the second line.  When you click the pop up image (this is the “Before” images) you’ll see the basic Twenty Ten style.css file without any span.  The Twenty Ten theme does not come with any span anywhere.  If I wasn’t using a custom.css then I would add this same style sheet code on the last line underneath the heading Menu within the style.css you saw in the pop up image.   (Note:  As a matter of practice I always use a Custom.css for all  Custom WordPress Designs so that none of the customizations disappear when a client upgrades their website template to a newer version).

Step 3 – Menu Dashboard

Now we’ve established a span tag after the wp_nav_menu code.  We’ve added the custom code to style sheet.   Take a look at the image below which will show the Modified Menu area (this is the “After” image).  Clicking the image (this is the “Before” image), you’ll get a pop up image of the original Menu area without the span text.

As you can see we simply added then the text that we want after the main page link then we closed it with .  Access your actual WordPress Menu’s area within your dashboard.  Appearance >> Menu>>>.  You’ll see the  main page headings like Home, Blog etc. 

Completed WordPress Menu

Now take a look at the final WordPress Menu with Added Span Tags and text on the second line in the image below (“After” image).   Click the image to see the  “before” image.

Click here to visit the website we recently completed and it will showcase the two line WordPress Menu navigation bar.  The only difference is we used a repeating image in that site whereas in our example above we used the typical black background color that comes with the Twenty Ten navigation bar.
Adding Span Tags To WordPress Menu Navigation Bar
Leave a comment, we “really” would like to know what you think!

Adding Span Tags To WordPress Menu Navigation Bar originally appeared on WordPress | Website Design | SEO Analytics | Online Trainer - Coach on May 16, 2012.

Wait a minute, what was that?

Let me explain, a blog post or article that has been written based on a keyword or [...]]]> The answer to that question may surprise you.  If a blog post has been created based on a keyword or a key phrase then essentially you have an effective blog post. 

Wait a minute, what was that?

Let me explain, a blog post or article that has been written based on a keyword or a key phrase is an effective blog post because everything within the post would have been designed and created based on the most important attribute of a blog:  a focus or primary keyword!

Everything that has to do with writing and creating an article or post has to do with SEO and what is SEO?  Content rich with “keywords” or “key phrases.” 

That would mean that the Article Heading, Page Title, Page URL, Page Content and Image were created with a focus keyword or key phrase.  Hence, the blog post was written using the Keyword in the 6 key components of an effective blog post.  Keep in mind that your title tag and your meta tag description would naturally take the attributes of these 6 primary components as well.

“Hmmm….okay?”

I know it sounds way too simple but if I show you an effective blog example and breakdown each component, I think you’ll agree. 

But first, lets review what those key components are for an effective blog post.

A Focus or Primary Keyword or Key phrase MUST appear in these areas:

1. Page URL
2. Page Title
3. First Paragraph
4. Content
5. SEO Title
6. Meta Description

Take a look at this first screen shot:

 
Components 1 and 2: 

1.  Does the Page URL have a keyword or key phrase?  Yes!  You can’t see the URL however here is a snippet of what the URL actually is – com/academy/ecommerce-mistakes.

2.  Does the Page Title have a keyword or key phrase? Yes!  Notice the Page Title in bold print – 9 ecommerce mistakes and how to avoid them.  

Note:  If you didn’t notice it…..look at the title and url again and you’ll see that the entire title and url do not match.  This was done intentionally as the author first didn’t want a huge URL(permalink) for there article so they shortened it.  A Very effective SEO and Blog technique!!

Here’s our second screenshot :

 
Components 3 and 4: 

3.  Does the First Paragraph have a keyword or key phrase?  Yes!  Take a look at the second to last sentence in the first paragraph.  

4.  Does the Content have a keyword or key phrase?  Yes!  You’ll see that the primary keyword and key phrase is repeated multiple times within the body content of the post.  In addition…..what you don’t see is that the shopping cart image with mouse has an alt tag consistent with the keyword and key phrase as well.

Here’s our third and final screenshot:

Components 5 and 6: 

5.  Does the SEO Title have the primary keyword or key phrase?  Yes!  You can’t see it but if you use the link below you’ll be able to view the Live post at Wordtracker’s website.

6.  Does the Meta Description have the primary keyword or key phrase?  Yes!  Again…you can’t see it but if you do a “view page source” in the live article you’ll see the meta description and you’ll notice that it has both the keyword and phrase.

So What Makes an Effective Blog Post?  Hopefully by reading this article you’ll be closer to understanding what makes a blog effective.  But in case you missed something….just make sure you integrate at a minimum these 6 components and I think you’ll start seeing more traffic and visitors to your website.  In the end getting more traffic is the ultimate goal, so use these techniques to create your own effective blog!

To see the full article… Click Here.  

Leave a comment, we “really” would like to know what you think!

What Makes An Effective Blog Post? originally appeared on WordPress | Website Design | SEO Analytics | Online Trainer - Coach on February 16, 2012.

Custom WordPress Design

Features:

1.  JQuery image slider with an excerpt box and a mouse hover miniature box.
2.  Pop-up flash box for mouse over hover.
3 . Minimum three service box with excerpt, feature image as well as Facebook thread and contact form.
(Click image for full view)

Custom WordPress Design

Features:

1.  JQuery image slider with an excerpt box and a mouse hover miniature box.
2.  Pop-up flash box for mouse over hover.
3 . Minimum three service box with excerpt, feature image as well as Facebook thread and contact form.
4.  Admin dashboard for CMS control as well as color picker,image up loader and theme options.

Click “pages” area below to continue to page 2 . . .

Medical Billing – WordPress originally appeared on WordPress | Website Design | SEO Analytics | Online Trainer - Coach on January 21, 2012.

In honor of the late great saxophonist, the WordPress team named the new release of WordPress 3.3, simply “Sonny.”  As you know for the past 5 years I’ve been testing and reviewing each new feature and function [...]]]>  “Sonny”  WordPress 3.3, As smooth as a Cat!  – Download

In honor of the late great saxophonist, the WordPress team named the new release of WordPress 3.3, simply “Sonny.”  As you know for the past 5 years I’ve been testing and reviewing each new feature and function of every WordPress release.  After spending the better part of yesterday testing and playing and working with the new release all I can say is it performs “‘As smooth as a Cat!”  The Teams goal was  for a significant polish around the new user experience, navigation, uploading, and imports for the almost 65 million users who downloaded this website platform.

Here’s a quick run down of all the new upgrades.

For Users:

1.   Drag-and-drop uploader.
2.  Hover menus for the navigation.
3.  New Toolbar.
4.  Improved co-editing support.
5.  Tumblr importer.
6. Version 3.3 has significant improvements to help new user’s experience a more smooth and performance oriented platform like the addition of pointer tips for new features included in each update, a friendly welcome message for first-time users, and revamped help tabs throughout the interface.
7.  Finally they improved the dashboard experience on the iPad and other tablets with better touch support.

For Developers:

Lots and lots of candy for developers here as well.

1.  Start your exploration with the new Editor API, new jQuery version.
3.  Better ways to hook into the help screens.
4.  More performant post-slug-only permalinks.
5.  And of course the entire list of improvements on the Codex and in Trac.

Check out this short video that summarizes  these new features and you’ll see why I think it performs “As smooth as a Cat!”

“Sonny”  WordPress 3.3, As smooth as a Cat!  – Download

WordPress 3.3 – "Sonny" originally appeared on WordPress | Website Design | SEO Analytics | Online Trainer - Coach on December 13, 2011.

Rick,

I wanted to take the time to let [...]]]> Mike Frey, Chief Visionary Officer at Paradux Media Group from Eagle Point Oregon just completed an intense 10 week SEO course I offer as part of my Training and Coaching package and here’s what he had to say after a few weeks from completion. . .

Rick,

I wanted to take the time to let you know how much I appreciated your 10-week SEO class.  Knowing absolutely nothing about SEO I was a little bit intimidated going in, coming out I am very comfortable with every aspect of SEO.  I know look at every website differently, every Google search I do, and how I treat my own website and blog.

I am amazed at all the little things that I was so unaware of and how they all add up to a big thing, creating landing pages for popular blogs, adding SEO to our images and the cool analytic tricks.  Our website has seen a dramatic change in just a short period and has already paid off in new clients and conversations with new potential clients due only to our improved SEO.

The timing could not have been better, as in the middle of our training a popular television show announced they were coming to our area, (ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Show).   I decided to blog about the event and using what I had learned from you about SEO my blog was at the top of all local Google searches regarding the event.  I have since written a follow up blog and now both blogs are at the top ahead of all the news media and other bloggers.  Just good SEO.  The increase percentage in how many hits my blog has gotten has a lot of zeros and commas.  I can only thank my SEO training for that.

I would highly recommend your SEO classes to any business owner.  If your SEO techniques are applied, a ROI will be achieved.  Even with this thank you note, I think I did ok with achieving the proper keyword density for SEO.  Thanks Rick.

Mike Frey
Chief Visionary Officer Paradux Media Group
Eagle Point, Oregon
(email and phone provided upon request)

Want to read more Testimonials

Paradux Media Group Completes 10 Week SEO Course originally appeared on WordPress | Website Design | SEO Analytics | Online Trainer - Coach on September 1, 2011.

 Features included:

1.  Featured Flash photo gallery, photo flipper and polaroid gallery.
2.  Easy upload of photo media library and connect through JS script for homepage, portfolio and gallery pages.
3.  Easy Cufon integration of over 60 stylistic fonts.
4.  Easy short code [...]]]> Custom WordPress Theme Design

 Features included:

1.  Featured Flash photo gallery, photo flipper and polaroid gallery.
2.  Easy upload of photo media library and connect through JS script for homepage, portfolio and gallery pages.
3.  Easy Cufon integration of over 60 stylistic fonts.
4.  Easy short code platform to integrate portfolio’s or galleries on any page or post.
5.  Templates for 2 types of custom pages; Home and Contact.

Custom Features:

1. JQuery slideshow Pop out customized to include navigation buttons as well as a drop down carousel.
2.  Custom  templates for 2 additional custom pages; Portfolio and Gallery.
3.  Keyword research, title tag, meta tag description and all SEO customizations.
4.  Cool Iris Gallery on the fly on the Portfolio Page.
5.  Custom Flash integrated within a WordPress website WITHOUT interfering with SEO.

Fashion Model – WordPress originally appeared on WordPress | Website Design | SEO Analytics | Online Trainer - Coach on August 19, 2011.

 TRIBUTE TO FALLEN SOLDIERS ( OREGON )
CONFIRMS ITS EIGHT HONORED FAMILY’S
FOR ITS 2ND ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE

 Nashville Recording Artist Rockie Lynne
Will Once Again Participate as Ride Host

 ( Wednesday August 2, 2011 – Brownsville, OR. )

Oregon’s Tribute to Fallen Soldiers organization [...]]]> ** MEDIA RELEASE **

 TRIBUTE TO FALLEN SOLDIERS ( OREGON )
CONFIRMS ITS EIGHT HONORED FAMILY’S
FOR ITS 2ND ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE

 Nashville Recording Artist Rockie Lynne
Will Once Again Participate as Ride Host

 ( Wednesday August 2, 2011 – Brownsville, OR. )

Oregon’s Tribute to Fallen Soldiers organization has confirmed its eight family’s to honor during this years 2nd Annual Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Motorcycle Ride scheduled for Saturday & Sunday August 20-21, 2011.

This years ride procession will visit seven different Oregon communities to honor the commitment and sacrifice of eight soldiers who were killed or died during the service to their country. Over its two day ride, the procession of more than 400 motorcycles, law enforcement vehicles and military vehicles will visit Roseburg, Yoncalla, Cottage Grove, Coburg, Sweet Home, Albany and Keizer. The family’s of these fallen soldiers will receive a special plaque of distinguished service in memory of their fallen family member. The ride procession is escorted by law enforcement and military vehicles and is primarily made up of veterans, gold star family members, dignitaries and everyday citizens who simply want to thank the family’s for their sacrifice.

In 2010, the first year of the Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Motorcycle ride, the ride procession included more than 350 motorcycles and over 400 participants. This year, the ride is expecting more than 400 motorcycles and nearly 500 participants. Executive Director of the tribute ride Warren Williamson explained how important this ride is to the State of Oregon and to the individual communities. “When our ride procession arrives in these communities to honor these fallen soldiers, you can see on the faces of the family’s how honored and amazed they are to see so many people show up to pay tribute to their loved one,….but in reality, we’re the ones who are honored to have the ability to show them we care about their grief and the sacrifice they’ve given,….in some small way we as riders hope we can begin the healing by showing these family’s there are thousands of people who care and will never forget their loss,….and that’s the mission of our organization,…we’ll never forget these brave soldiers who gave their lives for all of us”.

The 2011 Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Motorcycle Ride begins in Roseburg on Friday August 19th with its “Welcome Reception” for its riders, volunteers, sponsors and veterans. On Saturday August 20th, the ride procession will gather at Roseburg’s National Veterans Cemetery for its rider check-in and its opening ceremony. Day 1 of the ride will include family visits in Roseburg, Yoncalla, Cottage Grove and Coburg. Day 2 ( Sunday ) of the ride will convene in Albany at the Comfort Inn Suites and will include family visits in Sweet Home, Albany and Keizer. Each family visit is approximately 75 minutes in length with each rider having the opportunity to greet each of the family members of the fallen soldier.

Celebration Of Honor
Saturday August 20
Brownsville, OR.

To coincide with the 2nd Annual Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Motorcycle Ride, a “Celebration of Honor” event has been added to the festivities. The “Celebration of Honor” is being held in downtown Brownsville on Saturday evening August 20th at Randy’s Main Street Coffee. After the final family visit of the day on Saturday, the ride procession will ride from Coburg to Brownsville for this special event. The event will include a military bell ringing ceremony, a 21 gun salute, the playing of taps and an outside BBQ hosted by Randy Ginn and Mike Neddeau of Main Street Coffee,

Also on the schedule is a special concert appearance by Nashville recording artist and Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Motorcycle Ride host Rockie Lynne.

Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Oregon stems from the national organization Tribute to the Troops. The State of Oregon joins Minnesota and Illinois as the only 3 States who currently have a tribute ride to honor the sacrifice of fallen soldiers.

For anyone interested in riding in Oregon’s Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Motorcycle Ride, they can sign up by going to the web site at www.TributetoFallenSoldiers.com. The fee for single riders is $30. The fee for a rider plus passenger is $35. Monies raised from this annual ride go into the tribute ride General Support Fund for military families who could use additional help or support.

Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Oregon is sponsored by; Salem Harley Davidson, Xtreme Grafics, Randy’s Main Street Coffee, Oregon Duck Football News.com, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn Suites, Oregon Army National Guard and Cano Consulting.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Enclosed is a rundown of our 2011 Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Motorcycle Ride schedule:

Friday August 19

* 3PM – Riders can begin their check-in ( Holiday Inn Express Hotel – Roseburg )

* 6PM – Tribute Ride Welcome Reception at the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Roseburg

Saturday August 20

* 7AM – Riders can begin check-in at National Veterans Cemetery in Roseburg

* 8:45AM – Rider Safety Briefing

* 9AM – Opening Ceremony at National Veterans Cemetery ( Presentation of Colors & Taps )

* 9:15AM – Ride Procession departs National Veterans Cemetery for 1st family visit

* 9:30AM – 1st Family Visit in Roseburg

* 5:30PM – Expected arrival of Ride Procession into Brownsville

* 6:00PM – “Celebration of Honor” begins in downtown Brownsville, OR

Sunday August 21

* 7AM – Riders can begin check-in at Comfort Inn Suites hotel in Albany, OR.

* 8:45AM – Rider Safety Briefing

* 9:00AM – Ride Procession departs Comfort Inn Suites hotel for 1st family visit in Sweet Home, OR.

* 9:45AM – 1st Family Visit in Sweet Home, OR.

* 4:30PM – Expected ending time of Day 2 in Keizer, OR.

For additional information, please call ( 541 ) 466-3533

Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Oregon
Warren Williamson
Executive Director
www.TributetoFallenSoldiers.com (Official Website Custom Theme design by Rick Cano @ CanoConsulting.com

Tribute To Fallen Soldiers – Media Release originally appeared on WordPress | Website Design | SEO Analytics | Online Trainer - Coach on August 10, 2011.

Features includes:

1.  Featured properties in a Jquery slideshow.
2.  Easy upload of photo into post and you’re done.  No need to specify a url for the uploaded photo.
3.  Advanced Google Maps:

a.  Just specify a street address, Google will find the [...]]]> Custom WordPress Website Design

Features includes:

1.  Featured properties in a Jquery slideshow.
2.  Easy upload of photo into post and you’re done.  No need to specify a url for the uploaded photo.
3.  Advanced Google Maps:

a.  Just specify a street address, Google will find the map.
b.  Disable maps in the admin globally or per post.
c.  Parameters to display addresses that is not located on a street.

4.  Customize the site for your currency in the admin section.
5.  Supports multiple agents.  Each agent can upload his own properties, and will receive his own responses.
6.  Features section makes use of tags.  Type in only once, and click to activate next time.  You do not have to retype features.

Custom Features:

1.  JQuery slideshow customized to include navigation buttons as well as a drop down carousel.
2.  Custom Tables for property display and easy uploading directly within the table admin section.
3.  iFrame embed and integration from LoopNet, Inc.
4.  Keyword research, title tag, meta tag description and all SEO customizations.

Commercial Real Estate – WordPress originally appeared on WordPress | Website Design | SEO Analytics | Online Trainer - Coach on August 2, 2011.

As you recall I wrote an article not soon after the release of WordPress 3.0 “Thelonious” back in June 2010,  and I posted a review of that particular version. I knew at the time that the “Network” capability was going to revolutionize networking [...]]]> One Blog or Static Website or a Hundred with One Installation?

As you recall I wrote an article not soon after the release of WordPress 3.0 “Thelonious” back in June 2010,  and I posted a review of that particular version. I knew at the time that the “Network” capability was going to revolutionize networking platform setups, but I wanted to wait and review the tech forums as well as test it myself.   More importantly it would also give a small business owner an ability to set up a “new” money making multisite set up without having the need for any special themes, plugins,  complicated MU multisite membership, AND set it up just like you would as a single WordPress installation, with the exception of a few minor modifications.

My Test:

My six month test of the new network capability consisted of one Parent website and 10 individual websites with ten different WordPress themes, separate membership platforms and three separate shopping carts.  You’ll be happy to learn that I ran into virtually no issues and I didn’t have to spend a single dime in the process.  I used a sub-directory URL set up versus the sub-domain URL set up, mainly because I wanted to see if I can set it up with NO Extra cost out of pocket.  I didn’t even have to purchase a special WPMU membership plugin,themes etc…..which by the way a membership for a WPMU membership costs $67 per month.  Another reason to test this sort of set up is that large sites like Etsy.com and BigCartel.com are gaining so much popularity but for the average small business owner, it would cost a fortune to set up a comparable type of network site.  Not anymore!!

My Results:

1. No special WordPress Theme.  Yes, that means you don’t have to purchase a BuddyPress license and “only” use that type of theme.  Any WordPress theme will work.
2. No special plugins.  In fact, I used the same plugins I’ve been using for years in a single WordPress set up and I had no issues with any of my plugins.
3. One “Network Admin” that controls virtually all of the network users, profiles, plugins and themes.  In other words, you load the plugins and themes in the network platform and then activate, deactivate or delete from the network platform.
4. Despite having one Network Admin Dashboard, each individual website within the network has its own Admin Dashboard where you can control plugins, themes, post, pages, users and your own settings for the individual website.
5. No need to purchase separate domain names for each individual website.  You can virtually run your very own Etsy type website and charge individuals to set up there own website, with there own themes and plugins.  But you continue to have Network control from your Parent website.

The easiest way to understand how this works is how we use Child Themes.  A child theme cannot function unless you have A Parent Theme.  In the same way, individual websites (child theme scenario) cannot function unless it has a Parent Website, and just as the Parent Site controls most of the themes functions the Parent Website controls most of the network functions.

Of course I’m not covering all the intricate details and coding modifications to the config.php file etc.  I just wanted to show you how I conducted my test and how it required no additional money out of pocket.

From start to finish it took me roughly 30 minutes to set up the Network Admin and 10 individual websites within one network.  Take a look at my demo, but I warn you that its merely a demo for testing so you won’t see a lot of content.  I was more interested in setting up the network and testing all the functions.

Click here to access 10 CanoConsulting-Network Demo Sites (If you need professional “affordable” help…you know how to contact me…and believe me when I say, my Network Set Up package is extremely affordable).  Rick.Cano@CanoConsulting.com

Check out this tutorial “How To Enable Multisite in WordPress”

One WordPress Website or Ten Million with One Installation? originally appeared on WordPress | Website Design | SEO Analytics | Online Trainer - Coach on May 27, 2011.

5 Steps to Effective Website Development:

1. SEO (Search Engine Optimization):  In order to have a fully optimized website you must have a Title, Description and Niche keywords embedded in your website.