A Tip to Host Your Image

I have an open secret that I would like to share! I'm talking for Blogger users who use the Blogger- free blog host service who always need other place to host their images. You know, especially for additional images used for other than blog posts'. As a blog designer, I need to upload my design images somewhere, so they can be used as your header, footer or banner! I understand that there are some cool image hosting providers online. But I just don't like to sweat myself uploading my images from other source which sometimes turns to be troublesome. So I place my images my own way, it is through Blogger itself!

Here's how I do it.

1. On the Blogger dashboard, create a new post. Simply click the pen image on the orange background.

2. On the Compose Tab, Insert an image.

Once it's uploaded, click on the image. Remember to make it Original Size.

3. Switch to HTML tab. The code of your upload image will look something as shown below. Select the image URL. So this is the address of your image!

You can also use this simple HTML code if you wish to display your image.
<img src="address of your image"></img>

I use one post to host my images and of course I never published this post! You too can do this. That's it, host your images on Blogger, as simple as 1, 2, 3!

The Design Process

Thank you for your interest in Heartlicious Design. This is going to be a fun experience. I will guide you throughout the design process. Here is a handy guide to help you see the process.

		The first step to get started is to check out my Portfolio to view samples of my work. This will give you ideas on how you want your custom design to look. See my design style and you'll know whether we are a good match.
		Take a look at the Services I offer. My specialty is Custom Blog Design. Study the items and find the right choice for you!
		Please read thoroughly my Terms of Service to understand the service policies on communication, design, the payment method, copy-rights, design process and installation.
		The next step would be placing a design order. You are expected to fill out the Request a Quote Form and be as detailed as possible since it will help me get the best view to understand the design you expect. I Will email you with the Quotation upon receiving your form. Once we've agreed on the project details, an Invoice with item & payment particulars will be emailed to you.
		Once the deposit is received your space is confirmed and your name will be placed on the Design Schedule.  In order for me to get started with your design, I will send you a set of Design Questionnaire to be filled in. From here the designing experience will begin!

Get to Know What Causes a Slow Loading Blog

Do you get annoyed if it takes you forever to have to wait for a webpage to load? I bet you don't want the visitors to close your blog before it loads completely due to the slow loading of your page. It means you're losing visitors, potential readers or maybe clients. 

Webpages load at different speeds depending on the type of internet connection or the browser. However the main thing which affects how a page runs is the site itself. There are possible causes for slow-loading pages. Let me elaborate in a simple way and use the tips to speed your blog loading up!

1. Too many images

Images are the most common reason for slow loading pages. Pictures take more space than text which is why it takes them longer to download. It's advisable not to put too many pictures on a single page. Those pictures on your blog posts and at the sidebars are the longest to load. So be sure to reduce them. You can have buttons or giveaway advertisements on a designated page. Not only it will improve the loading of your blog, but also it makes your blog look more neat. Those large images you upload on your blog posts are also heavy. If you just can't get read of them all, make sure you find a way to at least optimize them. There are several ways to optimize your pictures. One of them is resizing to minimize the file size. I will give you more detail about this on a different post.

A Landing Page for your Facebook Fan Page

Before talking about Landing Page, let's first talk about Facebook Fan Page. One of the advantages of creating a Facebook Fan Page for your business is to create a business visibility to your potential customers. Not only small business and professionals, nowadays blog owners can benefit from having a Fan Page on Facebook. They can separate their page from their personal profile and share a public profile which lets them share products, services and interests on the worldwide web, with no boundaries!

Facebook creates a tool where whenever someone likes a page, her friends on the Friend List can see what she likes. It is like creating a huge chain of people. And those with the same interest might also consider to reach the page as well like their friends did. This will make the page available for all interested people in the same line of work. Sounds easy yet efficient.

Before getting further, I would like to share 12 Reasons you need a Facebook Fan Page (extracted from SitePoint.com):-

1. There isn’t a limit to the number of fans you can have.
2. It’s free.
3. It gives you a way to talk to and get feedback from your target audience, because like a user profile, you can update your fans with statuses that will appear in the news feed.
4. You can promote events.
5. It’s an SEO boost. Facebook is currently the second most popular site on the Web.
6. You can customize the design using FBML, Facebook’s version of HTML. Check out the Static FBML app for more.
7. You can create brand advocates.
8. You can easily promote it with tools provided by Facebook.
9. The Facebook Pages Insights analytics tool gives you useful information about your fans and their interactions.
10. You can build a community for your clients and prospects.
11. It’s another funnel to your website.
12. You can add unlimited photos and videos.

Okay, here it is. Take note on #6.

If you want to increase the number of people who “like” your page on Facebook you should create a Landing Page or a Welcome Page for them, to welcome visitors or potential customers who arrive at your page. Having an appealing Facebook Landing Page helps to engage new users from the first interaction.

How to do it then? As I said, note #6 and check out the Static FBML and make use of it. The new way to build Facebook pages is to have your webpages hosted externally and embed them on Facebook using an iFrame. It's like having a website inside Facebook! And it’s all available for you to engage and persuade your audience. So now, you might consider get a customized, branded Landing Page and start getting more likers today. For your information, here's one great tutorial on how to do your own Facebook Landing Page. Follow the steps one by one. If you get overwhelmed with the process of creating it, need help or want to know more about this, seriously I would be more than happy to assist you!