If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

One of my subscribers wrote and asked this good question about web sites vs. blogs. I thought I’d share my answer here.

Carol’s question:

“I understand the difference between a website and a blog. Is XSite Pro for a static website or can it be used as a blog? You said you use Word Press for your blog. If I purchase XSite Pro, can I use it as a blog to post and update frequently?”

My answer:

XSite Pro is not something you can use with or as a blog. A blog is a completely different kind of software platform. XSP creates stand-alone web sites that you can make as small or large as you like.

I have just been looking at XSP V2, and I like it better than a blog in many ways.

The features are very powerful and easy to use (great documentation, with screen captures to walk you through each segment). A lot of what XSP does, you can do with WP plug-ins, I think–if you know how to get them and use them. If you tend to be techy, you might prefer WP blogs. My techy friend likes finding all these cool plug-ins. Me–I prefer to click a few buttons and let the program do it for me.

(By the way, their support is great, too. Fast turnaround, and clear instructions. I tested this recently because I just got a new computer, and needed to know how to get my stuff from old computer to new and integrated with V2.)

The ability to easily update content is one of the main attractions of blogs, and that’s why search engines love blogs. However, if you have a “static” web site where you can easily update content, you have the same search engine advantage.

With Site Pro, it’s extremely easy to update content AND optimize it for search engines at the same time. It’s just like typing something in Word, and then you click the Publish button and it’s on your site. But better–you have complete control over the keywords and page descriptions. With WP (which I like and do use), I have to trust that the search engines are picking up on the right keywords. Or, I use a plug-in (I think it’s called Header2 and there’s also one called SEO pack), but I have to go back and put the keywords in. I posted on both my blog and site last night, and with XSP it was much faster and easier to do. I find that XSP saves a lot of time.

Also, there are ways to add content automatically to your site, through RSS feeds and other ways I’m just learning about, with XSP. You can do that same thing with WP, I understand–again, IF you know the plug-ins and where to go. With XSP, it’s all in one place, there’s a manual to consult, and once you learn it, you get it working on all your sites.

Another thing that I like better about XSP is the control you can have over each page of your site. For instance, if you have an opt-in or squeeze page, you can make one page be that. With a blog, you likely need a whole new url to point to that squeeze page. And it’s another site to maintain, rather than a page over which you have complete control in XSP.

WordPress is good, and I have several WP blogs myself (this is one of them!). It just requires more techy skill and it seems like there are always upgrades and things you have to know. I listen to Cathy Perkins’s Wizard Weekly teleseminars on WP, and don’t know where I’d be without her help. I just learned I have to do all these things to my blogs before I upgrade to the new version so the sites won’t “break.” Yikes! And of course, I should upgrade because otherwise, something terrible might happen (what, I’m not sure. Something about security). So–I like XSP much better for all these reasons.

If you’re not sure about whether XSite Pro is for you, why not attend one of the upcoming webinars? No cost, and you’ll get a feel for the features. You can sign up here. http://www.wordstoprofit.com/xspweb.html Dates are July 2,4, 8, so do it now if you’re interested.

I just upgraded to XSP V2 and so am just exploring the new features, but so far I’m liking what I see very much! I was just reading about adding a “site search” for visitors. Very cool. I have one on my blog, but my site actually has more content, and I want people to be able to search it.

(My full review of XSite Pro is here, if you care to learn more about my perspective, having used V1 for some 4 years now.)

A reader who listened to my Resource Roundup #1 teleseminar asked about whether I used the web site creation program I recommend, XSite Pro, for www.wordstoprofit.com, and what I thought of it.

That got me going, because XSite Pro is one of the BEST programs I’ve EVER used. I could not do my online work without it!

Last week, I created the following web sites in a matter of minutes:

• http://www.writeyourbookrightnow.com (with all the subpages)
• http://www.writingsecretsrevealed.com
• http://www.virtualbooktourexpert.com

I also made a new site out of what was a page on my site:
http://www.virtualbooktourexpert.com

I use XSP for almost all my sites, except my blogs. Here are a few examples:

• choosingyourbestsellingtitle.com
• abundantgiftsbook.com
• jumpstartyourbook.com

(This Your Book Publishing Coach blog and my www.abundantgiftsblog.com blog are WordPress. I do like WordPress, too, but honestly–it’s easier to work with XSP.)

I just upgraded to Version 2 of XSite Pro. The latest version seems amazing, and I already think XSP is amazing. To read my full review of this software that, in my opinion, is the best software I’ve ever bought, click here. I actually describe and demonstrate some of the tasks you can do, and tell how long it took me to do them.

To get straight to the web page for XSite Pro, go here. I read every word of that site with my usual skeptic hat on. Honestly, none of it is hype. The program does all it says it does.

There are some webinars coming up that will make even clearer all you can do with this program. Check it out and sign up here.

If you want to create web sites where you can post your own articles (search engines love this), sell your products, and get known–easily, quickly, without even having to understand how blogs work–get this program. Honestly, it’s one of the best products I’ve ever bought in my life. Certainly the best software package. (The most profitable one, too!)

My friend and colleague Terry Whalin has been busy doing some terrific teleseminars I thought you would want to know about.

Tonight, he’s doing one on book proposals. There will be a replay, if you get this late, so head on over to www.askterrywhalin.com.

There you can ask your question, listen to the live call or replay, and download a great new Ebook he just created, his Book Proposals
That Sell Extra Special Report. I’ve seen it, and it’s a goldmine of
valuable info on book proposals, writing–you name it.

It’s also well worth the $40 to access the interviews he did with 8 top publishing professionals. Why? Because you’d never in a million years have access to these people yourself, and I doubt they’d be as honest as they were with Terry. Each editor or publisher gave a slightly different perspective on what they look for in a book proposal. Check it out.

If you’re interested in writing Christian fiction or writing for children, you can catch the replay of the call Terry did last week with editor and author Andy McGuire at www.askandymcguire.com. Listen to the questions Andy answered from the teleseminar–it’s very enlightening.

I want you to know that, because of some “life stuff” happening, I was unable to remind you that the price for “Writing Secrets Revealed: How to Write Your Book in 45 Minutes a Day or Less (Even If You Think You’re Not a Writer)” is going up.

(I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say it can be summarized in two
words: “computers” and “water.” Thankfully,neither situation is disastrous.)

So, fair is fair! You get 3 extra days to get this audio and the accompanying Action Guide for $9.95, before the price goes up to $14.95. Price will go up on June 27 at 9 pm Central.

And in my opinion, $14.95 is still a steal for what you will get.

Here’s what a couple of attendees had to say:

“Diane, Thanks for the Brainstorming technique. I already have 5 article titles just waiting for me to develop. This is an excellent idea! They may even be turned into whitepapers for my customers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” –Patricia Hubbard, Virginia Beach, VA

“I knew about mind mapping but never was it put so simply like you did.” –Racheli Smilovits, www.loans-4-u.com

You also get the Action Guide with my filled-in notes, including the exact “outline” I used to plan that teleseminar in 6 minutes.

Plus I answered questions people asked.

More info here. If you want to become a writer–even a prolific writer–very quickly and easily, you must learn these simple techniques! If they don’t work for you, I will refund your money!

With 175,000 books published every year, it’s VERY hard to succeed as an author nowadays unless you take a different approach.

There’s a program taught by Steve Harrison that takes that different approach. He has the track record to prove his approach works (check it out here).

In fact, a friend of a friend of mine went to one of Steve Harrison’s Publicity Summits (at my recommendation), and she thanked me profusely–said it absolutely changed her life. I know Steve Harrison has helped LOTS of well-known authors become very successful.

So … if you are interested in getting some training from someone who has an impressive track record for creating successful authors, consider Steve Harrison’s Million Dollar Crash Course & Publicity Program, being held July 15-17th in Philadelphia. (He has a way for you to get the value of the course even if you can’t travel there on those dates.)

Steve’s program will show you how to earn a very good living, sell more books and profoundly influence other people’s lives for the better. He’s only opening this to 50 people, and I know he has a huge list of people hearing about this, so if you’re interested, please check it out now.

Tuesday’s teleclass on “Writing Secrets Revealed: How to Become a Prolific Author in 45 Minutes Day or Less (Even if You Think You’re Not a Writer)” was so much fun for me!

Most important, the participants loved it.

Here’s what Patricia Hubbard of Virginia Beach wrote to me at the end of the call:

“Diane, Thanks for the Brainstorming technique. I already have 5 article titles just waiting for me to develop. This is an excellent idea! They may even be turned into white papers for my customers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

If you want to know what we covered, and get access to the replay and the Action Guide with my filled-in notes, go here.

I shared the two exercises, and four brainstorming techniques, that I use virtually every day, for everything I do.

One technique allowed me to outline my whole teleseminar in 6 minutes.

On the Action Guide you will see the exact “outline” I used (though it won’t look anything like any outline you learned how to do in school!).

These techniques are easy to understand and do, and I can just about guarantee they’ll turn you into a prolific writer, too!

(One of them even has the added benefit of being a great stress reducer; I’ve been doing this for 12 years without missing one day, not because I’m disciplined, but because of the tremendous benefits I get from it.)

I also answered questions that were submitted.

Before 9 p.m. (Central) on June 23, you can get the audio and Action Guides (both the blank one and the one with my notes) for $9.95. After that, it’s $14.95.

I think that’s a steal for a class that can literally revolutionize your life as an author.

Oh yes–there’s also a Special available to anyone who listens to the call.

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to actually write a book?

Tomorrow’s teleseminar will give you an excercise that will show whether you have what it takes to become a writer.

I am going to share with you two exercises that turned me into a prolific writer.

Besides that, I will also give you 3 brainstorming techniques that will banish writer’s block for you forever.

Furthermore, they will equip you to start your book right away.

I mean, like right after you finish the call.

In minutes.

If you listen and actually do what I will teach you,you will …

• begin your book tomorrow
• be able to continue writing your book in 6o minutes or less per day (it should onlytake you 45 minutes).

Note: This call is no-cost if you attend it live.

If you want lifetime access to the replay, it will be available for $10 for the first 7 days, then $15 after that. (Perhaps more.)

This is dynamite stuff that I’ve never shared before.

I want you to know this so you can become a successful author. Starting tomorrow!

Here’s the call-in information:
EVENT: Writing Secrets Revealed: How to Start Your Book The Easy Way
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, June 17th at 9:00pm Eastern, 8pm Central, 6pm Pacific
Phone Number to Dial: 218-486-3696
Use Conference ID: 821610#
FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast — it’s your choice)

TO ATTEND THIS EVENT ON THE WEB, CLICK THIS LINK …

Go there now to print out the Action Guide, which also has the call-in infomration. Print it out and put it near your phone or computer
a reminder.

If you have a question about getting started writing, ask it now. I plan to answer as many questions as I can!

Reminder: Do your best to attend this live, because the replay not available at no cost. Also, those who attend will get special access
to my new eBook, “Write Your Book Right: 12 Questions Successful Authors Always Answer.”

People come to me and say, “I have an idea for a book, but I don’t know where to start. I’m not even sure I’m a writer.”

I get excited when I hear that, because I have a technique I can teach them that I KNOW will work.

For decades, I’ve used this technique for virtually everything I do.

When I write an article, I use this technique.

When I plan a teleseminar, I use this technique.

When I plan a course, I use this technique.

I outline all my books using this method.

Heck, when I plan a vacation, I use this technique!

It gets my ideas out quickly, in an organic way, and I quickly see how the ideas need to be organized.

In fact, one client said she used this to map out her book’s revision in 12 minutes!

The beauty of this is, it works for ANYONE.

Whenever I sit down with someone and show them this simple method of brainstorming, within MINUTES, they have ideas down on paper and a big smile on their face.

I want to reveal this to you, along with two other brainstorming techniques, and one suggestion that will possibly make writing (almost) as natural to you as breathing.

(I’ve been doing this for 12+ years now and it’s not only a way to make writing feel very natural, it’s a tremendous stress-buster. I’m positively addicted to it!)

So next Tuesday, June 17, I want to reveal these tips I’ve used for years (though one I just learned and love)-tricks that make writing very fast and natural and enjoyable for me.

Please join me at 8 p.m. Central for this teleseminar in which I will happily reveal how to make writing easier than you imagined.

It’s possible that, by the end of the call or shortly thereafter, you will have your book idea all outlined!

I’m so excited to share this with you. In fact, I may just have to write an article about one of these techniques, just to whet your appetite.

If writing is not as easy as you wish it was, yet you still want to get your book and articles out of your head and heart and into the world, don’t miss this teleseminar!

Here’s the call-in information:
EVENT: Start Your Book–The Easy Way
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, June 17th at 9:00pm Eastern, 8pm Central, 6pm Pacific
Phone-Number to Dial: 218-486-3696
Use Conference ID: 821610#
FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast — it’s your choice)

TO ATTEND THIS EVENT ON THE WEB, CLICK THIS LINK.

Go here now to print out the reminder. If you have a question about getting started writing, ask it now. I plan to answer as many as I can!

Note: Do your best to attend this live, because I’m not sure I’ll be making the replay available at no cost. Also, those who attend will get access to my new Special Report, “Write Your Book Right: 12 Questions Successful Authors Always Answer.”

Wednesdays are my “blog upkeep day.”

Here’s why.

It’s the day I attend Cathy Perkins’s Wizard Weekly teleseminars.

For 30-60 minutes (depending on number of questions), Cathy goes over some aspect of blogging with WordPress (”the best blogging software EVER” she says–and I agree).

She has a Resource Guide, with links to things like plug-ins (today’s topic was “{Plugins I Don’t Want To Live Without”). She’s very clear and does not overwhelm you with info that is too “techie.” (She’s a whiz at tech stuff but keeps that in check with us techno-dummies.)

She’s also in the middle of teaching her course on “The WordPress Dashboard–Your Mission Control.” Tonight is Module 3, but all the prior classes are available for download, so if you miss anything, you’ll still be able to catch up.

Blogging is one of the cornerstones of writing a book that I’ll be teaching soon. Why? Because you can get so much out of it, for so little effort.

You get to start writing your book, if it’s not written yet.

You get feedback from readers (invaluable).

You get media exposure. (The media look to bloggers more and more when they want to find and “expert.” If you have a great blog, and know how to optimize it, you possess that all-important “platform” that publishers clamor for.)

And it’s so easy, truly! Sure, there are lots of cool things you can do to and for your blog. But the basics are not difficult.

If you can write emails, you can write a blog post.

Cathy Perkins will show you how to get started … and take you as far as you care to go. If you already have a blog, she can do a blog audit to help you squeeze every bit of “juice” out of it in terms of search engine optimization, page layout, links–all the things that will turn your blog posts into profits.

At least visit her site, sign up for her blog postings, and attend the Wizard Weekly teleseminars. Tell her I sent you.

And–sign up for her course. Tonight’s a webinar, so you’ll get to SEE what she’s talking about. Cool.

Well, I’m off to add some cool plug-ins to my blog. Look for some differences in the “look” of this blog as a result!

NOTE TO THOSE READING THIS AFTER JUNE 7, 2008: Though registration for the Virtual Book Tour Systems course is closed, if you want to listen to the Preview Call–2+ hours of training on how Virtual Book Tours work–you can still get my VIP discount and access to the replay here. Signing up will also entitle you to a free copy of my Special Report, “How to Choose Your Bestselling Title” (normally $14.95).

Just want to remind you that today at 5 pm Pacific, the doors will close to the Virtual Book Tour Systems course. At 5:01, it will be too late. You’ll be put on a standby list.

Here’s my bonus page one more time. (more…)