Setting Up Tech for Indy Publisher Success

Setting Up Tech for Indy Publisher Success

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Choosing the Right WordPress Host
3. Introducing Blargo: A WordPress Theme for News Sites
4. The Benefits of Using Blargo
5. Installing Blargo and Setting Up Your Site
6. Managing Ads with Broad Street
7. Maximizing Ad Revenue with Blargo and Broad Street
8. Customizing Blargo for Your News Site
9. Tips and Tricks for Optimizing Your News Site
10. Conclusion

Article: Introduction

Are You looking to set up a basic news site using WordPress? In this article, we will guide you through the process of getting started. Before we dive in, let's talk about the essential steps involved in creating a successful news site.

1. Choosing the Right WordPress Host

The first step in setting up your news site is selecting a reliable WordPress host. While there are numerous hosting companies available, not all of them offer the performance, reliability, and features you need. We recommend WP Engine for its excellent performance and support. WP Engine offers a variety of plans suitable for different budget and traffic needs.

Pros:

• Excellent performance and speed
• Dedicated WordPress hosting
• Automated backups and advanced security features
• Dev/staging environment for testing changes

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to other hosting providers

2. Introducing Blargo: A WordPress Theme for News Sites

Now that you have a WordPress host in place, it's time to choose a suitable theme for your news site. We recommend using Blargo, a child theme of Largo developed by the Investigative News Network. Blargo offers several advantages for news publishers, including built-in SEO optimization, site caching for faster loading times, and improved workflow management for multiple editors.

Pros:

• Built-in SEO optimization for better search engine visibility
• Enhanced site caching for faster page loading
• Streamlined workflow management for multiple editors
• Integration with Broad Street's ad serving platform

Cons:

• Initial setup may require technical assistance

3. Installing Blargo and Setting Up Your Site

To install Blargo, first, download the Largo theme and then the Blargo theme. Install and activate the Largo theme, followed by the Blargo theme. Make sure to install the required plugins listed in the installation guide. These plugins enhance the functionality of your site and ensure compatibility with Blargo and Broad Street's ad serving platform.

4. Managing Ads with Broad Street

Broad Street offers a comprehensive ad management solution for news publishers. By integrating Broad Street's ad serving technology with Blargo, you can streamline the process of selling and displaying ads on your news site. Broad Street provides features such as automated email reports, hover tracking, and advertiser self-serve options.

Pros:

• Comprehensive ad management solution
• Automated email reports for ad performance
• Hover tracking for enhanced analytics
• Advertiser self-serve options

Cons:

• Requires a separate account with Broad Street

5. Maximizing Ad Revenue with Blargo and Broad Street

With Blargo and Broad Street in place, you can take AdVantage of various ad placement options to maximize your ad revenue. Blargo allows for standard ad sizes, such as 300x250, as well as non-standard and customizable ad zones. By planning your ad inventory and setting up specific targeting options, you can attract advertisers and generate revenue.

Pros:

• Flexible ad placement options
• Targeted advertising for specific categories or sections
• Multiple ads per zone for increased revenue potential
• Integration with Broad Street's ad network for additional revenue opportunities

Cons:

• Requires effective ad sales and marketing strategies

6. Customizing Blargo for Your News Site

Blargo offers a range of customization options to make your news site unique and visually appealing. You can customize the theme's color schemes, background, and layout options to match your brand and target audience. Additionally, Blargo is fully responsive, ensuring an optimal browsing experience across different devices.

7. Tips and Tricks for Optimizing Your News Site

To optimize your news site for better search engine rankings and user experience, follow these tips and tricks:

• Use Relevant keywords in your headlines and content
• Ensure fast page loading times by optimizing image sizes and utilizing caching
• Promote social sharing to increase engagement
• Regularly update and optimize your site's content

8. Conclusion

Setting up a basic news site with WordPress is an achievable goal with the right tools and strategies. By choosing the right WordPress host, utilizing the Blargo theme, and integrating Broad Street's ad serving platform, you can Create a successful news site and generate revenue through targeted advertising. Remember to customize your site, optimize for search engines, and engage your audience for long-term success. Good luck!

Highlights:

• Choosing the right WordPress host is crucial for optimal performance and reliability.
• Blargo offers built-in SEO optimization, site caching, and improved workflow management.
• Broad Street's ad serving platform enhances ad management and revenue generation.
• Customization options in Blargo allow you to create a unique and visually appealing news site.
• Optimizing your news site for search engines and user engagement is essential for success.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use a different WordPress host instead of WP Engine? A: Yes, you can choose any WordPress host that meets your requirements. However, WP Engine is recommended for its performance and features.

Q: How can I customize the appearance of my news site? A: Blargo offers various customization options, such as color schemes, background images, and layout choices, allowing you to create a unique and visually appealing site.

Q: Can I use Broad Street's ad serving platform with other WordPress themes? A: While Broad Street is integrated with Blargo, you can use it with other WordPress themes by implementing its ad-serving code. However, Blargo offers seamless integration for a better user experience.

Q: How can I maximize ad revenue on my news site? A: By planning your ad inventory, utilizing specific targeting options, and joining Broad Street's ad network, you can maximize your ad revenue potential.

Q: Is Broad Street suitable for small news publishers? A: Yes, Broad Street caters to both large and small news publishers and offers flexible options to suit various needs and budgets.

Q: Can I track the performance of my ads using Broad Street's platform? A: Yes, Broad Street provides automated email reports, hover tracking, and other analytics features to help you monitor and optimize your ad performance.