Hubpages Help - A Reading List For New Hubbers
There are always two ways to do things in life. The right way. And the wrong way. Of course you have to factor in free will. And idiots. But that’s another hub, another day. This isn’t about choices – let’s say it’s more about a hearty shove in the right direction. I’m going to give you some recommended reading. A Hublist of what to read and why.
NB: If you just want to get on with it - just scroll down to the bit that says 'Lissie'. I don't mind my waffle being leapfrogged over. Ha! Leapfrog.
I've picked several Hubbers - because they're the guys and gals that I found when searching for the light. I'm not saying (after I'd read their articles) that I suddenly felt lit up like a million watt bulb. But at least there was a nice warm glow. They helped me create a base from which I could begin to hub and make the effort of hubbing worthwhile.
And if you have the wit and the will to make a success of your time on HubPages, then read through the hublist. It's nothing I didn't do and - no one pointed me in the right direction. At least you've got a heads up.
And don't expect no pretty pictures or videos. You're not getting any. Be thankful I did this. And be even more thankful to the hubbers that wrote all the articles I've pulled together.
Because without their effort, this hub wouldn't exist.
And ... I'm a benevolent frog, if nothing else. So I've put one picture in. Of me. You may drool on your keyboards. You can even lick your screens. But no slushy mail in my inbox please.
Think of it like this: you can bugger off and do your own sweet thing and find your way on your own. Or you can take the word of frog – which doesn’t carry a guarantee by the way – and learn some cool and interesting facts a little bit quicker than I did.
And whilst my word isn’t up to the level of a guarantee, I will attempt to reign in my asinine tongue. Try. Not promise.
In no particular order, I’m going to start with Lissie.
Lissie
Lissies' Hubs
- Create an Attractive Hub Page
An article written solely about capsule placement, how and what to use and why. Informative, understandable and easy to implement. - Hubpages Internet Marketing
All about how to make HubPages work for you. Lissie decsribes how the site works, what works and what doesn't - and all in easy to read format.
Lissie's been on the Hub for some two years now. And she’s also published a fair amount of information regarding how to hub in order to maximize your potential for earning money online. Through Lissie, I’ve learned to pay more attention to the layout of my hubs. How to place headers, pictures, how to arrange and order capsules.
Even how to place (as much as you can) advertisements so that they blend better with your article. All good stuff if you're in it to win it. The information that she provides is valid, it works and as far as I'm concerned, you'll be a lot better off for the knowing of it.
Darkside
Darksides Hubs
- How HubPages Works
This is the one to start with. Read it. Every single word. - How To Hub
The title says it all. In case it says nothing to you - a breakdown and how to write a hub. - How Hubscore Works
This is not an exact science but here, you'll find it broken down - as much as it can be - and delivered back to you in an easy to understand format. - An Introduction To HubPage Referrals
About referrals. What they mean and what they do. A basic info and precedes Darksides article about Tracking. Read this one first. - How HubPage Tracking Works
All about 'tracking' on HubPages. I'm not explaining it here. In a nutshell. I can't. Just go read it.
Darkside has been kicking around the hubpages cold and draughty halls for about the same length of time as Lissie. He is a mine of information about:
- How To Hub
- Capsules
- How HubPages Works
- HubPage Referrals
- How Hubscore Works
- And more
When I disovered his hubs (by searching guys. You know - I used the search facility!) I found his homepage. I had a little potter around and lo! I found the light. Or at least a torch. And one thing about Darkside is this: he's very very thorough.
So go and check him out. And say thankyou. As with Lissie, his hubs are painstakingly thought out, written and presented. If he doesn't reply - well he's probably busy thinking up new ways to help light your way a little bit easier.
Mark Knowles
Mark Knowles' Hubs
- How I got my hub to be on Google's first page
Before I start, I will say this – I am not selling anything. There will not be an offer to buy my ebook at the end of the hub so you can learn my “secrets of success,” for a fee. Nor will I be selling a...
Mark Knowles is another long-serving and successful Hubber. He isn't just a pretty fella either, he knows what he's talking about. Mark is a pro-blogger - and one of the relatively few folks on the 'net that really does earn a living from it.
He shares his insight regarding what's worked for him and I guess, what hasn't. Whilst Mark doesn't write in a 'needle to thread' format (he tells it as it is IMO and no bad thing either), you will still come away from his articles having learned quite a few things that you wouldn't have known - had you not visited some of his hubs.
Definitely on my recommended reading list. Learn from another online professional - Mark. in fact all four, Darkside, Lissie and Maddie included, know what they're talking about. They all walk the walk. What they've written, they know about. That's why they're sharing.
Maddie Ruud
Maddie Ruuds' Hubs
- From A Moderator’s Mouth: Overly Promotional Hubs
This gives a very clear message about writing a hub that revolves around over-promoting and Maddie sets down what HubPages consider as spam within a hub. To be honest, when I read it, I just absorbed it as meaning 'how not to hub. Period. - How to Choose a Hub Topic
How to choose a topic for your hubs. Maddie shares her insight regarding what has worked for her and shares a few pointers as to where to look for great titles. - How To Make Money on HubPages
This was Maddies' 200th hub and dedicated to sharing her knowledge about the money making aspects of hubpages - chiefly by way of adsense.
Maddie Ruud is a moderator and member of the HubPages team. She's also a writer. And a very good example of what happens when a hubber delivers good quality, original articles - they make money.
You may occasionally spot her in the forums, moderating and going about HP business but - she continues to write and publish quality articles. Her 'how to' articles are worth reading and, as with the other hubs/hubbers that I've highlighted, Maddie is someone that I've read.
As with all the hubs included in this article, I've read them more than once. I've made both mental and physical notes and tried to adopt a path whereby I'm walking between each and every one. That may sound restrictive - its not.
It's easy to do simply because what I read as time went by made perfectly good sense. And I hope they do the same for you. If you pay attention to just one thing that I have to say, pay attention to this: these hubbers know what they're talking about - so listen well.
Final Word
General HubPages Help List
- The Hub Rules - Getting Started with HubPages
Articles relating to the HubPage Rules. Great reading. - Quick Guides - Getting Started with HubPages
A whole heap of quick quides on how to kickstart your hubbing ability. - How Much Money in the Beginning - Getting Started with HubPages
All about money. The bit you really want to learn about. But first you need to know 'how to' - remember? - Improving Your Hub - Getting Started with HubPages
Articles about Improving Your Hub on HubPages, a place where you can read and write about any topic that interests you. - Help for New Hubbers on HubPages
Lots of helpful and advice driven hubs regarding the way to go - and how to get there. - Your First Hub - Getting Started with HubPages
Your first hub - how to write one. Plenty of articles to read and digest.
There are many other individual (very helpful) hubbers on the site but for now, you've enough to read. In the event that you romp through those that I've listed, to the left there are more links - that will take you directly to where you need to be.
It's Noob central for new hubbers. And also the place for those of us that have made a start and yet still need a bit of help.
You'll find literally hundreds of different hubs, relating to:
- How to ...
- Adsense ...
- Analytics ...
- Guides ...
- Hints & Tips ...
- Researching Topics ...
- Making Monery Online ...
- And lots more
So do yourself a favour and make a start. The sooner you're educated in the Land of Hub, the better you'll be. The better HubPages will be.
And the less occupied I will be at frogging around in the 'help' section in the forums. And mind your manners. Wherever you go, say thankyou and rate articles. Remember the hours and hours of effort everyone's put in. Or out.
Now bugger off. I've hubs to write.
PS - I should have added this when I actually wrote it.
Having read the hubs I've listed, if anyone wants to know if the proof is in the pudding, yes it is. Taking what I've read and putting it into practice has been productive. Taking various *bits from Maddie, Lissie, Darkside and Mark (and others) has meant that google acknowledges my existence.
It works guys. Quality content, attention to detail and presentation, titles, topics, capsule use and so on - all make the whole.
*Of advice - not actual bits. Can you imagine Mark minus his sense of humour? Or what Darkside would look like if he lacked his eye?