Tricks and Tips for New Hubbers
77In Answer to Fan Mail
I received a new fan yesterday who thought I would be able to answer some questions on HubPages, Carmen Borthwick said in her fan mail to me . . . " I see you have amazon and ads by google and you've also figured out how to link with youtube, atta go! Anyway if you could offer some help I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks"
This got me to thinking, and yes, that can be a dangerous occupation for someone of my advance years :) The grey matter sometimes starts to smoke when I use it too much.
I'm relatively new here on HubPages, and I know that there can be a 101 questions for everyone who joins us here because I'm pretty sure I've asked every single one that each of you have asked. This Hub was written with the newest of the "Newbies" in mind. So for those who have been around the block here a time or two, this is all information you know. But for those who are just starting out, this is information you need.
HubPages "Ribbon" explained
You will see a ribbon in grey just above your profile when you sign in. To use HubPages, it's good to know how to use this information.
By clicking on the Topics button in the ribbon, you will come to a page that conveniently lists the topics that HubPages has set up. By clicking on the HubPages Topics, you will find a plethora of useful information.
If you are interested in what the rest of the community is saying, then check out the Hubs button on your ribbon. Again, the grey section on the right side will provide you with the option to sort by topic. Within each topic you can choose to sort by hot best latest.
Click the Answers button to find out what others have asked. Be sure to check the grey section on the right hand side and you will see the categories. Browse through them to learn what others have learned.
If you cannot find your answer(s) find the box on the right and ask your questions. I have found the responses are for the most part intelligent and helpful. The resourcefulness of those who have discovered ways to use HubPages is only limited by the imagination of the Hubbers themselves, and they are often very generous in providing others with that information.
The great thing about this social networking site is that there is so much help. The people here are amazingly willing to answer questions. All you need to do is visit the Forums to see that and to read some of the conversations that take place. It's worth a bit of time just to become familiar with this forum because there is a whole wealth of information here.
I especially like the Hubbers button. This allows you to sort the best and latest. I like to watch the latest tab because quite often you will find some new hubbers there. It's a tool to assist with the management of your time if you like to keep up with your fans.
The last button is a cool tool. Hubtivity allows you to see what is happening in HubPages. You can learn a great deal on this page. Again, you are provided with the option of choosing the settings. Using the settings options, you can review by Hubs, Comments, Forum Posts, Questions, Answers, Fans, Milestone, Admin Actions or ALL.
HubPages is set up to encourage the sharing of information, and I believe one of the reasons it has proven to be so successful. If you are new, keep at it, read and learn. I think you will be happy you do.
Use the Search Option
One the of best ways to find answers and helpful tips from others who have shared their knowledge is to use the ever popular "Search" option. This is the final button on your Log In Ribbon and I have found it to be invaluable.
Once you type in your search criteria, again, look to the right of the pages and choose whether you wish to see the forums, the hubs, etc. Lots of options and lots of answers.
Here are some of my favorite Hubs answering questions about Hub Pages that every newbie asks.
How To Improve you Amazon Affiliate Revenue Amazing tips on this Hub!
Adsense Explained This is an in-depth look at how it works with addition links and more detail.
How to make Money with Google Adsense on HubPages
Uses for RSS Feeds this is an amazing, insightful and instructional Hub! Step by step instructions for the Technically challenged (like me)
If you are here because you are following a link and are interested in seeing what HubPages can offer you, check it our here
How to Effectively Use the Capsules
I had thought to write a separate Hub about how to use the capsules in this piece, but have since found many existing places to find that help and would only detract from these well written and instructional hubs.
So for the newbies, take some time to investigate these.
Join HubPages
Interested in sharing your stories, your point of view, or your talents?
I invite you to join us, it's one of the best social websites I have seen and offers opportunity to generate revenue. Sign up here.
Once you join, let me know. If you have questions - please feel free to ask me. Just under my profile you will find a question mark in a square box that says "Request a hub from Duchess OBlunt".
Feel free to use that option, and ask your question. I will be able to respond to the question or answer with a Hub.
I look forward to meeting you and doing what I can to help you.
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Comments
Jaspal you are always so kind, thank you. I would love to see more from you by way of Hubs, but I certainly do appreciate your comments on the ones I write (and others as well).
Now, can you answer a question? How do you use HubPages to channelize hits for Google? You have me curious.
I've been on these Pages just as long, Duchess, and your tips are STILL very helpful!
Thank You
Awesome! I'm glad to hear that. I'm hoping it helps others, especially the newbies because it can be frustrating learning the ropes!
Hey, very informative hub. I will be busy reading your reference pages. Thanks for sharint...
Thanks Nancy, glad it is helpful, that's what I was shooting for.
I admire your willingness and confidence in giving advice to new Hubbers. I've been here for a long time, but I feel that I have little advice to give about HP and how it works.
About writing, I am fine with giving advice about that, but how to make the best of HP's features or even how to navigate it as a newb...well, let me say I don't feel I have a "handle" on this business. So, I really appreciate your enthusiasm, and I think I have things to learn from you.
I wish HP staff would document their product more responsibly, so that Hubbers didn't have to do that for them.
I haven't been on Hub Pages that long; I found this blog helpful. I'm sure others will, too. It's a knack you have, Duchess, of offering enough but not too much of the right information. Thanks!
Duchess, your question to me is indicative of all that I DO NOT know about HubPages, Google, Adsense and all these things! I was under the impression that Google was looking for hits on its sites so as to generate revenue for them (now don't ask me how - I really don't know!) And a part of their revenue they shared through something called Adsense.
Guess I'll have to start learning from the kindergarten stages! :p
Sally - much thanks for your encouraging words. I seem to have a knack for computer programs. Not the technical stuff though - that still boggles my mind.
I don't know, call me crazy, but I love to figure out how computer programs work. I spent 1 1/2 building a social networking site, and had to learn the hard way, so maybe that's been helpful? I'm guessing?
I was thinking of doing a second Hub on how to use the capsules to build a great hub, but in looking around, I'm not sure another Hub on that is required. You even mention some of the better ones on this subject in your Hub "Three Quick Tips for Improving the Readability of Your Hubs"
I want to comment on your wish that HubPages would document their product more responsively. Speaking from the experience of having built an online community, I can understand the "why" of allowing their members to do this. That may be a topic for another Hub though, as it could be a lengthy explanation. Just let me say that I don't believe it is irresponsible of them, I think in fact it might be deliberate.
I look forward to reading more of your work, and I thank you for finding me because as a result, I found you, and I like your work.
Paradise thank you for saying a I have knack for giving enough but not too much information. I loved that, it makes me think that maybe, just maybe I am doing something right.
*smiling as I go on to the next project.
Thank you, and I'm glad the information is useful to you.
Jaspal, may I just say that I don't know how to utilize Adsense and all that other "stuff" either. I certainly know the potential is there to use them, but I don't believe I will ever truly get the hang of it. So I'm right there with you on that score.
Your contributions to this community - even though you claim not to be able to write - shows in your comments to your fans all over HubPages. You are always kind, encouraging and inspiring, so the rest is not important. If you are here to read and learn, then I say read and learn, and forget the rest. I for one am thankful that you are here.
Thanks for those kind words, Duchess. That is the Irish blood in you, shining over and above the rest of the "Heinz 57." And it also shows in your style of writing, despite the American spelling! Now you know - it wasn't only the surname with the missing apostrophe which had led me to ask! :)
I think I shall take that as a compliment Jaspal. Thanks as always :)
Good job Duchess!
Thanks R Burow! Thanks for stopping by.
This is really good and helpful. Anytime, a Newbie ask's a similar question to Carmen's, I will give them the link to this Hub. There are certain features on HP site that I didn't start using until I was about 3 months into it. So, this is very useful. Regards, E.
Thank you Lady_E, I appreciate your comments. Some of the links above I have bookmarked so I can give them the proper time to review and implement their suggestions. So, hopefully others will find their information just as useful.
Thiis has helped me alot thank you!
My Pleasure Zimsabre! I'm glad it has
Good tips and info for Newbies, Duchess OBlunt.
Thanks CMHypno That's what I was hoping to do.
very informative and helpful! Your hubs are so readable....thank you for sharing...!
As always Myownworld, I appreciate your warm comments and encouragement.
What a tremendous help for this new guy.
Thank you.
Good, I'm glad it is helpful ReMarkBlogs, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment
Thanks for taking the time to share this info - am bookmarking it for a good read!
Thanks for taking time to write this hub, Duchess, and for sharing your knowledge with the new kids on the hub.
Dear New Kid on the block (Carmen), I'm not that much longer here that you are, but I do enjoy working out the kinks in something new. So, sharing seems second nature. If it's helpful I am glad.
Useful hub for people like me who are still only trainee hubmongers.
Some great links, thanks.
Your welcome matian and welcome to HubPages! If you are reading 1001 books from the Palindrome, where do you find time for anything else? If you want to read some useful hubs on getting started with hub pages, join the Darkside. LOL
Darkside is a HubPages gurru that I have found.
thank you Duchess, For that insite It was very useful and I really need all the help I can get
thanks again
Wolfpack, I'm glad you found it helpful.
Thank you Duchess - I've only been here a couple of days and am trying to navigate my way through a plethora of information.
I've bookmarked this hub to refer back to as it seems to contain user-friendly info that a newbie like myself can make sense of!
Welcome to HubPages Suki. It's good to know you think this is user friendly. I hope it comes in handy if you ever need ti.
Jaspal says:
2 months ago
Your gray matter is certainly not smoking Duchess! You've put in more information on this hub than I discovered in the almost one year I have been around.
But then each of us comes here for different reasons. I visit hub pages not so much to write (that might happen only when I get pushed to do so) and not to channelize hits for Google, Amazon or eBay, but just for a diversion, to read some well written, interesting and light hubs. And there are so many kind hubbers, including you, who provide just that. :)