60 Day Hub Challenge Log: Putting It All Together and Increasing my HubPages Income

Participating in the 60 Day Challenge is something entirely new for me and I have to admit I'm a little intimidated by all the dedication to this project. The last challenge I participated in was the very first HubMob a couple of years ago. I'm really excited to learn from the rest of the group here, especially sunforged and Mark Knowles. Now, if only I had a clue about how to choose keywords. Yes, I know there are so many tutorials out there. That's the problem. A person could go mad with overwhelm trying to figure out where to start. So- I will not attempt to start at the beginning or at the end; I will jump right into the middle here and see what happens.

Won't you join me?

Click here to get started on HubPages.

Question:

How do I insert a link so that people who sign up for HubPages are somehow linked to me for the whole referral/Adsense commission thing? This is easy, right? But it is one of my mental blocks I'd love to overcome. Whoever can help me with it will be my first new BFF of this process. Go ahead, compete for my affection.

ANSWER:

Thank you to sunforged (and congrats on your new status as my new BFF!). It's so easy: Simply get your tracker from here:

http://hubpages.com/my/trackers

and insert here:

http://hubpages.com/_yourtrackernumber/user/new/

Thank you, sunforged!

A little history about my life on HubPages:

I started with HubPages in July of 2007. At that time I started writing about 15 Hubs a month. Today I have over 500 Hubs. My intention was to write on parenting topics, and most of my Hubs continue to be on topics of interest to parents. I approached my Hubs at first as "articles". However, over time I have come to appreciate the power of Hubs to generate revenue. In fact, my Hubs bring in several hundred dollars a month. This has been accomplished pretty much by writing on similar topics, but without much thought to SEO or promotion.

Once my income from Hubs topped a hundred dollars a month I started thinking about approaching them more systematically, but just haven't gotten motivated to do it yet. It has seemed so overwhelming. Now is the time to change all that, right?

60 Challenge Goals:

Here are the goals I hope to achieve in during April and May with my Hub Pages:

1. Increase my understanding of SEO and promotion. Apply this new knowledge to 30 new Hubs created during April.

2. Network with other new and experienced Hubbers.

3. Learn how to leverage and improve existing Hubs.

4. Increase page views and earnings.

Strategy for the 60 Day Challenge

My strategy will be to use the topic areas from my existing pool of Hubs that I have identified to be topics I want to expand on and leverage. These are topics that have the following in common:

• High score ranking from HubPages
• High traffic relative to my other Hubs
• High revenue potential as defined in Hub Stats

I have no idea is these are good criteria, but this is where I'm starting. Did I mention I'm open to suggestions? Oh yeah, I'm open.

That said, here are the topics I'll be writing on for this challenge:

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Parenting: Communication
• Travel: Midwest Region, with Children
• Children's Science Topics **
• Gifted Children (especially those with perfectionist tendencies)

Now, according to Mark Knowles, looks like I need a monetization strategy for each of these, so I'm going to go with the following:

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding - Amazon and Ebay (breast pumps)
• Parenting: Communication - Amazon
• Travel: Midwest Region, with Children - Adsense
• Children's Science Topics ** - Adsense and Amazon
• Gifted Children (especially those with perfectionist tendencies) - Amazon

Again, I have no clue here. These strategies are based on my limited observation of where my current income is coming from. For example, I know that I earn commission on a lot of books about communicating with your children and managing life with a gifted child.

I'm hoping to employ some decent SEO techniques along the way, but I'm also intent on NOT getting stuck and therefore leaving the challenge incomplete. Which is why I've published this Hub - to track my efforts, yes, but also to keep me accountable to the group.

So here goes. I'm looking forward to learning from the wonderful Hubbers here.

Luck to us all!

Hey, want to join me? It's not rocket science, I promise!

AndNo, there is no charge. Awesome, right?

Click here to get started on HubPages.

Dang, this is going to be a challenge. I've done 30 in 30 before, but I've never focused on really doing a bang-up job of SEO. Learning it takes longer than I thought. No wonder I get so overwhelmed! But here's to hoping the first one was the hardest.

Hub #1 - How to Increase Breast Milk Supply Using a Breast Pump

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/How-to-Increase-Breast-Milk-Supply-Using-a-Breast-Pump

Increasing breast milk supply is easy with the right breast pump. This article addresses how to increase breast pump milk production. It give suggestions for how to increase breast milk production and how to produce breast milk using everything from a hospital grade breast pump to cheap breast pumps. Idea are given for preventing low breast milk supply when the nursing mother is away from her baby, as when working, or when the breasts are injured.

Hub #2 - Heal Cracked Nipples and Engorged Breasts by Using a Breast Pump

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Heal-Cracked-Nipples-and-Engorged-Breasts-by-Using-a-Breast-Pump

Engorged breasts and cracked nipples can make many women want to stop breastfeeding. If they can learn how to soothe engorged breasts and solve other breastfeeding challenges by using a breast pump, they may continue baby breastfeeding, therefore providing benefits of breastfeeding. In this article breast engorgement is addressed, advice for breastfeeding is given, and breastfeeding questions are answered.

Hub #3 - Breastfeeding and Alcohol: Pump and Dump Breast Milk

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Breastfeeding-and-Alcohol-Pump-and-Dump-Breast-Milk

Breastfeeding and alcohol are not a good combination. Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding can pass alcohol through mother's breast milk to her baby. However, it is okay to drink alcohol while breastfeeding as long as you pump and dump breast milk. This article answers breastfeeding questions about pump and dump nursing, or pump and dump breastfeeding.

Hub #4 - Use a Breast Pump to Stop Baby Breast Feeding

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Use-a-Breast-Pump-to-Stop-Baby-Breast-Feeding

Learn how to stop breastfeeding or feed pumped breast milk to baby. Tips on how to stop breastfeeding no matter what your reasons for wanting to stop breastfeeding. Answer to the question how do I stop breastfeeding and advice on when to stop breastfeeding. Baby breast feeding is a personal decision and so is weaning from breastfeeding.

Hub #5 - How to Store Breast Milk for Bottle Feeding Breast Milk

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/How-to-Store-Breast-Milk-for-Bottle-Feeding-Breast-Milk

Bottle breast feeding breast milk is easy with a good quality electric breast feeding pump. This article offers tips for storing breast milk.Breast milk storage containers are specially designed to store breast milk in the freezer for months. Hospital grade breast pump rental is available in most communities as a temporary option prior to buying a breast pump. Breastmilk storage is easily done in a standard freezer.

Hub #6 - Top 3 iPhone Apps for Breastfeeding

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Top-3-iPhone-Apps-for-Breastfeeding

Baby nursing is easy when you have the right tools. The benefits of breastfeeding are many, but it can be cumbersome for nursing mothers to track everything. New iPhone apps for breastfeeding put breastfeeding trackers and breastfeeding advice at mother's fingertips. Breastfeeding benefits are multiplied when the process of breastfeeding is easier and more enjoyable for mother and baby.

Hub #7 - Top 5 Reasons to Use a Breast Pump

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Top-5-Reasons-to-Use-a-Breast-Pump

Buying a breast pump is a great way to make the most of breastfeeding. If you want to take advantage of breast pump rental or if you want to buy a breast pump, there are many good reasons to use a breast pump. These include increasing breast milk supply, healing breast injuries like cracked nipples and engorged breasts, drinking alcohol while breastfeeding, stocking up on breast milk, and stopping breastfeeding.

Hub #8 - Use Open Ended Questions For Children to Get to Know Your Kids

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Use-Open-Ended-Questions-For-Children-To-Get-To-Know-Your-Kids

Open ended questions are a great way to get to know your children better. Open ended questions to ask children are presented here by category along with different types of common open ended questions for different age groups. Links to more samples of open ended questions are also provided. Examples of open ended questions children will enjoy answering are included. Get to know you questions for kids keep communication open between parent and child.

Hub #9 - Use Open Ended Questions to Start Dinner Conversation

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Use-Open-Ended-Questions-to-Start-Dinner-Conversation

Open ended questions are a great way to get to get kids talking at the dinner table. Open ended questions to ask children are presented here. Different types of common open ended questions are discussed with the purpose of starting dinner table conversation. Links to more samples of open ended questions are also provided. Examples of open ended questions children will enjoy answering are included.

Hub #10 - Use Open Ended Questions to Get Kids Talking After School

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Use-Open-Ended-Questions-to-Get-Your-Kids-Talking-After-School

Open ended questions are a great way to get your children talking after school. Open ended questions to ask children are presented here with different uses for common open ended questions. Links to more samples of open ended questions are also provided. Examples of open ended questions children will enjoy answering are included. Get to know you questions for kids keep communication open between parent and child.

Hub #11 - Use Open Ended Questions With Teenagers After a Date

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Use-Open-Ended-Questions-With-Teenagers-After-a-Date

Open ended questions are a great way to get to know your teenagers talking after a date. Open ended questions to ask teens are presented here with different types of common open ended questions. Links to more samples of open ended questions are also provided. Examples of open ended questions t get teenagers talking are included. Get to know you questions for kids keep communication open between parent and child.

Hub #12 - How to Use Open Ended Questions With Young Children

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/How-to-Use-Open-Ended-Questions-With-Young-Children

Open ended questions are a great way to get to know young children better. Open ended questions to ask children are presented here by category along with different types of common open ended questions for young children. Links to more samples of open ended questions are also provided. Examples of open ended questions preschoolers will enjoy answering are included. Get to know you questions for kids keep communication open between parent and child.

Hub #13 - Top 5 Ways to Use Open Ended Questions With Children

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Top-5-Ways-to-Use-Open-Ended-Questions-with-Children

Open ended questions are a great way to get to know your children better. Open ended questions to ask children are presented here by category along with different types of common open ended questions for different age groups. Links to more samples of open ended questions are also provided. Examples of open ended questions children will enjoy answering are included. Get to know you questions for kids keep communication open between parent and child.

Hub #14 - Dreams and Wolf: Two of the Best Family Resorts

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Dreams-and-Wolf-Two-of-the-Best-Family-Resorts

The best beach vacations can often be had at the best family resorts. The best family vacation destinations aren't necessarily Caribbean family resorts. Cheap summer vacations can be found with Midwest vacations. For family all inclusive kid friendly vacations, you will pay more for the beach than inland. Kids resorts offer all kinds of activities for children and teenagers. Vacations with kids are easy at the best family resorts.

Hub #15 - Cheap Summer Vacations with Kids

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Cheap-Summer-Vacations-With-Kids

Cheap summer vacations often make the best beach vacations. The best family resorts don’t have to be expensive, and some of the most memorable family times happen close to home, not at Caribbean family resorts. This article offers ideas for the least expensive and best family vacation destinations. You won’t find family all inclusive resorts here, but you will get good advice about kid friendly vacations and tips for frugal vacations with kids.

Hub #16 - Best Beach Vacations with Kids: High and Low End Options

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Best-Beach-Vacations-with-Kids-High-and-Low-End-Options

The best beach vacations are the ones with the kids. Sometimes they are at the best family resorts, sometimes they are cheap summer vacations. The best family vacation destinations always include something for everyone. From Carribean family resorts and family all inclusive clubs to the most low key kid friendly vacations, the beach offers a lot of alternative kids vacations.

Hub #17 - Best Vacations with Kids

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Best-Vacations-with-Kids

Vacations with kids provide some of the best family bonding time. Kids vacations should offer something for everyone in the family, but cater to the kids. Resorts, family all inclusive trips, camping, and going to the beach are all examples of kid friendly vacations presented here. The best beach vacations and best family vacation destinations are all about the children.

Hub #18 - Best Family Vacation Destinations in the US (and Cancun)

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Best-Family-Vacations-in-the-US-and-Cancun

Some of the best family vacation destinations are presented here. The article includes the best beach vacations and places to find the best family resorts and family all inclusive deals. Caribbean family resorts are included here as kid friendly vacations, as are kids resorts like NickHotel. Midwest vacations are also listed as a good option for vacations with kids.

Hub #19 - Best Family All Inclusive Vacations

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Best-Family-All-Inclusive-Vacations

The best beach vacations and the best family resorts often offer family all inclusive packages. Some of the best family vacation destinations are Caribbean family resorts. While these are not cheap summer vacations, these kid friendly vacations can actually provide a lot of value for the price. It depends on what is included, especially in the kids resorts. For kids vacations, all inclusives might be the most convenient option.

Hub #20 - Top 5 Kid Friendly Vacations

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Top-5-Kid-Friendly-Vacations

Kid friendly vacations provide some of the best family bonding time. Kids vacations should offer something for everyone in the family, but cater to the kids. Resorts, family all inclusive trips, camping, and going to the beach are all examples of kid friendly vacations presented here. The best beach vacations and best family vacation destinations are all about the children.

Hub #21 - Gifted Kids Are Special Needs Children

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Gifted-Kids-Are-Special-Needs-Children

This article addresses how to know if your child is gifted as well as the importance of getting gifted kids into gifted education. It helps you know how to tell if your child is gifted based on the federal definition of giftedness. This is the standard for getting gifted and talented students the right education for their special needs. Children who are gifted and talented need assessment testing, usually including a cognitive abilities test to be identified as gifted children.

Hub #22 - Gifted Kids Require Gifted Education

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Gifted-Kids-Require-Gifted-Education

This article addresses the importance of getting gifted kids into gifted education. It helps with how to know if your child is gifted based on the federal definition of giftedness. This is the standard for getting gifted and talented students the right education for their special needs. Children who are gifted and talented need assessment testing, usually including a cognitive abilities test to be identified as gifted children. Gifted kids also benefit from supplemental gifted and talented education outside of school.

Hub #23 - Best Books About Gifted Children

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Best-Books-About-Gifted-Children

This article presents books that will help with how to know if your child is gifted as well as the importance of getting gifted kids into gifted education. Books about gifted kids are included. How to tell if your child is gifted is easy based on the federal definition of giftedness. This is the standard for getting gifted and talented students the right education for their special needs. Children who are gifted and talented need assessment testing, usually including a cognitive abilities test to be identified as gifted children.

Hub #24 - What Are Gifted Children?

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/What-are-Gifted-Children

This article addresses how to know if your child is gifted as well as the importance of getting gifted kids into gifted education. It helps you know how to tell if your child is gifted based on the federal definition of giftedness. Children who are gifted and talented need assessment testing, usually including a cognitive abilities test to be identified as gifted children. The idea of indigo children and whether or not they are gifted children is included.

Hub #25 - Gifted Children: Free Online Survival Guide

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Gifted-Children-Free-Online-Survival-Guide-for-Parents

This article contains resources for how to know if your child is gifted as well as the importance of getting gifted kids into gifted education. It helps you know how to tell if your child is gifted based on the federal definition of giftedness. Children who are gifted and talented need assessment testing, usually including a cognitive abilities test to be identified as gifted children. Information about educational talent searches is included.

Hub #26 - Resources for Writing Birth Plans

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Resources-For-Writing-Birth-Plans

Parents who want to learn how to write a birth plan will find resources here to create simple birth plans. Everything from birth complications to hypnobirth, birthing balls, and natural childbirth can be covered in birth plans. Watching a childbirth DVD, childbirth live, or childbirth movies are all valuable resources for writing birth plans. A childbirth video showing a home birthing could be extremely enlightening.

Hub #27 - Birthing Ball: Add This to Your Birth Plans

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Birthing-Ball-Add-This-to-Your-Birth-Plans

Birthing balls are so versatile that parents will want to include them in prenatal preparations and birth plans. Even simple birth plans can be improved with a birth ball. All kinds of birth situations from home birthing and natural childbirth to a fully medicated hospital birth can include stability balls. A childbirth DVD, prenatal yoga video and a video showing the use of the rebozo technique are all included.

Hub #28 - Best Childbirth Videos

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Best-Childbirth-Videos

Simple birth plans are made better by watching childbirth movies. You can learn about birth complication and improve birth plans by watching a childbirth DVD. Watching childbirth live is the best education, but not always practical, which is why childbirth video is so valuable.

Hub #29 - What is Hypnobirth?

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/What-is-Hypnobirth

Hypnobirth, or hypnobirthing, refers to the use of hypnosis to support a natural childbirth. Many birth complications can be mitigated using relaxation techniques. Hypnobirth is something to consider adding to your birth plans, along with your birthing ball and all the other information you learned watching all those childbirth movies. The hypnosis techniques for childbirth can help most laboring women, whether or not they decide to accept pain medication for childbirth.

Hub #30 - Birth Plans Support Natural Childbirth

http://hubpages.com/_2clzp7k2jht5p/hub/Birth-Plans-Support-Natural-Childbirth

Birth plans can help support natural childbirth. Learning how to write a birth plan can help you plan the best reaction to any birth complication. In addition to birth plans, using a birthing ball, laboring under hypnosis (hypnobirthing), and watching childbirth video are all presented as ways to support natural childbirth.

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