Lindsey D. Toth

Dietetic Intern, Frances Stern Nutrition Center

M.S. Nutrition Communications Candidate, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University

http://www.HealthyBlogSnack.com

Lindsey.Toth@gmail.com

So you’ve finally started your own website or blog.  Congratulations!  You’ve taken advantage of a wonderful marketing opportunity the www provides, and put your name out there as an expert in the field of dietetics.  Getting started is half the battle.  Problem is, the other half is getting people to read what you have to say.  Let’s face it, blogging may be fun, but it just doesn’t seem worth it if there’s no one there to hear your cries of “Eat leafy greens!”  So how do you increase traffic to your site?

A month ago, I was asking myself this same question.  I finally had my first website and blog up-and-running, and couldn’t wait to start posting.  Too bad I only had two subscribers – and I’m pretty sure mom and dad don’t count.

 As I write this article, the one month anniversary of HealthyBlogSnack.com approaches.  Within that one month, I went from zero readers, to over 1,200 site hits and 152 regular subscribers – all thanks to social networking.  I experimented with every social networking site under the sun, tracked my site’s statistics, delved into the realm of social networking research, and played with titles and keywords to find the most effective ways to increase traffic.  I’ll share some of the tips and tricks I picked up from my experiments and research to help you tweet, poke, and ping your way to increased site traffic!

1.      Spread the Word

If you aren’t social networking, I think by now you know you should be.  Get out there and make profiles on the big social networking sites.  Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and MySpace are good places to start. Others that may help you spread the word outside of your own social bubble are Reddit (one of my favorites) and De.lic.i.ous.  Most of these sites offer a status update area, where you can let the world know what your latest post is about (Facebook, Twitter), or even applications that link your blog directly to your profile (LinkedIn).  The more visible you and your blog are, the more traffic you’ll get.

2.      Updating, Update, Update Your Status

Every time you post, let the world know!  I found that on average, I had 70% more traffic on days I updated my social network status with a link to my latest post, than on days I didn’t.  For ease of updating, use a service like Ping.fm to collectively update all of your social personas in one swipe.  It will even automatically crunch your big links down into more manageable ones for you.  Experts have found (and my experiments concur) that for optimal visibility, the best time of day to update your status is 3:00pm.  This tends to be one of the busiest times of the day for social networking sites, as everyone is checking their favorite networks one last time before they head home from work.  This makes it a perfect time to update your status with a link to your latest blog post.

3.      Tits, Tots, and Terriers

Ok, so while this marketing trio may not be so applicable in what we do, the concept still applies.  A post about those chocolate dipped strawberries you made titled, “Chocolate Dipped Strawberries,” is just not going to get the same amount of traffic as the same post titled, “Deliciously Decadent Berry Aphrodisiacs.”  Sex, babies, and puppies sell.  Remember this when choosing titles and keywords, people will be more likely to find you in a search, and more likely to check out your site because of your intriguing titles.

4.      What’s in it for ME?

Remember, people didn’t come to your site to hear about your cute niece Suzie and the latest family BBQ.  You are the health, wellness, and food expert, and they came to hear about what you can do for them.  When writing, always ask yourself if there’s something in it for the reader.  If not, chances are they aren’t going to stick around as long term subscribers.  Recipes, diet tricks, power foods, etc.  Make sure what you’re posting about is relevant to and useful in your readers’ daily lives.

Now let’s get out there and improve our social networking scene.  Tweet me @NutritionTalk (c’mon, set up that profile – www.Twitter.com) to let me know how social networking has helped you.  Your blog will be an online hot-spot faster than you can cry, “Eat leafy greens!”

For Ann Arbor Real Estate information, call 734-669-0337 or tweat us  @ AnnArborRealtor

The University of Michigan, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum will be putting on the 29th Annual Spring Plant Sale this year from Friday, May 8th to Sunday, May 10th.  Over the years this has become THE can’t miss garden season kick-off event. 

This year some featured plants include:

• Sun and Share Perennials
• Ground Covers
• Herbs
• Climbing Vines
• Roses
• Native Plants
• Vegetables
• Woodland Plants
• and More

You’ll find a PDF of the complete plant list for the Ann Arbor sale online.

This year the sale will feature over 1,000 varietals and fresh, unusual selections.  Highlights such as Supertunia Raspberry Blast, Euphorbia Diamond Frost, Helleborus Golden Sunrise and native Indian grasses will thrill local garden lovers.  Experts will also be on hand to answer any questions and provide information or advice.

Fun will be had by all, there are many kid-friendly activities so don’t forget to bring the whole family!

Also - become a member at the Pre-Sale Party on Friday from 3-7pm (May to receive a free plant and 10% off!

Ann Arbor Spring Plant Sale List of Events

Hope to see you there!

Ann Arborites - just leave the noise behind and slap on the long boards!  That is what we did last weekend at the Hudson Mills Metro Park.  There is a three mile trail along the Huron River with 2 bridges to soak in the meandering icy water.  Check on Michigan ski conditions before you head out.

We have a winter storm watch today so my Manchester sellers postponed our meeting until next week.  We may just head on back for some quick exercise with the tog in tow.  We are so fortunate to have such great parks here in the Ann Arbor area.  I would love to tour you around if you are relocating to the Ann Arbor, MI area.  You and your kids can join me for an afternoon and we will have a blast!

There is a trail for beginners and intermediate skiers - 12.9 kilometers long.  More information can be found at:

Hudson Mills Metropark
8801 North Territorial Road
PO Box 337 Dexter, MI
48130 (800)477-319
mail@metroparks.com
Hudson Mills Metropark Web Site

The next event is tapping trees 03/07/09 - 03/29/09. Happy Skiing!

Click here to search all Ann Arbor area Michigan
homes and condos with pictures and tours - FREE!

Get back to the basics!  The Leslie Science Center in Ann Arbor aims to get kids outside to enjoy Michigan’s natural surroundings.  They’re also passionate about teaching important concepts relative to science.  Teachers provide depth of understanding through a very hands-on approach to education - nature hikes, experiments, games, and more.  They are also concerned about helping to foster an environmental ethic, as the children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.

Their mission is, “to provide youth with educational experiences that foster understanding, appreciation, excitement and respect for the natural environment and that also generate responsible environmental stewardship in recognition of the legacy of Dr. Eugene and Mrs. Emily Leslie.”   

The Leslie Science and Nature Center also houses a bird sanctuary.  The facility mostly contains birds with permanent injury - turkey vultures, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, owls, and more.  The birds are trained to eventually be released back to the wild if possible.

The center considers their staff one of the largest parts of their success.  The nature house is a great example of green technology with built-in solar panels.  While the critter house - home to a large number of animals - is a kid’s favorite!

Located right in the middle of Ann Arbor on 50 acres of fields, prairie, woods and ponds - this beautiful sanctuary provides a wonderful backdrop for natural science and environmental education.  Grant funded programs help reach kids that may not otherwise be able to attend.

Visit the Leslie Science and Nature Center Website and take a look at upcoming Ann Arbor programs!

The Whole Foods market in Ann Arbor at Cranbrook is one of my favorite places to shop!  I just love the fresh meat and fish market, along with the baked goods that are out of this world.  Recently I found out you can sample a glass of wine at the wine bar and then do your shopping, kind of fun to meet your sweetie there on Friday evening for weekend shopping with a glass of wine in hand.  I just adore all the fresh flowers and fruit as well. 

This store is located at 990 W. Eisenhower Parkway on the Northeast corner of Ann Arbor’s Saline Road in the Cranbrook Village shopping center.  They offer several shopper benefits and events that you may not know about!  Take a look:

1. Whole Kids Club, just for kids ages 3-12
   Memberships is free - kids get a punch card (punched on Wednesdays) enabling them to be eligible for Kid’s Club merchandise, free treats and prizes.
2. Pizza Wednesday
   One topping 16″ pizzas are just $8.99 on Wednesdays, a $3 savings!
3. Michigan Beer Happy Hour
   Daily from 5-7pm, $3 pints and no corkage fee on singles
4. Michigan Wine Wednesdays
   noon - 9pm local wine tastings
5. Rush Hour Relief
   Thursdays, 5-7pm, visit the Cranbrook Whole Foods store calendar for details.

Whole Foods is also committed to green living.  Their “one Dime at a Time” Program gives customers who re-use shopping bags a ten cent refund per bag on new grocery purchases.  Customers can either accept the cash refund or choose to donate it to the stores chosen not-for-profit organization.  The Ann Arbor Cranbrook market will be donating to The Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor’s Teen Center through March of 09.

Ann Arbor’s Whole Foods market is truly an “experience”.  They go above and beyond to make grocery shopping a treat.  I love to take a break from selling Ann Arbor Real Estate to pick up some fresh bread for healthy sooups I make. Take a look at some of the things you’ll find at Whole Foods Market Cranbrook:

• A wine and Beer Bar
• A Gelato Bar, 20 flavors every day made at the store
• An espresso, coffee and tea bar
• An In-store smokehouse
• Brick oven baked pizza
• Panini sandwiches, made to order
• Hots homemade soups
• Sushi, bento boxes and noodle bowls - made to order
• Vegetarian and Vegan Fare
• Delectable chocolates
• The Whole Lifestyle Center offering cooking and lifestyle classes
• Free wireless Internet

Whole Foods specializes in certified, LOCAL organic foods and sustainable harvest practices.  You’ll find everything from seasonal, local produce to a myriad of artisan cheeses to fresh seafood, custom meats and delicious baked goods.  They’ll have you and your sweetie fighting for the grocery shopping duties - so call it a date and join in the fun!

You’ll also find another Ann Arbor Whole Foods Store on Washtenaw in the Huron Village Plaza.  We are here to help you find all sorts of local resources if you are relocating to Ann Arbor or even if you live here in Ann Arbor or nearby communities.  We are here to help you with your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs in Washtenaw County.

I graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1981 with a Masters in Business Administration.  I keep in touch through alumni and go to a couple functions a year.  It was a great program for me because I was at Ford Motor working as an auditor when I started and was taking night classes.  Ford Motor paid the bill.

Then my husband and I moved to Toronto where I went to University of York for part of my masters and learned to blend in and say “out and about” if you know what I mean, “Ey”?   Those classes transferred down to EMU in Ypsilanti.

Then I commuted for my last four classes from Toronto to Ypsilanti so I could finish my degree.  I drove down each week until I finally walked across the stage in my cap and gown.  It was a great experience for me because I was doing this for me and enjoyed earning good grades.

I came across this video that sums up what EMU represents for many students and wanted to share it.  While you are on this page, there are some other excellent videos of speeches and pointers.

As an aside, one of my clients is an assistant Dean at Eastern Michigan University and I have truly enjoyed working with her because she “gets” the data and is open to ideas.  Actually, I guess I really appreciate our overall educational level of our Ann Arbor community.  I love to share data and help my clients interpret it – that is one of my Ann Arbor Real Estate favorites!

OK, without my Health, Ann Arbor Real Estate does not Matter, Right?

          http://www.motionbox.com/videos/0a9fdfb0181ee6c487

Every cell in our bodies requires energy ― whether it’s delivering nutrients to our brains, pumping oxygen from our lungs to our muscles during power walks, or producing infection-fighting white blood cells deep in our bone marrow. Our body converts calories in food to energy (blood sugar) to perform these and many other functions. So I admit - I am in need of a cooking make over. Thus, the cooking class.

My husband and I took a cooking class which is more vegan than we realized. I got to try almond, soy and rice milk.  This was like a Napa wine bar experience. (Ok, so Larry was not in love with soy.)  Jan cooked during all the classes and we sampled diligently.  Yes, and kale was a new experience.  I even bought some kale at Plum market.  (Don’t ask if I ever cooked it.)

There are many of you making resolutions about diet and losing weight. We just got a head start and had a great time learning new recipes. My family is home for the Holidays and yes, I am trying out another soup recipe today.  We love soups.  My bread maker is on over drive.  I just wish I could evoke the smell for you.

If you are in the neighborhood, drop by for supper.  We can give you a bird’s eye view of the Chain of Lakes or tour you through our area.  Most of the lakes are in Pinckney. (See the bottom of the page for all area tours.)  We welcome you and would be happy to give you a boat tour in the summer or hey, while Kevin is home, you can ice fish any day!

Cheers and Best wishes,

Kathy 

Related post:
Hello To You From The Beautiful Chain-of-Lakes

The Purple Rose Theatre was alive last night with a Jeff Daniels tradition.  He plays his original songs on guitar. This year he invited his daughter, son Ben, and wife Kathleen on stage to participate.  Since many of the songs are written from real life events, their participation was very special.  Jeff said he wept openly when Ben Daniels declared he wanted to be a musician.  Ben’s song “Fake Your Smile,” performed as a duo with his dad Jeff, was quite good.

My favorite replay this year was “The RV Song.” A couple new ones to me were ”Happy Birthday to Kathleen” and “Tiny Shoes.”  Again, the personalization is hard to imagine but understanding the song’s birth is part of what makes the experience so special.  Apparently, the kids had friends over to change clothes for a prom and friend Billy Hayes’ shoes ended up in Jeff’s closet and then his suitcase.  So for a black tie awards affair on the red carpet in Spain, out came Billy’s size 9.5 shoes to be worn in concert with the tux they brought for the special occasion.  Jeff wears a size 12 shoe so he stuffed his poor feet into the tiny shoes and walked on stage to receive the award.

The proceeds from 11 Holiday performances are donated back to the Purple Rose. CD’s are available in the lobby at $20 non-autographed and $30.00 with autographs.  For tickets, call (734) 433-ROSE.

Plum market is where I buy organic soap with citrus, fresh sushi, lots of fresh produce, green machine naked juice and a bottle of wine or two.  For that, I depend on Rod Johnson, Wine and Beer Team Leader.  He knows his wines and can introduce you to the cold cellar where some special wines are housed.   He is a great resource.

No detail is overlooked at Plum where Matt and Marc Jonna have set out to provide a grocery experience like no other.  Their product selections mix the best in natural, organic, specialty and local products.  Their produce department is a perfect example of their craft.  Freshness and quality are an absolute must and locally grown Michigan product are always highlighted.  As soon as something comes into season, you’ll find the freshest and the best version at Plum Market.  Their meats and artisan cheeses are also to die for - not to mention the bakery case full of fresh pastries! 

Rod’s wine cellar is truly exceptional, he was nice enough to provide wines to the  Womens’ Council of REALTORS meeting hosted at Liberty Title recently.  Take a look at our pictures below.

Womens Council of Realtors Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Plum Market Wine Beer Team Leader

Plum Market is the perfect place to find that special ingredient you’re looking for, take a look: http://www.plummarket.com

Plum Market is located at:

Maple Village | 375 North Maple Road | Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | map
Store Hours 8am - 10pm Everyday
Pharmacy Hours 9am - 6pm Mon through Fri | 9am - 3pm Sat
Coffee Bar Hours 6am - 10pm Mon through Fri | 7am - 10pm Sat & Sun
Contact Telephone 734.827.5000 | Pharmacy 734.827.3000

Open Christmas Eve 8am - 8pm
Closed Christmas Day
Open New Years Eve 8am - 10pm
Open New Years Day 9am - 10pm

I have been to the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum with countless field trips, it is one of my favorite places to visit. Thanks to the awesome adventures such as those found at the museum and our great schools, Ann Arbor was ranked one of the best places to raise children in 2008. The museum’s mission is to “inspire people to discover the wonder of science, math and technology.” and “to be the leader in imaginative and interactive learning experiences”.

This Ann Arbor museum was founded in 1978 by a group of talented and dedicated volunteers. Today over 100 volunteers still give their energy and support to keep the museum going. Visitors have access to more than 250 exhibits all meant to bring physics, math, geology and music to life. A few of the regular exhibits include:

• How Things Work - generate tornadoes or pump water with an Archimedes Screw
• Preschool Gallery - a place for kids under 4 to explore water and play in a mini fire engine.
• All About You - See a full-size interactive Huron Valley Ambulance
• Michigan Nature Room - See a representation of Michigan in Fall
• Lights and Optics - Strum a stringless harp
• Recollections - YOU become the exhibit on an interactive video screen
• MediaWorks - Kids see themselves as news anchors working at CTN Television.

This is one of the coolest things you can do in Ann Arbor! I just love to watch the bees exit the building and build their hive right in front of me.

This Christmas, The Ann Arbor Hands on Museum is giving the gift of discovery! Purchase a membership anytime before December 31st and you’ll receive a $25 gift coupon for the hands-on store with your membership!

Take a look at the local story!