Blogs

WHAT IS IT TO PING A WEBSITE

by Rickey Johnson

ASA Instructor ( http://www.asanetwork.biz)

First an explanation ( now this is the simple version)

Ping is technical term used to describe how computer "speak" to each other.

To determine if a website is working (connected). A person "pings" that web address and translate the data received back to establish if a website is connecting.

OK enough techie talk.

WHY PING

I read this explanation for pinging on a blog ( interesting huh?)

The first question should be, WHY to ping a website?

Well, pinging is a way for search engines to update themselves quickly when you change your website content.

You want to ping a website after any big changes so that you can get that information to the search engines ASAP.

The quicker you ping, the quicker you get higher search engine slots and such.

Bloggers especially, should take heed, as they update frequently.

OK, now I will add my two cents ( and you might get change back)

People are using every "tool" they can to get people to pay attention to their information.

Blogging, ( writing an article in putting that information in a blog. LIKE RIGHT NOW) is one way to get people attention.

Yes, you are a BLOGGER, as soon as you write an article, and post it to your group site or blog site)

Congratulations!!!

But, how do you get the blog websites  to pay attention to your blog?

You got it  PING!!!

Inexpensive, ( how about free?!) and requires no technical knowledge

ASA recommends, the ping service,  ping.fm,  as part of ASA member's promotion strategy. This service has been used by many and you know what websites you are "contacting"

There are other ping service available.

Some service do not show what site you are updating with your PING. You have to check for yourself. Most service will show which sites they are sending the ping to.

Check for yourself, which one(s), you think are more effective or even useful at all!!  Remember PINGING is just a tool.

Like any tool, it must be used correctly.

When post a article to your blog page ( you automatically are creating a blog page url ( web address) when you post). you should go ahead and use your ping service.

You are "telling" the search engines, " Hey over here!! I just added some fantastic information to my blog page and I want the world to know it!!".

OR

You can wait until a search engine search happens and finds your update.

Notice , this article ( BLOG) can be located at

this address

http://asaonline.spruz.com/blog.htm?a=&nid=BE79CE7C-17EA-43BE-B7A2-D60291CA2B7C

Now, that is a long address ( most ping services will shorten that address when you submit).

Now, if I want someone to read this blog, I can send that address to them manually (email) or post to other blog sites, or social groups ( suggest you use a link shortening service  should you do that), or  a ping service,  and PING it!!!

I can do all of the above or none.

Again, you must determine what works best for you!

The great news is you have ASA members and membership benefits that can help you in your education and research.

Pretty cool, huh?