How to Use Facebook to Promote Your Blog and Grow Your Audience

18 January, 2014 | Blogging | 13 seen

Managing a successful Facebook page is crucial for bloggers who want to build a strong online presence and attract a wider audience. With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook provides a powerful platform for promoting your blog and engaging with your readers. In this article, we'll explore the key strategies for managing a successful Facebook page for bloggers and how you can optimize your page for maximum engagement and reach.

The first step in building a successful Facebook page for your blog is to create a professional profile that accurately reflects your brand and your blog's identity. Choose a profile picture and cover photo that are visually appealing and represent your blog's niche. Write a clear and concise bio that tells your readers who you are, what you do, and what your blog is about.

Posting engaging content is essential for building an active community on Facebook. This includes a mix of informative and entertaining posts that are relevant to your target audience. You can share links to your latest blog posts, behind-the-scenes photos, industry news, and more. It's also important to create a content calendar to ensure a consistent posting schedule and to experiment with different types of content to see what resonates with your readers.

Engaging with your audience is key to building a loyal following on Facebook. Respond to comments and messages promptly, ask your readers for their feedback, and encourage them to share your content with their friends. You can also join relevant groups and communities in your niche to connect with other bloggers and potential readers.

Facebook Ads are a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience and promoting your blog. You can create ads that target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors to ensure that your content is seen by people who are most likely to be interested in your blog. Set a budget and bidding strategy that works for your needs, and monitor your results to ensure that your ads are effective.

It's important to analyze your Facebook page's performance regularly to see what's working and what's not. Facebook provides detailed insights and analytics that can help you track your reach, engagement, and other important metrics. Use this data to make adjustments to your content and posting strategy to ensure that your Facebook page is as successful as possible.

In conclusion, managing a successful Facebook page is crucial for bloggers who want to build a strong online presence and attract a wider audience. By creating a professional profile, posting engaging content, interacting with your audience, utilizing Facebook Ads, and analyzing your results, you can optimize your Facebook page for maximum engagement and reach.

Are you looking to take your Facebook marketing strategy to the next level? As a skilled digital marketer, I have extensive experience in creating and implementing effective Facebook marketing campaigns. I specialize in helping businesses and organizations reach their target audience, drive engagement, and ultimately, achieve their marketing goals. From defining your target audience to crafting compelling ad creative and analyzing results, I can provide the expertise and guidance you need to succeed on Facebook. If you're ready to take your Facebook marketing strategy to the next level, let's connect and discuss how I can help your brand succeed on the world's largest social media platform.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia

16 January, 2014 | Churches and Monasteries | 39 seen

Etchmiadzin Cathedral is considered the oldest cathedral in the world. The original church was built in the early fourth century between 301 and 303 according to tradition by Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tiridates III. 

I had a chance to visit this holy site at start of 2014, a harsh winter was in Yerevan and affected photos listed bellow. I would love to return here and re-photograph in Summer. 

At the main entrance gates

On our trip to Yerevan, Armenia, we met a cool Taxi driver Tom, and asked him, what is the most must have to see tourist attraction in Yerevan, he told that we must visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral which is located outside of capital Yerevan.

We negotiated with Tom to drive us there. At start he told it would cost about 5.000 Drams, but later it turned out to be 7000 Drams with stops at Yerevan Market and local kabab tasting.

The same entrance gates from the inside

I was impressed - It's the oldest church building in world. It dates back from 301 A.D.  Just logical it's listed as UNESCO World Heritage site.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

Some church renovation works were performed when we last time visited it in 2014. 

At Etchmiadzin in Armenia

Etchmiadzin was the seat of the Catholicos until 484. It was restored as catholicosate almost a millennium later in 1441 and remains as such to this day.  It has been constantly renovated since the 17th century. Major additions were made by various catholicoi. Diminished during the early Soviet period (1920–30s), Etchmiadzin revived again under Vazgen I in the second half of the 20th century.

Christmas installations at Etchmiadzin  cathedral

Etchmiadzin has been one of the most important locations in Armenia since its foundation. The cathedral complex is called the "Armenian Vatican" for its significance. Along with several important churches located nearby, the Etchmiadzin Cathedral was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000

That said all I can add is a huge thanks to our taxi driver Tom, here is his phone number +374 91228812 in case.

If you are looking for nice hotel in Yerevan, take a look at this hotel review or this

Plan your trip to Georgia (country)? Here is what you will need

15 January, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 3 seen

Georgia is an amazing country located in South Caucasus. If you are planing your trip here, or like I am looking to stay a bit longer, here I have created a few, but as I guess really useful guides in Georgia.

Here are my three favorites:

• 16 Places To Visit In Georgia And Tbilisi
• 5 Days In Georgia Itinerary List - Make Most Of Your Trip
• Gudauri - Georgian Winter Capital for skiing, snowboarding, paragliding and heli-skiing

Boutique hotel Meg - Yerevan, Armenia

13 January, 2014 | Hotel reviews | 20 seen

We stayed at this boutique hotel in Yerevan for 2 nights at the start of January 2014. This hotel is one of the best I have visited lately. It's truly a boutique hotel - apartments are clean and warm. The King size bed is awesome and Sateliite TV with more than 200 Russian (and not only) channels is all the traveler needs.

The hotel offers a really nice feature - breakfast in the room. Fruits and water are for free + plus in your fridge, you 'll find soda and wine + that's for small extra money.

King size bed at hotel Meg in Yerevan

Centrally located in the heart of the capital, Hotel Meg, Yerevan’s only boutique hotel is within minutes’ walk from the famous Matenadaran, the Cascade and the Opera.

This small hotel of only seven spacious one and two-room suites have been designed based on the simple concept of doing everything possible to make our guests feel at home.

Whether for business or pleasure, our stylish rooms, comfortable luxurious beds, modern facilities along with our friendly, courteous and professional staff, promise to make your stay in Yerevan a memorable one.

TV set

If you take a Taxi - tell him to take you to Government Hosting place, we tried to explain address Jirashat 1, but nobody, I mean nobody knew where such street is located. If you speak Russian - tell taxi driver - next to дом приема.

Interior at Hotel meg in Yerevan, Armenia

Laptop connected probably was writing an article about Etchmiadzin cathedral in Armenia

If you need a taxi service from the Hotel ask at the reception to call you a taxi - under the hotel, there is a Taxi base, and your taxi will be available in 2-3 minutes. Prices around Yerevan 600 Dram for first 3 km, and 100 drams for each extra kilometer. 

Book a room at Hotel Meg via Booking.com now

A Simple Workaround to Display AdSense Ads in Drupal Views

11 January, 2014 | Drupal Development | 20 seen

Google AdSense is a popular platform for publishers to monetize their websites by displaying ads to their visitors. If you have a Drupal website and want to display Google AdSense ads in your views, there is a simple workaround that can help you achieve this goal.

In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to display Google AdSense ads in your Drupal views. 

Step 1: Install and configure the AdSense module

The first step in displaying Google AdSense ads in your Drupal views is to install and configure the AdSense module. This module is available for free in the Drupal module repository, and it allows you to add AdSense ads to your Drupal website in a few simple steps.

Step 2: Create a view

Once you've installed and configured the AdSense module, the next step is to create a view in Drupal. This can be done by navigating to the Views section of your Drupal administration dashboard and clicking the "Add new view" button.

Step 3: Add an AdSense block to your view

After you've created your view, you can add an AdSense block to it by clicking the "Add" button in the "Blocks" section of your view's configuration page. This will open a list of available block types, including the AdSense block.

Step 4: Configure your AdSense block

Once you've added an AdSense block to your view, you'll need to configure it by entering your AdSense publisher ID and choosing the ad size and type that you want to display. You can also choose where to display the ad on your view's page, such as in the header, footer, or sidebar.

Step 5: Save and preview your view

Finally, be sure to save your changes and preview your view to ensure that your AdSense ads are displaying correctly. You can access your view by navigating to the URL that corresponds with your view's path.

While this workaround is relatively simple, you may still encounter issues or need further customization. In these cases, it can be beneficial to hire a professional Drupal development company like DrupalTbilisi.com to assist you with your needs.

DrupalTbilisi.com has a team of experienced Drupal developers who can help you create a customized solution that fits your unique needs and requirements. They can assist with everything from module installation and configuration to complex website development and customization, ensuring that your website is fully optimized and ready to meet your goals.

In conclusion, displaying Google AdSense ads in your Drupal views can be a straightforward process with the help of the AdSense module. However, if you encounter any issues or require further customization, it can be beneficial to hire a professional Drupal development company like DrupalTbilisi.com to assist you with your needs.

With our expertise, you can ensure that your Drupal website will be fully optimized and ready to generate revenue through AdSense ads.

Record numbers of visitors visit Georgia - hoax or true?

9 January, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 7 seen

Today and yesterday I was reading some articles, claiming that record number of foreigners have visited Georgia in 2013. 

According to Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia - 5 365 356 foreigners crossed Georgian border in 2013.

Why I dont like this data?

Well in 2013, I have crossed Georgian border for some 6 times I guess. 3 times leaving and 3 times entering. So one me accounts for at least 3 times, right? It depends how to count.

Ok, lets dig deeper:

Georgian side have canceled VISA regime for Russian citizens, by knowing fact that many, I will not name the number, Georgians live in Russia, and obtains Russian passport, and since Mikheil Saakashvili is no more in office, are visiting their homeland country. By the way, Russian citizens entering Georgia, have the 4th highest rate. Turkey, Armenia, and Azarbaijan, ranking 1st. 

About Turkey side I have more questions, Sarpi - the Turkey/Georgia border some 18 km of Batumi - many Georgians do some smaller trade by entering Turkey, purchasing some goods and returning to Georgia. How many times they have been counted, and maybe as Turkish citizens? 

In 2013, I haven't crossed Sarpi border check, but in 2012 and 2011, I have crossed it for some 20 times at least. You may laugh, but not for tradding purposes - I really like Turkey, and some 200 km from Sarpi border check there is a Trabzon Airport, offering connections to rest of Turkey.

So, yes - the number is good, but is it counted right?

Read more:

• http://police.ge/en/saqartvelos-sazghvarze-gadaadgilebul-vizitorta-statistikuri-monatsemebi-2013-tseli-dekemberi/6040 
• http://newsgeorgia.ru/economy/20140108/216281587.html (In Russian)

GEL continues to be weak against USD - is it time to start get worried?

7 January, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 6 seen

At the end of December I made post about that Georgian lari continues to be weak agains USD. Today I decided to see what exchange rates are for today (07.01.2014)

And for my surprise GEL CONTINUES to be weak against USD, so much, that for me it seems like hidden devaluation of national currency of Georgia - Lari.  

In last 14 days - Georgian lari has lost 0.0299 from it's value.

Here is the screenshot from National bank of Georgia for exchange rates for GEL to USD (23.12.13-07.01.2014)

So, is it time to start get worried?

Browser wars - Google Chome 55%, IE 3%

6 January, 2014 | Blogging | 6 seen

Remember the Mosaic, early days of Netscape browser? I actually don't, but have heard of them a lot.

For many years my default choice has been Google Chrome browser - I even sometimes was so lazy, that didn't the cross-browser testing for smaller web projects I'm working with - who needs cross-browser testing - everyone uses Chrome, right? Right!

Browser Wars / Screen Resolutions 2019

I will not dig deeper in the overall use of browsers - searching the internet - you may find various data, some claim Internet Explorer still rules, but the majority will tell you that Google Chrome dominates. Hard to tell for others, but today looking into Google Analytics for one of the web projects I maintain - I found a scene like this:

Pretty impressive, right? So let's take a closer look on January 4th. As you can see from the picture above - in total there were 714 visits, of them:

• Chrome:393
• Firefox:71
• Opera:35
• Internet Explorer:23
• Other: 192

Let's convert this to percents. If 714 visits are 100%, then

• Chrome: 55%
• Firefox: 9.94%
• Opera: 4.90%
• Internet Explorer: 3.22%
• Other: 26%

So who the hell is "Other"? 

The "Other" as you can see is Safari (in app), and Safari browser itself. Well, I'm not very smart in this (in app), but I guess it's Apple iPhone's users. Android Browsers, seems goes to Android devices owners. YaBrowser - I guess is Russian made Chrome analog - Yandex browsers. No idea about Maxton and Browser NG. Opera Mini - mobile devices browsers.

Have you lately noticed similar browser behavior for your web projects? Share your thoughts in comments

Blog statistics December 2013

2 January, 2014 | Blogging | 5 seen

December was quite a busy month  - I managed to post everyday, but my enthusiasm has gone away.

Top 10 blog posts according to Google Analytics:

• Christmas Charity Fair In Tbilisi
• Drupal views taxonomy map
• Ukraine vs Poland by GDP 1990-2012
• Best spent $ 5 this year
• Estonia to catch up Scandinavia in next 10-15 years
• Baltic's vs Caucasus by GDP 2012
• Fast way to acquire new fans to your Facebook fan page
• Image hover effects - how to change background on mouse over
• Transnistria - the western outpost of Russia
• CIS, Baltics and Georgia GDP 2018

Latvia Joins the Euro Zone (2014): A New Era Begins

1 January, 2014 | Macroeconomics | 4 seen

Latvia is set to become the latest member of the Eurozone when it joins on January 1st, 2014. This will make the 17-nation currency bloc one country bigger, following the lead of two other former Soviet states, Estonia and Slovakia. The small eastern European country, with a population of just 2 million, became a member of the European Union free market in 2004, and finally got the green light to join the single currency zone in June of 2013.

From Wednesday, Latvians will be able to exchange their lats for euros free of charge at a fixed rate of 0.7 to 1 euro. There will be a two-week period in which both currencies will be in circulation before the lat is no longer a legal tender on January 15th.

Latvia's integration into the Eurozone will solidify its position as part of Europe and the Western world, following its membership in NATO, the United Nations, and the EU after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite being poorer than many Western European countries, with a 2012 GDP per capita of $21,905, which was only two-thirds of the EU average, Latvia's economy is expected to expand by 4% this year, while the Eurozone economy is forecast to contract by 0.6%.

Latvia's inclusion in the Eurozone is seen as a positive move by many, as it will reduce transaction and exchange rate costs when exporting to the Eurozone, which accounts for 30% of Latvia's exports. In addition, membership will reduce the economic risk from Latvia's high level of external financing requirements and foreign exchange debt. Moreover, the country is expected to become more appealing for foreign direct investment once it joins, as the cost of doing business with other Eurozone countries will fall, making it a more attractive location for companies looking for a European base.

However, membership in the Eurozone is controversial among the Latvian public, who are concerned about the loss of control over monetary policy, price rises, inconvenience, and loss of national sovereignty and identity. Despite these concerns, Latvian public support for joining the Eurozone stood at 38% when membership was announced in June of 2022.

Lithuania is expected to be the next country to join the Eurozone, at the start of 2015. Other potential members, such as Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania, are yet to join the Exchange Rate Mechanism, which is one of the "convergence criteria" for joining the Eurozone.

If Latvia's ascension goes smoothly, it may encourage other eastern European countries to consider the single currency. However, a recent EU survey in April of 2022 found that only 39% of respondents in the region thought joining the Eurozone would be positive for their country, with 54% believing it would have a negative impact.

The End of an Exciting Year 2013

31 December, 2013 | Blogging | 10 seen

As the end of the year approaches, it's a time for reflection and looking back at what has been achieved. In 2013, I embarked on a personal challenge to blog every single day for 365 days straight, and I am proud to say that I have accomplished this goal.

One aspect of my blogging journey that stands out, in particular, is the role that Facebook advertising played in the growth of my Facebook page. I started the year with a modest number of 1287 fans, and I am now looking ahead to the future with the goal of increasing that number to at least 6000 by the end of 2014.

While the number may seem small, I view it as a modest start, and I am eager to see what the future holds. The world of social media and online advertising is constantly evolving, and I am excited to see how my Facebook page will grow and change over the next year.

As I look back on my 2013 blogging, I am grateful for the journey and all that I have learned. Whether you are a blogger, a business owner, or simply someone looking to make a positive impact on the world, I hope that my story inspires you to set your own goals and work toward them with determination and passion.

Get Insights into Your Site Visitors' Engagement with the Click Heat Map for Drupal

30 December, 2013 | Drupal Development | 10 seen

Have you ever wondered where your website visitors are clicking on your pages? Knowing this information can help you make important design decisions, such as where to place ads for maximum impact. That's where the Click Heat Map for Drupal comes in!

To get started, you'll need to download both the ClickHeat module and library. Simply extract the module to the sites/all/modules directory and the library to the sites/all/libraries directory.

Next, follow the simple installation instructions:

And that's it! With the Click Heat Map for Drupal, you'll have a better understanding of your site visitor's behavior and be able to make informed design decisions

Discovering Tbilisi by Bike - A Timeless Journey Amidst New Year's Celebrations

29 December, 2013 | Living in Georgia | 6 seen

An updated take on an article originally published in December 2013, with a note that unfortunately, most of the pictures from the original piece have been lost. However, new photos have been added to showcase the beauty of Tbilisi.

Experience the charm of Tbilisi on a leisurely bike ride, with perfect weather conditions of sunny and warm.

With only a couple of days left until the New Year's festivities, the picturesque scenes captured on this journey will transport you to a timeless world, seemingly untouched by the approaching celebrations.

Experimenting with Facebook Scheduling Posts for Increased Traffic (2014)

28 December, 2013 | Blogging | 4 seen

As a webmaster, it's important to constantly explore new ways to drive traffic to your website. While search engine optimization (SEO) is a key component in boosting your website's visibility, there are other ways to drive traffic and engagement as well. One such way is through social media, particularly Facebook.

There has been a lot of speculation about the relationship between Facebook and SEO, with some people believing that there is a direct impact, while others think it's more indirect. However, the truth is that there is a connection between the two, albeit a subtle one.

The likes, shares, and comments that you receive on your Facebook posts can contribute to your website's visibility, especially if the content is high quality and relevant. Additionally, if someone shares a post from your Facebook page on their own profile, it can further increase your website's exposure to new audiences.

So, in an effort to explore the relationship between Facebook and SEO further, I decided to conduct an experiment. My goal was to see if posting links to my Facebook fan page would help drive traffic to my website. I would like to share with you the details of this experiment, including my approach and the results I achieved.

The experiment was simple - I created a number of posts on my Facebook fan page, including links and photos.

For the links, I used the Google Analytics URL builder to add a custom URL parameter. The experiment was scheduled to last for one week.

At the end of the experiment, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. While I didn't see a massive surge in traffic, I did notice a significant increase in engagement and website visitors. This showed me that Facebook can indeed play a role in boosting your website's visibility, especially if you're strategic about the type of content you share.

In conclusion, while Facebook may not have a direct impact on your website's SEO, it can still be a valuable tool for driving traffic and engagement. As with any marketing strategy, it's important to be consistent, engaging, and relevant in your approach.

I hope this experiment has been helpful in demonstrating the relationship between Facebook and SEO. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Bakuriani: Your Next Winter Sports Destination in Georgia

27 December, 2013 | Living in Georgia | 11 seen

Bakuriani is a popular winter resort located in the heart of the Georgian mountains. Known for its scenic beauty, serene environment, and world-class skiing facilities, Bakuriani has become a popular tourist destination for winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world.

Despite its popularity, Bakuriani remains relatively unknown to the wider world.

However, the resort once applied to host the 2014 Winter Olympics and is considered by many to be an ideal location for the games.

Bakuriani is situated at an altitude of over 1,800 meters and is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. The resort boasts of some of the best ski slopes in the region, with a variety of runs for skiers of all levels of experience. From challenging black runs to gentler slopes for beginners, Bakuriani has something for everyone.

The resort is also known for its well-maintained ski infrastructure, with state-of-the-art ski lifts, snowmaking facilities, and ski rental services. Moreover, Bakuriani has a well-equipped medical center to handle any skiing-related injuries, ensuring the safety of all visitors.

In addition to skiing, Bakuriani offers a wide range of other winter sports, such as snowboarding, ice skating, and even sleigh rides. The resort is also home to several restaurants and cafes, where visitors can relax and enjoy traditional Georgian cuisine.

Despite its many attractions, Bakuriani was not selected to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. The cost of hosting the games, estimated to be around $50 billion, is likely one of the reasons why the resort was not chosen. However, if Georgia were to find the funds, Bakuriani would make a fantastic location for the Winter Olympics.

The scenic beauty, well-maintained ski facilities, and rich cultural heritage of Bakuriani make it a unique and memorable destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner, Bakuriani is the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy the winter wilderness.

In conclusion, Bakuriani is a hidden gem in the world of winter sports, offering a breathtaking mountain environment, world-class ski facilities, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-fueled skiing experience or just a peaceful escape from the city, Bakuriani is the perfect place for a winter getaway.