By the way, I’ve discovered a few good WordPress plug-ins that make local search engine optimization easy. Here’s my list so far:

• SEO Ultimate – this one has just about everything you need to make local seo a breeze, rich snippet creator, open graph integrator, and author highlighter to name a few.
• Google SEO Author Snippet Plugin
• Google XML Sitemaps
• WordPress SEO By Yoast
• All in One SEO Pack

This one is in beta now, but I’m looking forward to checking it out once it is avaialable:

Local SEO by Yoast

The grex field was added to the database to allow users greater flexibility on detailing individual orchids in a collection. The grex is used to describe cultivated plants in way that is not necessarily related to the biological classification. The addition of the grex field allows users to put more details about the name of an orchid.

“One of the most requested updates to the Orchid Notebook App is the genus view,” stated Patricia Conrader, marketing director of NerdsGeeksGurus, LLC. “The biggest benefit of having the orchids listed by genus is that it allows users to sort through larger collections easier.” The view shows each Genus name and displays the number of orchids there are of that genus in their collection.

“Orchid Notebook 1.5.0 is the beginning of a series of incremental updates scheduled over the six months,” according John Conrader, CEO and app developer for NerdsGeeksGurus, LLC. When asked about future revisions to the orchid app, Mr. Conrader replied, “The next update will include growing instructions for additional orchid genera aimed at new orchid growers and a wish list view.” He also hinted that a desktop version for Mac users is in the works.

Orchid Notebook 1.5.0 is available for $2.99 in the iTunes App Store. There is also a free version available that has limited features that allows for 5 entries.

The biggest improvement in OrchidNotebook 1.4.0 is that it lets you save a copy of the orchid database to your computer.

What’s really cool is that once you have your backup on your computer, you can save it back to your device or to another device. If you have both an iPhone and an iPad (or more than one iPhone), you can have your data on all your devices. Convenient right?

To let you in on a little secret, I have some other plans for upcoming versions of the OrchidNotebook. Be on the lookout for another update or two over the next couple of months. It should be very exciting for those of you that have shared suggestions.

Hmmm…if you just had a way to edit your orchid collection and wish list on the computer (hint, hint).

By the way, if you want to know how to backup and restore your data, head on over to the OrchidNotebook website to get the details.

Enjoy!

I recently had someone ask for a way to post images of your orchid collection to share with other users. While we currently don’t have plans to implement that within the Orchid Notebook iPhone App, there is a way that it could be done.

It originally came up in on the OrchidBoard Forum in the thread about the Orchid Notebook iPhone App here. The OrchidBoard Forums are a great place to get information about growing orchids and for meeting other people that are interested in growing orchids.

I replied to the post with some ideas  about sharing orchid photos on Instagram. Then I posted a new orchid thread on the OrchidBoard forum with information on how it can be done.

In order to share your pictures, you need to download the Instagram iPhone App (check the App Store).

Then you set up an account.

Then share your photos.

It is pretty easy.

You can tell people your user name and they can follow you. Then, your followers (and any other user) can “like” your photo and make it popular. 

When you post a picture, you can add a tag using the ‘#’ notation. So, for example, when I post a picture, I put something like “This #Encyclia #tampansis #orchid #flower is in my #OrchidNotebook.”

What that will do is allow people to find your posting by keyword search. Each tag you want to use needs a # in front of it.

So, I started a user called OrchidNotebook. I post pictures of my orchids up there. I am trying to post a picture a day. I tend to use the filters in Instagram, but I also will post some of mine with no filter (since the colors are more accurate).

It is a great place to share your photos and see photos of others.

I have set up a page that you can go to to see the latest photos that have the #OrchidNotebook tag on them at OrchidNotebook. This is just test site for now – I will be adding more features to it later. I might eventually have to move it off the front page.

There are also other sites that you can view your (and other’s) photos. I like Inkstagram.

Anyhow, I hope more people join. Whether or not you use the #OrchidNotebook tag, I would still like to see more orchid pictures up there. I know you all have some great photos and some great orchids.

We have also released a free version so you can take it for a test drive. The free version has all the features of the full version, but is limited to 5 entries in your collection. You can download the free version of Orchid Notebook from the iTunes store.

How much detail do I need to share about my app?

An app developer needs to know what kind of features and services you need. How much the developer needs to know depends largely on the services that the developer is capable of providing. Some developers only provide programming services, while others feature a broad range of services such as marketing, PR, and app maintenance on Apple’s iTunes App Store.

Some common information that developers want to know about your app include:

• Who will be providing artwork and wording for the app?
• Do you need email or social networking capabilities?
• Who is responsible for marketing the app?
• What kind of app is it?
• Does the app target a specific industry or age group?
• Who is responsible for maintaining the app on Apple’s iTunes App Store?
• Who will be providing insurance for the app?
• Do you have a time limit for completing the app?

For a check list of features and services download the iPhone App Development Worksheet.

Content details shouldn’t be shared until after you’ve determined that the app developer is capable of meeting your needs. Once that has been determined, most reputable app developers will provide a mutual non-disclosure agreement to protect both parties during and after the negotiation stages of app development. As with any contract, it is always best to consult with an attorney before signing a legal document.

How much does it cost to develop an app?

This is the hardest question for a developer to answer because the cost largely depends on how much work is involved in creating an app.

If you’re willing to learn how to program, you can develop the app yourself for FREE. If you want to sell your app on iTunes, you will need to either find someone to host your app or join Apple’s iPhone Developer’s Program so you can host it yourself.

If you want to have someone program your app, you should be aware that the cost of development varies from company to company. At NerdsGeeksGurus, LLC, our hourly fee is $150. Our average app costs from $1,000 – $1,500 a page. Keep in mind that a very basic app will contain 3 or 4 pages. A video game style app can easily run into the $100,000+ range. We also require a downpayment and signed contract before work on the app can begin.

Other options to consider are app acquisition or co-branding an existing app. The iTunes App Store features contact information as part of the description and lists the name of the seller. These options are especially suitable when time is of the essence.

What should I look for in an app developer?

Finding the right developer can be overwhelming. There are many factors to consider when selecting an app development firm. Before you sign a contract, you should have a solid understanding of the developer’s capabilities and what is expected from all involved parties. Interviewing multiple app developers will help you become familiar with the types of services that are typically offered and is a good way to clarify any questions that you may have regarding the app development process.

The main questions to ask your developer:

• Do you currently have any apps available for sale?
• Have you developed apps for other clients?
• How and by whom will my project be managed?
• Do you outsource work or is it completed in-house?
• Is your work insured and guaranteed?

Price should be considered when choosing a developer, but you also want to make sure that the developer will be able to take good care of you.

I hope this helps answer some of your questions about the app development process. In my next blog entry, I’ll discuss the question “How much will I make with my app?”

Enjoy! Have an awesome day.

http://nerdsgeeksgurus.com

Enjoy!

The only catch is that you’ll have to wait until the app is released to discover the company that we’ve been working with.

Come play now and see what all the fun is about. Score points for each jeep you see, each jeep you wave to and each jeep that waves back to you. Have fun and keep waving!

This update includes our fun new social game. Go to the Jeep Wave page to see details.