I just updated WordPress for one of my other blogs, and found that they changed their link on the Dashboard that records incoming links from Technorati to Google Blogs. I am sure that this is due to some arrangements between the two companies, but I am not too happy with it. For one thing, Technorati is much quicker at identifying the incoming links to your blog than is Google. Right now, Google is only showing about a third of the links coming into my site that Technorati shows.

This is pretty aggravating, but it does present an opportunity to point out how valuable Technorati, or other sites like them, can be. Incoming links, especially when not “traded”, are very valuable in page ranking. One of the best things you can do to help other website owners, or bloggers out is to blog about their site, and give them a couple of links (especially if your site is of a higher page rank, and related in topic).

I am, otherwise very happy with the newest version of WordPress. There are a lot of new features that make posting a lot easier. Many of the things that had to be entered in by HTML code in previous versions can now be done by the click of a mouse. If you run WordPress and have not yet upgraded to version 2.3.3, then do so today to take advantage of the newest features. If you aren’t running WordPress, then you should check it out. I have found it to be the best blogging software out there so far. It is pretty easy to install and configure. There are also a ton of really great templates that you can use to build a unique blog (with a little tinkering with code of course!)

So, make sure to check out Technorati. Look up your own site URL, and bookmark it so that you can easily keep an eye on those valuable incoming links. Don’t forget to share the love, and pass those links on when you can. It really can make a difference!