Author: MagicBrad

Magical Since 1957 - Born an dRaised in Minneapolis (Fridley), Minnesota. Self-Employed most all his life, MagicBrad is an entertainer (magician), presenter, marketer and event producer.
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Boost User Experience: Why You Should Use The “Open Link In A New Tab” Checkbox

Boost User Experience: Why You Should Use the “Open Link in a New Tab” Checkbox in WordPress

When adding links to your WordPress website, you’ve likely noticed the “Open link in a new tab” checkbox. But should you use it? The short answer—yes, in many cases! This simple option can have a big impact on user experience, engagement, and even conversions.

Let’s dive into why and when you should use the “Open link in a new tab” feature.

Why You Should Use “Open Link in a New Tab”

  1. Keeps Users on Your Website Longer
    If a visitor clicks a link and it opens in the same tab, they may forget to return to your website. Opening external links in a new tab ensures that your site remains accessible while allowing users to explore additional content.
  2. Improves User Experience
    Visitors expect external links (such as blog references, partner websites, or social media pages) to open in a new tab so they don’t lose their place. This prevents frustration and improves navigation.
  3. Boosts Engagement and Reduces Bounce Rate
    Keeping your site open in the background means visitors are more likely to return, reducing your bounce rate (the percentage of users who leave after visiting just one page).
  4. Helpful for External and Affiliate Links
    If you’re linking to an external website—especially for affiliate marketing—opening links in a new tab allows users to check out the recommendation without abandoning your site.
  5. Great for PDFs and Forms
    If you link to a PDF file or an online form, opening it in a new tab prevents users from losing track of your main website.

When Should You NOT Open Links in a New Tab?

While the feature is useful, there are times when it’s best to leave it unchecked:

  • Internal links within your website – If you’re linking to another blog post or page on your own site, keeping it in the same tab provides a smoother browsing experience.
  • Navigation menus – Opening menu items in a new tab can confuse users and clutter their browsers with too many open windows.
  • On mobile devices – Some users find multiple tabs cumbersome on smaller screens, so be mindful of your audience.

How to Enable “Open Link in a New Tab” in WordPress

It’s easy to enable this feature:

  1. When adding a link in the WordPress editor, click the gear (⚙) icon next to the link.
  2. Check the box that says “Open link in a new tab”.
  3. Click Apply, and you’re done!

For added control, you can use a WordPress plugin like WP External Links to automatically open certain links in a new tab.

Final Thoughts

Using the “Open link in a new tab” checkbox strategically can enhance user experience, engagement, and conversions on your website. Be intentional about when to use it, and your visitors will appreciate a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience.

Do you use this feature on your website? Let us know in the comments below! 🚀

BRAD MagicBrad GUDIM
Minneapolis, MN

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Mastering Constants and Variables: Understanding Change

Mastering Constants and Variables: Understanding Change in Business and Life

In both life and business, success comes from understanding the delicate balance between constants and variables. Constants provide stability, while variables introduce change and adaptation. Mastering both can lead to greater efficiency, growth, and resilience—whether you’re running a business, managing an event, or navigating personal development.

The Constants: Foundation and Stability

Constants are the fixed elements that provide structure. These are the principles, habits, and routines that ensure consistency in our efforts. In business, constants might include:
✅ Core values and mission statements
✅ Recurring events and campaigns
✅ Standard operating procedures
✅ Long-term relationships and partnerships

For example, Synergy First Thursdays is a recurring event we’ve established as a constant. To maintain engagement, I recently set up an email campaign that automatically sends a monthly reminder to keep our community informed. By having this automation in place, we ensure that people always know when and where to connect, building reliability into our networking efforts.

The Variables: Embracing Change and Adaptation

Variables, on the other hand, are the elements that shift and evolve. These can include:
🔹 Market trends and customer preferences
🔹 New technologies and tools
🔹 Shifts in economic conditions
🔹 Adjustments to marketing strategies

While our monthly email reminders remain a constant, the content we include may vary based on feedback, new collaborations, or updates about the event. This flexibility keeps our audience engaged and prevents our messages from becoming stale.

Finding the Balance: A Winning Strategy

Mastering the balance between constants and variables is essential for sustained success. Some key strategies include:
✔ Automating the predictable – like our email reminders for Synergy First Thursdays.
✔ Adapting to feedback – adjusting messaging and event content based on attendee responses.
✔ Embracing innovation – leveraging new tools to enhance engagement.

By setting up structured systems while allowing room for change, we create an environment that is both dependable and dynamic—the perfect formula for long-term success.

Are you ready to master constants and variables in your business? Join us at the next Synergy First Thursdays event and be part of a thriving community that blends consistency with innovation! 🚀

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I Won the Lottery? My Hilarious April Fools’ Prank!

I Won the Lottery? My Hilarious April Fools’ Prank!

Have you ever dreamed of winning the lottery? The idea of waking up one morning as a millionaire, quitting your job, and traveling the world sounds amazing, right? Well, guess what? It finally happened to me! 🎉

Or did it?

The Ultimate April Fools’ Day Prank

I couldn’t resist pulling off a little April Fools’ joke this year. I sent out a message to my friends and posted on social media:

“OMG! I just won the lottery! I’m cashing in my ticket and moving to a private island!”

The responses came flooding in. Some people congratulated me. Others wanted a loan. A few even asked if they could manage my new fortune. It was hilarious to watch the reactions roll in! 😆

But, of course, by the end of the day, I had to come clean. Sorry, folks—no sudden riches for me (yet). It was just an April Fools’ Day joke!

Real Wealth Comes from Smart Investments

While I may not have won millions overnight, I do believe in building real, sustainable wealth. And that’s where Wealthy Affiliate comes in.

Unlike the lottery, which is all about luck, Wealthy Affiliate provides a proven way to grow an online business and generate passive income over time. Here’s what makes it a wise investment:

✅ Multiple WordPress Websites – Build and manage multiple websites under one platform. Whether you’re blogging, running an e-commerce store, or promoting affiliate products, WA has you covered.

✅ Top-Tier Hosting – No need to pay extra for web hosting. Wealthy Affiliate offers high-speed hosting that keeps your sites running smoothly.

✅ Comprehensive Training – Step-by-step training guides you from beginner to expert in online marketing and affiliate success.

✅ Supportive Community – Connect with experienced entrepreneurs who offer guidance, motivation, and advice. Wealthy Affiliate is like having a mastermind group at your fingertips.

Stop Waiting for Luck—Create Your Own Success!

Winning the lottery is a long shot, but creating an online business with Wealthy Affiliate is a real and achievable goal. Instead of waiting for a lucky break, why not take control of your financial future?

If you’re ready to start your journey to financial independence, check out Wealthy Affiliate and see how you can build an online income step by step.

And hey, next April Fools’ Day, maybe your prank will be “I just made six figures from my online business!”—except it won’t be a joke. 😉

Happy April Fools’ Day, and here’s to real success! 🚀

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A Curated List of TWIN CITIES Affordable Inflatables and Bounce House Rental Companies

Planning an event in the Twin Cities metro area and looking to add some inflatable fun? Here’s a curated list of top bounce house and inflatable rental companies that can help make your gathering unforgettable:

1. Affordable Inflatables Based in Eagan, Affordable Inflatables offers a wide range of party rentals, including bounce houses, water slides, obstacle courses, and interactive games. They provide delivery services to various communities such as Apple Valley, St. Paul, Rosemount, Minneapolis, and more. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes them a popular choice for events of all sizes. ​USA Inflatables+2Affordable Inflatables+2Jump City Inflatable Rentals+2

WEBSITE: https://www.AffordableInflatablesLLC.com

 

2. Dunk N Jump Located in Minneapolis, Dunk N Jump is a leading provider of inflatable entertainment, featuring popular and unique items suitable for all ages. They offer free delivery and setup within the Twin Cities area and are fully insured, ensuring a safe and hassle-free experience. Their diverse inventory includes moonwalk bouncers, interactive games, slides, obstacle courses, and more. ​Dunk N Jump+6MapQuest+6MapQuest+6Log in or sign up to view+2Jump City Inflatable Rentals+2Dunk N Jump+2Jump City Inflatable Rentals+3Dunk N Jump+3Dunk N Jump+3

WEBSITE: https://www.dunknjump.com 

 

3. Jump City Inflatable Rentals Jump City provides a vast selection of inflatables, including bounce houses, combo units, water slides, and obstacle courses. They offer free delivery and setup within the Twin Cities metro area for orders over $199. Known for their clean and safe equipment, Jump City is a trusted name for various events, from backyard parties to corporate gatherings.

4. USA Inflatables With the largest selection of giant inflatables in Minnesota, USA Inflatables specializes in large event attractions and interactive inflatables. They provide free delivery and setup in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities area. Their inventory includes bounce houses, water slides, obstacle courses, and more, catering to both small gatherings and large festivals.

5. Froggy Hops Froggy Hops offers a wide variety of bounce house rentals in Minneapolis, focusing on quality and safety. They provide extended rental periods at no additional charge, allowing for more flexibility in event planning. Their commitment to customer satisfaction has earned them a strong reputation in the community.

6. Twin Cities Inflatables Proudly serving the Twin Cities metro area, Twin Cities Inflatables is a top source for inflatable and party rentals. They focus on providing excellent service and ensuring that every event is filled with fun and excitement.

7. All Pumped Up Inflatables All Pumped Up offers a variety of bounce house inflatables, including jumpers and slides. They provide delivery and setup services throughout the Twin Cities, ensuring a seamless experience for event organizers.

When selecting a rental company, consider factors such as the variety of inflatables, delivery and setup services, insurance coverage, and customer reviews to ensure a fun and safe experience for your event.

Twin Cities Event Planning Professionals on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/twin.cities.event.planning.professionals

Twin Cities Event Planning Professionals on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/minnesota.event.planning.professionals

NOTE: Affordable Inflatables and Dunk-N-Jump are both members of the Synergy Collaborative.

SEE: MagicBrad.com/darin

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How to Create Your Own Affiliate Program on Your WordPress Website

How to Create Your Own Affiliate Program on Your WordPress Website

Are you looking to grow your online business and increase sales with minimal effort? If you’re a member of Wealthy Affiliate, you already understand the power of affiliate marketing. But what if you could launch your own affiliate program and let others promote your products or services while you earn passive income?

The good news is that you don’t need to be a tech expert to set up an affiliate program on your WordPress website. With the right plugin, you can quickly create an affiliate system that rewards people for referring customers to you.

In this post, we’ll cover:

  • Why you should create your own affiliate program

  • The best WordPress plugins to automate affiliate tracking

  • Step-by-step instructions to set up your program

Why Create Your Own Affiliate Program?

If you’re familiar with Wealthy Affiliate, you know the power of recurring commissions and passive income. By launching your own affiliate program, you allow others to promote your business and drive traffic to your website—without upfront marketing costs.

Here’s why an affiliate program is a smart move:

  • Increase sales – Affiliates bring in new leads and customers.

  • Lower marketing costs – You only pay commissions for actual sales.

  • Scalability – More affiliates mean more exposure and growth.

  • Passive revenue stream – Your business grows while others do the promotion.

Best WordPress Plugins for Affiliate Programs

To set up an affiliate program on your WordPress site, you’ll need a plugin that can track referrals, handle commissions, and provide affiliate dashboards. Here are some of the top options:

1. AffiliateWP

A premium plugin that’s easy to set up and integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, and other eCommerce platforms. It offers advanced tracking, real-time reports, and even recurring commission options—perfect for membership sites and SaaS businesses.

2. SliceWP

A user-friendly and affordable alternative to AffiliateWP, SliceWP includes lifetime commissions, PayPal payouts, and affiliate coupon tracking.

3. Post Affiliate Pro

A powerful option for businesses needing a robust tracking system. It supports multi-tier commissions and integrates with hundreds of shopping cart platforms.

4. YITH WooCommerce Affiliates

If you run a WooCommerce store, this plugin allows you to create an affiliate program directly inside WooCommerce, making commission payouts simple.

How to Set Up Your Affiliate Program on WordPress

Follow these steps to launch your own affiliate system:

Step 1: Choose and Install an Affiliate Plugin

Pick the plugin that best fits your business needs. Install it via your WordPress Plugins > Add New section.

Step 2: Configure Affiliate Settings

  • Set up commission rates (flat fee or percentage-based).

  • Define cookie duration (how long affiliates get credit for referrals).

  • Customize affiliate dashboard settings.

Step 3: Create an Affiliate Signup Page

Your affiliates need a place to register. Most plugins provide a built-in signup page where affiliates can create accounts and access their referral links.

Step 4: Provide Marketing Materials

Help affiliates succeed by giving them:

  • Banners and images

  • Pre-written emails and social media posts

  • Keyword lists (if targeting SEO-driven affiliates)

Step 5: Promote Your Affiliate Program

To attract quality affiliates:

  • Announce it on your website and social media.

  • Email your existing audience.

  • List it in affiliate directories.

  • Partner with Wealthy Affiliate members looking for new income streams.

Step 6: Track Performance and Pay Affiliates

Regularly monitor clicks, conversions, and payouts inside your affiliate plugin. Automate payments through PayPal, Stripe, or direct bank transfers.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own affiliate program on WordPress is a powerful way to grow your online business. With the right WordPress plugin, you can automate tracking, recruit affiliates, and boost sales without spending extra on ads.

If you’re already making money as a Wealthy Affiliate, why not take it a step further and have affiliates promote yourbusiness? Setting up an affiliate program is easier than you think—and it could be your next big revenue stream!

Have questions about launching your own affiliate program? Drop them in the comments below!