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Post by wegotkidz on Nov 12, 2014 17:26:28 GMT
Kesha, I just posted a thread asking for help. I love your blog!!! I would really like your input. I don't want to go off into different threads because I am trying to learn how to keep focus and I'm really bad at it Any help is appreciated! My blog is Babies Learn Through Play. Hi Melanies! My apologies for missing you yesterday. My entire family was down and out with a stomach virus. (Yuck - I know. lol.) I went over to your other thread, and it looks as though danakml gave you some FANTASTIC suggestions. I agreed with absolutely everything, and it looks as though you've made some changes. I'll have to cosign with Dana on one big thing: that blog title. That's the first thing people see when they hit your blog page; and it's more or less your first chance to create an impression and let visitors know exactly what you're about. If I were you, I'd find a way to fancy it up a bit - even if it's nothing but making it a little larger and adding a shadow. Throw a tagline underneath it as well. Here's a trick if you haven't come up with one yet, or if you're having difficulties: If you were rushing out of the house, and someone asks you what your blog is about as you're walking out of the door, how would you sum it up in a quick sentence? Figure that out, and slap that bad boy underneath your title. Hope that helps you out a bit more. P.S. Thanks for the love on my blog!
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Post by laurajbmartin on Nov 12, 2014 18:02:13 GMT
Melanie - I responded to your questions in the other thread since I saw that one first. Laura - I started on Wordpress, so I can't speak to making the switch. But I think you will be really happy with WP. I designed my own blog when I started, and then had a pro do a redesign after about a year. I made a list of things that annoyed me with my current design, and noted things I liked on other blogs. Then I told her everything! I would focus on designing your site to be user friendly. Think about your menu and what you want on it, so it's easy to navigate. Make it easy to comment and to follow you. Oh, and make your site mobile friendly! Mine wasn't at first, but the majority of your readers are probably visiting from a mobile device. I'm excited for you, Laura - you're going to be so glad you made the leap! Thank you for the feedback!!
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mmc
New Member
Posts: 5
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Post by mmc on Nov 12, 2014 18:37:44 GMT
I posted a thread looking for feedback on my blog design/layout. I am the mother of a child with autism and my blog is supposed to be a resource for parents of children with special needs - it is associated with my work as an advocate which is on hold at the moment for health reasons. Looking forward to hearing from you. The link to my blog is advocacyinactionireland.blogspot.ie/. Thank you! Mary
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Post by theimp on Nov 12, 2014 20:13:19 GMT
Hey, Kesha! Anything you think that needs to be changed on my blog, I'd love to hear! I'm totally brains-of-paste when it comes to anything beyond writing. notastepfordlife.com
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Post by wegotkidz on Nov 12, 2014 21:31:20 GMT
theimp, the biggest thing that strikes me when I hit your page is the lack of social media icons. I want to follow you on Twitter, and like you on Facebook. I want to be your friend! lol. In order to get more of that lovely link juice that everyone so desperately desires, make it easy for your readers to follow you on social media by placing icons in your header or near the top of your sidebar. Also - and this is a small thing, but speaks volumes in the grand scheme of things - I think you should find a way to create and post a favicon for your blog. Favicons are an easy way to differentiate yourself from other bloggers, they look polished and professional (which builds trust and credibility), and if anyone were to bookmark your site, the favicon would show up in their bookmark bar. Here's a great article on Favicons from CustomWordpressWebDesign.com. Another suggestion would be to add an "about" box with an image of yourself at the top of your sidebar. That way, when readers hit your blog, they can immediately make a connection and feel more inclined to read and delve deeper into your blog. Hope those suggestions help! And mmc I responded to you in your other thread. Hope that information helps.
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Post by theimp on Nov 12, 2014 23:31:28 GMT
I've never even heard of favicons. Dang it, didn't think about the other stuff. It's on the About Me page, but I'll try and figure out how to add them...Lord have mercy, more paste for brains messing about. I need to win the lotto so I can hire someone for this, b/c my brain doesn't work for this stuff. Ack.
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Post by theimp on Nov 13, 2014 0:10:00 GMT
I just added a 'follow me' tab, but...I dunno. Looks kida...blah.
Any suggested widget/plug in for this?
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Post by danakml on Nov 13, 2014 3:06:14 GMT
There are social media plugins that give you the buttons, and you just add your links. I use Simple Social Icons.
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Post by melanies on Nov 13, 2014 14:36:06 GMT
Dana, You should! Except for me As your most helped customer, I should be free in exchange for a testimonial! LOL Melanie
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Post by melanies on Nov 13, 2014 15:03:18 GMT
Kesha,
Thank you for your feedback. Dana has been great with her advice! I do know what you are saying about the blog title. Unfortunately, I think it is specific to my theme and I haven't learned how to change the coding yet. It is on my things to learn list so I will be changing that as soon as I can. I have my byline but it doesn't show up. It's little things that make me think about going to a different theme but I really like this one other than that because it has room to grow. Thank you again!
Melanie
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Post by wegotkidz on Nov 13, 2014 17:01:23 GMT
theimp, I think your social follow box looks fine. It popped out at me as soon as I hit your page which is exactly what you want; but keep playing with it. Like Dana said, there are tons of social sharing plugins available (especially since you're on Wordpress). And I LOVE your new favicon! lol. Seriously, it looks so much better than that Bluehost square you had sitting up there. lol.
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Post by theimp on Nov 13, 2014 17:07:27 GMT
wegotkidz I didn't even realize that a favicon was possible, LOL! Easy peasy to do, even for paste brain!
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Post by nancyw on Nov 14, 2014 1:38:48 GMT
Hi Nancy. Just peeked at your blog. I just read a friend's blog post about Show Us Your Books! today - I may have to join that at some point. Your blog is easy to read, translates well on mobile devices, and loads quickly. It's easy to leave a comment (which I did!), and easy to navigate. Some things to consider about your design: Your header is clear, but I'd like to see some personality to it. A graphic would help - just a straight line of text is a bit boring. I would also play with replacing the gray background with white. Create a menu bar - you have Meet the Family, but that's it. An About Me page would be good, so a new reader can get to know who YOU are. And then a few categories. It may be difficult to do this so early in the game, but keep it in mind. You want to encourage readers to stick around and browse your content. When you see a blog design (or an aspect of a design) that you love, make note of it and create a wish list for your own blog. Then you can make changes as you are able. But I think you are off to a great start! Thanks so much for the feedback Dana! I will be playing around with some of your suggestions this weekend.....when I get some free time! Appreciate your feedback.
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