This post was most recently updated on March 26th, 2014
I have had my blog up live for about four years now and I know I need to change and update some things. Just looking at it you can see that it’s not as “clean” and savvy as newer ones you have visited.
I think it is about time for a Blog Makeover for my blog. But I was getting too much information and my mind kept running in circles about what I should do until……
I went on a bit of a quest and ran into Matt Cutts’ video. Voila! My questions are answered!
So let me ask you this: How old is your blog?
Have you updated your picture?
Did you check your upload time on the computer versus mobile phones and devices? Keep in mind now, that most people are using their smart phones to do just about everything these days. So, is your blog compatible a smart phone? Does it look nice, and is it easily navigated?
If you have an older blog, does it really matter as far as Google is concerned? Will your older blog still be able to stand out in the current “crowd”?
Now, there are so many questions I’ve had in my mind because I didn’t want to rock the boat and change everything, only to make things worse. So I came across this video by Matt Cutts and it really solved my problem. Someone had a similar question to mine and Matt answered it. Give it a peek! (This video is under three minutes)
I subscribe to Matt’s videos all the time to keep me up to date with what Google is doing. Matt is great when he answers various questions that people send in.
So my question to you, my dear reader, is this: Have you altered the layout of your blog lately, or made any changes at all if it is an older one? If so, what was it and are you happy you did it?
If you are brand spank’n new, are you satisfied with the look of your blog?
Thanks All!
-Donna
Hi Donna, I always like to listen to the answers Matt gives to questions like these. There have been huge improvements in Blog templates over the last few years. I remember my first scuba diving blog from back in 2004, and cringe to think of how ugly it must’ve looked. Although, compared to other blogs, it looked pretty good. I think it was the pictures that made it!
One of my blogs was only created in late 2012 and already I need to change the template because it wasn’t made mobile responsive. That was a costly mistake I made. Although there are plenty of great mobile responsive themes available, I would really like to keep some features of my blog the same as they are now.
Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..How To Format A List Post in WordPress Blog
Hi Julieanne,
I’ve seen how much your blog has grown over the past few years I’ve known you.
Everything now is mobile and we have to make sure that our blogs are showing up fast and great on mobile devices.
This is why I had to change up my blog too!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Joint Ventures
Twitter: cheryschmidt
February 23, 2014 at 5:44 pm #
Hello Donna, I do know my blog is always a work in progress and I am forever changing and working on it. Will I ever be happy? Hopefully some day LOL You have done an awesome job here with yours.
Thanks for the great video, I have subscribed to Matt Cutt’s channel, I do know that he will be very helpful. Chery :))
Chery Schmidt recently posted..Building A Success Team
Hi Chery,
I like to keep abreast to Matt Cutts. He always provides the latest and greatest information. When he talks, I listen!
I had all the work done in my back office and went with a private server. Now my blog loads quickly and also, if I have a problem, I just call up Kumar! (his new company is my server)
Now that’s what I love…quick customer service and good know how.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Spread Your Wings And Challenge Yourself!
Hi Donna,
great suggestions, Donna!
I appreciate the video, which helps understand it more!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Cheers,
Yorinda
Yorinda Wanner recently posted..Playing and Meditating with Mandalas
Hi Yorinda,
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for liking that video!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Spread Your Wings And Challenge Yourself!
Twitter: saraharrow
February 17, 2014 at 5:14 am #
I’m always changing my look and layout, and I think after 4 years I’ve finally found something that I’m happy with! lol, it only took 4 years. I struggle with speed though, some of the caching plugins that are recommended have pulled down my site and cause me a whole heap of grief!
Sarah Arrow recently posted..Ebook Toolkit
Hi Sarah,
I love the new look of your blog. I have done work on the back end with speed, upgrades and making sure all those plugins are working together. Well I did not actually do it myself, I had Kumar do it for me.
Speed was one of the most important issues for me!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Spread Your Wings And Challenge Yourself!
Twitter: WillenaRose
February 16, 2014 at 4:47 am #
Hi Donna,
My question is, what is an “older” blog? How old is old? And how does one know if the layout needs to be changed?
Okay, that was more than one question. 😛 My blog is 4 years old, and I’ve changed the template more than once during that time. It’s stayed the same for a year or two now. I often think mine is too simple and looks “homemade”. But other than the popular premium themes (which are not an option right now), I haven’t seen a theme I like better.
Something to chew on, anyway.
Willena
Willena Flewelling recently posted..Even the Smallest Details
Hi Willena,
I guess the answer to your question “How old is old” would be how fast it downloads… consider that so many people are on mobile now. Mine was downloading too slow for that, so I just had the back end fixed.
My blog is the same age as yours and I haven’t changed my template yet. I just feel like I need a change. Just like purchasing a new pair of shoes.
I love the look of your blog!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Not All Comments Are Equal
Donna, there are a lot of things ton consider. I do too much updating to my blog.
I need to sit down. 🙂
I wish you luck with your design choice.
Michael Belk recently posted..3 Reasons Why a Home Cooked Meal Is the Perfect Way to Say I Love You
Hi Michael,
I haven’t done updating in 4 years. Can you believe that? It’s time.
As of this writing all the back end work has been done. Now to pick out the skin and design is what I need to make up my mind in.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Not All Comments Are Equal
Twitter: hollyfulfordjef.
February 9, 2014 at 9:47 pm #
I must say that this has been on my mind a couple of times in the last few months… Should I update, change, is it okay the way it is…. Something I should really take a look at… thanks for the nudge!!
Holly recently posted..Does Exercise Ever Get Easier?
Hi Holly,
As long as your blog is running quickly especially on mobiles, you will be OK…Unless you just want to change it up.
I’m still in the process of deciding myself, but know darn well I don’t look like that 4 year old picture I have anymore he he!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Not All Comments Are Equal
Twitter: LeslieLDenning
February 9, 2014 at 9:44 pm #
Hi Donna. I’ve been doing some re-vamping, too, with more to come. I’m watching a movie with my husband right now, but I will be sure to watch this tomorrow. Following your lead, I subscribed to Matt Cutt’s channel so I can keep up with things. I’ll look forward to seeing your changes.
All the best,
Leslie Denning, The Home Biz CEO
Leslie Denning recently posted..Believe in Who You Are
Hi Leslie,
I’m still shopping around and haven’t made my mind up yet, but as soon as I do you will know it!
I’ve liked the re-vamping you have done on your blog!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Not All Comments Are Equal
Twitter: LeslieLDenning
February 10, 2014 at 4:58 pm #
Thanks, Donna. I think there are more updates to come. I love Optimize Press – it has so many templates and it’s easy to work with once you jump in. Best of luck with your remodel.
All the best,
Leslie Denning, The Home Biz CEO
Leslie Denning recently posted..Believe in Who You Are
Twitter: sarupashah
February 9, 2014 at 7:16 am #
Hi Donna…I am a stickler for change and WP envy…I see sites that I love and want some myself and I have to say that when I see a site that is oldy world styled as in when beauty was seen as not necessary…well at least not as much it does put me off, it is a shop front after all 😉
Sarupa Shah recently posted..Exercise to transform your #money story
Hi Sarupa,
I like that phrase WP envy! Maybe that’s what’s getting me all confused?
I do have a list of sites I just love and have to make the decision soon to get my designer to do it for me.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Not All Comments Are Equal
Twitter: Daringblogger
February 8, 2014 at 6:47 pm #
Well, my blog is just a month old, so I don’t think this affects me 😉
But, I do agree with the ideas presented here…beyond that, I just love the concept of giving a fresh look for our sites. Our world is fast (well, more like our species) and we need to stay updated – stay fresh (There are lot of old sites that needs updating, especially when it comes to design).
Old is indeed old, but some things are just better, when they are new (or appear new).
Speaking of picture, the picture I use is pretty old (relatively speaking..it’s less than 2 years. And I look about the same. I might need to update it soon).
Interesting topic, Donna 🙂 I have never thought much about this!
Jeevan Jacob John recently posted..Psst, what’s in your first newsletter email?
Hi Jeevan,
Thanks for your input on this topic. Yes, our world moves faster these days and in the internet world it is like warp speed.
We do need to have our blogs up to date as much as possible.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Not All Comments Are Equal
Twitter: alanjenkin
February 8, 2014 at 3:05 pm #
It’s surprising how quickly a site that once looked fresh and cool can become stale and boring. Thanks for the reminder: I found the tips about load times and mobile-friendliness particularly interesting.
Alan
Alan Jenkin recently posted..The Secret of Getting the Signup
Hi Alan,
Glad you found those mobile tips interesting. These days people are mostly on mobile phones. If our blogs are not running correctly, we are sunk!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: msellithorpe
February 6, 2014 at 8:47 pm #
Hi Donna,
Thanks for sharing the video. It seems I am always changing something on my site which is probably not a good idea either but I will get it right one of these days; maybe.
I like your blog, especially the color but I know how it is when you want a different look.
Have a great evening.
Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..The Magic is in the Action
Hi Monna,
I haven’t made changes in such a long time, I know I need to. Especially when it comes down to loading time.
Yes, I do agree that the color is great. I did research once and found out it was a good color for a blog because it is said to be warm and welcoming.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Hi Donna,
You have brought up an important maintenance schedule that every blogger should subject their blogs to.
Just like in PC, there is time to defragment the components, most especially if you feel that the system is being slow ( loading time is slow).
Well, my blog is still new ( going to 4 months old), its mobile responsive and its loading time is superb ( thanks to my synthesis web host and the HTML5 genesis theme) I’m using.
I think its time people should do a proper auditing of their site, and fix what is important to fix.
The use of Google page speed tool and pingdom will help give a rough estimate of how fast your webpage loads ( just an addition).
Thanks for sharing, it will help the community a lot.
James recently posted..11 ways to secure a website from hackers
Hi James,
Thanks for adding so much value to this post. When it comes to speed, you know it well.
I will look into pingdom. Thanks for suggesting that!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: harleenas
February 6, 2014 at 2:48 am #
Hi Donna,
Sorry for coming in late this time, just been too involved in a family wedding, though I’m here now 🙂
Oh yes…I think change is always good, and just like everything else, even our blogs need a makeover once in a while, just as you mentioned. As Matt said, sometimes too old a blog begins to look stale, and also the latest updates and version of themes are much more tuned up with what a blog needs, which our older themes might not have, so it does make sense upgrading your theme or a makeover.
I remember having changed my theme to the present one last year, and I might go ahead and change it again next year if I find something better. I changed it that time because I wanted better SEO and better options to showcase my work, which the present one has and I am very happy with it as of now, but we can never say.
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..What Makes a Healthy Relationship Work
Hi Harleena,
Hope you had a great time at the wedding!
I like the way you changed your blog. It has categories that are easy to follow. I love those changes.
Mine is so old, that I need to change things up. I’ve been checking out other people’s blogs that I like and dislike. Have a list so when I am sure about the changes I can give it to someone to do.
Thanks for stopping by,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
February 5, 2014 at 4:01 pm #
Hi Donna,
I gotta agree with you about Matt’s videos. He knows how to convey message without being a complicated expert 🙂
Mobile template is a MUST now. So many readers hitting blogs using their smartphones or tabs than ever. Unless, I doubt if they wait up until loading the whole page we find on computer browser.
I always find something to deal with each week when it comes to my blog dear 😉 Some days, I do spend hours trying to change a small thing in design or coding, and revert back unsatisfied. What a waste of time, eh? Now I love that 😀 Problem of being a designer / developer. Yet I always happy even if it’s a change that hardly noticed by readers.
Honestly, I wonder how most bloggers keep the same design for years though. Now I determined not to focus too much on that 🙂 Keeping myself busy with other stuff.
BUT when it comes to blog makeover, what I truly value is the uniqueness Donna. Our blogs should convey our personality and taste. Isn’t it? Like I visit your home.
Along with New Year, few bloggers reached out and asked me about some themes they gonna use. But I’ve seen the same modern layout everywhere and felt like all the blogs gonna have same layout 😀 Imagine what a blogging World would that be? At that point, I love old designs possessed by personality.
Wish you all the best with your makeover, Donna 😉 Awaiting to see what colors and elements gonna brighten up your online home.
You have a wonderful week dear!
Cheers…
Mayura recently posted..How to Add YouTube Subscribe Button to Your Website
Thank you Mayura,
You always add so much flair to my blog by your wonderful comments. Yes, I like a blog that expresses who I am and what I do. Mine is 4 years old and many things have changed.
The most important thing is the speed of it on smartphones. Mine is too slow.
I still cannot decide what kind of makeover I want, so I’m carefully studying other people’s layouts and themes.
I know one thing..I do like it fresh and clean. Not those busy patterns and things popping up and blinking! lol
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: amitirothstein
February 5, 2014 at 9:39 am #
Hi Donna,
I think the idea of giving the blog a mini-makeover once in a while is a great move. It makes it fun to visit, and can make us more knowledgeable about a certain theme. Also, it gives you another experience to share.
We made some changes about two months ago, and will probably make it even better in another month or two.
Amiti recently posted..Learning from 2014 Super Bowl Ads
Hi Amiti,
I like the look of your blog. It screams Professional! Right now I’m observing other people’s blogs and trying to get some ideas of what I want to project.
Thanks!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: amitirothstein
February 5, 2014 at 3:40 pm #
Thanks for the positive feedback! Once we finish redesigning the main site (feedweb.net) the blog will be able to be just a blog, without the various pages, and we’ll play around with some other themes.
Good Luck, and maybe you can let us know what themes were the runner-ups after you make the changes.
Amiti recently posted..Feedweb Gives you Superpowers
I sure will Amiti
This is worse than shopping for shoes! lol
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Hi Sherman,
Your blog looks great and it is easy to navigate. I just visited your last post so I know what you mean to make it more “Google” friendly.
I want to thank you for writing that post because now, finally…I can understand how we get searched.
Whoever is reading through this comment section, I suggest you click Sherman’s link above. If you are like me and just cannot get things wrapped around your head with search engines, this post will help.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Great post, Donna, thank you. I just really started my blog and I got a great theme that I really enjoy using. Lots of custom post types if I want to use them and a clean, professional look to the style itself.
BTB,I don’t really see anything wrong with your design, its easy to follow and clean looking besides.
Stephen Anderson recently posted..Warren Buffett – Berkshire Hathaway
Hi Stephen,
Yes, your blog has a fresh clean look. Plus I like the way you put things on your right sidebar. Very easy to navigate.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: marquitaherald
February 4, 2014 at 3:39 pm #
I always enjoy Matt’s videos because he does a great job of explaining things. When I launched my author blog earlier this year I was surprised at how quickly it passed my personal growth blog by so I had to learn these lessons the hard way. As far as makeovers I’m in the middle of a major DO-over. My blog was also started around 4 years ago but in my case I chose to go with a new blog rather than refreshing the old one. It’s a major project that goes way beyond just setting up a new site, but I’m learning SO much and at the same time able to apply a lot of what I learned with previous blogs.
Marquita Herald recently posted..Embrace the Beauty of Possibilities Within Hope
Hi Marty,
That’s great news! Can’t wait to see your new blog. Your DO-over sounds like a great idea.
As we change and grow, we do need to make sure our brand is up to snuff!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
I love my blog but a blog make over is going to be something i will need in about 3 more years.
Kareem Williams recently posted..RHOM Joanna Krupa Wants To Fight RHOBH Brandi Granville
Hi Kareem,
I can see your point. You are going like crazy. Loving all the interviews you are posting and your Youtube channel is fantastic.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: MyGrlyPrts
February 4, 2014 at 12:15 pm #
Girl, I used to be the QUEEN of theme changes on my blogs. I think I seriously have A.D.D. 😉 I got so tired of the theme, it became boring looking to me, so I’d change it up; sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. But most of all, I enjoyed the challenge of tweaking it and having my friends and readers enjoy the changes as well!
Can’t wait to see what you come up with! 🙂
Bren recently posted..The Nightmare in My Head
Hi Bren,
Although I don’t know you forever, I’ve seen the many changes on your blog. They are all interesting to me. Fun and upbeat is what it screams!
I myself don’t like to tweak, but rather look carefully at other blogs and try to come up with a design I like and then hire someone to do it.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: jonrhodesuk
February 4, 2014 at 9:57 am #
I have recently changed tact Donna. For years I was trying, and largely succeeding, in dominating the search engines. However it is not so easy to do this now.
So I’m now placing more emphasis on gaining followers – Email subscribers, plus followers on Twitter and Facebook. That way I won’t need the search engines as much.
I think this is the best tactic at the moment. No doubt things will change agin in the not too distant future!
Jon Rhodes recently posted..Comment on How To Promote The Hell Out Of Your New Blog Post by Jon Rhodes
Hi Jon,
Changes happen so quickly. I was not such an SEO fan, but a social media one. Through blogging and social media, I’ve gained traffic to support my Email subscribers.
That’s where I put more effort into these days!
Thanks for visiting.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Hi Donna,
Well, an older domain will be looked more favorably on by Google, but old content is just dry. We must consider what readers are looking for – do they want to go to the same old blog with no new content? No.
Now, as Google changes what’s important to them – social markers and being mobile friendly, we have to adapt and update our sites.
A much bigger problem for me is leaving well enough alone! I’m constantly fiddling with my blog. Did a pretty major redesign over the holidays and like it, but it never seems to quite be what I envision – so I fiddle some more.
It’s a struggle to get it as you want it to be, while focusing on what really matters – content and income producing activities.
Jon Patrick recently posted..MyFunLife FunCondos Steal of the Week – Mazatlan, Mexico
Hi Jon,
Well, I won’t fiddle because I’m all thumbs at it. Rather, I want to go through my “check list” and make sure it is firstly very user friendly on all mobile phones.
Then I need to update my picture…it’s been 4 years lol. Maybe it’s just changing up the theme and my sidebar. Hmmmm
This is why I did write this post..to get some feedback from my readers and you have helped.
Thanks,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Hi Donna, I have been blogging over at my blog since 2006. I have had to go through changes many times.
In fact we are looking at going through more changes now. Personally I think it’s fun to do blog makeovers. It breaths new life into your blogging. Have fun with it..
Thanks for sharing…
Larry Rivera recently posted..How To Avoid Failure In Any Online Business
Hi Larry,
Thanks for the encouragement! There is one camp that says “don’t change a thing” and another that says “change it up…its too old”
I go on my intuition so I do need to change it up.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Thanks for sharing this and making a virtual reminder nudge. It’s like re -decorating your home to make it feel more inviting, fresh and a nice space to hang around in.
Hi Clare,
Like your analogy. They say our blog is our home, so why not decorate it without clutter lol.
Good seeing you,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Hey Donna,
I recently changed my blog layout to make it more responsive, simple as well as faster. I believe with mobiles coming into play, the look or the attractiveness of a blog or website have stepped aside.
Now days the focus is more on navigation, readability of the blog both on desktops, mobile phones or tablet PCs as well as the adaptability on how the user prefers to read, watch or listen to your blog depending on the contents. The most important of all giving the user the easiest way to share your articles in the blog.
I am still making changes to my blog and making it more and more responsive in all possible manners.
Rajeesh Nair recently posted..WordCamp Baroda 2014: A Memorable and Insightful Experience to Share with My Readers
Hi Rajeesh,
That is the one thing I am focused on: Making my blog more adaptable to users, especially on mobiles. That’s the trend and I need to keep up with it.
I too believe that the most important thing is to give the user an easier way to share my articles on my blog.
Thanks for stopping by,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: suejprice
February 4, 2014 at 3:31 am #
Hi Donna
I was about to say my blog was 2 years old but it is 4 in 4 days! Wow so similar to you.
My theme has been there pretty much from the beginning and so has my header etc.
I have been unsure as to whether I want to keep my blog going as well as the EN one. Just been thinking everything through. I am sort of reluctant to let it go though.
If I make the decision to keep it then it is time for an overhaul.
The video with Matt Cutts makes perfect sense.
Hmm now you have me thinking 🙂
Sue
Sue Price recently posted..Baby Boomers : Solution to Retirement Concerns
Hi Sue,
Your blog looks great. As long as it is compatible with a quick download, especially by phone its all good.
As for your decision: Remember one thing. Your blog is your own real estate so I would say to keep it even if you only post once a month to keep it’s heart beating.
The EN blog is good to have, but remember, things happen so quickly, you are just renting that space.
Just my thoughts,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: suejprice
February 4, 2014 at 6:57 pm #
Thanks Donna and a very good point. I will keep it 🙂
Sue
Sue Price recently posted..Baby Boomers : Solution to Retirement Concerns
Hi Sue,
Glad you decided to keep it. You just never know when it will come in handy, even if you don’t post once a week!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: kgauraw
February 3, 2014 at 10:57 pm #
Hi Donna,
Matt already answered your question and I wouldn’t do a redesign for Google or search engines either.
However, if you do feel that you have an old design or your users need a fresh or better experience, that is something you want to do for sure because first of all, it makes you happy and then it probably pleases your visitors as well.
I had the same design last year as I have now but I did change my theme from a non-responsive to a responsive one just to make sure my site renders well on smaller devices. But pretty much that’s it.
I look forward to see what others are saying and sharing 🙂
Regards,
Kumar
Kumar Gauraw recently posted..Why You Shouldn’t Use WordPress.com If You Are Serious About Blogging
Hi Kumar,
Yes, that’s the dilemma lol. I might just just change up the theme and sidebar. I do have “stuff” to put on the sidebar and change it up.
Also it’s time for a new picture!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: kgauraw
February 9, 2014 at 11:35 am #
Yes, I think that’s pretty much it. I checked on my iPhone and your site does render very well on it although your sidebar doesn’t show up there.
And yes, may be spicing up the header a bit will get you to feel the change more than anything else 🙂
Good luck to you!
Regards,
Kumar
Kumar Gauraw recently posted..Introverts Bring Extraordinary Talents And Abilities To The World
Twitter: coachgladyd
February 3, 2014 at 9:47 pm #
Hello Ms. Donna
I hope you are well.
Funny, as read your post, I thought… hmmm I have been thinking around those lines myself.
I want to change a lot of things, including my pic and the menu and anything else I can change. My problem is that I don’t know how…
Mr. Kumar has been working with me and he probably knows.
I am looking forward to see your new design.
Thank you
Gladys
Gladys recently posted..Six Benefits Of Investing In Yourself
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
February 3, 2014 at 9:00 pm #
Hey Donna,
I know that I’ve definitely visited some blogs and thought to myself what were they thinking with that layout but it’s an older blog and that’s how it’s always been.
Although I know I’ve been blogging for awhile now I’ve always had the white background with the dark blue accent. I just like it but as you know I’ve changed things up over the years from the header to the opt-in boxes to the things in my sidebar. I’m always trying to have less plugins to help with load time of my blog and there are always areas that can be improved.
My blog is mobile friendly and I guess so far things seem to be good. We do have to stay on top of these things though because as times change so do a lot of things so we need to be sure we’re not left in the dust so to speak.
Great share and I’m eager to see what you’ll be doing with yours. Good luck!
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..Why Connecting With Influencers In Your Niche Is Critical
Hi Adrienne,
I remember the changes you had made and your blog looks fantastic. I also like the opt-in in the header…great idea!
I know what you mean when you visit some blogs. Phew…the ones that are bright and bling hurts my eyes. The worst is trying to read white letters on a black background. OMG….
I don’t know yet what the changes will be. Talking to a few people about it and need all the suggestions I can get.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: Barbara Charles
February 3, 2014 at 8:56 pm #
Hi Donna,
Funny you wrote this because I’m constantly thinking about this. I was looking at my blog last night and felt that I should change it. There’s not much wrong with it except that it’s plain and I see so many other sites that are colorful and stand out without being overbearing or loud.
I’d like to change things, but don’t know where to start. I’d like to start with a new banner and take it from there.
This is a good reminder to me to follow my instincts and follow-through with what I’m feeling. The video was also a good reminder.
Thanks. I needed that.
Barbara
Barbara Charles recently posted..Over 50 Entrepreneurs
Hi Barbara,
Your comment reminds me of the saying “When the student is ready, the teacher arrives.”
Just as you were thinking of this ….voila here is the confirmation of your intuition. Go for it girl!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Hi Donna,
I have made some changes to my blog but I do need to go back and check the upload time after I added a couple new plugins.
I don’t think it matters how old the site is either. I think as long as it’s got great content and we can browse smoothly through it, it’s already better than some newer ones out there.
I’m going to check out Matt’s video now. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to see what changes you make. I’m sure it’ll be classy like you 🙂
Happy Monday!
Corina Ramos recently posted..Monday Madness: New Work-from-Home Job Leads #WAH
Hi Corina,
Yes, that’s what I want…classy. Not busy or blinking, rather clean and clear. Making my list and seeing which designer comes up with something that is a perfect fit.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: Lisapatb
February 3, 2014 at 7:59 pm #
Hi Donna, I’ve done a few updates and many behind the scenes updates for the speed and other tech things (I used Mayura our tech whizz). Saved me lots of time.
I toyed with changing the theme but had some issues trying to so decided to keep it for now. I love Matt’s video’s. He is quite informative. I had not seen this one before though, thanks for sharing Donna!
I love your new social icons on the site, looks great Donna!
Lisa recently posted..How Tweens Can Point Us To The Future of Social Media
Hi Lisa,
Yes, Mayura is the go-to guy when it comes to tech stuff. I’ve even dabbled around using his instructions because he takes you by the hand and shows you how to do things step-by-step.
I’m looking for a brand new look, just writing a list down of what I want and looking at other blogs to get ideas.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
February 3, 2014 at 7:20 pm #
Hi Donna,
That makes sense. An older site means nothing. I see that with my own blogs. I’ve seen many blogs passing mine, and I know that it’s more based on technicality and the ability to attract traffic than the quality of content.
I know one thing, every time I read content about making your site faster, some of the stuff they say I do already and the rest goes right above my head. I would need a professional to look at it.
But over all, I’ve updated my blogs. I have pretty new headers on all of them, I’ve tweaked and changed the side bar many times over and always try to improve them in some way.
This never stop. Online world is ALWAYS on the move.
I can’t wait to see your new look 🙂
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..7 Smart Ways To Leverage Your Blog Content
Absolutely Sylviane,
The online world is ALWAYS on the move as you say. I noticed that you have done many changes on all your blogs and they look terrific.
Yes, I’ve been trying to learn how to make things go faster but it is way over my head too.
I do have some ideas, but need someone to give it a complete overhaul. I wouldn’t dare touch it myself because I know that’s not my strong point and God knows what would happen. lol
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Developing A Social Media Campaign