Mar 28, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The place for feedback, advice, and friendly blogging chatter.

Have you just published a new post and are dying for some feedback? Did you recently start your blog and could use some layout or design advice from your more seasoned peers?

The Community Pool is for peer feedback and advice. Looking for more specific information? Check out some of these resources:

Tap into the wisdom of The Daily Post blogging community and leave your question here in the comments. Others can then click through and offer input either on your site, or in the comments here (feel free to indicate which you’d prefer).

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  • While you’re not required to, we encourage everyone who requests feedback to also reply to at least one or two other bloggers who need some help. Spread the love!
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    1. I am following!!! I really want to go through all these recipes! I am all about eating healthy. Thank you for sharing! I wish i knew ways to get your blog out there but I am brand new as well and am still too afraid to really promote my blog yet!! LOL

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Do you have a twitter where you can link the posts to? When we publish our posts they automatically go to our twitter feed with hashtags. That might be a new way to gain new blog followers/reach a new audience.

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Unfortunately you have to manually enter the hashtags but I’ve seen people retweet their own tweets to add additional information to them. No shame doing that! And it might help too.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. One thing to try is visit other healthy food blogs and leave some comments on their posts. If you have social media accounts, set your blog to automatically share your new posts there. BTW, your site has a good layout, a nice About page, and you appear to use Tags well. http://gracelead.co

      Liked by 2 people

    4. You have good content, good pictures, I’m really impressed all around and have followed. My best advice is to keep at it. I started blogging in 2012 and really didn’t start getting much interaction until 2 or 3 years later.

      Like the comments below social media is a good way to go too. Maybe start a facebook page that you have your blog posts to, so that people can like and share exclusively through facebook as well.

      Otherwise get involved with blog challenges and blogging communities and hopefully your blog will grow and grow.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello…I was thrilled to read some of your posts at Purpose Driven Achiever. I did rate and was happy to leave a comment.

      I came away from your blog thinking how pretty and soft it is. The flowers have an impact. I also kept thinking “blanket.” Still am!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dear @sparkyjen you are a treasure! Thank you for your generous-hearted feedback and for letting me know the lovely impact my PDA blog has had on you. That is so good to know and I am chuffed to bits. I hope you will drop by again.

        Like

    1. Yes…romantic, but seemed a bit sad at the end. Very sensory!

      I felt like I was there too. I could see the room, the wonderful old piano. I could hear the tunes, and at the end see you walking with coat and pages. This is when I felt sadness.

      In my opinion…piano music is always romantic!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Hey, I wondered how I would go about changing the background of my blog? I have it set to a blue colour but would love to upload a pattern more specific to my blog. How would I go about doing this? I’m new to word press so just trying to get to grips with it. My blog is one of the free ones, so not sure if I can even do this on the free plan or not. I did find a background I wanted to upload but when I tried to follow the instructions, I just couldn’t see on my dashboard the sections it directed me too.
    example:
    In your dashboard, navigate to appearance > editor [ couldn’t find editor in this section. It has themes, customize, widgets,menu, header, background,mobile and so the rest of the instructions did not make sense!]

    2.In the sidebar nav (Templates) find the header file (usually named “header.php”), and select it.
    3.Search (cmd + f or ctrl + f) for this:
    <body >
    4.Replace it with the code below.
    5.Click “Update File”.
    6.Enjoy.

    Slightly confused and feeling a bit stupid

    Any advice appreciated, thanks
    Kelly at https://weebluemixer.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 2 people

      3. Thanks, I’ll have a look. Would be a shame to completely change my theme as I like the simplicity of the one I’ve got, but I’ll see. I’m still getting used to word press and blogging in general.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. When I started out, I also loved my theme, but there was a few things I couldn’t do, so I changed my theme. It does take some time and effort, but you can experiment before making the changes live. But your blog is looking pretty good so it’s up to you!

        Liked by 1 person

      5. There is probably more I’ll want to do with my blog , but taking it a bit at a time and getting used to it. Thanks for your lovely comment about my blog. Its good to get feedback on how it looks and reads to other people.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Hello,
    I recently released a post called “How to know what to improve in your life”. My blog is about finding how to improve your life and be happier, and gives you practical step-by-step guides to do it. For example, I recently released a post about overcoming your fears and doing That Thing that has always scared you.

    How to know what to improve in your life

    I’d love any feedback on my post, especially on the content (size and layout) and whether the category menu on the site is useful or too hidden.

    Thank a lot 😀 and have a good blogging week

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The Category menu worked for me. Your site was easy to navigate. One thought on your content is that your About page hints that suggestions will be based on science. If so, it would be good to note the source of the suggestions in each post. http://gracelead.co

      Liked by 2 people

      1. That’s true and thanks for reminding me 🙂 I’ll admit that it was mostly due to laziness, but it betrays the reasons I blog (useful, concrete high-quality posts), so I’ll fix that in the following week.

        By the way, I see that you’re very active in the Community pool and help make it a great place, so I wanted to thank you for all you’ve done. 😀

        Like

    2. Hi, you seem to have some interesting content and it’s said in a nice clear manner which is always helpful. Personally, I prefer a bit more colour but that’s more of an opinion than a critique. I would say though that the bolded titles you sue would look much clearer and more inviting if all the words were capitalized in the standard format. But you cna rest assured it must be a pretty well put together format if the only thing I’m picking on is the use of capital letters!

      Like

      1. Thanks a lot! I had never noticed that bolded titles were usually in capital letters, but I’ll start doing it. I’m curious about what you meant by a bit more colour?

        I’m not sure what you meant by that 🙂 does it mean the writing is too dry, or that there aren’t enough pictures, or that it’s a bit impersonal, or something else?

        Anyway, thanks for taking the time to comment 😀

        Like

      2. I mean literal colour – some writing in different colours or a picture in the sidebar or a coloured background/header. I just find white so dull. But again, that’s just me!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Your blog looks so cool and professional, I love it. The writing is also really calm and paced which is great. You tag your posts quite sparingly – if you’re looking to attract more readers you could consider adding more tags. You cna up to 15 tags or categories (as in 15 total not 15 each). Eg, the most recent one was tagged blog, Dad, Father, Health, Musings, Sleep – you could also add insomnia, sleep deprivation, sleep hygiene, family, daughter, night, night time, sleep patterns, personal. Then anyone interested in any of those things can see it. If you go over 15 though no tags will show up so be careful! Hope this was helpful.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Hello! I have a question and I hope I can get some help. I wanted to add google analytics on my blog but unless I have a business plan a plugin is not possible? Is this true? I can’t see the plug in button and I also can’t add google analytics on my blog. Even though I have paid premium? I’m so upset about this because I saved money to be able to have a premium account and I can’t get plugins? I hope you can help me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yeah unfortunately wordpress.com doesn’t allow external plug-ins. If you want those, you’ll need to find an external host and use wordpress.org. There’s a difference between the two!

      Like

      1. Thank you Bailey! I understand now. I appreciate it. But if I find an external host will that effect the people following my blog and comments? just wondering. Thanks so much!

        Like

    2. Hello,

      On WordPress.com, Google Analytics is part of the Business plan, as you can read here (it’s one of the features that’s available in the Business plan but not the Premium plan):
      https://wordpress.com/support/google-analytics/

      To answer your question from your other comment, if you decide to self-host your blog, you can always migrate you posts, comments, and followers. You can read more about that process here:
      https://wordpress.com/support/export/

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Hi all,
    I have a question for @benhuberman and you other experienced bloggers.
    When my posts appear in the Reader, it seems people can read these without actually visiting my blogs, which means my stats often say something ridiculous like: nil views but 4 likes 2 comments. Obviously if there are likes and comments the post has been read yet it does not get counted as views. I note some bloggers have a way of making their posts appear in a way that interested readers have to actually visit the blog, in order to read the post.They cannot just click on the title and read it within the Reader. Anyone know how I can do this? If so, please (pretty please) share!
    Many thanks in anticipation. 🙂

    Like

    2. Hi ladycee!
      I only seen few bloggers in my reader that entire post appears in the reader as most bloggers show only few lines then you have to click on link which opens the page then you get the view and the like and comment when they do. My posts is as most bloggers only appear few lines. I would suggest maybe try a different theme in your blog if that make a difference.
      That’s all what can think of.
      I hope you doing well.
      Seb

      Like

      1. Sorry for misunderstanding. What I mean is that when you click on title of post it does not bring you to website but opens a page in the Reader. Thanks for your suggestion. And yes Seb – I am doing well. Thanks for asking and thanks for responding to my enquiry.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Hello,

      When someone clicks on your post in the Reader, which opens the full post there, your site gets the view even though that visitor hasn’t technically visited your site. So your stats would reflect anyone who viewed your full post in the Reader.

      Those cases when you get likes and comments without views sound like people interacting with your post without actually opening the full post in the Reader.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I am still looking for people to feature in my ‘Making a Difference’ series. If you know anyone that is trying to make a difference in whatever way, for instance in your local community or that you’ve heard of through the internet, and that would fit the project, please do let me know!

    If you want to know more about it, you can read the first post of the series right here:

    Making A Difference — Portrait series #1

    (By the way, I forgot to write in my last comment that I’ll visit your blog in return.)

    Thanks for the help!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Hello! My blog is my genuine teenage diary entries from the 1990s. It’s nice to have a bit of variety sometimes so I’m looking for other people brave (or daft!) enough to share some of their own. I’ve had a few willing volunteers already but they’re mainly people that stumbled across my blog or Twitter.

    Has anyone dabbled in blog audience participation before? Any ideas how I could find more people to potentially diary-share?

    A link to the page I’ve set up is: https://idstdiaries.com/share-your-own-diary/ Any suggestions on improvements welcome.

    Ta! Tess x

    Liked by 4 people

    1. What a novel idea! I loved it. I read the first two posts and thought they were hilarious! If I dig up any of my old journals, I will definitely share some entries with you. Many are cringe worthy.

      Like

    2. OMG I am totally in! I still have boxes and boxes of my journals that have been with me through every move. I am now in my 40s. I moved out when I was 18 and my journals are insane. HOW am i still even alive???

      Like

      1. I’m so pleased you didn’t burn or bin them like I’m sure a lot of people did! I’ve got boxes of them too. They were squirreled away for years but I’ve decided to let them roam free on the internet.

        If you really would like to share a few extracts then get in touch via the contact form (here: http://wp.me/P3Zijh-ik) and we can have a chat about it. I’d link any guest post back to your blog (unless you didn’t want that) so it could send a little bit of traffic your way too.

        Tess x

        Like

      2. Ha, well I’m sure all of ours are. I always wanted to write every day and write all romantically after learning about anne frank…and well lets just say that didn’t even come close to happening.

        Like

  13. Another question. Under Themes. I’ve paid premium but when I look at THEMES under Premium it has the price in GREEN and the purchase buttons. So I don’t understand.

    Like

    1. I think there’s some free ones and some which cost extra, as with most services these days, there’s always some extra unexpected charges. I’m using the free theme called Independent Publisher, but if you see someone’s blog whose layout you really like, I think there’s some way of getting their theme, but it may cost you :-/ sorry I’m not much help, I’m still pretty new to this myself!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes I know about that, but I’m saying I payed for premium membership on wordpress and the themes that are listed as “premium” show that I have to pay. I already payed premium membership. So why would I pay for each theme? are they not included in the premium membership?

        Like

  15. Hey there folks! I’m still new to the blogging world. My blog is lifestyle inspired. Hoping to move onto vlogging eventually but everyone needs a place to start. ANY feedback would me much appreciated. Thanks!
    -Mariah

    mallenlove.wordpress.com

    Liked by 2 people

    1. This might not be particularly helpful but it’s definitely positive – I popped over to your blog and didn’t want to leave immediately! You’re post titles made me click on them to find out what you had to say and I like your ‘about’ page. Anything that involves dogs always a winner for me though!

      Liked by 2 people

  17. Hey guys!! I am still new to blogging and I always love some new feedback on what I can do to improve. If you check out my blog I’ll happily check your’s out as well. 🙂 olibriblog.wordpress.com

    Like

      2. Yes, pictures pictures pictures. I’ve read that in the reader many people won’t even click on a post that doesn’t have a featured image. Just make sure you get them from royalty free locations like pixabay.com or unsplash.com.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I commented on your Abortion post 🙂 I agree with the previous comment. Great content. Needs more visuals. Plus I would love more on in your blog’s header that tells me what you’re all about. I simply clicked on your first post with really no idea what to expect.

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Hi
      I genuinly like your blog. A simple but nice layout. And is so impressing that at so young age you’re trying to teach people how to follow God’s. Way. Welldone!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Hey everyone! The purpose of my blog is to give a down to Earth approach on a not so down to Earth subject. It’s about my experiences and tips on being an intuitive. I would love for some of you to check it out!! Thanks!

    Lightloveandspirit.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Hello!
    Monday greetings!! (even though monday is my least favourite day)
    I ll make it quick, please check out my blog, give me some feedback about the theme and the content. I am more than willing to check out yours too! Also, how to i get more subscribers and traffic to my blog?

    Welcome

    Thank you!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks for taking a look at my blog. My success with getting traffic has been social media, social media, and social media. I post all over the darn place. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. I’m still pretty new at this but self promotion and consistency are the key in my opinion.

      Liked by 2 people

      2. I feel you girl. But the great things about platforms like twitter and instagram is that you don’t have to be popular. Just use tags and post a lot. People who have the same interests as you will find you that way.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I like the appearance of your blog and enjoy your writing. I noticed that you have Categories but I don’t see them displayed. You might want to add your categories to your Menu in place of Writings. For more traffic, you might try visiting other writing blogs and put comments on some of their posts. If you have any social media accounts, you can set your blog up to automatically share your posts there. http://gracelead.co

      Like

      1. I have a category cloud widget ! Do u think it is a good idea to keep both writings and categories in the menu?

        Like

    3. That depends on what topics you plan to have on your blog. If your Categories are your types of writings, they would replace Writings in your Menu. If your Categories are things other than writings, then Writings would be the one category for all your types of writing and the other categories would be for your non-writing-related posts. http://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I liked it! I am following you. I liked that the writings were short, sweet, and beautiful. I also adored your poetry. Would you mind giving my blog a look over?

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Hi, I have a blog at freewillisntfree.com and I’d love some advice on how to get people to engage more. I was hoping for more discussion, and also is there some way I can turn off ‘approving’ comments? It’s up to people what they say isn’t it, I would prefer to just remove horrible comments rather than have to approve every one, is this possible?
    Anyway my blog is a bit of a mish-mash of poetry, current affairs, literature, music, and with any luck, some discussion too! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
    I follow all my followers and would love to hear from you, I’d welcome some constructive criticism. Thanks in advance!

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Hey freewillisntfree, I think I may have an answer to your question. I don’t think you can turn off “approving comments”. It’s just part of having a WordPress site. WordPress doesn’t filter the “negative comments” for you to approve them. It asks you, the owner of you site, to approve the comments. Better have that then have no control on who posts what. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  22. Hey guys, I started my blog two weeks ago, which is about my “life changing journey” (more or less habit changing, life improvement, and learning). https://aprojectcalledlifeblog.wordpress.com/ I’ve already posted a few writings. I’d appreciate if you checked it out. I’m happy for any kind of comment/advice both on the writings and the page itself (or as the matter of fact on blogging in general). Thanks and enjoy.

    Liked by 3 people

  23. Hello! I am new to the site myself, and would love all the feedback I can get.

    My blog is about psychology, and helping people cope with depression and finding their inner strength.

    Understanding Depression and ways to beat it

    Thank you once again for taking the time to stop by! I’ll be sure to follow people if i find their blogs interesting!

    Liked by 4 people

      1. My pleasure! And thank you so much for taking the time and checking my blog out. I could use all the feedback! I am glad that my blog could throw some insight to your life.

        I have also had the pleasure of going through your blog! I liked the post, very interesting and funny. I can see that you have quite the love for The hunger games series.

        If I may, without upsetting you, provide a bit of feedback to your already impressive blog writing skills, are that I would prefer to trim down certain portions and clean up most of the sentences with shorter and brief sentences. Other than that I see you reaching new heights. Enjoy blogging and a happy day to you!

        Like

      1. Why Yes! I was planning to add those in due time. I really had no idea how to go about starting and I had this visual idea but never really thought my writing was that good to begin with. Thank you so much! Its posts like these that help improve others!

        Like

  24. Hi, I’m a high schooler, and I’ve just published my very first blog. Please do check it out 🙂
    philosophoslive.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well checked out your blog just now! Really interesting.. If you don’t mind, do try to work on the layout and presentation of your blog. I’m sure it’ll do great.. 🙂 Keep up with your fascinating work!

      Liked by 2 people

      2. well you can try other themes and widgets via your WordPress account. Something which your blog relates to.

        Like

    2. Your site is attractive and your writing is enjoyable. I like the photos also. Have you considered organizing your posts by Category? If you can think of a few main topics that you will generally use for posts, you could assign each post to a Category, then list the Categories in your Menu. This would be a convenience for readers. http://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I just commented. I have a question – your URL is “Ink from the Quill” but the heading on your website is “Bird Feed.” Why the difference? It might be more effective to have a URL that screams nature enthusiast. The layout looks good, and the photos are great. Very clear and pretty. Looks like you have a few of the same type of photo (i.e. three blackberries). You can always take one out if you’re worried you have too many photos.

      Would you be able to look at one of my posts?

      How Ballroom Dancing Redefined Femininity (for me, anyway)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for all of your pointers and suggestions! The reason my blog has a different name from my website is because eventually I’m going to merge the blog into a website that has many more features than just the blog. I’ll be happy to look at your post! Thanks again!

        Like

    2. Hi Nicah, I really enjoy the content of your blog – you have a really interesting voice and I look forward to reading more of your posts! My blog is along a similar vein to yours – I struggle with my mental health too and my blog’s aim is to make a safe space where anyone who wants to can talk about it. I’m glad I found your blog, I think we are very similar and I relate so much to your experiences! My blog is https://sadaptation.wordpress.com/ if you’re interested. I’ve just followed you 🙂

      Like

      1. Thanks for taking a look! I really enjoy your writing, I’m actually hoping to travel to Spain in a couple of months and have already started stressing about it so your latest post has really given me some food for thought! Looking forward to reading more 🙂

        Like