Jun 1, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/63057306@N04/5734415538">Beachfront Solutions</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(CC BY-SA 2.0)</a>

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?

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).

To help us make the Community Pool a productive space for discussion, here are some tips you might find useful:

TIP: To keep from losing your place in the comment thread while you visit others’ blogs, right-click on a link to open it in a new tab or window.

  • 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!
  • The Community Pool comments section can get quite big — and starting duplicate threads doesn’t help. Thanks for not posting the same question more than once! We tend to delete duplicate comments asking for feedback on the same post.
  • If you’re looking for quality feedback, be as specific as you can. Questions about a particular post tend to draw more comments than ones about entire blogs. Questions about specific design elements are more likely to be answered than ones asking for general layout advice.
  • We discourage leaving links without a more substantive message or question. These are often overlooked by other bloggers, and we frequently remove them to make the comment reading experience smoother.
  • Please keep all comments civil and constructive. The idea is to have fun — it’s a pool, after all!
  • When leaving comments, please remember not to add your blog’s url as your signature. It’s kinda spammy: after all, your handle links directly to your blog.
  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
  • No running on the deck.
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  2. Hi everyone!
    I’m Grace and I’m completely new to the world of blogging. I’ve written one post about what I discovered about blogs during my ‘I only read. I don’t create’ days and would love for some of you to take a look. At this point any feedback you could give me would be useful. I want my space to be a fun, creative and full of jokes and puns but apart from that I’m just feeling my way through and finding my voice. Any top tips on finding your creative inner self would be gratefully received.
    Thank you so much for taking the time to read/comment, hope you have a great day!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Grace,

      First thing’s first, loving that personality and energy, girl! Every word written gives off this energetic and positive glow and it just feels really nice to read. Your energy and positivity engages attention too and I definitely love the fact that you are doing this with fun being a part of the theme. Awesome.

      Some stuff that I felt to be missing. Its likely due to you just starting out but I’ll just point it out as a reference for you so you can use it if you wish to.
      I feel that you’re the type who’d do well with social media so if you do have them, use them. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about lol.

      Next. You need an “About Me” Page.
      Something that most new bloggers would not realize is the importance of this page. It is the page where most new visitors go to FIRST to find out just who they are “Listening” to.
      If you actually went to check out my site, this was probably what happened:

      ‘After visiting my homepage (And maybe a few other pages), its very likely you clicked on my “About Me” page before deciding whether you want to stay or leave.’

      That, is how crucial this page is 😉 So set one up asap. But don’t rush! Make it a real good one that really showcases to everyone who you are and what you are all about! That is what people want to find out
      🙂

      I like how you used a really pleasant looking photo on your site’s homepage (The one with you and your friend). It really helps in making everything feel wonderful. Like I’ve said, positive vibe is awesome.

      Your site’s layout is simple yet very clean and organized. Gives the really ‘Minimalist” feel. Easy on the eyes of the readers, another plus point. Coupled with the witty writing and sweetly charming personality, deadly combo. Nice.

      Overall, your blog is pretty nicely set up for a new blogger. Well done bud 😉
      I’m not exactly sure if you have a definite idea on what you’d like to use your blog for yet but based on what I’m seeing so far, judging by your personality, writing and communication style?

      My impression is, you have the potential to accomplish something more than what I feel, you know that you can. I hope you’d continue to love what you do because if this is what you love doing in life? I know you’d go far if you stick with it.

      Btw, kudos to the Photographer. The shots were beautifully taken and the model is brilliant too. Who did the photo taking and were you the model? Love the blog tutorial post btw!

      Thanks for sharing and I hope whatever I’ve written here, helped you in your quest with your blog. Stay positive, stay inspired.
      Talk to you soon. Cheers 😉

      Your pal,
      David Long

      P.S. We got to have a pun/joke battle some day. Seriously. I’m not horsing around *Points at a horse running around in circle*

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Wow, thank you very much. I’ve heard from a couple of people how important an about me page is and am getting on it right now! Thank you for the great feedback about the post and my writing style, you’re right in that I’m still finding my ‘genre’ as it were but I’m glad you liked what I’d done. As for the pictures yes, that is me and I just set the camera on timer and ran to get in position. Thanks again,
        Grace
        Oh, and I will hold you to your pun challenge

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Lol! Well done with the camera then! Definitely can picture you running around a dozen time to get the “Perfect shot”. Epic.

        Great, I will write you up sometime in the future 😉 Oh yeah, don’t forget to add a “Contact Me” page too. Some of your readers may wish to contact you so it’s also another important feature to have.

        Your pal,
        David Long

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hello! As it’s quite a long post, it’s good that you’ve got some pictures in there to break up the text. Have you got an about page on there? You’re very first post is about you but that’ll get pushed down the home page as you publish more posts so it’s good to have that info on a separate page.

      Good luck with it all!

      Like

      2. Hey there, thanks very much. I haven’t but I’ll get on that straight away!

        Like

    2. Hi there, I found the about page to be lacking information. My suggestion would be to develop it a little further. Also move the follow button further up as I had to scroll to find it.

      Like

  5. Really loving the blog ideas. As someone who has struggled with mental health issues, I know how important it is to find a creative way to get them out of your system. Hope things keep going well for you and you keep creating!

    Like

    1. Hey:) just read through that article and I really like it! It’s really honest and from the heart and extremely engaging.
      After reading those stories, it really makes me want to go interailing now! (which is definitely a possibility in the near future. yes. be jealous)

      But I guess I would suggest maybe keep the post a little shorter? Though maybe an interrailing experience like that can’t be shortened.

      If you could give my blog a quick look as well that would be amazing!

      P.S. That croc wasn’t from Bratz. It’s a show called monster high 🙂 hahah before you assume otherwise, I have a younger sister who’s 10 🙂 haha

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post! I think you are right about the length. And ah, thanks for enlightening me! You have solved a puzzle hahaha. I look forwards to reading your blog post! 😀

        Like

  9. Hey friends, I’m back for more! Need a review for your blog/site/post?
    Reply to this comment and I will get to it when I am available to! Promise!

    Alright, till then, talk to you soon 😉

    Your pal,
    David Long

    Like

      1. Hey Rachel!

        Just checked it out and I feel that it’s really good! Very organized, layout is really easy on the eyes and of course, your writing is really deep and personal, which I know, can capture the hearts of many.

        The fact that you blog with the purpose of it being like a journal/diary is kind of the charm of it. I’m sure people would follows you would love to in a way, go on this journey with you and watch you grow as a person as well.

        All in all, I feel that you’ve got all the major features of a good blog being used and set up so I don’t really have anything much constructive to say lol!
        Though if possible, I think it’ll be better to have the “Categories” etc placed on top of the site so people will know what other content lies in your site.

        Not everyone scrolls all the way down to discover more contents (Unless informed!)

        Either way, love the blog. Keep up the good work Rachel 😉

        Stay awesome, stay inspired. Cheers!

        Your pal,
        David Long

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Don’t think I mentioned this so I’ll add it here. Don’t think I see a “Contact Me” Page and I highly suggest that you add it because some of your readers / future visitors may wish to contact you 😉

        Your pal,
        David Long

        Like

  12. Hello everyone.

    I spent a good chunk of the weekend tinkering with my site, and I’d love any feedback from you if you could spare the time.

    Specifically, I’ve made index pages for my categories, so I’d like to know how easy it is to navigate. Also, I made a few Art-Deco style headers, and it’d be good to hear your opinions on them.

    https://flickandmix.wordpress.com/

    Thanks for your time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Greg,

      I really like the art deco theme you have come up with- although your graphics don’t reach all the way across my monitor (widescreen eh?). Not that I know how to fix that…

      I would maybe rearrange the order of your categories (about and news should go together) and if there are categories that aren’t going to get super populated (worst to first?) maybe combine them into another one.

      Besides that, I am a big movie fan, and thought your content was awesome!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks for the feedback. I think you’re right, I’ll definitely rearrange the categories. I’m not sure how to fix the graphics, but I’ll delve deeper to see if it can be done.

        Thanks again.

        Like

    2. Yeah, that’s a slick site, my friend. I can’t imaine what I’d change, short of putting my name on it instead of yours. HAHA (Just kidding). The visual tone of this site makes it all worth it. Shorter reviews, maybe? That’s just me trying too hard. Thanks so much!

      Like

  14. Hi, I just wrapped up my first month as a blogger. I’m loving it! I just posted something a little outside of my norm and was looking for some feedback. I wanted to be inspiring, but didn’t want to come across as a Pollyanna. Thoughts? Any and all honest feedback is appreciated!

    Pay it Forward

    Like

  16. Hi Folks! I’ve just had a really successful month. Thanks to some explanations at cliffordstumme.com, I’ve gone from 1474 uniques in April to 28000 in May. I’m trying to keep momentum going, but I’ve never done this before. How do I keep this success going other than keeping up with similar posts and similar content? Also, I’m trying to figure out monetization. I’d especially like to get into WordAds but am not sure what to do other than send in the application. Anyone else walked this road before? Thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Hello fellow bloggers! My name is Patrick Berridge and my blog is a mixed bag of topic ranging from tv, movies, creative writing and general life observations. I’ve being blogging for a little over a year and I’d love to connect with new bloggers. If you’d like to check out my blog here’s a link: (https://patsnack24.wordpress.com/). I look forward to making to great connections 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  20. Hi,

    I am Merieme, I am new at this, and I believeI have so much to learn from you guys.

    I have written about something very close to my heart and my pocket, I am new frustrated parents who has to pay a massive price for nurseries, as I live in London, and it is outrageous that no one is doing anything about it.
    Anyhow, I would love to know your thoughts, and I would love to have some tips about the layout please.

    Thanks

    Merieme
    I have written about something very close to my heart and my pocket, I am new frustrated parents who has to pay a massive price for nurseries, as I live in London, and it is outrageous that no one is doing anything about it.
    Anyhow, I would love to know your thoughts, and I would love to have some tips about the layout please.

    Thanks

    Merieme

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I totally agree even though i live in the U.S. n the maternity leave is only 6weeks which is why i was lucky enough to be a stay at home mom until i feel comfortable enough to put my daughter in daycare i couldnt imagine missing some of the more important moments with my daughter that ive been able too be apart of …please check out my blog.id love to hear what you think im just starting off as well https://kaylankrause.wordpress.com

      Liked by 1 person

  21. I… This has to do with my blog, but the following link won’t lead you to my blog, but my blog email, I’m telling my followers they can send me emails pertaining to blogging ideas, guest posts, or just chat. I like making blogger friends so feel free to check out my blog and email me 🙂
    Untainted.and.odd@gmail.com

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Hi guys! Just got back on the blogging trail. I basically just write about my life, dealing with trying to get into med school, having a girlfriend who has schizoaffective and DID, and just what life is like from the perspective of a 20-something. Please stop by and check the blog out. It’s fairly new, but more posts are on the way. Can’t wait to meet some of you and get to know you!!

    Thanks a bunch!

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Hello:) I did find your blog interesting and I always look forward to meet other bloggers:) I like your 31 day challenge, it’s good to have a writing schedule and projects you can involve your readers! The only suggestion I would make is to create your About page:)
        Good luck and hope to see more of your writing!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ve just read your post and I loved it because I can totally relate. Your writing style made it really easy to read too 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Are you British by any chance? Apologising for something that we haven’t done is something that we Brits do all the time! I liked the post and the way you write. Have you thought about adding an “About Me” page as its always nice to find out a little bit about a blogger. 🙂

      Like

  25. Hi everyone,
    I’ve managed to complete a few posts this week despite exam stress. I’ve published my favourite weekly quotes and a personal post about my socially awkward nature. If you would like to visit my blog and give me some feedback then that would be much appreciated.

    https://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com/

    Thank you 🙂

    Liked by 2 people