Nov 9, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

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?

Did you just start blogging and you’re not sure how to get going? Has your blog been dormant for a while but you’d like to give it a jolt of life? Join our free Blogging 101 course (or any of our other offerings at Blogging U.).

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!
  • 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!
  • 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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  1. Hello everyone. …I’ve been blogging for couple of months and I’m excited. I’ll be so grateful if u read my blogs and give me constructive feedback. Thx in advance.
    education 32. WordPress.com
    Livinglife

    Liked by 3 people

    2. I think your posts are great. Keep doing what you’re doing. I also loved your header image 🙂 The only thing I’d suggest is if you updated your About page. That way viewers can better understand who you are and your blog. I wish you the best of luck!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Hiya everyone! Well, I started blogging about a week ago.. I’m quite happy that I did start a blog.. My main focus is to create a positive change in the world through my writing. Please give me your feedback on my articles!!!! Because every thought and every step might provoke an unbelievable change. Tx.
    Be innovative,
    Visit: uthsari.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi,
      I like your header image and the concept behind your blog! Your positivity is very captivating 🙂 I loved the contents of your posts as well. I would just encourage you to keep doing what you’re doing.

      Something that can help improve your blog: You can update your About page so that viewers can better understand what your blog is all about. I wish you the best of luck!

      Like

  4. Hi all, I’m new to blogging. I am writing along read; a novel. It’s a serial so I’m updating it as I write it. I’m using the #themuseofliterature so people can locate it. I’m also numbering each update. Is there a better way of uploading a novel. It is approximately 60,000 words and I have created some art for it to. Any advice is welcome, thanks.

    Like

  5. Hey everyone! It’s been a while since I’ve included myself in the community pool so I thought it’s time to get some feed back from other blogs again so if any one of you could stop by my blog and give me some feed back on anything it would be greatly appreciated!
    https://awkward2017.wordpress.com

    Like

      4. Oh great! Thank you so much! I love when followers appreciate the yummy stuff as well as the music haha. PB & oreo brownies are life changing! lol. I’ll have a new apple pie cake recipe coming soon 🙂 Can’t wait for more of your posts!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. hey everyone! I have just started my blog about life in general according to a teenager. hoping it will bring comfort to others and would be amazing if you could go check it out and support me and my new blog journey:) I will follow back

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Went to visit 🙂 I love reading about teenagers, it was a fun post. I didn’t find where to comment on the blog so check that! You sound very sweet 🙂 Good luck with your blog!!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. All layouts should include a comment section with your posts, it may just be hiding from you at the moment! Go to your theme, then customize, then play around with sections of the layout on the left hand side… it will say things like header, tagline, widgets, one of those options should allow you to have a comments section enabled!

      Like

    4. I noticed that you just started! Welcome to the wordpress community 🙂
      I enjoyed reading your post and I also loved the concept of your blog. I think you’re doing great. I encourage you to not give up and keep posting!
      One thing I’d suggest though, is if you updated your About page so that visitors can better understand your blog and who you are personally. It’ll help in the long run, trust me 🙂 I wish you the best of luck!

      Like

  9. Hey everybody! I started my blog about two months ago and it has really come along! But you can never ask for too much feedback! My blog is meant to inspire people. I do DIYs, “What are you thankful for?” posts, my thoughts, my journey of becoming a teacher, fitness…well basically anything. You can never be too inspired right?
    Check out my blog! I would love some feedback! Thanks in advance! https://inspireafeeling.wordpress.com

    Like

    1. I absolutely love your blog! I like blogs that have a little bit of everything and your theme is very pretty and easy to read. “What are you thankful for” posts are a great way to inspire others and put things into perspective for yourself! I would maybe even try featuring some people in that section as well… for instance, if you’re a teacher, maybe do an exercise for this with your class and share their responses once a week for a featured segment!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. I recently started blogging just a few months ago and my blog advocates for self love and acceptance by sharing my own experiences/stories, as well those of people who I find are great role models. I’m still new at this and am working on bettering my writing and expressing my thoughts clearly. Any feed back on what I could improve on would be really helpful, or even any ideas of something you would like me to talk about! Feel free to check out my blog at: https://rosesforourselves.wordpress.com

    Thank you!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I loved your Judge Away post. We are always our own worst critics, aren’t we. Good to have reminders to get through it. The lightness of your theme colors fit perfectly with your focus.

      Like

    3. Loved it. The concept of your blog is beautiful because it’s so important! I’m learning now how to do it better. So I enjoyed going through your posts. Keep up the great work! I encourage you to keep posting 🙂

      Like

      1. Thank you John! This topic is something that I’m really passionate about, so I’m glad that you were able to connect to it. I will definitely continue posting. Thanks for the encouragement 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Hi everyone ive started a blog to help myself abd others about depression etc its helping me talk about it could i get some feedback please thanks 🙂
    myinnerthoughtssite.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

    2. This is just honest feedback. You know your readers, so it may not bother them. I was drawn to your site due to it being about depression. It is something that I wrestle with deeply as well so I enjoy and understand what other people have to say about it. I struggle with blogs that have swear words in them though. One every now and then isn’t a turn off, but when each post has them, I tend to stop reading. Again, it’s your world and your readers. I know it does not bother a lot of people. Take it or leave it, just my thoughts. Keep writing through the process though. I have found it really helpful. I can gather my thoughts into something concrete versus just walking around with this indescribable cloud inside my head. So wish this disease and all of its stigmas did not exist!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I think there need to be more blogs like this! Ones that speak personally about something that people may otherwise be hesitant to open up about. Not only does it help you vent, but it helps others to know they are not alone! I think later in the process you may even be able to start doing somewhat of an anonymous advice column.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. ^ I second that. Having an anonymous advice column would be a great idea somewhere down the road and you should definitely consider it

        Liked by 1 person

    5. Lovely blog. I really like the simplicity of your layout. I also enjoyed clean and concise 🙂 I enjoyed reading both your posts and I think you’re doing great. The only thing I’d suggest is if you made an About page as a category. That way viewers can better understand your blog and who you are personally. This way, no one has to dig up your “Me” post haha. It’ll help, trust me 🙂

      Like

    2. I don’t speak German and my computer wouldn’t translate your page for some reason, but I’m guessing the posts are titled as photo diaries? I think this is a great way to spark interest and have people keep coming back to see what you’re up to next! I love the abstract realm of your photographs as well!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Both sites are great! You just got a new follower. My interests are really spread out and vary depending on the mood I’m in and your geek girls guide really has some interesting content I can’t wait to read through! I specialize as a brander in the “real world” haha so the only thing I would really suggest is maybe a new color scheme and a cleaner theme/layout. Right now the banner of that site looks a little horror film-ish, where I think it could have a lot more vibrance to it! I know you said you’re planning on spending some time doing updates, so let me know if you’d like any help with the branding of it all!

      Like

  14. Happy Monday, everyone! I’m mckelodeon of Nerd•ily, which is a nerd lifestyle blog (or, how I explain it, anyway). I just wrapped up a month-long event dedicated to Halloween, and now I’m preparing for the Christmas holiday season. I’m also about to reach 100 followers, and I am shocked and excited beyond belief.
    If you like all things nerdy, take a look! I would appreciate any input! I also started a new series last week called “The Beginner’s Guide to Comicbooking.” If you have any comic book related advice, I would love to hear it. I’m just now getting into this world, and I’m so excited.
    You can visit at https://nerdilyblog.com or click on the link for my latest post, which is a product review of the Star Wars make-up collection. Thanks! http://nerdilyblog.com/2015/11/09/come-to-the-dark-side-we-have-make-up-covergirl-star-wars-line-review/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I liked the beginners guide to comicbooking a lot, because I like a lot of nerdy things but have never really gotten into comic books and wouldn’t know where to begin. I’m sure your star wars makeup review was great…but makeup.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hey I just checked out your blog and I really like it, I’m a big geek myself and mainly like writing about video games 🙂

      I really like the theme you have, I just love pictures being presented well more than anything XD, and your content is really cool and varied.

      Keep up the good work!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. hey crew

    Hope you are all thriving and having SO MUCH FUN writing your blogs – two posts i would love you to check out this week:

    [1] This is a fun one in anticipation of Wednesday’s coming Hashtagging game which is Monty Python themed and actually had two retweets from ERIC IDLE himself in preparation so maybe they will come and play: https://brettfish.wordpress.com/2015/11/09/how-to-catch-a-python

    Help us get the rest of the Pythons involved…

    [2] The second is a powerful and at times shocking passage from the Steve Biko book ‘I Write What I Want’ which all white people should read with open ears and hearts and really take notice of and respond to:

    I Write What I Like – Steve Biko: The External and Internal Forces

    l
    i Look forward to diving into some of your blogs tomorrow and leaving some commentary and hopefully discovering some new gems.

    Thanking you in advance
    love brett fish

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I like the inspirational nature. The motivation factor you included in your goal can apply to anyone’s even if not related to getting healthy. I like that you included the notebook page with the writing and drawings for the visual break-up of the text.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Hi I’ve just started a new blog which aims to cover various topics such as my year away living in Scotland, travels, my fashion inspiration, my mother (who has recently been moved to a nursing home while I’ve been away) and some comic relief. The blog is http://www.mounseyandmoo.com I have a long way to go but I’d really appreciate some initial feedback on what works/doesn’t and whether, more specifically, I should reduce the amount of topics? I guess my next big task is to try and get the word out there that my blog exists, but perhaps you can tell me whether I should publish some further content first? Thanks in advance, can’t wait to hear from you! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Please do not reduce the topics. The world does not need another niche blog. I would add a like button. Sometimes people don’t have something to say, but want to let you know they enjoyed your post. Other than that, just keep going.

      Like

      1. My first review! Thank you so much, I have now added a like button – it takes me a long time to work all these things out but I’m getting there! Great suggestion, so much appreciated. I really like your blog too btw, it was the first one that caught my attention 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Hi Josh, hopefully I’ve now fixed the ‘follow me’ section which should now appear in the footer of each page/post. Pls let me know if you still can’t find it? Do you think I should spend time now getting the blog out there/seeking feedback, or carry on posting? I guess I’m worried that by the time I address traffic inflow, there will be so much on there that newcomers might not catch up? Valid/not valid concern? Your thoughts would be sincerely appreciated.

        Liked by 1 person

      5. It took me many posts before people started to find mine. I never really addressed putting my blog out there until I had a wealth of content. It meant some posts got overlooked, but oh well.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Although you touch upon a lot of topics, I think it works well with your blog especially how you laid everything out. Great work!!

      Like

    3. I can’t stress enough how much I love the layout and content on your site! It’s amazing how fun it is to read through everything you touch upon. For some reason, I can’t seem to find the “follow” button, this maybe a mis-look on my end, but I’d love to follow!

      Like

      1. Wow, what a big compliment – thank you very much! I have now added a ‘follow’ blog section, so would love it if you’d like to follow! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Unfortunately, I still can’t find the follow button! This happened to me once before because it was the same color as my theme, so you might want to make sure that’s not the case

        Like

      4. Hi Shannon, I can’t seem to access your blog – I click on your name and it comes up as ‘Safari can’t find the server’. Let me know if I’m doing anything wrong because I’d really like to check it out and give you some feedback. In any case, hopefully I’ve now fixed the ‘follow me’ section which should now appear in the footer of each page/post. Pls let me know if you still can’t find it? Do you think I should spend time now getting the blog out there/seeking feedback, or carry on posting? I guess I’m worried that by the time I address traffic inflow, there will be so much on there that newcomers might not catch up? Valid/not valid concern? Your thoughts would be sincerely appreciated.

        Like

      5. Hey Rachel! Here is the link to my blog https://livewellslatest.wordpress.com/

        For some reason when you click on my name it drops the “wordpress” from the domain – but it needs to be in there in order to accurately be directed. If you click on the black set of lines in the top right corner it will open the side navigation bar that will show my categories as well! I would love your thoughts on my content, site design, or if you think it’s easy to navigate and clean!

        I can now see your subscribe section and have followed you!

        I would carry on posting for now, you never want to let too much time go by where the content is no longer relevant/ you can’t get as attached to writing about it. With more posts, more people will come and be interested in the vast variety of your posts. If they care enough to follow you – they’ll care enough to read through and catch up!

        I hope this helps 🙂

        Like

      7. Shannon, thank you for introducing me to your website. Wow, your voice is off the charts amazing (I left a comment for you on the recent post re Nashville). How is it that you’re not a full time professional singer!?! If I were you, I’d post a song with you signing for every post and focus on that…you’re truly talented. I’m not sure about the food bit, it’s slightly disjointed, for me that is. As you’re clearly so talented music wise, I think I’d be inclined to keep your blog music related and perhaps start another blog re food (which you clearly also have a lot of experience in)? I just wonder whether people who love music that will be attracted to your site, will also have an affinity and interest in food? I need to ask myself the same question with my blog too. 😉 Anyway, it’s just my advice, for what it’s worth. Otherwise, the content was clear, well set out and very easy to navigate. Well done and keep up the amazing work!

        Liked by 1 person

      8. Thank you so much, Rachel! That’s such a huge compliment. Unfortunately, singing was something I stopped pursuing when I got into the business end of the industry, but it’s always nice to know my music still touches people! I know exactly what you mean about the food section of my blog, I’ve asked myself the same thing too. It’s strange because some days they’re the most popular posts and others they don’t get looked at at all haha. I can’t thank you enough for all of your constructive help! It’s nice to finally meet other writers in this wordpress community haha.

        Like

      1. That’s great to hear it’s easy to navigate and that you like the photos. They are all taken on my old iPhone 5 so the quality is not great the second you want to enlarge them, but if I get serious I’ll use a proper camera for future posts 🙂 Your feedback is much appreciated, a big thank you!

        Like

    5. Your blog is lovely! I encourage you to keep up the great work 🙂 I loved all the pictures and the contents of each post. The layout is very clean and elegant as well. Definitely an eye catcher haha. I don’t think you should reduce the topics. Your blog is fine the way it is 🙂 Besides, you should do what makes you feel happy.
      As for trying to get your blog out there, perhaps you can link your social media sites. I noticed you have your Instagram, but perhaps linking your Facebook page, Twitter, etc can help as well. I wish you the best of luck!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. This is a clear and concise review that does a great job of setting the tone for what movie watchers can expect. I also like the layout and the placement of the images.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I can honestly say this is an area of journalism that has always interested me, but I’ve never taken the time to look further into. Your review was wonderful and to the point and I feel the cleaner the site, the better. Loving the black and white because it really makes your article images stand out! I would try looking at a theme that minimizes the header image however, and puts more emphasis on the article content!

      Like

    4. Hey Elly!

      Just checked out your blog and I really like it, more so because you are a fantastic writer! You ability to describe a movie is just brilliant, and you do it so concisely.Great work.

      A couple things I would suggest, with your blog posts put a ‘read me’ line into them so it doesn’t show the entirety of each article on your home page (makes people have to actually click on the post, and just looks more tidy, unless you just like this style then whatever!).

      Also I found it hard to find your about page but I think that is just me being tired and silly more than anything XD

      Anyway really liked it, keep up the great work! 🙂

      Like

    5. Hello Elly,
      I loved it. It was very informative and super engaging. I think you’re doing a great job. The visuals definitely help as well. I liked how clean and simple your layout was too. Very easy on the eyes haha. I wish you the best of luck, my friend 🙂

      Like

    6. I love the layout its so simple and neat, giving me all the space I need to focus on your article. Thumps up!

      Like

    1. Enjoyed your blog! However, may I suggest changing the background image or font colour for the sidebar as it is quite difficult to see. Other than that wonderful work!

      Liked by 1 person

    4. I would suggest changing the layout of the poem? or the way its put. I could just see 2- 3 words in a line and I felt it was breaking the rhythm. I mean this would be okay while reciting, but while reading I lost it after a few sentences.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I love how you have the practical information section at the bottom of your post. So many travel blogs are just that person’s experience, with no real guidelines for others.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. This is actually something I’m keeping in mind as I streamline my blog into more of a travel-related blog from the random mish-mash of crap that it is now. So many travel blogs include these beautiful photos and experiences, but fail to mention that something cost 100 quid, or that it takes a mile long trek from the closest public transport drop off.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I love how the look of your blog to begin with and the little description about you on the side add’s so much more. I will read some of the articles and comment on them.

      I’d like some tips from you too I’ve just started 2 days ago so there’s not much really but I’d like to post something for my boyfreind (He’s french) apart from my experience from my travels to France, I don’t have much to write on France. :/

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much for the feedback! I’ll definitely check out your site 🙂 sometimes when I don’t know what to write about I create a photo essay because the photos tell the story without me actually having to write it out!

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Hi everyone,
    A few days ago I published a very different post on my blog to help make somebody else’s dream come true. It was based on a girl who is suffering from a rare mast cell condition and wants to meet Jessie J. If you have the time please check my post out and share the photo of her to help make her dream come true! Social media is an amazing platform and I think that even a single tweet will make such a different. This isn’t about getting more likes or follows on my blog, it’s about making a difference in someone else’s life

    https://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com/2015/11/04/lets-make-a-difference/

    Thank you 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wonderful post. I tweeted it. When doing so, I noticed you do not have a Twitter account linked to your WP. Might I suggest that?

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Hey everyone! I’ve had my blog for quite some time now, but have just recently gotten into food & recipe blogging. I’ve always loved to cook, but before that my blog was solely music based. I still try to keep it as musically oriented as possible, but I guess what I want to know is if the mix of music & food related posts is confusing and draws away from the brand of my blog? I also just redid my blog & the entire layout, so I would love feedback on if it is clean/easy to follow!

    Can’t thank you all enough! https://livewellslatest.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I think with the tagline, the style does not bring attention to food related posts. By all means, mine is not perfect, but this fall I was faced with the decision to diversify my posts to keep my blog fresh. I used a more magazine style with various categories on the main page. That way those who want to read about adoption, but not motherhood can click on that category and not have to sort through the rest of the blog to find applicable posts. Here is how it turned out so far. It’s a work in progress so if you have any feedback, please let me know!

      I think it is not a problem to combine music and food. I am not much for music, but I certainly love food and recipies. By highlighting the food aspect somehow, you’d draw traffic from people interested in more than just music.

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you for the advice! I think you’re right. I put so much thought into my tagline when I first created my blog, that I wanted it to still be featured and talk about the biggest section of my blog “Livewell’s Latest” where all my reviews and interviews go. In general, I’m all about listening more than speaking, I find that you learn so much more that way! I think that’s really what I want my tagline to express… that I’m a listener and relay what I hear to help others learn; my blog is really my space to be the one talking. If that makes sense. I LOVE the layout of yours and find it really informative as well!

        Like

      3. With your theme do you have the ability to create a sidebar and put a food category there? Call it something more creative than “food”. This may be corny but “Music For My Mouth -Food reviews and recipes” then the focus stays mainly on your original intent with this little side addition. If I found an awesome recipe on your site, I’d want an easy way to get back to it without scrolling through music posts. Does that make sense? If your theme doesn’t allow for that scrap everything I just said!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Beautiful blog! Your layout is so clean and elegant. Definitely enjoyed going through your different posts. I saw your bio and you seem like a very talented person! I encourage you to keep doing what you’re doing 🙂 I don’t think the mix of those posts is confusing. As long as you create a category for the two of them, I think it’s fine.

      So yes, it is very clean/easy to follow 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much John! That is such a huge compliment! I’m really glad you enjoyed my blog and the layout/ post types. That makes me feel a lot more confident with it all moving forward 🙂 Have a great night!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Just had a read through some of your blog. The posts are very good, I would just recommend more visuals to accompany each post. Your page is very plain and some colour may draw more people in.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I use the same theme as you. I like its simplicity. Other people have told me to add pictures, so I’ve experimented with that. Personally, I’m not adverse to text-only posts.

      The best thing you can do is change the background color. It’s easy. Go here: Personalize > Themes > Customize > Colors and Backgrounds.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I read 3 of your blog post and they were all around how you’ve been sick. Its amazing how you could write 3 post’s just explaining your cold, exhaustion or situation.

      I’m to follow you to get some inspiration. 🙂

      I’ve just begun and the challenge for now is idea generation. I need to find inspiration in everything situation. Do go through http://www.urbanexpatgirl.com and give me any suggestions or advice you may have. Its just 2 days old, so there’s not much.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Love the images you chose. It visually amazing to look at, havent looked at any of the post yet, will post on them directly.

      Do check out mine too, its just 2 days old. but any suggestion would help 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Any active History blogs out there. For months I have been searching but many operate like archivea or are inactive. If you know any or you are a blogger of one, please let me know. Thank yoj in advance.

    Like

  30. One other question I have for the community: my newly-launched blog is about running, marathon training, and travel– ie- I will document my “runcations” and try to create a supportive network for runners attempting to run their first race. I know that there are a lot of running/marathon blogs out there, how do you recommend that I make mine more unique (than it already is!). Thank you for your advice!
    http://www.janerunswild.com

    Like