Jan 4, 2016 / 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?

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).

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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. Hello all I’m Sami and I’m getting married in three months, on a cruise ship no less so I’m blogging about my whole experience through this because there are very little reviews on cruise weddings. I wanted to be able to help another bride out in the future. I know for the guys this isn’t interesting lol but ladies please check it out 🙂 thanks

    Liked by 6 people

    3. I love your post about not really feeling like a bride, because you are getting married on a cruise ship! I am definitely wanted to read more, and follow along your journey! Best of luck!

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Happy Holidays all! My name is Basant and about a month ago, I wrote my first ever blog post at my new site called Thoughts of a Socially Anxious Extrovert. Since I’m just starting out, I don’t really know what I’m doing and I was wondering if you could tell me what you think of the general appearance and posts? Thank you very much! The blog can be found here: https://thoughtsofasociallyanxiousextrovert.wordpress.com/

    BasantS
    https://thoughtsofasociallyanxiousextrovert.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I think everything looks great. Easy to read and flows well. You have very well written posts that have eye-catching first sentences. I think you’re funny. The only thing that bugs me is your cute pictures have generic descriptions when you hover the mouse pointer over them. Other than that it looks awesome! Keep blogging Basant!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you very much for your kind words and critique, it’s my first time being told how my blog is and it’s made me really happy 🙂 I am just curious as to which posts gave you the impression that I’m funny (only so I can further improve this). And I’m sorry, I don’t fully understand what you mean by generic descriptions, do you mean how the titles are random numbers and such? Again, thank you very much and I hope you have a lovely day!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Yeah the pics have these random dates and times but don’t get hung up on it its just me being picky. It looks fantastic. I really like the New Year’s Resolution post. That’s funny. You’re doing much better than I was when I first started. Keep it up Basant!!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. It look great. I would maybe change the image you have at the top, cause it doesn’t really fit the idea of the blog, but that’s up to you. And maybe put a small about section in your sidebar, only a few sentences so we know who you are right away.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you! It’s actually a number of images that change every time you open or move through the site so which image are you referring to?

        I like the idea of short sentences a lot! I already have an About page though so I am not sure what to call it.

        Again, thank you for your critic and I hope you have a nice day!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. I think your blog looks great! You have a great writing style and are very witty. I have done about 6 blog posts. It gets easier as time goes by. Just keep being yourself! Good luck!

      Liked by 2 people

    5. Hi I’ve visited and left some comments for you on your blog. Good luck and enjoy from Debra @https://cultivatingtime.wordpress.com

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Honestly, I google everything when I started my blog. Just make sure it’s wordpress.com when searching. In general, you want images to be about 1000 pixels wide, horizontal looks better mostly. I add text to images with Picmonkey, which is a free online photo editor. For themes, it’s all based on what you are looking for. I personally prefer having a sidebar (yours in on the left on your current theme). If you need examples you can look at either http://lookthroughmylensblog.com or http://ageekgirlsguide.com and see what Ive done

      Liked by 2 people

    3. I like this post, it’s pretty neat, I think you really captured the struggle of getting back into the swing of things after the holiday break.
      I love the tagline to your blog – “Can you be a great teacher and have a life?” – it really tells the reader that they’re in for some humor!
      One other thing I would say about it is how you end it. It is, of course, your decision, but I’ve never liked the idea of ending a post by asking the reader to subscribe. Let your post do the talking; if they’ve read your post to the end, then chances are they’re already interested enough to subscribe to it. That’s just my two cents, and a bunch of people probably disagree with me, so I encourage you to do whatever you think is best.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Happy New Year! I published a post over the weekend about how responses to comments on your blogs can be re-purposed into blog posts themselves. I’m hoping to use it as a part of a series of posts related to getting beyond writer’s block. http://www.notesfromanaspiringhumanitarian.com/2016/01/03/need-blogging-inspiration-check-your-comments/

    I’m wondering if you’ve ever found turning your comments into posts useful, or if you have any other tips that help you to keep writing when you’re needing inspiration.

    Liked by 4 people

    3. I thought this was a great post and I think it’s a great idea to use comments on your posts for a space to gain inspiration. I agree with Michelle also that asking a question both at the end of the post and within the post can help generate comments.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. First and foremost of all, I would like to wish all of my blog’s followers, as well as other bloggers, a very happy and blessed New Year, with the hope that 2016 would be happy and full of good things for each and every one of us; I would also like to inform you all that I have just returned from my much-needed time off and have reopened Dream In Music today, as I have just published the first two brand-new posts of this New Year, including a story about how such a thing as MUK-LUKS came to be! Please feel ever-so-free to visit my blog and read these new posts right now at http://www.j2w7.WordPress.com; There are plenty more to come as I plan upcoming posts, and if you are all REAL good, I just might publish a post on the 50th anniversary of the 1966 “Batman” television show! The web address again is http://www.j2w7.WordPress.com! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!-JW 🎉

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Okay, first and foremost I like the balloon logo and the tagline, but the balloons are covering the tagline. I don’t know if you meant to do that, but it’s a bit weird for the eyes, yknow? This same problem comes up when a rogue balloon blocks part of the text. Sure, I can scroll around it, but it’s just a tad distracting.
      I found your story about Muk-Luks pretty interesting – I had never heard of them before. I found it ironic that these were the kind of shoes the inuit people wore, but they’re “less ideal for the casual winter wearer.”
      Anyhow, happy blogging!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I understand that the balloons in by main page are blocking my own title and that you are having a bit of difficulty reading; I shall try to fix this kind of problem as soon as I possibly can. Meanwhile, I am glad that you enjoyed my blog-Welcome aboard!-JW

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Hello everyone! I have signed up to do the Three Peaks Challenge in June 2016 for Meningitis Now and I will be going through my journey with you all on my blog so please visit and help bring ideas forward for fundraising!

    Liked by 2 people

  7. I look forward to finding new blogs to read! I always find myself impressed with the writing and creativity of the bloggers here on WordPress. Please check out my blog, mymorningsongs.com I am having a hard time deciding between my blog being personal or strictly music based. I like to share the music I am currently enjoying, and my inspiration behind posting music videos to my blog. I am by no means a music critic! I only post what I like. Can anyone drop a few ideas my way? Thanks!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. You can do both. It’s your space so do what you want. And when I write about music, it’s more like this is a new artist that I like or my thoughts on an album from a group I like. I clarify everything is my opinion, cause I am definitely not an expert either

      Liked by 2 people

    2. The music side of things sounds like a great premise for a blog. Perhaps you could experiment blending the (relevant) personal writing with your music content, like the way it makes you feel or how and why you relate to it? Just a brief idea.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Hello,
      I think you should do both. At the end of the day, it’s your blog. I think the whole music idea is wonderful and looking at your content, I found some great stuff. But if you feel compelled to want to be personal as well, I think you should do it. Give yourself no limitations 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Hi there! I posted my first Spotlight Sunday Interview yesterday. I will continue to interview people with unique professions throughout the year. I will also have articles about what health products celebrities actually use (I used to work for a celebrity doctors and a celebrity nutritionist in LA). My boyfriend is a chef in LA and I will occasionally bug him for a recipe here and there, too! It’s a hodgepodge of a blog, but I hope someone can give me some real feedback because I am pretty new to this stuff. Thank you!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I love your set-up! It’s cool how you have all the recent posts right there. Very visually appealing. Could I ask which theme you’re using? I’d be interested to maybe apply it to my site.
      But anyway. You’ve got a lot of interesting content. A lot of it’s really funny. And there’s a variety of stuff. I love it! You’ve got a new follower. Happy blogging! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you Andrew! I’m using the Hermes theme. I tried other themes, but this one is my favorite! I’m so happy to have you read my stuff! It’s definitely curve ball after curve ball, but I’m having fun with it. I enjoy checking out your blog, too! Happy blogging to you, as well!!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Luna, read your piece on abortion which was very interesting. My POV is irrelevant regarding abortion (it didn’t really seem like you want to start a conversation around the topic) but I found your writing very honest though sometimes a little long-winded.
      I quite like the design on your website which appears pretty eclectic (though I’m not such a huge fan of right-centered text).
      Keep at it!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I kinda don’t want to start one because the post isn’t really discussing THE question of abortion; just the influences. I guess the piece is verbose because I’m having a bit of a hard time explaining it due to the fact that I was very young when it happened. Thank you for your feedback!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Hey everyone! My name is Sheridan Johnson, and I blog over at http://www.sheridanjohnson.com. I am a wife, mother, and RN.
    I am recently finding my love for poetry, photography, and crafting and would love your feedback on my overall layout (I have recently added a logo, changed the colors, sidebars,etc) and would love your feedback! Thank you in advance! Here is the link to my post from today:

    Wilted

    Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you for going to my website, and leaving a comment! I love your website as well, and my friend is actually in Law School in Florida right now, so I am going to suggest that she keeps up with your blog, as well! Thanks for all of your input!! 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Love the logo and the pink really stands out and makes the whole thing “work”. I’m not sure if it’s possible but if it is, it might be worth changing the colour of the menu items (Home, Meet the Johnsons and Contact Me) to white rather than black. Otherwise it’s a great blog, well done!

      Liked by 2 people

  18. I’m a newcomer to Community Pool! I’ve just published another post and would love feedback. One question I’d like to ask is about the two different ways of including a youtube video in your post. In one section of WordPress Edit you can only insert the link (and have it open in a new tab) and in another section of WordPress Edit you can add the URL for the video and have it appear within your post. Anyone have thoughts on what they like best?
    http://meinthemiddlewrites.com/

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I personally like having the video there in the post so readers don’t have to click elsewhere, but if your post is already too busy or the video isn’t really relevant to the post’s topic, then just a url is totally fine!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks! I’m thinking along the same line. In this particular post, I felt having the videos interrupting the flow wasn’t the best choice. I also wanted the focus to be on my sketch of E.T. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Welcome to the blogosphere! To get more viewers, you gotta network! Go comment on and like other blogs and share your blog on social media! It takes time and commitment, but it’s fun and it’ll pay off!

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Hi all and happy new year.

    I just started my first blog yesterday and spent the afternoon working on the design. I’ve written several posts already and have had a collection of readers but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for increasing visitor numbers. I have a Twitter account that now automatically tweets new blog posts and I’ve tried to get involved on Twitter but I was wondering if there’s anything else I can do?

    The blog is – https://scotspineblog.wordpress.com/

    Thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Yep, interact with other blogs as ladycee says. Also tag your posts effectively so that they get noticed in the WordPress reader. WP automatically does stuff to make your blog noticeable to the search engines, but always follow the google SEO principles: frequent updates, getting people to link their sites to yours (helped by that interaction thing above). Your Twitter linkup is a smart move. Remember you can still do manual tweets in that account, advertising your blog posts but with a bit more narrative. Like your photos by the way.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great New Years! I just wrote my 6th blog post entitled “A Slow Climb to the Top” and was wondering if I could get some feed back on it and the last two before it. I was wondering specifically about the length of the posts. Are they too long? Not long enough and need more info? Any suggestions would be great! Thanks! My address is
    https://theconstanttravelerblog.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hey Heather, I usually try to keep my posts in the realm of 1,000 words. If you use pictures, you can get away with a little more because they break up the text, but otherwise blog readers lose interest. Hope this take helps!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. So what you are saying is I should write a little more? I am never sure how long my posts should be. Having readers loose interest is the opposite of what I want! Lol! Am I using too many pictures in your opinion? Thanks for your advice!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. The choice is up to you. Short posts are great, too!
        As for the picture question, do you consider yourself more of a writer of a photographer? That might help you answer that question. Highlight your best skill.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Heather I’ve just been checking out your blog. It’s got a really nice feel. I’ve left some comments for you on your blog. I think the length of your posts is just fine. A good mix of photos and text. If posts are too long I struggle to find the time to read them properly. Good luck from Debra @https://cultivatingtime.wordpress.com

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you! I also have the same problem that you have with longer posts. I find that to give them the attention they deserve that I need to read them on my day off. That way I can enjoy them instead of rushing through them. 😄 I am glad you liked my posts. I try to give them a nice relaxed feel. I will definitely read your blog! Have a great night!

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Hey Seb,
      My one piece of advice (other than a few spelling/English errors) would be to experiment with a little more punctuation to break up your paragraphs and make it a bit more readable.
      Good luck!

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Hello Blogsters, Bloggarinas and other non-identifying blog fanatics,
    I’ve had my neat little blog for a few months now, and I’m looking to diversify my audience, to grow it outside of just the few friends I know from real life escapades. If any of you would care to read, I would feel honoured (yes, I am Australian). Any tips would be a pleasure to absorb!
    https://riordandavis.wordpress.com/
    Ciao~

    Liked by 3 people

  27. Hello everyone and Happy New Year’s!
    I’ve been blogging for just a little bit over a year now and would love to take a moment and see where my blog is at through your guys’ eyes. I would love some general feedback about anything so that I know what to improve for the coming year. I’d be more than happy to give a look at yours as well. Thanks in advance!
    https://pebblestonesteps.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I’m not your target audience but I’m impressed by the layout and use of visuals to liven up the page and attract attention!

      I had a look at your ‘goals’ post and enjoyed it. It was personal, honest and realistic without being about cutting off your dreams. Loved the picture of your notepad, great insight into your creative work.

      Liked by 2 people