Jan 18, 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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    2. I enjoyed your post!! So thoughtful and sort of what I feel – I give cakes to people for making it to Friday! Any other occasion is forced in today’s society. It need to be out of the box to be authentic these days. Great post and flow. Organized writing.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I like your layout, it’s simple and easy to follow (I’ve switched back to something simpler just last week as well). Too much clutter and I’ll move on quickly! My only suggestion would be whether you could include some sort of header image, or spruce up the title font or something like that?

      Liked by 2 people

    6. hi Elizabeth – just from a quick dive in and glance it looks really good – what i am wanting to do with mine [brettfish.wordpress.com] – have bought my website and just trying to find the right person to help me move all my stuff across but hopefully soon…

      Yours is simply and uncluttered which makes it easier to jump in and read… good stuff
      love brett fish

      Liked by 2 people

    7. It’s clean and simple, but I think TOO simple. Each post starts with a dog pic (which I like because I LOVE dogs) which is kind of boring for the reader. Could your background be something dog related? When I read some posts they were fun and light, but the layout seems a little stifled. Show your fun side in the layout/background. Maybe a fun header or something a little more YOU?

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I would greatly appreciate any insight on this post of my reflections and deciding where I want to go and what I want to accomplish with my blog in 2016. I’m also reaching out in hopes of finding some new members of my “tribe” of empowering women, and hopefully some country music fans! Also…. do you think I would get more views/followers/hits if I posted the latest gossip and news or should I stick with just my personal adventures? I appreciate any advice or comments! 🙂

    Reflections & What I Want In 2016

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hey, I read your post and think that the quote you, well, quoted encapsulates the advice you’re looking for. Doesn’t sound like you wish to pander to the masses but would rather provide something of greater substance. If that’s your objective, stick to it – it’s what makes what you offer different than the rest.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much, I truly appreciate the insight! I do want to offer something different from the rest of the people, I just sometimes worry that I’m not getting noticed after a couple years of effort!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I’m in the same boat. I’ve had to come to peace with the idea that I do this for my personal passion and professional profile rather than the hope of becoming an internet sensation (many of which, I feel just have a larger audience rather than superior content). Like many other aspects of life, it does come down to who you know – and who you can get in front of. I’ve found it helpful to appreciate those who take the time to interact and find satisfaction in knowing someone has been affected by my efforts. Hope this lifts your spirits some. Thanks for checking in

        Liked by 2 people

  4. Hi guys, I am pretty new to this blogging lark, (currently working through Blogging 101) and mainly want to concentrate on being creative – particularly with recycled materials. Trouble is, I am so much more than that, and I find that I have posted twice on non-crafting subjects *ahem* I also want to include various art pieces that I have done, but I’m so afraid of becoming a mish mash blog – gah!! Helpful advice, anyone?
    https://scribbleartie.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. First of all: really cook header artwork! Second, if your audience likes what you do, chances are they’ll be interested in the related topics you cover as well. A little diversity is good for any blog/column/publication. Best wishes

      Liked by 3 people

  5. Hello Friends,

    I am looking for feedback in general on my blog http://www.straightwoo.com. Easy to navigate? Fonts are easy enough to read??

    I’m also wondering if anyone has advice about recurring posts, where you might share similar content weekly. Does anyone have great tips on how to title posts like that??

    Thanks so much, hope you are well ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    1. You can create a category for all of the similarly themed posts, for instance I have a “Throwback Thursday” section of my blog where I feature the times that I’ve met various artists. I’m also hoping to start an “Open Letters” category where I just write my opinions on things. Try to do something creative with the letter of the week (like Woo Wednesdays or Tarot Tuesdays, Serendipity Saturday’s, or Soul Sunday’s, etc). The font does bother my eyes a little, but the content was interesting enough to read that I kept going. That and all the wit! Not to mention I love astrology and stuff. It’s easy to navigate, I got to the most recent post and then it was easy to start at the beginning of your story.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it! Yes, that’s a good thought re the categories and titles. I actually planned to name my newsletter The Weekly Woo/Woo Wednesday. I post Tarot on Sunday’s, Astro on Monday’s, so will give it a think!

        I know re the font. This is what most people say – at first its a little tough on the eyes but then you get used to it. I’m still torn on whether or not to change it….

        Thanks again for taking the time to read and for the feedback too! I really do appreciate it. 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

      7. Hahaha! Chani only writes when its a more significant transit – but if you’ve got a big day today check out astrotheme’s daily horoscope. It’s based on your actual DOB and time of birth so quite accurate. It’s one of the ones I use 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      8. WOW. Thank you for sharing. I’ve read it over and over and over for today. So insanely accurate. I appreciate the suggestion! Unfortunately I’m at work and don’t have the time that I need to think and meditate and reflect! I was blindsided this morning by something that left me feeling very shaken up and I’m still trying to cope (while at work) and thankfully this site is giving me specific suggestions to rectify my thoughts about the situation.

        Liked by 2 people

      9. Yep, it’s a good one! Susan Miller is good for overall, Astro Twins are well-known but not that great in my opinion (very happy-clappy), Astro Theme dailies are phenomenal. Shelley Von Strunckel also has a decent daily. Note that Mercury is Retrograde, conjunct Pluto, square Uranus = a lot of deep, unexpected shit is coming out of the closet. 🙂 Take care!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you! I wanted to keep it clean and simple, with cool imagery. I am still torn on the font I’m using for the body text…..

        Thanks for checking it out!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Hi all. I am brand new to this and struggling! I am writing as a way of getting things down on paper (or screen) so I don’t have them whizzing around in my head. I am sober for 2016 and also rambling on about family, trying to conceive and general motherly natter.
    I want to keep things simple but don’t really know what to do to get people to read my mumblings so any advice would be appreciated 🙂 x

    Liked by 2 people

    1. To start off you did well by posting here. Perhaps reach out to other bloggers who discuss similar topics as yourself. Follow their blogs and see what does and doesn’t work. Keep your objective in mind. If it’s mainly a therapy to unclutter your mind, don’t worry excessively about readers. Best wishes in your writing endeavors

      Liked by 4 people

  7. Hi all! Jumping in to take another dip in the pool today! I just transitioned my food blog to a self hosted platform and would love your critiques and feedback (also happy to return the favor!) check out my site dramalessfood.com cheers!

    Liked by 2 people

      1. So I went through Bluehost which is the recommended hosting site by WordPress. I paid $65 for the year and once you are signed up, the process is fairly simple to transition your site, choose your themes and customize how you would like. From taking a look at your blog I think you would love going to a self-hosted platform. Transitioning gave me more freedom with plugins that I am hoping to grow with in the coming year. Great work!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. You might be able to carry the same theme over…there are a ton to choose from if you can’t find an exact match to the one you are using or if you know how to move the code you might be able to do that.

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Hey Ben,

      I don’t know about ‘better’, but I think it is quite a cool idea to change things up for a post or two amongst the regular stuff. I might even have to think about doing the same.

      On the beaches list – they all look amazing, but it’s definitely missing one from New Zealand!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for the feedback Alex. I visited the South Island for a week a little over ten years ago and only spent one day near a beach (Abel Tasman National Park). I was just so mesmerized by those mountains and fjords! I meant no offense to the Kiwis 😉 Thanks for checking in

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Ben – I really enjoyed reading your piece about beaches, and found myself settling on the one that I’m closest to – Ponza in Italy, so thanks for that. Wikipedia tells me it is supposed to be Circe’s island in the Odyssey!

      You asked whether the post ‘works better’ than traditional destination/advice pieces. Thinking as I write I’d say that ’10 best’ lists are always popular – lots of newspapers in the UK, especially the Independent, seem to thrive on them. Top tens are a quick read because people skim through to see if any one of the ten takes their fancy. So it depends on what you want. Your photos are tempting and I’d guess that your list would encourage nervous readers to venture into your blog because you appear knowledgeable and well-travelled.

      Hope that’s some help. I’m off to book a flight to Italy now.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks so much for the feedback. I too am somehow drawn in to the Top Ten motif probably just because I’m so nosy. And yes, you’ll love Ponza – just bear in mind that currently Chaia di Luna is accessible only by boat and you’re not allowed on the sand due to rockslide concerns. But there are tons of small coves and beaches that still make it a worthy destination. Thanks for checking in.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. I actually had the good fortune to marry a girl with family who still lives there. Some might call it luck or just bad judgement on my wife’s part, but the end result is that I was introduced to this magical island. I’d recommend getting there before the rest of America catches on. Last visit I saw far more Americans than in the past and I hope its genuine nature isn’t overly altered by the obvious increase in tourism. Better get there soon! (though it’s better in the warmer weather).

        Liked by 2 people

    3. I really like a mix of both kinds of pieces. Maybe alternate weeks – one week top 10’s and the other advice pieces. Or make certain days of the week one or the other. You have a new follower!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Hey all! I’m a travel blogger and I’ve recently been working on more restaurant reviews from my travels. I posted my first one a couple days ago about my favorite gelato spot in Europe and I would love feedback on ways to improve!
    http://travelfareatwell.com/amorino-aka-the-best-gelato-in-madrid

    I’m always looking to connect with other travel lovers, so please stop by and say hi, I’d love to chat! 🙂
    http://travelfareatwell.com

    Liked by 3 people

  10. Hello everyone! I’ve been blogging for a little over a year now and I’ve been writing in the community pool often. Your guys’ advice has always been helpful. Something I’ve been wondering is if I post too many pictures and perhaps if it might strip away the depth of my content. Any feedback/suggestions would definitely help. Thank you guys!
    https://pebblestonesteps.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi John,

      I only had a quick flick through some posts but you definitely don’t post too many photos. They’re all nice shots, in a good layout, and suit what you’re posting about. I really like the blog! Nice work.

      Mike

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hey Mike, thanks for the comment. Sometimes I felt like I was posting too many. I appreciate the encouragement! I took a look at your blog and I really liked your coffee beans category. I hope you can one day get everything on that list crossed off!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi John – looking at the post you’ve linked to, I think I’d have liked to have had your hand to hold from the beginning. I didn’t know what I was looking at or why, so I skimmed through the pictures. Didn’t skim through your words though. Don’t think there were ‘too many’ pictures, more that they didn’t have a frame of words. Even though I don’t know you, I’d have been interested to know why you chose the ones you chose – unless they were all there were in the exhibition.

      Hope that’s helpful. You’re a jolly good photographer!
      Best wishes
      Elaine

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Elaine,
        Thank you for the comment. It was definitely helpful. There were many other ones but I just put up the ones you see now. And thank you–I try to take “worthy” pictures to upload although there is still a lot to improve on. Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it!

        Liked by 2 people

    4. You take amazing pictures and if you’ve identified as a photography blog, then there’s nothing wrong with featuring them more than writing.
      However, if you’re worried about it, then consider making the pictures smaller or putting them in a slideshow so people can click through them as they please.
      Hope that helps! Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 3 people

    5. John, I really enjoy the quality of your photographs — absolutely top-notch. I don’t think you have too many photos, but in posts that have more than average maybe consider using one of the different layouts such as tiles or thumbnails. I’m new to this blogging thing and generally do multiple photos per post but I intersperse them among the text and tile them when they’re clustered together. Not sure if that would be helpful to you.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Can I just say that your blog is absolutely beautiful? Your photography is beautiful! It definitely inspires me to try and work on my craft. I also really enjoyed reading through a few of your posts. You seem to be very introspective and deep. You’re very honest and raw in your writing and I can appreciate that. You’re doing a fantastic job! I gave you an immediate follow 🙂 If you could also take a look at my blog and give me some feedback that would be highly appreciated! Thanks in advance and cheers!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Mike. I can definitely relate to what you’re saying when it comes to my family of origin — I’m not particularly close to my sisters or my parents. When it comes to my own family, i.e. my wife and kids, that changed. I attribute it to variations in perspective and experience between the two groups, if that makes any sense.

      By the way, I really like your site and the stunning photography. You have a new follower.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much Dave, I really appreciate the compliments 🙂 You make an interesting point about something I didn’t touch on, and that was the strong bonds people make with non-family members who either become family (i.e. your wife & kids) or become ‘like family’…. Thanks again. And by the way, I’m going to sneakily place your recipe for bacon-wrapped dates under my fiancee’s nose and see what comes of it…. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Hi, fellow swimmers! I have a new post up at my blog wordwacker.me. Although my blog is officially an author’s site, about writing and the journey to becoming a published novelist, this particular post is only tangentially related to writing. I’d like feedback as to whether it is a good idea to have posts like this one (a response to the most recent WordPress photo challenge), or whether I should stick with just posts on writing? Here’s the link (I hope I get it to link…) http://wordwacker.me/2016/01/16/looking-for-letters-in-all-strange-the-places/

    Thanks for whatever guidance you might have for me!

    Liked by 3 people

    2. The project is within the realm of a writer’s creativity, so I don’t see any problem with including something fun and different like this in your blog. You had to use the same skills to find those letters that many writers have to tap into to find the write word for their story. Hope this helps!

      Liked by 3 people

  14. Hi everyone!
    Thank you for liking and participating in my new challenges.

    You still have two weeks to participate in the Draw or paint your feelings challenge with the LOVE theme.

    I am also waiting for your entries for the weekly photo editing challenge From ordinary to artistic and weekly photo challenge From above

    If you have any questions or submissions for the weekly themes, feel free to leave me your ideas in the comments below.

    Wish all of you a great and creative week!

    Majka

    https://mecyme.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 6 people

    2. I read some of your blog and I really enjoy it. It’s often difficult to get followers, I’m also trying to increase my base but it’s difficult! Try advertising on social media sites and posting on other peoples’ blogs. I follow similar hashtags on the front page to find others interested in writing about travel. Best of luck to you!

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Hi Drew – I think comments will come as you connect with people who share your interests. It’s a bit like moving to a new town without knowing anybody – it takes a while to find friends – and WordPress is more of a country than a town.

      Your Welcome to Winter read like poetry to me.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Just visited and followed : ) I love that you are studying photography – If I had to do it all over again, this is one of the majors I would consider. However, I wanted to see some of your photos. Will you be uploading some soon?

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I like the layout you’ve chosen. I think it’ll fit a photography theme very well. I do agree with Stephleo though. It would be nice if you had added some of your work so far to give your new followers a taste of what you can do and to also give you a chance to talk about what you like taking photographs of/what you’d like to work on. Looking forward to seeing what you can do!

      Liked by 2 people

    3. I followed too. Looking forward to seeing your photography. I like the theme you chose for your blog, too. Do you plan to include some form of text when you post your photos? All the best –

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Yes I plan on adding some texts and maybe Titles depending if I have them for the specific photos, Also thinking of blogging about others things too which will require text so I’m very open to blogging about different subjects:)
        and Thankyou for complimenting the theme, wasn’t too sure if it was a bit plain but I think that will make the photos stand out more

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I would like to see for example something sincere; made by you that you would like to share because you like it, and feel good with it… it doesn’t matter what it is, I don’t know you. It matters that it is sincere, true and it comes from you.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. I’ve mentioned briefly Plato’s allegory of the ship of fools in my second to most recent blog post, https://run4theroses.wordpress.com/2016/01/14/platos-analogy-of-a-boat-filled-with-stupid-people/. Note that the beginning has nothing to do with that, but instead, the end of the post 🙂 I’m writing a paper in which I compare the Grateful Dead’s love songs to Sidney’s Astrophil and Stella sonnet cycle. Anyone with some knowledge of one, some, or all of these areas would be helpful!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi – enjoyed your post and the illustrations. Have a look at Irena Metzler’s blogpost ‘Disability, Witches and the Middle Ages: Some Mythbusting’ – I think you’ll find her take on the ‘ship of fools’ idea interesting.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Buying a domain name is really just a personal choice — some people believe that it gives their site a more polished or professional feel; others get one as a sign that they’re committed to their blog. But there are also many veteran, popular bloggers who still use a standard domain name (with the wordpress.com ending).

      All of which is to say: if you want one and feel like it might push you forward in your blogging, it might be worth it! But staying with your free domain name is just fine, too.

      Like

  21. Hi!!! My blog is just starting to form direction. It’s almost of a hodge-podge of DIY, beauty, philosophy, and (my favorite to write) satire. I haven’t seen many satirists in my discover yet, and I think my blog has a really nice niche. Do you think this is an appropriate direction? Should I invest more time and money into the blog aesthetically? Follows, likes, and comments are appreciated, I just started a little while ago 🙂
    Thanks!
    Siena
    https://muchadoabouthappiness.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 2 people

  24. Hi everyone, This is my first time here. I started my first blog several years ago and it got overtaken by this one — http://armandleg.wordpress.com. I just updated my theme and have been getting a lot of visits on the site. Is there a secret or best practice for getting more comments? Any feedback or advice is greatly appreciated!

    Liked by 3 people

  25. Just curious to know what made everybody want to start blogging? Always nice to hear a story or two of what turned you to it!
    We just started a blog about our adventure and journey to becoming as healthy and fit as we can, if there are any people into fitness, please do look for our post come.
    Look forward to hearing from you guys!

    Liked by 3 people

      1. I’ve been doing DDP Yoga for a few years now and found that it really helped me focus on looking at what I was eating and cutting a lot of it out, as well as lowering my soft drink count to one a day if that. Make some goals before you start and chart your progress each day so you can see visible results, even if they are small from day to day. Once you get going you can see a larger improvement between the weeks. It helps to have something visible on paper. Good luck on your journey.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Thank you for the advice! I know cutting out soda ( basically any sugar for that matter that’s not natural ) is very important. Thanks for the best wishes!
        I wish you the best of luck on your journey as well, I have heard Yoga is a wonderful way to become flexible, relax and keep well grounded.
        ~C.A.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. The DDP Yoga is a bit different than regualsr yoga, it is stretching,but works in cardio and strength building too. I went from 6-8 soda’s (Mt. Dew’s) and when I learned they don’t allow those to be sold in Europe I switched and now drink maybe a coke a day. Once I got in the habit of not drinking them and eating out of the freezer section I started to see more results.

        Liked by 2 people

  26. hey community

    Two blogs to share and one is a really important one – Wed is my birthday and i was going to let it slip by largely uncelebrated until i saw this opportunity to help someone else out and so please check out this post and see if you would like to get involved;

    Happy Birthday to me: What I Want!

    The other one is also really important for different reasons in the context of South Africa, although the same principle applies in Americaland as well so worth a read:

    i am NOT brave.

    Would love to have your participation on the first or your feedback on the second in terms of how it resonates with you…

    Thank you so much
    love brett fish

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I am new to blogging and I hardly read poetry that is why I took a look at yours. I really enjoyed it to my surprise and delight. So, if you got someone’s attention that never reads poetry then you are on the right track. I scheduled your blog as one to look deeper at on my Sunday read blog’s day. See you soon in blogsphere as they say. Good post thanks for sharing

      Liked by 2 people