Feb 22, 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).

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.
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  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
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  1. The issue I’ve been coping with almost forever is how to make the blog (http://peoplebranch.org) inviting. From a few professionals in the field (i.e. journalists), the contents are great, some are event dubbed as excellent but I am still not sure which format would make it attractive enough to warrant a second look.
    I will consider all suggestions; I am desperate. Thanks in advance.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think you’ve got a good thing going with the colors, your biggest issue is probably how cluttered it feels at first. It can be a little overwhelming to have so many options thrown at you on the main page.

      Maybe try a layout where the articles take up more of the screen, so that you only are looking at three our four at once, or a layout where the articles are lined up one by one down the page and see how that feels.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. You might want to try a different theme. I was overwhelmed by all the photos. The photos are good; however, they overload the senses on the Home page. If the content is the important thing, make it be the star on your home page. My blog doesn’t have photos, but it does focus on content so you can see what I mean: http://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I don’t know that it’s the theme that’s the issue, because I’ve seen loads of successful blogs with similar themes.

      If it ever starts to feel overwhelming or crowded, the best suggestion it to ensure that each picture looks really different from the last so that the eye is drawn to each individual one rather than jumping around trying to look at all of them. So, look at the colors in the pictures and make sure that there is a clear separation from one to the next.

      For me, it doesn’t currently feel overwhelming, but if you are getting that feedback then that might be something to think about. Since you’re a travel blog, though, and most travelers are also photographers, having a lot of photos on your main page isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I LOVE kabobs….and would make this if I was still allowed to eat them. is there a recipe that is lower in fat anywhere so I can get my cardiologists approval? Nice layout on your blog. looks very professional and easy to navigate

      Liked by 2 people

      4. because i have a self hosted blog. you can follow through email on the reader here or through facebook. it is annoying but wordpress won’t let anyone follow us out of towners for some reason.

        Liked by 2 people

  3. Hi everyone! Since starting my blog, I’ve have a huge difficulty with what to put as the banner at the top. It was a landscape image before, but then I created the current banner in Canva. I like the new banner, but I worry that not having one of my photos/photos of me in the banner makes it too impersonal. What do you guys think, am I being a bit paranoid and over thinking it? (I do that sometimes).

    frozenfountainpen.com

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi! I just checked out your blog. It’s got a really interesting layout, and I love how you have pictures to go with all your posts. The way you write is also very entertaining. It’s nice to read someone’s train of thought, rather than a planned out essay sometimes.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Really enjoyed your blog! Two posts about pizza straight away helped! 😉 But seriously, really like your writing style. I’ve given you a follow and am looking forward to what you’ll write next.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. you have a few syntax mistakes. check the sentence with the description of places (snow and desert, etc). other than that it is quite a nice entry. and now I wish to visit India.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you started a blog. I hope your blog gives you as much pleasure as mine gives me.

      You asked for some suggestions so here are 3!

      1) My biggest suggestion is that you start adding tags and categories to each of your posts. Tags in particular is how people find your blog so if you are looking for followers they are important.

      2) Add an about page. I wanted to learn more about you and it is usually the about page that people go to when they visit new blogs.

      3) Add widgets so your sidebar – one that has a list of your most recent posts and one that makes it possible for others to follow you by email are the most important I think.

      It would be nice if you had someone to help you with those things and if you don’t you can get help by doing a search on google… or taking Word Press blogging 101.

      I think you have a very nice blog regardless of whether you add or change anything. Congratulations.

      Liked by 4 people

      2. You may have a post that talks about you, and I think you do, but it should be a page that someone can always access by clicking on about. Take a look at my blog if you like, and others.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Followed!

      I’d echo what Karuna said. One thing I would add is maybe to add pages (if you go in to reading settings in WordPress and change the number of posts to show per page) then it might make it easier to read.

      Nice blog though!

      Liked by 2 people

  13. Hi, everyone…my name is Truly, I’m a hopeless optimist who sometimes has to dig down really deep to retain my ideals. I’ve started my first blog, and would greatly appreciate some feedback on the third of my three posts (dated Feb 21/16). I’v written one post per week, and am committed to doing so for 52 weeks (at least). My writings are whimsical, metaphorical offerings because I love the spoonful-of-medicine approach to managing growing pains. I am already following some amazing people I’ve come across on Community Pool, and I am beyond thrilled to discover so many who, determined to make this world a better place, share their respective talents. You can find me at http://www.trulyunplugged.com
    I would be honoured to return the favour. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  14. Hello fellow writers, bloggers, and dreamers! My name is Zach and I write poetry and short stories. My page is exclusively writing, and I do my best to update it with my scribbles and tidbits. I’m just starting out, so any tips or suggestions would be great! Although I don’t know much about blogging, I love to read and would be happy to check out new writing. My site is:

    zachsmith98@wordpress.com

    Thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi there….I read your blog this morning, before work…and I “followed” you as a result…but, didn’t have enough time to comment…your blog is awesome, timely, inspiring and lovely 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I started my blog almost two years ago, but I have made fewer than half a dozen entries, I think. I’m ready now to be more consistent. I have several simple do-it-yourself projects I want to write about. I have information and experiences to share that may appeal to different age groups and people of varied interests. I’m just not sure how to describe my blog or what categories to focus on. Also, I feel so inadequate with the technological details. I am 66, I’m on the internet hours a day, but I don’t know how to put two photos on the same blog, for instance. I’m afraid to leave this site because I may not remember how to get back. I’m through whining and procrastinating. I’m ready to blog. Will you help me please? I am a retired English teacher if you want an honest evaluation of your grammar or usage. I’m also kind. My blog is gloryallaroundme.wordpress.com but I prefer email comments or here, please. Thank you!

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Hi, my advice, for what it’s worth – if you want to blog because you want to blog and share, rather than looking to make money or be the next big internet phenomenon, you don’t have to focus on anything except what you want to write.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. To me, your blog name, “gloryallaroundme” describes your blog well. For categories, the question becomes, in what areas do you see glory all around you (family, friends, nature, God’s Word, simplicity…)? I do a biblically-based leadership blog: http://gracelead.co and am using four categories for types of leadership focus. Each thing I write fits into one of my four categories. By the way, I’m also 66. Perhaps we’re not as fluent technologically as some of the younger ones; however, we have experiences and thoughts to share. I enjoy the tone of your writing. Keep going. I’m guessing you have much to say.

      Liked by 1 person

    4. I’d recommend taking a look at our intro tutorials at https://learn.wordpress.com/ — they cover all the basics (including inserting media into your posts), are step-by-step and very accessible. (You also don’t have to go through the entire series — you can select the topics you’d most like to focus on.)

      Like

  20. Hey everyone!!

    I recently made a post in my blog…. (i post recipes which i try in my little kitchen) would like to hear from you guys, your openion/suggessions/feed backs about my post or blog as a whole! Your comments would definitely helps to improve my way of approach towards my blog.

    Love….nadira 🙂

    https://nadiskitchen.wordpress.com/2016/02/25/mixed-dal-and-vegetable-kurma-mixed-lentils-and-vegetables-in-cashew-coconut-gravy/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I think that the biggest compliment I can give is that I don’t usually eat the type of food you write about, but your blog has got me feeling hungry! Really like the fact that you write about the nutritional benefit of the ingredients as well as the recipe itself – you don’t see that often. Followed for future reference!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks alot …..appreciate your response :)…. which type of cuisine you usually like to have??most of my post are about indian cuisine and i am trying to expand my thought!! Believe you will be able to find exciting recipes soon!!

        Thank you so much for following me and keep coming back 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I am intrigued by the recipes you posted. I wish I had a source for Indian food products. We in Oklahoma are a backwards bunch and do not carry Indian products beyond small red chilis. I was wanting to make the recipe I read (and salivated over) but an not find the ingredients locally. Do you know of a supplier for those of us in locals that are seriously backwards when it comes to foods? Suze http://www.suziland.net

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hey Suze…..Thanks a ton…. so happy to find you here :)…..
        sad to hear that you are not able to find Indian food products there!! If you have some Asian stores, you may find some there or you can buy online..
        http://www.ishopindian.com/. (This one is US based online shop,where you can get Indian spices. But I never bought from them, just found it for you :)….)

        Do follow me for more recipe updates and come back again when time permits 🙂

        Love….nadira

        Liked by 2 people

  21. Hi Guys!
    I am currently in Blogging 101 event.

    I just finished my Logo as my Brand. This is my real estate logo located in first widget.

    Any suggestion or comments about it. I am focusing on real estate blogging and I do also blogging a topic.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I really like the logo. My only suggestion would be that when “your real estate broker online” it kind of seems a little out of place like you just added it afterwards. Is there a reason you put quotes around it? I am not sure you need the quotes. Other than that I really like the design of your logo.

      Liked by 2 people

  22. Hello out there to anyone who is a fan of The Smiths. I just wrote a piece on what one of their songs mean to me and would love to know what other people’s favourite songs are and how they have been impacted by them. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the Smiths, I also write about the impact of dreams and nostalgia. I feel these themes are quite universal. I would love to hear some thoughts and opinions about these. https://onlyindreamssite.wordpress.com/2016/02/26/half-a-person/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hey, I have a confession, I’m not a fan of The Smiths (long story!) BUT I did really enjoy the post. I love music and how people interpret it’s meaning to them. I finish all my posts at http://www.83unsungheroes.co.uk with a song lyric pertinent to the post is some way. I’ve given you a like and a follow as I’m looking forward to what you do next!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I just read your post on why compromise dreams. I’m very impressed with your insight and the topic itself is something I’ve been pondering a lot lately, like at what point do your dreams become dangerous to your mental well being. Thanks so much for your feedback 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed my post.

        Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Colin, I like the content of your blog! It’s different to a lot of the others I’ve read. My only bit of, hopefully, constructive criticism I have is that the front page detailing your schedule and recent posts in such a way feels a little too clinical to me. I would be inclined to maybe try playing with sticky posts as well as popular and recent post widgets. Would be interested to know what others think though!

      Michael

      Liked by 2 people

    2. To me, your front page would be more interesting if you put your most recent post first. When I revisit a site home page, I’m looking for what’s new rather than a menu of what’s on the site (unless it’s a business site). You might want to put your post schedule on a separate page since this won’t interest everyone.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. You might find it difficult to find advice on eHost in this forum, since the vast majority of bloggers here use WordPress.com, the hosted platform (so they don’t need to worry about finding hosts).

      I hope you find the information you need, and good luck with your blog!

      Like

    1. I love the layout of your blog! It’s very pretty, my improvement suggestion would be to get a nicer background on the photos, white fluffy/hairy white blankets are a nice background, or some white marble. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Overall blog looks nice, would be good to try and have a featured image on every post as it would make the layout flow better. 🙂
      I like that you post about things that are important to bring attention to. 🙂 xx

      Liked by 2 people