Oct 10, 2016 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

Have you just published a new post and are dying for some feedback? Are you redesigning your blog and could use some layout or design advice from your more seasoned peers?

The Community Pool is for peer feedback and advice. Looking for more specific information? Check out some of these resources:

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).

Looking for free, self-guided courses to help you get started with your blog (or revive a dormant one)? Check out our current offerings at Blogging U.

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

  • 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, as well as for not starting numerous threads in a single Pool.
  • 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. Also note that including multiple links in your comment might automatically put it in the moderation queue, which will delay its publication.
  • Please keep all comments civil and constructive. The idea is to have fun — it’s a pool, after all!
  • 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.
  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
  • No running on the deck.

Are you a new blogger looking to share your very first post? We have a special forum for bloggers just like you in our weekly First Friday posts.

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  1. Hi guys! I’ve (sort of) recently started a blog for my band, I would really love to have some feedback for it! It’s just a fun blog I put together this year, and I’ll love to know what you think of it!

    Home

    Like

    1. Hi! I just read your blog. Your content is pretty catchy 🙂 My only concern is the layout. Its really dark and hard to focus. I would suggest lightening it up a little bit, and maybe adding some pictures! In addition, on the home page where you say “one bassist, one drummer, one this, one that…” I don think that you need to keep repeating the word “one”. Other than that, I think whomever is writing, keep writing!!! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for your comments! Your feedback is very useful, and we’ll bear it all in mind 🙂 We don’t currently have any pictures, but we’ll add some when we have them! Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog and commenting! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Just focusing on call centers limits you to a very small and specific audience. Unless you plan to vigorously promote your blog to that audience, I suspect you won’t get much response.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Julie, Good stuff in there. I am from India and as the cliche goes there are tonnes of call centers around me. The tech park I work in has one with a huge number of people and when I read your content my only wish is that these young folks should read this to be better at their work. Consider adding tags to attract the right crowd and also once you have a few more posts you should add categories for better navigation. Its great that you are sharing your knowledge and helping folks to be better. If you have the time do swing by my blog. I would love to hear if you have any feedback.

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      2. Tags are key words- that people will perhaps search often on search engines. It makes your content easy to find and people can quickly understand what the post is all about.
        You will see the section on left pane when you are writing a blog post to add tags. If you add more than 15 wordpress blocks you from reader- so relevant few tags help.

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      5. Just a few months??? That is incredible! I think the hardest part for me is I don’t know how to do a lot of formatting yet. Plus, I didn’t purchase the upgraded one, which I will once I gain more followers.

        Liked by 2 people

      6. I guess in the free version there is limited editing is possible. A lot depends on the theme you chose. Try experimenting with various themes. But once your theme is selected a you are a few posts old its a pain changing the theme again so choose wisely.

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Just commented! Nice content, good use of tags, good use of images. In some posts, maybe add a few more tags: on the top 5 songs, you didn’t tag FFDP or Taylor Swift! Just remember that you can only have up to 15 tags/categories total or WordPress blocks your post from Reader.

      Would you be willing to check out one of my posts? Click on my name and choose one🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh I didn’t know that! Thanks for telling me, I appreciate it. 🙂 I checked Comfort Zones and it spoke to me on so many levels. I actually went out of my comfort zone before but now I wish I can do it again and just take a step out of this bubble I have around me!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Just commented. Nice content, good use of images. My suggestion: use more tags! You can use up to 15 tags and categories. You tagged some of the key elements of your post, but not all. Consider adding something about books, arts and crafts, and being a dreamer in your tags, so readers interested in those can find you.

      Would you be willing to check out one of my posts? Click on my name and choose one🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Just commented. Nice content, good use of images. Do you use tags? I didn’t seen any on your post, but some themes don’t show them. If you’re not, consider using them! They help readers find your blog.

      We’re already following each other, but would you be willing to check out one of my posts? Click on my name and choose one🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Your post was interesting. I like how you pointed out that even best selling authors get bad reviews. In a review, either postive or negative, I look to see if there is anything useful that can help me make an improvement. Those that say my writing is awful without giving me a specific suggestion for improvement are useless. At the same time, those that simply say my writing is wonderful without giving a specific about what is good are also useless. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for the feedback! I actually thought of the title on a spur of the moment kind of thing, and believe me, I didn’t think it fit quite well either. I always have problems with titles — I’ll definitely work on that!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Jogging! effective method to keep fit. but you were not clear why you gave up on jogging with your sumsung, yet you still go ahead using your ipod. Personally i think music obstructs whether from an ipod or sumsung.

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Hello, everyone. Truly, here. Yet again, I look forward to having you read my latest post. This one is titled “(Oct 10/10) “I’m Too Lazy For My Shirk, Too Lazy For My Shirk, So Lazy It Hurts”). It is riddled with my usual wordplay and whimsical digressions; and, the fun is in trying to see how many puns you pick up on, before I break them down for you at the end 🙂 Perhaps my writing style is best described as a tongue twister for your brain…a round about, inside out way of thinking that just might put a smile on your face. Please let me know what you think…I will happily return the favour 🙂 Thank you!

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    1. I didn’t catch all of them, but got most. Before I even started reading, I was singing, “I’m too sexy for my shirt.” I’m not much of a singer, but couldn’t stop myself. I think “whimsical” and “digressions” are the most apt words to describe the post. Overall, it put me in a better mood. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Loved your blog! Very positive and fresh! You have a great theme and great graphics. I especially loved your goals list…. it takes courage to make your goals public but I guess that also must be an encouragement to work towards achieving them. You should consider using tags to make your blog more visible.
      If you have sometime do swing by my blog, I would love to hear any feedback you might have. Cheers

      Like

    1. Great Writing Anonymous Girl. The tiled layout works for an image based blog but since your strong point is writing I suggest you change it to one post at a time kind of view so that readers can concentrate on the powerful writing. Also it helps people concentrate on text better when the background is of a neutral color. Keep up the great work. Do swing by my blog and let me know if you have any feedback for me. Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey! I read a few of your posts and ran through your blog and first off I want to say that I really enjoyed your style! It’s casual, comfy and I feel like I know you and am experiencing things with you which is hard to find sometimes- not a lot of people have a voice that makes you feel included in writing!

      As far as advice I’d say maybe make your aesthetic more cohesive! I know I stay on a blog longer if the pictures and color tones all sort of coexist really well on the page. Something as little as text color and font style make a world of difference.
      I think if you started posting your blog on social media sights or do sneak previews on other sites you’d get a ton more hits because, like I said, you have a really smooth style that makes me feel comfortable. I like that!
      Keep writing!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much!! That’s really nice to hear, and I’m glad I’m getting my feelings across in my writing 😊 I’ll defiantly take your advice on board and use it in my next post and see how that goes! Thank you for reading xx

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    1. Hey Brad!
      I just finished reading a couple of your blog posts, and I loved them!
      I enjoy the simplicity in your posts as far as you get to the point right away and I feel like they remind me to be more conscious and to try and be a better person.
      The only advice I can give would be maybe to add a little bit of your personality into the beginning and end of the posts, like how these lessons affected you, personally.
      I tend to like blogs where I can get a sense of the person who’s writing them because then I feel like I get to make a decision whether or not we have similar lifestyles and if I want to emulate their actions or take their advice.
      That could just be me though! I like pizzazz in everything and cheesy jokes- but really, I enjoyed your blog and think you should definitely keep writing. I love your style and the type of writing that you focus on.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for the feedback! I really appreciate it! I’ll definitely look into adding more personality through out future blog posts. I’ll be sure to also check out your blog as well 😊

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    1. Hi. I had a quick look – subject matter isn’t for me but still thought I’d give you two comments that might help. 1. Your title is (for me) unreadable being black writing over the background of the trees. I don’t have terrible eyesight but actually didn’t notice there was writing there! You want your title to grab people. 2. An expert that looked at my site said to take out the links to fb, instagram etc unless you have a linked page. Its just annoying to get taken to generic fb. I’ve taken mine off. A small other point is that your first blog still has default text from WP. I actually deleted my placeholder first post after I got going. I think in new blogs people often start at the beginning so this should be an ammmaaazzzing post! Good luck. Please do the same for me if you get a chance as really want some honest feedback atm https://wordpress.com/posts/bristoldeathdoula.wordpress.com

      Liked by 2 people

      1. thank you! I’m working on the readability as I really want to keep my photography up while also making it readable, I’ve played around with colors but then it changes all fonts- I’m obviously still working on this WP format.
        As for that generic WP first blog post I had thought I’d deleted it altogether so I’ll go back and fix that immediately! But thank you, as well, for the tip on FB and IG although I’ll probably leave my IG connected because at the moment I like having people be able to find a different media of expression easily, if curious. I’l definitely check out your blog and write back asap!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Okay, so I swam through your blog and I’m going to have to say I don’t really have any criticism. I was sucked in immediately because your subject is so fascinating! And the rest of the blog doesn’t disappoint. I enjoy the softness and warmth you bring to such a heavy and stigmatized subject and you make me feel like I need to have a death doula visit me asap.

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    2. I liked your post about how a person should decide their reason(s) for going vegan. It seems like good advice. On your layout, I like the trees in the header, but suggest that you make the wording a heavier font so it is easier to read. https://gracelead.co

      Like

    1. You didn’t ask for specific feedback but presume thats why you posted? A plus and minus is that I don’t do poetry so wouldn’t have clicked at all if I’d known thats what it was (so you caught me) but for people looking for poetry, they wont find you if all they have to go on is your name. Call your blog “occasional musings” or “snappy poetry” or some such to tell your audience what you do. Hope it helps – you may well say that my title is too graphic but I did lots of prep before starting my blog and generally advice is to make it clear what your blog is about and who its for. Good luck. I’m looking for feedback too if you feel like returning the compliment https://wordpress.com/posts/bristoldeathdoula.wordpress.com

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you for investing your time in me. Looking at your blog I see compassion and caring and the delicate deft touch needed to deal with death in such a positive way. You should be very proud of your work. Thank you again, Peter

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Thank you Peter – its kind of you to say so. Do you think my posts have enough general interest? I’m just a bit mystified as to why people have enough curiosity to click on a site that’s about death but then apparently no curiosity to read further? Hmm… go figure.

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Death intrigues people, yet frightens them more. It is like the proverbial button with a sign above saying do not press. Some want to press, some nearly press, few do. Death is generalised enough, as in we all die. But perhaps it is the fear of living rather than dying that makes people not want to read on….

        Liked by 2 people

      5. Its part of my work as a death doula to help reduce the fear of dying whether it is close by or far away. I’m a Death Cafe host where people can come together to talk about death and dying over a cup of tea and a slice of cake. We’re trying to get rid of this last great taboo subject. A good topic for poetry I’m sure.

        Liked by 2 people

      6. Indeed. People don’t tend to talk about death because it confirms to them their own mortality. People often go to funerals to ensure it is not them who has died. My own view is that it is not something to be feared, but respected, as we should respect the sanctity of life. However, darker moments often have people wishing for something they do not understand. I compare it to mental health and the community held view. From not existing, to being mentioned reluctantly to finally being recognised as a reality, society is now dealing with it. Be a pioneer, lead the movement, do not wait to be moved. Make the changes and help other to understand, and that I believe is what you are striving to do, and that’s great. Keep up the fight.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Hi guys. I have been doing my blog for just over a month and whilst I get a reasonable number of visitors (each of whom view 2/3 items) hardly anyone clicks on blog posts. I’m just wondering if any of you have the patience to have a look and see if I’m just the most boring writer ever? Or is it the post titles? I know death is a niche market but given that I’m making headway on the site traffic, as I wasting my time working so hard on posts that no one is drawn to reading. Any feedback really welcome https://wordpress.com/posts/bristoldeathdoula.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I read your latest two posts and found them interesting. What could be happening is that visitors read your Home page and decide they don’t need your services, so they leave your site without exploring your blog. My suggestion is to make your blog be your Home page and put what is currently on your Home as a separate page in your Menu. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much – can’t think I never thought of that. Just a bit insecure about my writing skills. I’ve been planning on turning my blog into a website with a blog but am nervous of messing up so keep putting it off. This prompts me to think I need to do that so”about me”is a click away. Appreciate it.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Heya Guys,
    I am blogging about my journey with infertility and all the things that come with that and also in my latest post it is about the struggle I am having with endometriosis… if you would like to have a look (don’t know if your in the same boat or not) that would be fab 🙂
    Thank you
    https://aquestfrommetomum.wordpress.com/

    Like

    2. You’re off to a good start! I suggest adding some images to your posts to break up the text and add some colour, and also move your ‘Posts’ tab closer to ‘Home’ because that’s really what you want people to click.
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Vandana, looks like you are a pro blogger and a cook. loved some of your recipes. I will try some of them for sure. The only suggestion I have is that you should add a wordpress like button at the end of the post. Maybe you have added it but I am unable to locate it in the Chana Masala recipe …. consider adding it. Keep up the great writing.

      If you have the time do swing by my blog, I would love to hear your feedback.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for the compliments. When I shifted my blog from wordpress.com to self hosted one, I tried to add like button. I was unable to do it. So I let it be. Now I believe that it is more important that someone likes it and comes back to my blog. If you know how to do it please suggest, I will try to include it.
        I checked your blog and liked it. Will visit later and read posts at leisure.
        Thanks for your feedback.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. You have some good thoughts in the post. The long sentences make it difficult to read. Consider breaking those apart. For instance, here’s a way to break apart your third sentence. “There are also some weak moments when you just sit and panic. All the stupid things in your mind start playing flashbacks of all those failed attempts at chasing something which you have dreamed somewhere in your life. But, I am so stubborn with my inner positiveness that suddenly all the little successful moments for which I was proud of myself come to mind. Maybe the world doesn’t have a clue, even I was clueless, but something just flashes out from nowhere. Again, they spark the fire within me. I believe that fire is in everybody. The tussle is to recognize it and give meaning.” https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hey Rashi, I would like to help you notice this. I noticed that part of this is a run on and you forgot to add the word [to] in one spot.

      I just used to listen him but never gave a thought about this, he always wanted me to think about this but never put a pressure on me.

      I would do this:

      “I just used to list [to] him(,) but never gave a thought about this (.) He always wanted me to think about this(,) but never put [any] pressure on me.”

      I did quotations to make sure you have possession of your words.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Rashi, Good work. WHat kind of audience are you aiming at… or is this a personal blog! If you want visibility I suggest you adds and once you have 5 + posts you should divide them in catagory to help folks navigate better ….. You have achieved a lot already – Keep going ! Cheers !

      If you have the time do swing by my blog. I will appreciate your feedback. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person