Can we just talk about blog design for moment.
How fun, yet frustrating. First, as I mentioned, I have been working on redesigning the blog and layout. It’s taken a little longer than planned for a number of reasons. Blah blah blah. Life gets in the way. Blah blah blah. Excuses excuses excuses.
Now, let me tell you a story.
The other morning I’m browsing some of favorite blogs. If you aren’t a blogger you might not be aware that there is this thing called a blog link up. It goes by various names depending on the blogger hosting it. Anyway, it’s a means of helping other bloggers get theirs in front of new people. Often it must be a post of like topic, what have you. Regardless, that’s not what’s important here. As I was browsing one of these link ups, I stumbled upon a blog…. with a layout so close to the one I have been working on it gave me deja vu. Seriously? The background is the same. So much for freebies. The tiles and buttons are so close to the ones I have been making, I’m afraid to use them. So much for paying for photos.
I mean, she must be super cool. She has great style. But now what? I have to go back to the drawing board. I can’t just continue on in this fashion. I can’t have a design that looks like I ripped off someone elses. I must tell you, it does make me want to stay away from other blogs. At least until this design project is over. O.V.E.R.
But it brings up another topic. Photos for free or for sale. Stock photos. It just doesn’t work. I knew it going into this, but let’s face it, sometimes I go against my better judgement. Sometimes. This has been one of them.
I decided to design it myself for a few reasons. One, because I love to save a buck. I mean, who doesn’t, but for me it’s like a job. Or a challenge. But now I’m reconsidering. I love the creativity, but I do tend to get to emotionally attached. It CAN be changed, Stephanie. Really. And it doesn’t have to be perfect out of the gate. …these are the arguments I have with myself.
So I ask you, if you have a blog, who designed it?
Did you have any troubles in the process? Did you find others that looked similar? Did you love every bit of it?
As a reader, what do you love about blog layouts?
Is the lighter or white background easier to read, as the studies show? Do you care that much about what it looks like or is it just the content that’s important to you? Do you prefer the personal side with photos of the blogger?
For those of you with blogs, I want to share something with you!!!
Momcomm
Melissa Culbertson is a mother, marketer and owner of Momcomm. Here she gives advice on writing, blogging and social media. AND every Wednesday she critiques someones blog! Whether you are hoping for her critique or just looking for some great ideas, you must check her out. There is a wealth of knowledge given on this site. Enjoy!
Sshhh….once I get this finished I am going to try to get her advice. Eeek.
For those of you wondering where this new design I have talking about is, have patience. I’m working on it!
Live Well!
~S
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