What Do You Think of My New Draft Blog Layout?

I'd Love Your Feedback on My New WordPress Blog Layout

Ihave been blogging since 2005. You can see the remnants of my first blog here. I keep thinking I should take that site down, or at least disable the blog, but I don't because it is such a useful teaching tool. It shows how awful a beginner blogger really is. In fact, shortly after I launched that blog, I interviewed Debbie Weil, author of the Corporate Blogging Book, on Indie Business Radio. On a whim, during the live show, I asked Debbie to log onto my blog and give me some real time feedback. I had not prepared her for the question and I could tell immediately that Debbie did not want to embarrass me on my own radio show. She was gracious of course, yet honest, and I am so thankful to her for telling me the truth without slamming me.

         

So I keep the blog up, and link to it from time to time to encourage other beginner bloggers that everyone has to start somewhere. Now, 3 years and 3 blogs later, I'm considering switching to a WordPress blogging platform. (I'll post an article about why I am considering this later.) I hired Matt Blancarte Unique Blog Designs to create something just for me. What you see in the graphic above is his first draft.

What do you think? I'll ask Debbie too. In fact, I'm working with her to set up a return date on Indie Business Radio. Debbie lives and breathes blogging and she's a fantastic resource. I highly recommend that you enjoy the show from a few years ago and buy her book at the link, and stay tuned for an announcement soon about Debbie's return to Indie Business Radio.

So, what do you think of the draft of my new blog layout?

Related Posts

Blogging: So Easy, Anyone Can Do It
Save Time, Blog Fast
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Blog is Dead
My Blog Mentors
The Whole Hog Business Blog

For more Indie Business blogging information and tips, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

If you like Indie Business Blog, please share the home page with your friends using this link: http://tinyurl.com/6l5h79.

car

Comments

[Sacred Glo]

I love it!!!!

[La Shonda Tyree]

Hey dM, I like it. I like the links up top that someone can sign up for your newletter, rss feed and hear a message. I am using wordpress to design my new site and blog thanks to the recommendation of @developplanb on twitter.

[http://DharaHolistics.com]

Beautiful!

I like it a lot...

[D'Anna Catterson]

Especially like the links at the top, very user friendly. Good layout and use of color.

[Patricia]

Very nice layout. I like the colours

[Jennifer]

Here's my 2 cents:
1. My first thought is that I don't see much of a difference.But then I see that it is cleaner with more impact.
2. I like the hits of color in the side bars and banner- it anchors the page.
3. I think your business name needs to be bigger to brand and identify your blog.
4. Everything seems to be kind of cluttered at the top with nothing making an impact.
5. The design doesn't brand YOU and your business. I think your picture should be closer to the top.
6. The buttons under the banner should be smaller- distracting
7. The Search Engine Guide should be smaller- it distracts from your site Blog Title.
Hope that help- I want to be honest. But it is just my opinion.

[Gina Rafkind, VedaSun]

I like it as well dM. Comparing it to your blog now, I feel like the design has more impact, but I did like your Indie banner on the top (I instantly knew where I was) and I liked your picture at the top as well.

Also, I was thinking I'd love to see what it would look like with more of an indigo color instead of the purple color that's there so I went to your Indie Beauty website to have a look and saw the background color of that website. That is the exact color I was thinking of. Plus, it would kind of connect the two as well. Just a thought.

Best of luck. I'm using wordpress and love it.
Gina

[Donna Maria @ Indie Business]

Everyone, thanks for such thoughtful comments. I will pass them onto the designer. Lots to think about. Thanks for taking the time to offer your wonderful thoughts and expert insights! dM

[Arwen Taylor]

I love it. Purple is my favorite color so the design attracted me right away. I really like what they did with your logo too.

[Jessica carter]

When surfing websites, I often come across good websites and their success stories and I experience a pang of envy, but then I think “wow, they must have done a whole lot of hard work to make that happen". I am getting the same feeling now, seeing your website. It's just awesome and the rich contents shared over here is adding to it's beauty.
I wish you good luck for your future endeavors :)

Regards
Jessica carter
http://www.tanningbed-free.info

[PRIIA Cosmetics]

Hey dM!

I really like the look of the new blog but I think the search engine feature should be a little smaller because it distracts from the blogs title. Also, make your blog title a little bigger with more impact like the one you have here. Otherwise, looks great! Just my .02 =-)

[Donna Maria @ Indie Business]

Jessica, thanks for stopping by my blog and for affirming my work. That means a lot, and yes, I do work hard to serve Indie Beauty Network members. I appreciate that you took the time to visit and share such positive and encouraging words. dM

[Mimie Wong]

I like the purple and the layout! I switched to WP as well about a year ago and now designed 2 WP blogs. It was the time I revamped my website and want my blog design to coordinate with everything but blogger wasn't as easy to customize at that time. I also like how WP blog is embedded in my site & server. I've been a loyal WP blogger and embraced it ever since. You'll love it, dM. =)

[Nicole Perkins]

DM,I love the new blog. They layout looks great and its in my favorite color,purple!!! Can't wait until it goes live.

[Donna Johnson]

@Nicole: Thanks for stopping by. I'm excited too. Purple is a favorite color of mine as well. I have my fingers crossed for a smooth transition. When I figure out how to use the new blog correctly, wann feature you in it!!

[Christie Wanlass]

DM, I really like the new layout and color. I love what you have now, but the new one grabs my attention just a little bit more! Awesome!