I know many of you have already seen my new blog design as it was launched a few weeks ago. But if you haven't do pop in to see what's new.
The most significant overall change is the minimalist look with a lot of white space. The site is also now easier to navigate. But rest assured, the staples such as the blog archives that some of you use are still there.
As many of you who blog know, changing a blog design takes a lot of work. That's probably why I haven't done so for the past few years!
This time round, I didn't go for a free blog template but designed a custom one with considerable help from Franklin Manuel of Bloggermint. I was quite happy in the past to hack into the template code as needed but conceded I no longer had the time nor the expertise especially with some of the new features I wanted like the drop down menu choices and auto-image resizing. Franklin and I worked on the design for over 2 months! So thanks, Franklin - you do know your stuff!
I delayed this post because the LinkWithin widget for related posts did not work for this new template. LinkWithin support seems to be in permanent hibernation.
So I switched to nRelate which is a far, far better service and highly recommended. This free service gives you a lot of control over the widget. Their support staff is just fantastic. The related blog post titles did not initially display on my homepage because of my custom blog template. Patrick worked hard on a fix and kept me informed as he went along. So now you can hop from post to back post easily. Sweet! Thanks, Patrick!
Hope you will have a peek and let me know what you think!
Before You Go:
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
The most significant overall change is the minimalist look with a lot of white space. The site is also now easier to navigate. But rest assured, the staples such as the blog archives that some of you use are still there.
As many of you who blog know, changing a blog design takes a lot of work. That's probably why I haven't done so for the past few years!
This time round, I didn't go for a free blog template but designed a custom one with considerable help from Franklin Manuel of Bloggermint. I was quite happy in the past to hack into the template code as needed but conceded I no longer had the time nor the expertise especially with some of the new features I wanted like the drop down menu choices and auto-image resizing. Franklin and I worked on the design for over 2 months! So thanks, Franklin - you do know your stuff!
I delayed this post because the LinkWithin widget for related posts did not work for this new template. LinkWithin support seems to be in permanent hibernation.
So I switched to nRelate which is a far, far better service and highly recommended. This free service gives you a lot of control over the widget. Their support staff is just fantastic. The related blog post titles did not initially display on my homepage because of my custom blog template. Patrick worked hard on a fix and kept me informed as he went along. So now you can hop from post to back post easily. Sweet! Thanks, Patrick!
Hope you will have a peek and let me know what you think!
Before You Go:
- How to Search This Blog
- How to Subscribe (including an easy explanation on RSS feeds and how to use a reader)
- 7 Easy Ways to Grow Your Jewelry Blog
- 6 Questions to Really Ask Before Starting a (Craft) Blog
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
I saw that yesterday or day before. I like it!
ReplyDelete(via Facebook)
You are such a techie. I can't change mine. It is way too much work. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteThe blog looks great, Pearl. I like the buttons and the ease of navigation. Great job, you and your boys!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Well, not THAT much of a techie...that's why I needed Franklin!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yes, "my boys" were both terrific. They were exceedingly helpful and patient with some of my questions!
ReplyDeleteI did notice it but didn't know what went into the redesign. A lot of work! It looks great and navigation is seamless. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI like it a lot. It's clean looking and not overly busy. Nice work!!
ReplyDeleteCarol
www.designingit.etsy.com
Hey Pearl,
ReplyDeleteWhat is NOT to LOVE???
Clean,uncluttered,wonderful navigation set-up...you have it ALL!!!
Once again you have also shared some invaluable tips and links AND, as always they are FREE...my favorite price!!!
I really appreciate all the time and energy you put into your blog, every day is like opening a gift when I get your post!!!
Donna
It's beautiful, Pearl! Thanks for the tip about nRelate, by the way -- I nixed LinkWithin on my blog a while ago because I also had problems with it.
ReplyDeleteatheoSorry but none of the links are working!!
ReplyDeleteIf you mean the picture of the widget in my post, then it won't work because it is just an image. To see the widget links, you have to look at the actual widget itself at the end of every post. Does this help?
ReplyDeleteFantástico! Me encanta cómo te ha quedado.
ReplyDeleteGreat! I love how you have left.
Very sleek design and easier to navigate.
ReplyDelete