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| Image courtesy of My Crush Party via Pinterest |
So I want to start blogging again but there is no way I can continue with the blog looking how it does. It has been like this since 2009 and well, a lot has changed in that time.
Some people don’t mind what blogs look like, some people like lilac and pink and sparkly bits but not me. Design matters. Yes, I am a design snob. Less is more and white space is king.
I chose Blogger back in the old days due to its ease of use but let’s face it Wordpress is the platform of choice for those that really know what they are doing. Or is it?
Is it just that Wordpress templates are a little more professional and a bit less ‘hobby’. A quick search came up with a few template download sites for Blogger which may yield some results and I have saved a couple but they are very reliant on imagery, which although I do want to increase as part of my blogging is always the most time consuming bit. Also, to say I am a little scared of updating my blogger template is a slight understatement. I have been tweaking the current template continuously since 2009 and can’t quite remember what I have done but I have backed it up so all should be fine.
But the niggle remains, should I take this opportunity to switch to Wordpress? Is it required to be taken seriously as a blogger? (If there is such a thing!)
If I stay with blogger is there anything else to consider, I want the best comment plugin as possible and I like the LinkWithin plugin, do I also finally sort out the URL (I have owned theprojectlab.co.uk since 2009!). What has changed on Blogger since 2009 that I need to consider?
Any advice greatly received!
I agree that blog design is really important, but content is King. I read all of my blogs through a reader and so I only actually see the layout if I'm making a comment. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if I like what you're writing, I'll read regardless of what your blog looks like.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I take Blogger blogs less seriously, but I do think using your own domain makes it seem less like a hobby, and since you already own your own, maybe that would be the best option?
Either way, I'll read and I'm glad you're back! x
Wordpress seems to be the thing for self-hosted but if you want blogger advice and ask the biggest blogger fan. Nickie72 aka typecast. Or check out her alterego Geekalious - it's full of tips.
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
Thank you for your comments!
ReplyDeleteAbby, you know what I had never even considered people reading posts in a Reader as I always read them in a browser and the design of the blogs adds to my 'experience' but I have to agree that content is king. At the end of the day, no/bad content = no readers! Domain name change is first on the list (once I am sure that I am staying with Blogger. Also, glad to be back and nice to know you will be reading.
Gemma, that's the other thing to differences between the two Wordpress options! So confusing! Thanks for the tip about Nickie72, I'm going to nip over to Geekalious to have a look for ideas.
So far I think I am going to stick with Blogger as long as I can get the template I want to work. Then change domain etc. Watch this space! x
Welcome back to the world of blogging. It's lovely to see you in my reader again.
ReplyDeleteMy blog needs an overhaul but I'm sticking with blogger. I have plans for a new banner and to refresh it slightly. I was at an event the other week with a few bloggers and one was saying how she had made the move to WP and regretted it.
I, for one, have always loved the look and layout of your blog. It's modern, clean and fresh.
Good luck with whatever you decide x