I just got back from spending a day and a half with ten of the top Mom and Product Review bloggers, which was amazing. The only downside to going to blogger events is I always leave wishing I had more time to just sit and pick everyone’s brain for their best blogging tips. On this trip, I brainstormed ways to elevate myself to the next level of blogging (meaning, getting paid to share my expertise and help companies improve their online presence), picked up tips on how to potentially find corporate sponsors to pay for my trip to BlogHer this summer, and discussed how to manage running multiple blogs without going crazy. And that was just in the few minutes we had between activities!
One thing that has been poking at my brain since I got back is the need for this site to look as professional as possible. If I’m going to position myself as a professional blogger, I need a professional looking website. The problem I have is, I don’t want to have to actually pay someone else, I want to do it myself. The problem is, I have almost zero design skills. I can throw together a 125×125 giveaway badge, but something that’s going to be right at the top of the site? Not so much.
As you can see now, I went from the header that was just my daughter’s eyes to a header with photos of all of us, and I’m not sure it was the right decision. Obviously, all the companies that have come here and decided to offer me products to review and give away saw the original header and weren’t turned off by it, so why can’t I just leave it be? Because of that feeling. That feeling in my gut when I look at it and say it’s just not quite perfect yet.
So I’m taking notes on sites I come across that have designs I like, and what I like about them, and whether I could duplicate that look myself using free tools like Picnik. I’d really appreciate reader feedback on this- keeping in mind that I’m always going to have the image of my daughter’s eyes peeking through the box somewhere in the header, what else would say “I’m reading MomReviews” to you?
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I liked the blue with the eyes better then this one, if that helps.
What about someone reading something like a newspaper open which said Mom Reviews in the masthead with text saying family, reviews, yadda yadda. Just a thought.
I tried to pay to get a header saying “I know everything” and noone could do it. I bought the image I have now and adapted it myself. She doesn’t say anything, per se, but I think she looks smart. LOL.
valmgs last blog post..Get Some Healthy Ideas from Stop & Shop
Val, that’s a really great suggestion. I’ve contacted a couple people through Twitter, waiting to hear back.
Hey, it’s Erica (@fishbowlsense)
I’m stopping by to see the header and get a feel for the site. I think overall, the header is just too cluttered. I’d like to see something like a plain blue background with either a family, or a mom, silhouette image, with a nice font for the blog name. I’ll try and come up with a few samples. Shoot me an email so I’ll know where to send them!
Erica Ms last blog post..Coupon Giveaway! – CLOSED
I agree with Valmg.
By the way, whose eyes are those peeking through?
Charlas last blog post..My New Swiffer Sweeper
Those are my daughter Kaitlyn’s. We bought a Sony Entertainment system, and Chris cut a “door” in it. The hole she’s looking through is actually the handle on the side. Thanks for the feedback! I’ll put back the old header for now
I liked it better the way you had it before, too. Simple is better.
Janelles last blog post..Newbery, Caldecott and More: The winners you’ve been waiting for
Maybe having a unique font for the blog name would help? I don’t know – I always know what I like when I see it, but am horrible at coming up with ideas to begin with. I hope you can find someone to help – and if not, I’m volunteering Ron if you’d want…
Deb – Mom of 3 Girlss last blog post..Could’ve had a V8!
Deb- I guess the question is, is it fine the way it is, or does it need changing? It’s hard to be objective, but if it ain’t broke, I ain’t gonna fix it, you know?
Like Tina Turner said
‘Simply the best’
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I think Valmg suggestion is the best.
great post!!! this is very very useful thanks….
I like the layout and color scheme but I kind of feel like the blue header image and blue bar on top clash with the rest of the site. I like to keep consistent colors. If you want to keep the blue, I would suggest changing the headers above all the different parts of your site like categories, blogroll, etc. (I apologize for not being very articulate right now) Doing that might make it look a little bit Mac Osx though. I dont know how you would feel about that.
Just some thoughts!
Hi Hilary,
I have combed the images folder and CSS trying to figure out why that blue bar is above the header and I can’t find it! Still looking though. I also can’t figure out how to change the grey bars around each sidebar widget heading to a different color. CSS is tricky! Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.
Elizabeth
I would love to help but unfortunately I do all my designs visually and have my friend do the coding because I’m not very good with css.
Sorry I couldn’t help,
Hilary
I like it the way it is! I bet you had a great time chatting with the other bloggers. Hope to get to BlogHer and meet you, and I’m with you, a sponsor would be fabulous!
By the way, I’m impressed. I can’t even do a button!
Mary@Everyday Baby Stepss last blog post..I’ll Show You My Home, You Show Me Yours