This blog is really just for fun, a hobby, and I don't think it will ever get a lot of readers. But then again, maybe it would get more readers if it looked more professional. Back and forth in my mind all the time. What to do? What to do?
Well, in the meantime, here's what I've decided:
I'm going to stick with Blogger (it's free, after all... and I read many blogs that are extremely popular that use Blogger). I'm going to try to make it look as professional as possible with what Blogger allows. I'm going to buy a domain name, though, but the hosting will stay the same.
I'm going to have a real logo created, and I'm going to continue to post whatever I like and don't worry about how "popular" it is. :) But who knows, I might change my mind next week. I tend to do that.
Here is a design of a logo that I want, and now Peter just has to make it look better. I just threw it together using the Paper app on my ipad.
What do you think? Should I invest more time and money to develop my blog and grow my readership? Should I try to transition it from just a hobby to a part-time job?
I love your tentative logo design!
ReplyDeleteAs for your blog, as a hobby blogger like you are, I'm tempted to spend money on a custom design but then realize that mine is pretty decent right now (yay $30 pre-made designs!). I think yours looks professional and interesting now, but you be you. I'm going to read your posts no matter the design.
Aw thanks for the compliment. I think I'm just overly picky and paranoid about my blog, since I started it as just a way for family and friends to keep connected (since I don't have facebook). But I'm so happy to have started getting more involved in the blogging community and "meeting" so many cool people from around the world! Your blog looks great, very professional!
DeleteI can't answer the hobby vs. part-time job, but I think your blog looks great! Simple is the way to go these days. Your current and possible header both fit into this category and look great!! I've been relatively pleased with blogger and now I know it and not sure I want to change. Plus, mines more to document life and make connections with other bloggers and not a business. It seems that those that turn it into a business like Wordpress or I've seen a few big bloggers moving to Squarespace. My number one recommendation is using Disqus for comments. It cuts down on the spam, allows easy commenting and easy response to your readers. It's also super easy to set up on their site. Good luck to you in whatever direction you decide to take your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice! I think you're absolutely correct about switching to Disqus. I've been thinking about it for a few weeks. I think the problem with Blogger comments is that you don't get notified of a reply. At least, I don't when I comment on others' blogs. I've tried everything I can think of to fix it, but to no avail. I have a Disqus account and really enjoy it, so I'll probably start that soon!
DeletePersonally, I like the logo that you made. I'm still on blogger, and I've mulled over switching to Wordpress, but for me, the time is not yet right. To self-host on wordpress is a BIG investment of money every year. But I agree with Tina that Disqus is really great! x
ReplyDelete