Oct 19, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The place for advice, feedback, and friendly blogging chatter.

Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/63057306@N04/5734415538">Beachfront Solutions</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(CC BY-SA 2.0)</a>

Have you just published a new post and are dying for some feedback? Did you recently start your blog and could use some layout or design advice from your more seasoned peers?

Tap into the wisdom of The Daily Post blogging community and leave your question here in the comments. Others can then click through and offer input either on your site, or in the comments here (feel free to indicate which you’d prefer).

To help us make the Community Pool a productive space for discussion, here are some tips you might find useful:

TIP: To keep from losing your place in the comment thread while you visit others’ blogs, right-click on a link to open it in a new tab or window.

  • While you’re not required to, we encourage everyone who requests feedback to also reply to at least one or two other bloggers who need some help. Spread the love!
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  • If you’re looking for quality feedback, be as specific as you can. Questions about a particular post tend to draw more comments than ones about entire blogs. Questions about specific design elements are more likely to be answered than ones asking for general layout advice.
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  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
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    1. Hi! I really enjoyed the layout of your blog and your poems have awesome content. One thing I would say is that more and more readers are expecting visuals, and although images may be hard to find, it would probably be worth it to add that element! Otherwise, awesome stuff!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’ve only been here two weeks, but I’m finding that most images in the blogs I’ve seen are not helpful. They are too generic and I’d rather they were not there at all. I’m far more interested in quality writing.

        Like

      2. Brian, that is a completely fair assessment. I guess that’s where the quality of image comes in. Also, although there are plenty of people like you, who are here for quality writing, there are many different types of viewers, including those who love great imagery. If anything, a decent balance can be a great tool.

        Like

    4. its a great poem.
      ur blog is really good, i’ve followed it. 🙂
      could u check out mine and give me feedback and….follow back maybe? 🙂
      zara109.wordpress.com
      thanks 😀

      Like

    1. You have such an amazing blog. That´s it. That’s my criticism. No, just kidding;-) I wouldn´t change anything in the content area though.
      To your appearance: a header, something like a signature writing or a picture, and matching colors on the rest of the blog. Also I would add a wordpress follow button in the sidebar, as well as a best of page or just a widget.
      I hope I helped! Looking forward to reading more from you! And let me know if you changed anything and I´ll have a second look!

      Like

      2. Thank you ! 😀 I always thought there was a WordPress follow button on the sidebar! :O Will definitely look into it. I’ve been struggling to find a theme that will allow a decent header image with my own logo. Please do suggest any and I’ll be trying it out.
        You definitely helped. 😀 Thank you so much 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I´m glad I could help!
        For themes, I personally have the Cerano Theme… But I´ve also tried around with Canard and Gateway. I suggest just going on customize and just trying out different themes and then taking the one you find fits your blog the best. It took me a while to find the perfect one, so don´t stress yourself!
        To a header I would recommend using “PicMonkey”. It allows you to customize your header just the way you like it! You can try that on your current theme, but if you´re not happy with it, change it, it´s almost always good! Let me know and I shall once more take a look;-)

        Like

    3. I’m a novice blogger, so take my comment from there. I like your presence; it is clear, appealing, easy to navigate and I’m glad to see you stuck with it. Your writing is intriguing – I wanted to keep reading but ran out of time. Well done.

      Like

    5. Hey
      i visited your blog its really amazing,i love it.
      i’ve followed it, 😀
      could you check out my blog and give me feedback and follow back maybe? 🙂
      zara109.wordpress.com
      Good luck 😀

      Like

  4. Good evening fellow bloggers! It would be great to have you onboard this writing journey. Please do stop by if you can and check out my blog. I have written a number of short stories so far but my main focus is my first novel which is due for release at the beginning of next year. I really would appreciate your support and any feedback is always welcome. I look forward to hearing from you soon! Thanks. Mark
    http://www.markdraycott.com

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Sir, your blog is awesome. Instead of giving you any advise, I think I have learned a few things myself. From now on I am also going to display a list of blogs that I follow.
      Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi there! Thank you for your kind words. They are much appreciated. Yes I like to pass on details of the blogs that I follow to others. This is a great way to display ones interests too. Thanks again! Mark

        Like

    2. Looks like a great collection of stories, definitely worth reading!
      A little advice, use the Read More tag in your post as it give readers Continue Reading option. This way more posts appears on your main page

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Wow, you created a dynamic, irresistible cover. I entirely agree it’s essential to grab the eye of the readers. Your post, Commuter, got my attention and held it throughout the read. You led me on – in a very good way. Great work!

      Liked by 1 person

    4. hellow
      i visited your blog, its so good, definately my type. 😀
      could u check out my blog and give me feedback?
      and follow back maybe?
      its
      zara109.wordpress.com
      Good luck 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Hello! I’m Leisel from Skill Up Skillet, a weekly updated geeky food blog. If it’s a video game, movie, TV series, or anything from geek culture I’m determined to make it edible. Typically there’s a fair amount of sarcasm and swearing too because I’m really bad at doing the whole ‘pretty pretty princess’ thing. Oh well.

    I have but two requests today, if you feel so inclined. First, care to vote for November’s Featured Recipe on my blog? It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s free, you don’t have to cook it (well, unless you want to), and it doesn’t raise your taxes: http://skillupskillet.com/2015/09/29/vote-for-novembers-featured-recipe-now/. If you’ve already voted once, no problem! It’s possible to vote once a week until the end of the month.

    Second, the third recipe for my month of Nightmare Before Christmas has been posted! It’s a recipe for Jack Skellington Whoopie Pies, filled with chocolate ganache and chocolate-chocolate chip whipped cream. No one should ever have told me how to make whipped cream, I swear. Recipe: http://skillupskillet.com/2015/10/15/jack-skellington-whoopie-pies/.

    Excited to see what everyone has to offer today. Cheers!

    Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks! I have to be, don’t I? =P I do really want to see it grow and it’s kind of been stagnating lately. At this point I even have all of my posts scheduled for the rest of the year!

        Liked by 2 people

      4. I haven’t really tried reddit, because I kind of don’t geddit. Get it? … I’m sorry.
        I’d have to do some research because I’m pretty sure reddit people generally frown upon shameless self promotion.

        One of my eventual goals with the blog is to publish a cookbook. However, with ~750 followers (I’m rounding), it seems rather early in the game for that kind of thing. I’ve been looking longingly at sponsored FB posts but spending money that I pretty much don’t have scares me. I’m actually worried that the only thing holding me back is ME.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Hey there to all my fellow bloggers! Happy Monday (if that is possible)!
    I’ve got a post that I’d like some people to view and some questions that I need answered concerning my blog, namely:
    Does it look professional?
    Am I trying to display/promote features that really don’t matter?
    Does it need more pizazz? Less pizazz?

    And please, if you could, read this post that I’d like to share with all of you: https://thegoldenlands.wordpress.com/2015/10/12/the-golden-lands-volume-1-is-a-novella-acclaimed-by-fans/

    Thanks so much and enjoy our week!
    Aul/Dominic

    Liked by 6 people

    1. There is no such thing as a happy Monday. Ever. =P
      Personally, I’d rather see your blog’s Follow options a little higher up on the page and, I know I’ve said this before but the background is too bright and busy for me and could be toned down to a degree.
      The post itself is great, very compelling. I am so not downloading that on my work computer, perhaps later.

      Like

      1. My thoughts exactly 😛
        Hmm, okay! I can do that.
        And aww, okay! I mean, if you’re truly interested, you can always download it onto your iPhone, if you have one, or Kindle.
        Thanks!!

        Like

    1. Hey Jenny!
      Thanks for showing us such a great place. Such a beauty it is!!
      I have also started up a photography section on my blog. It’s not about my travel though but just some random snaps I take with my phone

      Liked by 1 person

    1. What a great blog, I just glanced through your latest one and gave you a follow and I will leave some comments about that particular book. I think your blog is organized well, good use of tags and other bloggers you follow. Maybe you want the blog to be a separate entity, but I did not see any social media links, which are great ways to get your blog out there more (maybe I missed them though) The other thing, and maybe it is just me, but that black border is a little jarring visually. Maybe a color that is a little warmer would enhance the visual look? Otherwise great job and look forward to reading more from you.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. You created an excellent blog; easy to navigate (after reading your About page), not too complicated, and your posts held me longer than I anticipated. I too want to re-read the book, A Walk in the Woods after seeing the ad for the movie.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Hey everyone! I am a amateur food critic. My friend and I went to a really nice Chicago restaurant last weekend, and I tried to be as partial about it as possible in my review. Do you all think that the language is smooth enough? Is it readable and easy to comprehend? I’d love some feedback about my writing, or my photo skills! Thanks a lot in advance 🙂 Happy Monday…

    Mindy’s Hot Chocolate

    Liked by 4 people

    2. I liked your post as I also live in the Windy City and love brunch! The pictures were great, but I think some of the facts could be summarized in a short section at the beginning so the post is shorter and easier to read. For example, maybe you could have a small section at the beginning of the post that lists the name of the restaurant, its location, service rating, atmosphere, etc.

      If you’re interested in books or writing, would you also take a look at my blog? https://readingbytrain.wordpress.com.

      Like

      1. That’s a great suggestion, Kim! Thanks a lot! Have you been to Mindy’s? What do you think? Do you have restaurant suggestions for me?! I’m always looking for new places to go. 🙂

        Like

  13. Hello lovely bloggers!

    I blog over at graciellen.wordpress.com about baking, beauty, fashion and faith. I would love it if you could have a look and tell me your thoughts!

    I will be sure to return the favour 🙂

    Graciellen xxx

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Hey
      i visited you blog and followed it immediately…its a bunch of everything…..its amazing i really like it 😀
      could you check out mine and give me feedback and follow back maybe? 🙂
      graciellen.wordpress.com
      Good luck! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hiya lovely! Awh thank you so much, that’s super sweet of you 🙂 had a little look at your blog and followed back, its really lovely and I love your friendly and approachable writing style! xx

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I enjoyed reading through it, but it was quite a lot of scrolling. I would recommend using Read More tags in your posts, if you feel so inclined.

      Like

      1. Oh thank you 🙂
        I did consider putting those but if I do that then people won’t be able to access the entire post from the reader, would they? Would it be a hassle?

        Like

      2. When they see the post in their Reader they can click ‘Visit Site’ at the bottom of the blurb and they’ll get the whole shebang. I don’t see it as a hassle at all, personally.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Your blog is so cute haha. Especially the disney one!
      Your layout is nice. Very pleasing to the eye. I found myself navigating through your blog quite easily. The contents of your posts are quite good as well. They are very thoughtful things–food for my soul. You’re doing a great job 🙂 Keep it up!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m sorry to hear your loss. I think it’s great that you are using blogging as a means of some expression. Your blog is great and I love your header. Your fedex post was good as well. I think you’re doing great. I encourage you to keep striving to be strong 🙂 Cheers!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Your blog looks beautiful! I did like the fedex post. Omg that neighbor! And 15 oct was my really close friends birthday, oh well. I am sorry to hear bout your son. I hope blogging helps you out! Thanks for the read! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I think your post was funny! Hitler of all people haha.
      I really liked the layout of your blog. Very clean and concise. Your categories are great as well. It definitely helps organizing posts. I think you’re doing a great job 🙂 I wish you the best of luck!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I loved it! It’s great to see that you’re excited to do this marathon. Your blog gives me an “adventure” sort of feel. I really enjoyed your travels category though and wow, you’ve been to so many places! I’m so jealous! I definitely enjoyed going through your blog that I’m going to give you a follow 🙂 I wish you the best of luck!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for your kind words:-) they really mean a lot to me. I´m so glad you like what I write. And that it gives you an “adventure” feel is such a huge compliment! I love adventure, if anything is crazy and hard to achieve, I´ll be the one to go for it… my friends know me like that, they´re never really taken aback by anything crazy I choose to do…It´s kind of sad, that there is no amazement anymore;-) but it´s also cool to have that standing… and craziness is the same with this marathon. I feel like I need to do it. For me. Also I feel like I actually can do it…I am really starting to enjoy the me-time every day outside, usually in the dark, just jogging and getting away from all the everyday stress and pressure… Also I feel like I´m just talking on and on;-) hope you don’t mind. I´m just so happy about your words right now…
        And I´m sure you saw a lot of amazing places already and if not, you´re going to!
        also thanks for the follow! Hope to hear from you sometime:-)

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You’re definitely welcome! You deserve the compliment. And I totally agree. I find myself exercising at night to get away from all the everyday stress. Life is too short to NOT go on crazy adventures. Whatever makes you happy, I say go for it 🙂 I’m looking forward to more posts from you!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Good luck with the training! I love running and always find it cool to see other people start to enjoy it as well. The more you run, the more enjoyable it becomes.

      Also really love your travel stuff – we stayed stayed in Volterra last year, so particularly enjoyed that one.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you:-)
        Yes, that´s really right, before I hated going and now I practically need to go…
        When did you start your running “career”?
        Volterra is a great city! Whole Italy is just great! Thanks so much for your words, they mean a lot!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. It must have been about ten years ago I guess, but still going strong (although I have fallen out of the habit from time to time, due to injuries and stuff)

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Loved it!
      Your blog screams “adventure” haha. I encourage you guys to keep doing what you guys are doing 🙂 I love all your posts. Especially the Harry Potter one. Your pictures are amazing! Keep up the great work! I wish you guys the best of luck 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hey, cool blog! Your about page is great. My suggestion overall is to make it clear which one of you is writing the post, so people can get to know you both individually.
      Happy Blogging! 🙂

      Like

  23. This is one of my favourite posts, I just wanted to say thanks for the help and suggestions I have received. I’ve tried to implement the suggestions. Thanks!
    Practicalbydefault.wordpress.com

    Like

  25. Last week I did my first collaboration blog which I am still really excited that we made it happen and you can find it here-https://robpatdoy.wordpress.com/2015/10/13/soundtrack-of-a-photograph-two-cities-two-bridges/

    A few weeks back I also started a shorter feature called Photo Shuffle where I match one of my photos with a random song chosen by my Ipod on shuffle which has been a lot of fun to do. You can find that in my menu as well. Happy Blogging!

    Liked by 3 people

  26. I am really excited about creating my blog yesterday and I will be posting loads more but for now check out OnlineatSunrise for my recent blogs. Enjoy blogging fellow bloggers!! My blogs are about life, love, friendship, school and family…xx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Quick first impressions – looks very nice, like the desk picture and fonts. I think the image / title / subtitle at the top should be a lot bigger though for more impact and readability. As for the content, I’ll certainly take a look as this is very relevant to me..

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Hi to all of you!
    I been blogging for 2 moths now but still struggling to drive traffic to my blog. My facebook just not doing me any favors at all. Please take few min and have a look at my posts and give us some fed back. You know it helps and I wouldn’t mind looking at your blog.
    http://www.sebdani.com
    Thank you for your time

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You have a huge number of links in your navigation panel which covers up more than half of your nice header image. Perhaps a rethink on the navigation?

      Like

    3. I think you need to perhaps make you posts a bit more personal. Throw in a anecdote to allow people to get to know you and not feel like you’re just telling them what to do.
      Also, add more pictures, as they’re fun and make it easier to read.
      Lastly, just watch your apostrophe use, as I saw a few words in need of them.
      In terms of getting more traffic, you just have to keep interacting with other bloggers and over time your stats will go up!
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 1 person