I am very happy to introduce my brand new website to you today. It’s finally up and running after three and some weeks of work.
Special Thanks
First off, I want to thank Kumar Gauraw for his hard work on my site. For answering all my questions over the phone and through emails. And for making sure that my site is safer than it has EVER been before (so excited about that one. Even if I gave you my password you still wouldn’t be able to login).
He he he… as my friend Donna would say.
I also want to thank Don Purdum for advising me and helping me making the best choice for me site. Actually his advice met the vision that I have had for this site a long time ago.
Thank you Don, your tips were invaluable.
My Apologies for those who were Bombarded by Emails
I also wanted to apologize to you if you are one of the people who received a bunch of emails from me. Those emails were actually not purposefully sent, of course.
It was just a glitch during the merging of my personal development blog under its new URL. For some reason, Commentluv started to shoot emails to everyone that had ever commented on that blog.
It wasn’t my or Kumar’s doing.
So, my apologies if you received a handful of non-solicited emails.
Finally a New Site
Few months ago, when I wrote about my intention to redesign my site and combine my 3 blogs together, I received a lot of comments. Some of which advised me that it would be a mistake, because of my blogs being of 3 very different niches.
I understood that, believe me, I did. And I also know that everyone giving me feedback were in my corner.
That’s why I hesitated to do this for a very long time in the first place, but as time went on, I realized that having 3 successful blogs was only possible if all I had to do was blogging and promoting my posts all day long.
Especially the promoting part.
Unfortunately, considering what I have on my plate already, that’s just impossible for me.
so my only other option, was to give up two of my blogs, but I really didn’t want to do that.
Thankfully, though, a handful of people did tell me that it was possible to merge my blogs together, and that it had been done many times before.
Needless to say, it was very nice to hear.
So, today, if I may, let me give you a tour of my new site as a welcome launch for this new baby.
Taking a Tour
The home page
I have been wanting a home page for the longest time.
Well, it’s finally done now. I have now a beautiful home page that you can visit right here.
Most people won’t land on it when I’ll be promoting a new post, since they will be landing on the post page (just like this one), but for anyone Googling my name, for example, chances are that they will land on my home page, and be able to see what my site is about at a quick glance.
I am not going to start worrying about if they’ll like it or not. If they don’t they can leave. As far as I know we’ve made it the clearest and cleanest we could. Kumar and I had long discussions over the phone to make the best possible.
As a matter of fact, Kumar told me that I may be the only one out there having my services presented this way. And he meant it in a good way.
The Logo
The first thing you’ll see is my brand new header with my new and first logo ever. No brainer here, and actually pretty unique logo at the same time.
As I researched the “SN” logos that already existed out there, not only did I realized that they weren’t that many (love that), but none of them even resembled my own design, and I bet their logo cost them a small fortune.
Mine did not.
There are actually many talented people, over at fiverr that will do a fancy logo for anywhere from $5-$15. Now, there is nothing risky with that, even if it doesn’t turn out that good.
Why you shouldn’t spend too much money on a logo?
Because, it’s just a little logo, not a big deal. Plus, remember that maybe a year from now, you may want to tweak it a little or totally redesign it, so why should you invest $200 or more in a logo?
In my own case, I see no reason to spend that kind of money on a simple website logo.
I think that’s a waste of money, and I’d rather save it for things that I really want or need for my business.
Three Main Categories
Right under my name on the header, you can see three simple words: Writing – Success Coaching – Travel.
That’s were all the fuss was about.
How can you mixed writing, coaching and travel all at once under the same roof (site)?
Well, easy.
Just like that.
We did it.
I don’t think it’s that shocking, do you?
Right under that, you can see 4 simple tabs.
Home – Writing and Blogging – Success Coaching – European Travel.
Whoever lands on my site, doesn’t have to be confused or disturbed, they can click or not click on whatever other tabs are available to them.
That’s as simple as that!
One thing is for sure. It’s ALL written content. So in the end, it’s also ALL about writing. All my 3 categories promote my writing skills, don’t they? And one of my two services is about WRITING.
Simplified Name/Titles
During a conversation that I had over Skype with Don Purdum, he reminded me that using jargon is never a good idea, as people may not understand it.
That’s why my “understanding your subconscious mind” has gone away and has become a much easier to understand “success coaching.”
Those two words are easy to understand. No ambiguity for anyone with a few brain cells.
My France Travel and Food blog became European Travel, because as you may or may or may not know, Europe is where I will be living for a while, very soon.
But I won’t say too much about that for now. Just so you know that I won’t be writing ONLY about France but other European countries as well in a few months from now.
All I can tell you is that it’s so going to inspire my WHOLE writing experience.
The Slider
Ah, a slider.
I wanted a slider for the longest time, just like a little girl wants that latest Barbie doll.
What can I say! Just something I’ve always liked and wanted for my site.
Well, now it’s done!
Featured Services
Under the cool feature services section I included my latest free eBook that you can get by putting your name and email address .
Then I included my two business services that I offer to paying clients, namely my writing service and my life coaching service.
Latest posts
Well, this section is pretty much self explanatory, the visitor will be able to see a small selection of the latest posts of all 3 categories, and click on whatever they see fit. I think that’s a pretty cool display too.
Right now, you can see that the images are not of the same size, but since from now on all my images will be of the same size, in just a few weeks the home and category pages will look better.
Categories
My categories were a shamble, to say the least, because when I started blogging all those years ago I had absolutely no clue what a category really was, so I had way too many of them and some didn’t make sense at all.
So, since I kind of hate this type of work, I actually asked Kumar if I could actually pay someone to reorganize my categories for me, and he said he knew some people that could do just that.
All I had to do is tell them what categories I wanted to keep, and where to put the ones that I wanted gone.
So, now, if you look down below you can see that I actually have less categories for all the 3 blogs together than I used to have for one alone.
I love that and I’m sure my readers will too.
Footer
The footer is not done, yet, because I’m waiting for an item still in the oven.
But I’ve been wanting a footer just like the one I will have soon, for a very long time.
New and Better Hosting
While I was having a discussion about hosting over the phone with Kumar, he told me some very interesting and educating things about website hosting.
For one thing, let me tell you that this man knows about hosting. Just discuss hosting with Kumar Gauraw, and you will understand what I mean.
He explained to me what it really means to share your site on the same hosting server as another zillion people.
Well, it could actually turn out to be a treat to your website (he told me a scary story).
Does it happen every day?
No, of course not, but when we host our blog on multiple user servers we do take risks that we are often totally not aware of.
Just like I was.
He also explained to me how some people are actually using dedicated servers when they really don’t need that much, and thus wasting their money in the process.
I also learn from Kumar about some potentially dangerous situations that people put their site into, because of the lack of understanding of the hows and whats of hosting.
I tell you, I have no doubt that Kumar knows about hosting. No wonder he often writes about it on his blog, and owns his own hosting company.
Needless to say that I trust my site with his service. And I’m so glad I am not hosting my new designed website on a multiple user server anymore.
The service that I have now, is just fine for me. Not too much, and not too little. Plus it’s taken care of by someone who knows what he’s doing.
Conclusion
So, here you have it guys?
I hope you will enjoy my new look going forward.
By the way, the site should be faster now too, and whatever problems you might have run into when trying to comment ( I know few of you did on the old one) should be done away with.
Please, let me know what you think in your very much appreciated comment!
Hi Sylviane,
Awesome indeed! 🙂
What a lovely job well done I must say, and I know how long you’ve waited for this, to see if finally come through. Hats-off Kumar, wonderful indeed!
Yes, I think I was all in the favor of combining all your three blogs into one, knowing how tough it is to manage things for us writers, who also have to blog, and if you have to manage three blogs, and write – you hardly get any time for promotion or returning your visits. I think it’s a very wise and timely decision, and anyone who wishes to read either of your 3 categories, can do so as and when you put up the posts there – without any problems.
It reminds me of the several niches my blog has too and the readers are all there, commenting and sharing on what suits them. The logo and home page look wonderful, and yes, the footer and images can always be worked on with time. Overall – wonderful!
Thanks for sharing this great news with us, and wishing you every success on this blog as well. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Harleena Singh invites you to read..How Social Media Cheating Leads to Relationship Problems
Hi Harleena,
I’m glad you like the site.
Indeed, your own site with different categories and how well it works for you, made me ask the question, why wouldn’t it work for me too? 🙂 Right?
Then, once I heard from people who seem to know what they’re doing that would be just fine, it gave me the confidence that I needed to move forward with it.
Yes, it’s too dang hard to manage several blogs. I’ll never want to do that again 🙂
Thank you for coming here bright and early, and have a wonderful day!
Hey Sylviane!
How are you dear friend?
Saw your post on FB and I knew I got to check it out. The new theme is HAWT!
Haha. Love this theme 100x more than the old one and good job!
Have an awesome Monday dear friend.
Reginald Chan invites you to read..11 SEO Tips For Restaurants To Get Number 1 On Google
Hi Reginald,
I’m so glad that you like this theme much better. I am sure many people will too.
Thank you for letting me know, and for coming.
Hi Sylviane,
Finally, the mission accomplished! I’m sure we will need to and we will make a few more tweaks here and there to get things where they should be as we get more feedback. However, thanks for the opportunity to work with you on this redesign project and I’m glad that you enjoyed working with me.
I look forward to all the comments and feedback we receive from readers so we know how well we have done so far and how can we make it even better!
Regards,
Kumar
Kumar Gauraw invites you to read..How To Add Google Calendar In WordPress And Make It Responsive
Hi kumar,
So far, a couple of people who love the design, and one saying it’s one hundred times better than the old one 🙂 so that’s great.
Yes, people’s feedback will help us to tweak things as needed.
It was a pleasure working with you, indeed, and I absolutely love how safe you made this site. Woo ooh! Couldn’t have done it on my own.
This is more unique Sylviane and I love the airy look. Thanks to Gauraw and Don for standing by you.
My most visited page is the home page. I therefore think you are not wrong to have given yours that look. One other thing I expected is a lead capture form – the slider position being the most preferred spot.
Did you think of it that way?
Enstine Muki invites you to read..Amazing Adsense earnings boost: +72,8% CTR for my top performing ad
Hi Enstine,
Well, Kumar and I are actually waiting on some feedback to tweak things up if needed.
There is a lead capture page, it’s my free ebook download right under the slider under “featured services” Now I haven’t thought about putting this in the slider, but I will discuss this with Kumar and see what he says. Not a bad idea at all.
Thank you very much for your expert insight, which is very much appreciated.
Looks nice I must say Sylviane. I often wonder how people decide how many sidebars to have. I’m one of those people who needs balance, thus I always create blogs with 2 sidebars. But this is nice and bright and easy to read; nice job. Good luck with it all.
Mitch Mitchell invites you to read..Don’t Get Caught Looking Like Your Business Is Unethical
Hi Mitch,
I guess it depends on the blog, but two sidebars could also be very distracting to the reader. Something to think about. Even in my one sidebar I cut off a lot of junk and kept it as simple as possible. Two sidebars also reduce the width of your post, so that’s another item to consider.
I’m glad you like my new look and I will see you at your blog very soon 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
The new look is fantastic.
Kumar did a wonderful job here, of course with the help of Don and others.
The Home page look is really fantastic. Hey did you migrate all the contents from all the other three? Or only the selected ones? Anyways, the three in one idea is really very convenient to your visitors. Wonderful Going!
Keep going.
Best Wishes
~ Philip
Philip Verghese Ariel invites you to read..Yet another new feature from Google to its Google+ platform
Hi Philip,
I’m so sorry, just found your comment in the spam folder. I’m glad I checked there and found it 🙂
Yes, all the content on the other two blogs were merged under this URL. I have now almost 500 post on here 🙂 Google will like that I guess.
I’m glad you liked it and thank you for coming.
Hi Sylviane,
I love the revamped blog! What a beautiful flow you have here. Fantastic points you made about the redesign and how to navigate, as well as the choices you made here and why.
I’m looking forward to looking around here!
Cat
Cat Alexandra invites you to read..Happy New-vember!
Hi Cat,
How nice to see you here! And a nice surprise too 🙂
I’m glad you like my new design. I had completely lost my will of blogging between the blows I’ve gotten from life in 2014 plus my exhaustion of dealing with 3 stagnating blogs that I felt didn’t go anywhere.
Today, I felt very excited about posting again and looking forward to my 3 posts a week.
Thanks so much for coming 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
Love it. It’s elegant and professional, and compliments your style and content perfectly.
Well done, looks 100% better than the old one.
Onwards and upwards!
Richard invites you to read..OptimizePress or Profit Builder? The Verdict
Hi Richard,
Thanks for letting me know, and I’m so glad you like it. I really think that’s a definitive improvement, and that it looks more professional.
Thank you so much for coming and giving me your feedback.
Congratulations on your new site Sylviane! It is so clean and easy to read! Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t merge blogs. Those people are just afraid of doing it for fear of losing something in translation.
I love what you done and wish you lots of luck in your new adventure!
Brenda Lee invites you to read..#Relationships: How Do You Spell D.I.S.A.S.T.E.R?
Hi Brenda,
I agree. You know it’s always the same thing. People tell you be different, be the first and when you try doing that, they say that’s a bad idea 🙂
When Sam walton, creator of Wal Mart, came with the idea of creating a store where you could find everything at once, some people also told him he was crazy, and that wouldn’t work, but we know the result of that don’t we? 60 years later and still one of the most successful stores in retail history.
I understood their point, though, I did, but I just couldn’t see so much as a problem as some people did, saying it was going to be confusing. I don’t think it will 🙂
Thanks for coming Brenda and have a great week ahead.
Hi Sylviane,
WOW! The site looks beautiful and Kumar did an AMAZING job. He has really given you something to be proud of and I’m so glad he connected with you.
Well done Kumar!!!!!
Thank Syvliane for giving me the opportunity to chat with you and I’m so glad I could play a small part in helping you achieve your goals. I know you’re going to have a great experience and a successful blog.
I can’t wait to see phase 2 now!
Have a great week Syvliane!
~ Don Purdum
Don Purdum invites you to read..The Overlooked Side of Content Marketing and 3 Ways to Really Gain Exposure
Hi Don,
You’re too modest, I think you’ve played a huge part in helping me understand that my idea wasn’t so bad after all, and that it was OK to merge my 3 blogs under this one URL.
I can’t wait to see how it will go either, my intention is to use this brand new site to give me more confidence to promote myself and my business out there.
Thank you for coming.
Hi Don,
Thank you for your words of encouragement for Sylviane and I. A lot of this design was also driven by your recommendations and you surely have played an important role in what Sylviane and I have been able to put together in terms of this blog design 🙂
Have a wonderful new week!
Regards,
Kumar
Kumar Gauraw invites you to read..How To Add Google Calendar In WordPress And Make It Responsive
Hey Sylviane,
Few weeks back I changed my site theme to something elegant and simple. When I came down here I was so amazed at the new look of your site. There is nothing sweet than white and space, it makes our content easy to access and above all gives a professional touch to it.
I really do love the style and it’s one decision I am glad you made!
Down to logo, I really agree with you 100%. When I first launched my blog, I had issues with what catchy logo I will use. I set out to checking out on many logo design sites, some offered reasonable prices while others were on the high side. I came down to the guys at fiverr where I had some dudes who can actually do a logo between $5-$15 just as you rightly said.
Funny enough, after giving out the deal to the fiverr guys the ones they did was not really okay by me and so I took the design to myself and today the logo you see on my blog was designed by me and lately I added my caricature to it.
Now the issue with spending much on logo is that tomorrow I might want to change the logo to something different and then I would have had regrets for spending much from the onset.
I really like the work Kumar and Don did, that makes them the awesome people to be included in the history of your blog design 🙂
Welcome back to the blogosphere Sylviane and looking forward to connecting and engaging more with you my friend!
Do make sure you have a wonderful new week!
~Jackson
Jackson Nwachukwu invites you to read..The One Secret To Becoming A Blogging Superhero
Hi Jackson,
Yes, I did see that little caricature of yours on your site and it reminded me that of Carol Amato. I love them, because they are humorist and I love humor.
About expensive logos, that’s what I said in the post, spending lots of money on a logo that you might want to change in a year from now is such a waste. I’m not greedy and I’ll spend my money where I need to, but why paying a lot of money for what I don’t need to?
I’m glad you like the new design 🙂 and thanks a lot for coming.
Sylvianne – I love it. So nice and clean! I really like how your testimonials look on the sidebar and the social share buttons are different too. Your comment system is easy to use.
I’ve read how people love seeing facess online and having your face as part of the logo up top is very clever, just like Adrienne Smith has too. Best of luck with it and I give it a thumbs up for sure!
Lisa Sicard invites you to read..Google Panda is Back at it Again – 6 Things You Need to Know!
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback and the fact that you noticed NOW my testimonial widget that’s been here for like a year and half tells me that somehow people are noticing things MORE on this format. Yep that testimonial widget has been here quite some time on the old theme, on the sidebar as well 🙂
So, anyway, that’s a good sign, people are going to see my stuff better now.
Thanks for coming and for your feedback.
Ciao, Sylviane,
Amazing! Your site looks absolutely fantastic and Kumar went above and beyond to give you a sleek and professional looking site.
I especially like your new logo, Sylviane, because you look stunningly beautiful and happy! Really good pic. 🙂 I like your featured services as this is all the rage now. In a prominent place for folks to check out what you offer – gotta love it! 🙂
Certainly hope combining your niches works out good for you, my friend, and I will definitely be sharing this post.
Well done, indeed!
– Carol
Carol Amato invites you to read..Get Out of the Shadows and Make Your Presence Known (Help for Lurkers)
P.S. Heads up – your Twitter share button opens ON TOP of your blog post, and does not contain your Twitter ID (@…) Hope to help.
Carol Amato invites you to read..Get Out of the Shadows and Make Your Presence Known (Help for Lurkers)
Thanks for letting me know that. Actually that Tweet button is being looked after right n ow by Ashvini, the creator of Share Juice, so maybe that why.
Thank you for letting me know.
Hi Carol,
I’m very glad you like the whole thing. I certainly like it too. I had actually envisioned a site like that for a while now. So visualizations work 🙂
I am hoping that my other niches will work too, and I don’t see why not (positive thinking will get me where I want). My content will always be interesting. Plus as I just mentioned in my comment on your blog, before I even saw you here, I will have regular guest bloggers all throughout the year.
What a most wonderful way to take a break 😉
Thank you so much for your feedback.
Hi Sylviane,
I love the new look of your blog! I think it’s great that you merged your blogs. It was less work for me when I did it earlier this year. Congratulations :).
I really like your logo and I agree that we shouldn’t spend a lot of money on it. I know it would be a waste for me because I like to change stuff every now and then.
I get excited when I add new features too. I’ve been wanting a slide show for my blog as well. I think that is a great way to show off our blog posts.
I’m making little changes to my blog for the new year…I might have to borrow this idea :).
I think the new look is very user friendly! Good luck on your move to Europe. That must be exciting!
Have a great new week Sylviane!
Corina Ramos invites you to read..Go Big or Go Home – 7 Men’s Watches That Look Fabulous on Women
Hi Corina,
I’m so glad you like the new blog. So far people seem to love it!
Yes, I am convinced that my work will be reduced with only one URL. I have no doubt. And I will be able to promote each post better too.
Yes, a slider is pretty cool. I love it, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy yours too if you opt for that.
Thanks for coming.
Hi Sylviane,
I have gone through the new look and design. I want to say that the new design is simplified. I learned something new from this post, especially this:
“During a conversation that I had over Skype with Don Purdum, he reminded me that using jargon is never a good idea, as people may not understand it.
That’s why my “understanding your subconscious mind” has gone away and has become a much easier to understand “success coaching.””
This is a takeaway from me.
Well, I guess now you would be able to reach wider audience and serve more clients.
Just checked out the navigation and load time. They are okay.
Congratulations and wishing you better service and business ahead!
I left this comment in kingged.com as well.
Hi Sunday,
I’m thrilled that you were able to take something away form this post. Even though it was a walk-through of my new site, it was also meant to help others by the same token.
Before I had this discussion with Don, I had never thought that my “subconscious mind” term being jargon, but again that’s why it’s important to have this type of discussion with someone whose business is to help business owners. He feedback on that was a revelation to me. And one that I’m sure will pay off.
I’m glad you check the speed of my site, and most of all glad that it’s much better.
Thanks you for coming
Hi Sylviane,
I love your new blog! How can one ever go wrong with Kumar? He did mine too and his service is unbeatable. Kumar is one man that really knows his stuff. Plus, when things go wrong with my blog..he is on it immediately.
Sometimes, there are things that aren’t working I don’t know about and I get a call from him. Who else can do this kind of thing? Krisha World Wide (Kumar’s service) is the best. I especially needed someone to build my membership site. If I went with a company with bazillion people on it, I know it would crash. But not with Kumar. He gave David and I such a good education all about it.
You mentioned Don also….I love that man! He is so knowledgeable and another person I highly respect in the industry.
I love the way I can easily navigate this blog Sylviane, It was well worth the time! Now, having everything under one roof, I know this will be not only a time saver for you, but so easy for your readers.
I also have to mention your new picture looks great!
Congratulations and I am so glad you chose the these two men to help you!
-Donna
donna merrill invites you to read..How Bloggers Gain Authority
Hi Donna,
I’m so glad you came here with your comment, because of all people you would know what I’m talking about here.
Believe me Kumar gave me an education about hosting too. You know, when you consult with someone, even if it’s not YOUR area of expertise, it’s easy to see if you’re speaking to someone who knows his stuff. Not too long ago, before I started working with Kumar, our common friend Barbara, used these words. She told me “he knows his stuff.” And I can only agree with that. And I know he’s shaking his head when he sees people making huge mistakes when it comes to hosting.
I know what you mean, I don’t feel that I need to worry about anything that has to do with hosting anymore. Whatever happens he will take care of it 🙂
As far as the security of my site, he did a great things, I wasn’t even expecting. It’s so safe now, that when he told me what he did I just giggle to myself 🙂 And the more popular our blog becomes, the more security can become an issue.
I knew that you were very satisfied with his service, so I was confident, but he kind of went above and beyond what I expected.
I’m so glad you like my site, Donna. So far, it seems that everyone does.
I’m glad you like the picture too. It’s a professional shot, so it better be good 😉
Thanks for coming and have a great day!
Hey Sylviane,
So the site is finally live and everything is in place. I’m glad you’re happy with it and can’t wait to see what this footer is all about.
As you know I was one of those against this move but as anything else online, it’s just an opinion and we all seek it but are free to make our own choices. I hope it benefits you of course, I just want the best for you.
I’m going to have to get use to this look. I liked your writing and personal development themes because of the color. You know me, I like a little color but not over the top. I love your new photo though and sounds like you’re excited about your logo.
I know that Don and Kumar were both big helps to you with your decision making and creating your blog. I know that this is a fresh new start and I hope just the beginning of a brand new wonderful year for you. You definitely have lots in store.
Congratulations on the new site and I wish you the best with this moving forward. Enjoy your week.
~Adrienne
Adrienne invites you to read..What Do Offline Relationships Have To Do With Blogging
Hi Adrienne,
That’s so funny. You’re my closest friend here, but also my toughest critic 🙂
I know you were not in favor of the move, and as I said in my post, those who weren’t were in my corner, I know. But I became way too exhausted with 3 blogs, but most of all discouraged, because I couldn’t bring any of them to the level I wanted.
With only one URL I’ll be able to produce way more content and the blog will be promoted way more often as well, so it’s bound to do better with Google ranking and all the other stuff that I was missing on.
Well, I did like my headers a lot too, but I was really ready for something more professional looking, and this header, I think is more professional looking than the other 3. Then there is the fact that every single person here told me that this new theme is much better than the old. Someone used the words 100% better. So, this is good feedback.
Besides the fact that I went through so much, I had lost my will to create content, a while back and it was related to the fact that I was working too much for too little rewards with those blogs. Now, I’m motivated again.
I’m going to post 3 times a week again, and I’m going to have at least one guest post a month, maybe more.
I already made a list of people I’m going to ask to guest post for me 🙂 And I feel that you’re going to be the first 🙂 Again.
I also thought that since you have to promote your product still, that will be one more occasion to spread your wings. That’s not going to be before January, though. I hope you’ll accept my invite.
Thank you so much for your honest feedback, Adrienne. Love ya 🙂
Hi Sylviane,
Love it! Love it! Love it!!
I really love your new site Sylviane and Kumar sure did a great job!! Now I know when I need to redesign my blog, he will be the one!!!
And Don is a great man too and he knows what he is talking about!!
You got the services of the best and I have to say I love your new picture and your logo is unique. All in all, the whole website is beautiful and appealing and I am so glad you managed to merge your three blogs in one!!
Congratulations Sylviane and looking forward to your success with it. You deserve the best.
Have a great week ahead.
Be Blessed,
Neamat
Neamat Tawadrous invites you to read..How Extra Large EGO Can Affect Your Leadership Effectiveness!!
Hi Neamat,
Well, your comment really made me smile, and I’m sure Kumar will be happy to read this as well.
Now I’m hosting the blog on his hosting service as well, and so far, I’m happy that I switched. I was with Hostgator for 8 years, and frankly I don’t have anything bad to say about them, but after having had an interesting conversation about how hosting works with Kumar, he really helped me open my eyes and I thought that it was time for an upgrade at this point in the life of my blog.
I’m happy you like everything 🙂 So far, according to the reactions I’ve got, I know I did the right thing!
And may be the most important thing, I am finally motivated to post again, which I had sadly lost, and that wasn’t good 🙁
This blog will got up fast I hope, because it’s going to get new content 3 times a weeks 🙂 Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at least for a while until Google rank this baby high 🙂
Thank you for coming, and for your feedback.
Congratulations on your New Website Design. I learned and many great tips here.Thanks for sharing it with us. It’s such a great post!
Thanks for coming Dylann, and I’m glad you like the new design.
Hi Sylviane,
The new site is beautiful. Congratulations!
I think it’s a great idea to have everything you do on one cohesive website. Makes it easier for the reader to navigate through the different topics without having several different tabs/windows open.
Besides, considering that your readers all have various interests (and most of us do have blogs, therefore we write)…I may be reading something here in the subconscious mind category and see a title on the side that has to do with writing, which I would also find useful.
Best of luck 🙂
Hi Dana,
How nice to see you.
Yes, I definitely think that’s was a good idea to finally do the merge.
What you mentioned here already happened I think. I’ve seen people left comments to older blog posts of my other blogs (already) that they didn’t even know existed before when they were on those other two blogs.
Anyways, I’m hoping for the best and great success to this blog, ranking wise, readership wise and attracting clients wise 🙂
Thank you so much for coming and I’m glad you like it.
Hey Sylviane,
First off, congratulations on the new look for your site. It looks much more organized and immaculate (not that the previous look was). But you were definitely in good hands and I have to tip my hat towards Kumar and his services.
Last week I saw that I got a lot of emails from you. I was wondering what happened. I just deleted them and I never got any more emails. I had remember you mentioned before that you were going to update your site so i thought that this could be the reason.
Don Purdum is a great person to lead you in the right direction. He always write his post on Why you’re in business and who you’re in business for. Many people who’ve been in business for a long time still haven’t figure this out. I have hassled with my blog and what I wanted to do, but after reading some of his posts myself, I have a much better clearer idea! You were definitely in good hands when you got his advice and helped you make the right choice!
Thanks for sharing Sylviane! Looks like it’s going to be a new era for you 😉 Take Care!
Hi Sherman,
Thanks, I’m glad you like the new look 🙂
Yes, a bit embarrassing the emails, that’s why I apologized here publicly for whomever received some. A couple of people received over a 100. Duh!
With the advice and help of Kumar and Don, I have no doubt I made the right choice, and so far all the comments I received were in favor of it big time.
Thank you so much for coming by and have a wonderful rest of the week.
Hello Sylviane =)
Ok, I want to say–especially being an artist (well, cartoonist) and someone who is losing his eyesight…that when I came here, every…single…place I looked was clear and clean, crisp and lovely.
I actually gasped, ’cause you know what? I’m not wearing my GLASSES to ready your site! Not even the smaller, grey type under the “Leave a reply” above this comment box!!
Heck–I can even read the pop-up box to the right, suggesting more stories, without a single problem.
Do you know what that means? I’m comfortable here.
Everything is esthetically pleasing, it looks classy and beautifully professional.
I’m curious, Sylviane, since I didn’t know you had three blogs in three niches–was it really a problem, bringing them under one roof? I can see clear connections to those subjects in my own mind–so the combinations look sound to me.
Then again, I’m the guy who talks to fictional characters all day long–maybe I shouldn’t be giving my input at all… (smirk)
Jaime Buckley invites you to read..45 Crazy Facts About This Father of 12 (because 10 is for wusses)
Hi Jaime,
First off, thank you so much for coming, and second, your feedback is priceless to me.
Especially because you’re an artist and well into visual stuff, what you’re saying about my site really makes me feel good 🙂 It rocks!
Thankfully, I wasn’t the one physically merging all that content from my other 2 blogs to this one, so I am not sure how tough this part was for Kumar, but contrary to many comments that were against it saying that it wouldn’t work, (when I announced my future merging few weeks back in a post), I think that it works fine.
I blog about writing/blogging, personal development, and France/Europe related stuff. Why not? I’m a freelance writer, and my blog is my main portfolio, so am showing my writing skills under 3 different niches. And since the blog’s name is my name, it’s only natural that all I’m am. Whole me, is represented under the same URL. At least that’s how I see it.
So, thanks again for coming, for your feedback.
Have a wonderful day!
Sylviane,
Hehe…came back to reply…and this all blew me away **again**.
Frustrating thing is, makes me want to change my website and that’s a no-no.
…*sigh*…but being able to read online without my glasses feels SO good. This is awesome.
Anyway–wanted to pop back over and just add to your reply that in my opinion only here– the personal development niche is the key. It’s the glue, because your writing/blogging is definitely developing yourself and expressing yourself and the travel, well hey–that’s ALWAYS about adventure, learning and discovering about yourself.
Hence more personal development.
Add a branding splash of a beautiful name of a beautiful woman and BAM!…you have a successful platform.
Just wanted to add that–cause that’s how I see it and I think this site looks amazing.
Signed,
Your (I-Don’t-Have-To-Wear-No-Stinkin’-Glasses) Fan
Jaime Buckley invites you to read..45 Crazy Facts About This Father of 12 (because 10 is for wusses)
Wow, thank you for more feedback. It’s nice to hear what people think and I can use this to move forward, for sure.
Your site looks great. I wouldn’t change it 🙂
Thanks so much for the compliments. You’re so kind. I’m really glad we connected.
Pretty nice Sylviane! 🙂
Definitely something to brag about! I look forward to seeing your new posts in this new look.
Are you doing something about your opt-ins? I think this would be the perfect time to tie it into your design. 🙂
Dennis Seymour invites you to read..Your Comprehensive and Updating SEO / Digital Marketing Glossary
Hi Dennis,
What do you mean exactly about “doing something about my opt-ins?” I welcome any suggestions to makes things better.
I’m glad you like the site. Thank you so much and have a great day ahead.
Hi!
Sorry about that 🙁
I was referring to your opt-in form. I saw it on the sidebar, top right.
I think it’s the best time to integrate it better into your core design. Like having it float on the sidebar, or have an optin form at the end of the post, a pop up here and there, whatever you want to test out to improve conversions.
Dennis Seymour invites you to read..Your Comprehensive and Updating SEO / Digital Marketing Glossary
Hey Dennis,
Thanks so much for the feedback, you’re right, I have to do something like that.
Congratulations Sylviane!!
The site is beautiful!
I love your comment about always wanting a home page. I felt the same way when I revamped my blog about 2 years ago. Since then I’ve had so many compliments on it, with most people saying how they love the professional feeling, but ease of navigation to more detail.
I’m so glad you went with your gut and did the home page and combined the 3 blogs. I can’t imagine the challenging upkeep of 2 or 3! And the way to organized it make perfect sense.
Kumar is quite knowledgeable isn’t he? I have not yet worked personally with him, though we’ve had a few back and forth’s. After seeing your blog, I’m more convinced he may be my next go-to WP person!
Best of luck to you Sylviane with the new format and adventures!
Warmly,
Deborah
Deborah Tutnauer invites you to read..Entrepreneur Advice – Keep Your Home Fire Burning
Hi Deborah,
So nice to see you here, and now I have to go see this site of yours. One of my big goals this coming year, is to extend my reaching and build new relationships, so here you go, you are now on my list 🙂
When we started working with Kumar, we discussed the home page type blog style vs. the regular blog look type, and with the help and feedback of Don, who reminded me that a home page will show more what I’m about (my business), we went with the home page. And since I’ve been wanting one forever, I was glad to be told that’s what I actually needed.
Yes, kumar is great. Very knowledgeable. If he host your site, you’re good to go, I tell ya. He takes care of everything, no more long minutes on the phone with your hosting service when things go wrong. Or having your site down for hours before you realize it, which happened to me a year and half ago as I was moving, so my site was down like a whole day before I was made aware of it. That sucks.
I totally recommend Kumar 🙂
Thank you for coming and have a wonderful holiday seasons.
I sincerely appreciate the recommendation Sylviane and it’s wonderful to finally connect directly with you too!
I’ve seen your comments over the past few months on the blogs of some of our mutual blogging friends and I too have a goal of ramping up more wonderful blog community relationships this coming year!
I saw you were going to live in France. I have traveled extensively in Europe and lived for a year in Budapest (in the early 1990’s – that’s a story!). I spent New Year’s in Paris to ring in 2014! One day I plan on again living on the Continent – Paris or Florence are my top two!
Looking forward to getting to know you better Sylviane!
Warmly,
Deborah
Deborah Tutnauer invites you to read..Three Types of Entrepreneurs – Which One Are You ?
Hi Deborah,
Same here, I’ve seen you around on other blogs, but for some reason never made it your place. Glad it’s done now.
I am actually FROM France, but I am planning to live in Rome, Italy this coming late spring/early summer. Of course, while there, I’m going to go back home for a visit or two, or more 🙂
Wow, I hope you can tell me your Budapest story some day 🙂 I am from Lyon, France and I lived in Paris for 5 years when I was studying acting and getting few roles here and there. I moved to the US when I was 27 years old.
Hi Sylviane,
Congrats! I love the clean new look of your blog!
New beginnings rock. You felt an intuitive nudge and went with it, and those nudges are where it’s at when it comes to blogging. As for multi category, hey, you’re clear on it so you’re good to go 😉 That’s key. If you feel wonderful about any/all changes you make to your blog you’re moving in YOUR unique direction and that’s where the massive success is had.
Your site is clear, simple and focused, and I absolutely love your banner too. No better way to do it, by smiling at new visitors with a big grin, making them feel welcome.
I did a podcast yesterday and the interview – Loz James – mentioned my warm introduction, through my smiling selfies 😉 You have the same effect Sylviane. Well done!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph invites you to read..Review of I Will Teach You SEO
Hi Ryan,
Well, I know someone like you would totally understand those gut feelings, and how we need to go with it.
That’s when we need to make the difference between good feedback and the feedback that are based solely on the feeling of the person giving it. That’s why when people ask me for advice, the first thing I tell them is “how do you feel about it yourself deep down?” We are our first and foremost adviser, especially if we are deep into personal development 🙂
I’m glad you like it.
Congrats on your interview and growing success!
Hi Sylviane,
I must say you are doing good job.
Redisign your blog is not just a easy task, but you do very well.
Now the site looking very beautiful and also the logo. 🙂
Akash invites you to read..All About Affiliate Links Cloaking & Its Plugins
Hi Sylviane,
First, I’ll say that i love the new look. Second, I’ve been here before and left a comment. I came when you first launch. Anyway, I like the new look and it definitely gives you more versatility. I’m actually in the process of an update on my theme for that reason – more flexibility. It looks wonderful. I love the slider which was what I was looking at too but found them too difficult to maintain.
Anyway, site looks good and you seem to be happy with it. Good luck and sorry if this gets here a little late. I could have sworn I did this already. 🙂
Take care and good luck with it.
Barbara
Barbara Charles invites you to read..7 Immediate Great Ways To Get Traffic To Your Blog
Hi Barbara,
I’m glad you liked the look of my blog. I’ve got so many compliments that I know that it’s got to be true.
My slider cost me no maintenance at all, so I guess it depends on the theme/slider. Mine is easy as 1,2,3 🙂
I’m glad you caught up with this post.
Hi Sylviane,
Your website new web design looks great & lovely. Keep updated the website with latest web design trends that’s very vital to provide the best user experience to your website visitors.
Hi Stephine,
Yes, people seem to love my new design. I had more compliments and user friendly feedback than I can count.
Thanks so much for coming by and letting me know. Very much appreciate it.