Dead End - Hopefully just a Road Block
Have you ever been motivated and then run into a problem and run out of steam? That's where I am now.
Last week I decided to include some editable lists into the post I was working on. Since then I have watched numerous you tube videos while trying to figure out how to do this task. Also, I have checked out some plug ins.
In retrospect, it probably would have been a good idea to finish the post and edit it after learning how to include the list, if that day ever came. Maybe I would now be using my time to write another blog or improve my site in other ways. As it is, the steam is gone and it doesn't seem like there is any coal left to get the pressure back up.
Current plan: Sleep! (Definitely won't get much done if I do this!)
I have decided to make a list of things that need to be done to the site and revisit some training to better enable me to accomplish those items on the list.
Those of you who have visited my site, stepsforfinancialfreedom.com please let me know what YOU would do if it was your site to improve it! Be brutal please!
Diana
Recent Comments
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Howdy. I did a quick look and have some suggestions.
(I am by no means an expert, but only suggesting from a viewers
point of view)
1. Maybe you need to create multiple pages or other pages into categories. You site title mentions financial freedom, but you also include saving money on groceries, halloween items, etc.............
these could be seperate articles, pages that could be placed in your menu.
2. The halloween items for sale by Amazon, I feel might be too much. Maybe a few select items with a short article. The Amazon items can be the visuals you need to go with the article. Once drawn to Amazon, any items they select and purchase would give you credit due to the cookie picked up by the browser.
3. Do some cleanup on your paragraph headings further in the page. Scroll down and you will see it.
4. Include a picture of yourself in your About Me page, as Kyle suggests.
That is about all I can see as of now. You are doing great. Keep tweaking....................You will get there.
Ken.
yes I did and I left a comment on your site .I liked it I just got bored due to how it just went on and on I think if you maybe made the post shorter and put more of you in it you would be more successful. I did not say this on your site and I hope I did not insult you it is just my opinion all the best
Maxiam59,
You didn't insult me! I really appreciate your candidness. Thank you for your comment also!
Diana
you write beautifully I just think that you give us too much and there is nothing to come back for do you know what I mean all the best
Thank you and good point. I guess I try to shoot for the 1000 words which maybe isn't always necessary?
I always try to stay around 500 that way I always have something to write about next time I hope I helped all the best
I cant totally relate. I think we have all been there at some point.
I took a quick look at your website. Some suggestions I have would be to add a tag line about what your website is about. For example: Quick Money saving Tips for Moms on the Go. Or something that quickly tells a reader what your website is about. I mean, I know it can seem obvious when just looking at the name of the URL and the various links, but something to brand you and help set you apart would help. Also think about adding photos with each topic you have. Captivating imagery can make a break a website. Think of what captures your interest when you read something. For me, Often times I will look at an image before I read a header and if those two don't keep my interest, I wont read further.
I love the simplicity of your about me page and even though it's just a few words, I get the feeling that you're truly trying to help. Maybe if you can add a photo of you on that page so people can connect and relate to a person behind the website, that can help too.
Because it's your blog it's hard to look at it with a constructive criticism eye, because you have so much vested into it. But if you can just take a step back and just look at your blog from an ascetic point of view, that can help give it a boost and sometimes that can make all the difference. Your topics are great over all just add some captivating imagery and maybe a fresh new header that is more captivating than just abstract circles but something that shows your personality and sets your site apart can make a difference?.
Hope this helps?
Georgina,
Thank you so much for your time and ideas! Great ideas by the way. I will work on this.
Diana
You're welcome. If you need more help, I'm happy to give some suggestions/input but with constructive ideas to help. For me, I often find a website I like. Something that not only grabs my attention, but a style I like and I use it as my reference. I don't duplicate it, but I try to grab the over all feel for what makes me sick around a specific website. Find three websites you like, and make notes /screen captures of what drew you to that article or that blog etc. Because we are such visual creatures, you can have a blog with nonsense written on it, but if aesthetically its laid out well, with imagery and headers and colors and the fonts are the right size, people will stop and try to read it. Your imagery and layout will draw people in. Then its your brilliant use of words that will keep them there. Don't forget to add a subscribe now box. Open a free account on MailChimp to gather subscribers. Tell them they can get a free download guide to saving money or something like that. Free weekly tips on XYZ..
This is all a work in progress. Don't give up. Its OK to walk away, take a breath and come back with a fresh perspective and new ideas. Find what inspires you and use it to your advantage. We all lose steam, myself included. But the only way to lose is to quit and you didn't come this far to quit. -- Reach out if you need any other input. :)
It's possible there's a plugin for an editable list, there seems to be plugins for just about everything.
I've hit roadblocks too and I think it happens to everyone sometimes. I posted a blog a few days ago about how a funny video clip on Facebook got my mojo back.
To use your analogy laughter is a great way to "get the steam back up." Have a rest, watch or listen to something that makes you laugh, bet you'll be feeling better by the end of it. :)
don't make this too difficult
if I understand the situation correctly, a downloadable template would do the job
just create a word.doc as a template, then upload it to your site, and in your post/page, just create a link to that file so the user can download the template
hope that helps!
I like your post on saving money with food. That's the type of info I stay and read when surfing for saving money ideas.
I hope you figure out a way around your roadblock quickly. Downtime is always good!
Thank you for your reply. Do you have any ideas about how to incorporate an editable list on my website?
what do you mean "editable" lists
as the author you can always go back in and "edit" your page/post
but are you wanting visitors to your site to be able to "edit" your content
that is where the comments section can come in handy
just a thought to help you move forward
all the best,
Thank you for the quick response! What I had planned on doing was to include into the post a grocery list which visitors could edit online, save to add more later and print out when ready. I would want each visitor to have their own list, not one massive list for all to see and edit. I wanted to give them an aid for their planning and shopping.
sound like something that could be done as a downloadable
so you create a word .doc with some initial items as a template and upload that to your site
you then create a link to that doc with instructions on how they can download
hope that helps!
Derrall,
I visited your informative and attractive site. I also left you a comment. Thank you for all of your help.
Diana
The first thing that jumped out at me when I visited your site was the big blocks of amazon links in your blog posts. This not only gives the impression of trying to be sold something, but also I don't think it will help you to get indexed. The first article on your blog, How Can I Save Money on Groceries? was very well done, and I think you should look to this post as a template for the rest of them. The affiliate links were more subtle and appropriately placed. Also remember when putting in those Amazon blocks that someone only needs one to click on, from there your affiliate link is with them and anything they buy at amazon after clicking your link will be attributed to you, so don't overkill it with those links! Hope this helps.
I understand your point. Those big blocks were specific categories and ideas related to the specific post. For example, the Halloween books were categorized by age and I tried to carefully review what books were included. I have removed the Halloween category from the top and may remove those posts altogether. Thank you for your suggestions!
:( Sorry you hit a road block. What kind of lists were you wanting to add? Unfortunately I don't know how to do it to offer assistance. I really like the content you have on your site. I know every theme is different, but the main thing I would recommend adding (if your theme allows) is something along the sides. There is no much white space along the left and right sides of your post. Can images or some kind of menu bar be added there??
Maybe I could use widgets for the sides? The list I was going to start with was a grocery list visitors could edit for themselves as they wished to be printed out or referred to later. Thank you for your suggestion. I will work on this!
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Great Post!...Thanks for sharing
Thank you