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When I first set up naturalttc.com I grabbed kind of a cutesy template that fit the niche. Now I'm wondering if I need to look for something a little cleaner and more professio
Thanks everyone! I had looked at Woo before for another site, but not for this one so I am going hop over there right now. And I think that summaries will work better too.
Personally I am not mad on the colour - one because it looks very girly. I think your content is very good so I would do as Rich suggests and look at free Woo themes. I have found them good
Beverley
I'd definitely use summaries rather than full posts on your home page, either Appearance > Reading and show summaries, or use the "More" tag http://en.support.wordpress.com/splitting-content/more-tag/ If you want to look at slightly more sophisticated themes, hop over to Woo and take a look at their free offerings http://d.pr/CGEg :) Rich.
Hi Jess.
Personally, I'm not struck on the pink colour - but having said that, the training here says over and over, that it's the content that counts. Kyle does recommend black/dark text on a light background though - and that's what the main part of your pages/posts is.
All the best, Mark
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When I first set up naturalttc.com I grabbed kind of a cutesy template that fit the niche. Now I'm wondering if I need to look for something a little cleaner and more professio
Hey Jessica, I'm seeing a light bluish background and it actually looks great to me. Your layout is very nice, very clean...really liking it!
Thank you Doubletap. I popped that template on earlier today, so I am glad to hear it looks good! I just need to whip up a nice header graphic now.
Thanks everyone! I had looked at Woo before for another site, but not for this one so I am going hop over there right now. And I think that summaries will work better too.
Personally I am not mad on the colour - one because it looks very girly. I think your content is very good so I would do as Rich suggests and look at free Woo themes. I have found them good
Beverley
I'd definitely use summaries rather than full posts on your home page, either Appearance > Reading and show summaries, or use the "More" tag http://en.support.wordpress.com/splitting-content/more-tag/ If you want to look at slightly more sophisticated themes, hop over to Woo and take a look at their free offerings http://d.pr/CGEg :) Rich.
Hi Jess.
Personally, I'm not struck on the pink colour - but having said that, the training here says over and over, that it's the content that counts. Kyle does recommend black/dark text on a light background though - and that's what the main part of your pages/posts is.
All the best, Mark
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Obviously I need to add more content - this is a subject I am passionate about and live every day so it should be super easy. (my first site is something I know and love but am
Awesome! I love recipe sites. Primal, vegan, raw food, and everything in between. :) I like your site. I'll need to keep track.
I think it has a very neat and tidy appearance. Not the most exciting theme ever, but certainly not the worst, and you have your content showcased very nicely with the photos.
Hi thanks for the link lol... It's not so much the theme for me, but that it feels squished.. the colors are nice and soft and warm which gose good with your niche. Maybe find another header, and see if there is a way to wide block where you write.. I know your concetratig on content, that part looks good. Maybe think about making the text larger, I think your content is good, but its a strain to read. I think it is coming along great, are you going to bake them for us, cause that would be even better lol :-) Keep up the great work.
I think it's awesome! I have a Keto site and the posts that get the most traffic are recipe posts. People are looking for recipes when they embark on a new way of eating. And my Keto site does make the most sales of all my sites. BTW, I see you have some Mark Sisson products on your sidebar. He does have an affiliate program through Commission Junction.
Hi Jessica - I'm not struck on the theme - but that is a completely male "not very good with colours at all" point of view - so I'll bow to a female's perspective.
Paleo is I think a growing market - so focussing on that is good.
What would be engaging to your users is, this is where I am now - and a diary of sorts explaining how you feel and so on... to this is where I am now.
I think that would engage your visitors more than just an information site - and would keep them coming back, because people are nosey, and want to know how you're getting on (and bitch about how much better you're doing or laugh inside at how much better THEY are doing than you). Makes it a little more personal.
Cheers, Mark
Thanks Mark! I'm not wild about the theme either, but I decided to leave it be for now and focus on content. I was driving myself nuts looking for the right look. Nothing was quite right.
I love the diary idea. I think I'm going to be part recipes and meal ideas, part information, and part OMG I accidentally ordered a GF pizza. Most of the paleo sites seem to be people who are really really good at it, so I think you're dead on that people will enjoy someone like me who really wants to eat big plates of meat and lift heavy things, but struggles with it.
I'm also thinking that the kid factor will help - I am trying to get my little ones to eat better but it's a process for sure.
LOL!! You can't read my mind? That's what I get for posting while talking to my kids. http://www.easyprimal.com
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Obviously I need to add more content - this is a subject I am passionate about and live every day so it should be super easy. (my first site is something I know and love but am
Awesome! I love recipe sites. Primal, vegan, raw food, and everything in between. :) I like your site. I'll need to keep track.
I think it has a very neat and tidy appearance. Not the most exciting theme ever, but certainly not the worst, and you have your content showcased very nicely with the photos.
Hi thanks for the link lol... It's not so much the theme for me, but that it feels squished.. the colors are nice and soft and warm which gose good with your niche. Maybe find another header, and see if there is a way to wide block where you write.. I know your concetratig on content, that part looks good. Maybe think about making the text larger, I think your content is good, but its a strain to read. I think it is coming along great, are you going to bake them for us, cause that would be even better lol :-) Keep up the great work.
I think it's awesome! I have a Keto site and the posts that get the most traffic are recipe posts. People are looking for recipes when they embark on a new way of eating. And my Keto site does make the most sales of all my sites. BTW, I see you have some Mark Sisson products on your sidebar. He does have an affiliate program through Commission Junction.
Hi Jessica - I'm not struck on the theme - but that is a completely male "not very good with colours at all" point of view - so I'll bow to a female's perspective.
Paleo is I think a growing market - so focussing on that is good.
What would be engaging to your users is, this is where I am now - and a diary of sorts explaining how you feel and so on... to this is where I am now.
I think that would engage your visitors more than just an information site - and would keep them coming back, because people are nosey, and want to know how you're getting on (and bitch about how much better you're doing or laugh inside at how much better THEY are doing than you). Makes it a little more personal.
Cheers, Mark
Thanks Mark! I'm not wild about the theme either, but I decided to leave it be for now and focus on content. I was driving myself nuts looking for the right look. Nothing was quite right.
I love the diary idea. I think I'm going to be part recipes and meal ideas, part information, and part OMG I accidentally ordered a GF pizza. Most of the paleo sites seem to be people who are really really good at it, so I think you're dead on that people will enjoy someone like me who really wants to eat big plates of meat and lift heavy things, but struggles with it.
I'm also thinking that the kid factor will help - I am trying to get my little ones to eat better but it's a process for sure.
LOL!! You can't read my mind? That's what I get for posting while talking to my kids. http://www.easyprimal.com
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I chose a somewhat technical subject for my first review, and I tend toward a wordy style of writing anyways, so I'd love some feedback, please!
http://naturalttc.com/fert
Me again... Couldn't you make 1 review per product and go after the famous low hanging fruit like "OvaCue Fertility Monitor review" or something like that.
How about links to buy refills.
Omg iam sorry for all the bombardement :-)
Your site is exceleent, very easy to read. If i may suggest 2 thing: does the regular people know to click on the image to purchase the monitors, why not have a "buy now" icon or something. Dont be scared to ask for the sale. The other thing is when i click to purchase it should open on another page, i think. You dont want readers leaving your site....ever.
This is a greast topic, i know many people thst could benefit from this info. I am so lucky and thankfull that having our babies was quite easy.
I absolutely LOVE it. Could be my PL stance. What an awesome idea, great niche, great website!
Hi Jessica - nice website, and full of very useful information for people starting families (so you've a never ending market right there!!). I've had my family, but in the future, when they are much older hopefully :) this is the kind of site that could really benefit them - if they're looking for that info.
My ONLY criticism (content is great, and is the number 1 reason for attracting search results and visitors), is the Calculator page has some mis-entered HTML by the looks of it:
require(“ovulation-predictor.php”);
?>
The calculators in my experience, are what I would be interested in - timing, best times of the month etc - so that page needs to be working for you I think. When trying to conceive, timing (if you're planning it as opposed to being relaxed and letting nature take it's course) is something I know is on parents minds a lot, and could lead to some anxiety - so offering a calculator that works, would be a great selling point of your website I believe.
If you're having trouble getting the plugin/html working, please let us know and we'll try and help.
All the best Jessica,
Mark
Eek, thank you Mark! I had it working, and then updated the text a bit today and must have messed up a bit of code. It should be working again now. Thank you for that catch - I totally should have checked it after I made the changes.
Hi - that's what's great about WA - we're all in this together, and will help and support everyone that asks for feedback and help.
The calculator is working fine now - just checked - well done on such an informative, and useful site. I don't know how many times I've said that over the last few months I've been here I just wish I'd thought of it first!!!! :)
Genuinely, well done - this isn't just an info site you've created, it's one that could help a lot of people have a family - which is one of, if not the, most important things we can do.
Brilliant job, well done,
Mark
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I chose a somewhat technical subject for my first review, and I tend toward a wordy style of writing anyways, so I'd love some feedback, please!
http://naturalttc.com/fert
Me again... Couldn't you make 1 review per product and go after the famous low hanging fruit like "OvaCue Fertility Monitor review" or something like that.
How about links to buy refills.
Omg iam sorry for all the bombardement :-)
Your site is exceleent, very easy to read. If i may suggest 2 thing: does the regular people know to click on the image to purchase the monitors, why not have a "buy now" icon or something. Dont be scared to ask for the sale. The other thing is when i click to purchase it should open on another page, i think. You dont want readers leaving your site....ever.
This is a greast topic, i know many people thst could benefit from this info. I am so lucky and thankfull that having our babies was quite easy.
I absolutely LOVE it. Could be my PL stance. What an awesome idea, great niche, great website!
Hi Jessica - nice website, and full of very useful information for people starting families (so you've a never ending market right there!!). I've had my family, but in the future, when they are much older hopefully :) this is the kind of site that could really benefit them - if they're looking for that info.
My ONLY criticism (content is great, and is the number 1 reason for attracting search results and visitors), is the Calculator page has some mis-entered HTML by the looks of it:
require(“ovulation-predictor.php”);
?>
The calculators in my experience, are what I would be interested in - timing, best times of the month etc - so that page needs to be working for you I think. When trying to conceive, timing (if you're planning it as opposed to being relaxed and letting nature take it's course) is something I know is on parents minds a lot, and could lead to some anxiety - so offering a calculator that works, would be a great selling point of your website I believe.
If you're having trouble getting the plugin/html working, please let us know and we'll try and help.
All the best Jessica,
Mark
Eek, thank you Mark! I had it working, and then updated the text a bit today and must have messed up a bit of code. It should be working again now. Thank you for that catch - I totally should have checked it after I made the changes.
Hi - that's what's great about WA - we're all in this together, and will help and support everyone that asks for feedback and help.
The calculator is working fine now - just checked - well done on such an informative, and useful site. I don't know how many times I've said that over the last few months I've been here I just wish I'd thought of it first!!!! :)
Genuinely, well done - this isn't just an info site you've created, it's one that could help a lot of people have a family - which is one of, if not the, most important things we can do.
Brilliant job, well done,
Mark
See more comments
I am kind of weird about having worlds collide - for example, I run a forum and I'm really picky about who I share the link with in real life. I don't have anything to hide, I
My view is that you don't have to jump in and use Google+ immediately. but others will feel differently. Watch the video and see how you feel about it and how it will work for you.
If I am understanding this correctly. You are trying to separate your personal life from the social networking aspect of your business.
I had the same problem as well. The example profiles you see in lessons are always personal and then have information about their business to go along with it.
I decided to start by trying to keep it separate. Trying to build my social networks through the business only and let me tell you it didn't work well.
Even though you may not want your picture and name to be associated with the profile, while you are starting out I would make it personal and share with your friends and family. Those are the people that will care the most about what you are posting and actually engage in the content just because they know it is yours.
I think it would work either way, but its much easier to get a jump start when you are associated with the page.
That makes sense - I need to figure out what my comfort level is sharing with different friends...
I completely understand where you are coming from. My advice is slowly work toward sharing. Maybe start with sharing your new business/website with your closest family member. See how that goes. Then expand to the rest of your family and household. Then to your closest friends.
You also don't have to post every article on Google + once you reach the point of sharing with everyone just post a few things notifying people you started this website and once you get postive feedback from all of these people you will have the confidence to post anything you want to everyone
This first site is such a learning process anyways, that I may wait and share my next one instead... and I say that because the topic of this one is good and I think will get me traffic, but no one I know in person is really my audience. I have a second site in mind that may be the one I use G+ on...
Don't make it too hard on yourself. Just enjoy learning G+ so that you will not have a headache all the time. Lol. Anyway, I, myself, am not well-versed with G+ yet until now. I am taking it one step at a time, trying to network with other WA members and learn from them.
I also want to have a forum in my website but stalled it for a while until I learn more about it. It looks a little complicated to me. But I think being too picky would limit the extent of our forum. Sometimes it's good to hear thoughts from different angles so that we can see the whole picture of what we are discussing. Btw, what plug-in are you using?
Thanks for the feedback! I am not using a plug in for my forum - it's actually a stand alone VBulletin site that I've owned for 5 years. Activity has dropped off over time so I'm trying to perk it up using the ideas I'm learning here. :-)
May you please share your link so I can take a look at it? This sounds new to me. Yes, a lot of things here will eventually perk up your forum.
@betcha - this is my forum. http://www.mymommyboard.com VBulletin is a paid software but there are free ones out there as well. SMF is a solid platform and it's free. I believe you can integrate wordpress with some of them as well, but I haven't looked very deeply into that.
Thanks for sharing, Jessica. That's a good-looking layout. I wonder if the VBulletin is income generating in itself? The way it looks, I think we could integrate it with our WP websites. Please keep me updated when you find something great to work on. My website is a teacher's resource and I plugged in a forum for teacher hangout. I am not even halfway with the content and I got overwhelmed with the forum so I put it aside for now. Here's the link if you want to take a peak: http://abcdaryhangout.com/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-christmas
Vbulletin has some good plugins for ad placement and other revenue generators but it's all about the traffic and posting levels in the long run. Once you buy the software you own it for the life of the version, so that's nice. I don't see me creating more forums in the future since they require a lot of care and feeding. :-) I also probably won't create a site for my forum, since it's a more general chat forum.
I think your idea of a teacher forum for your site is a good one. It might be easier if you make the site first and then build the forum once you get steady traffic, in my opinion. Then the conversation will kind of flow naturally. Your site looks like you're off to a good start!
Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I am concentrating on the contents right now. As you said, the forum will come later and it will just flow naturally once it gets the traffic. This is such a fruitful conversation with you. Looking forward to a more productive networking with you. More blessings to come along your way, Jessica, and your two boys as well.
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Giving myself a headache about Google+
I am kind of weird about having worlds collide - for example, I run a forum and I'm really picky about who I share the link with in real life. I don't have anything to hide, I
My view is that you don't have to jump in and use Google+ immediately. but others will feel differently. Watch the video and see how you feel about it and how it will work for you.
If I am understanding this correctly. You are trying to separate your personal life from the social networking aspect of your business.
I had the same problem as well. The example profiles you see in lessons are always personal and then have information about their business to go along with it.
I decided to start by trying to keep it separate. Trying to build my social networks through the business only and let me tell you it didn't work well.
Even though you may not want your picture and name to be associated with the profile, while you are starting out I would make it personal and share with your friends and family. Those are the people that will care the most about what you are posting and actually engage in the content just because they know it is yours.
I think it would work either way, but its much easier to get a jump start when you are associated with the page.
That makes sense - I need to figure out what my comfort level is sharing with different friends...
I completely understand where you are coming from. My advice is slowly work toward sharing. Maybe start with sharing your new business/website with your closest family member. See how that goes. Then expand to the rest of your family and household. Then to your closest friends.
You also don't have to post every article on Google + once you reach the point of sharing with everyone just post a few things notifying people you started this website and once you get postive feedback from all of these people you will have the confidence to post anything you want to everyone
This first site is such a learning process anyways, that I may wait and share my next one instead... and I say that because the topic of this one is good and I think will get me traffic, but no one I know in person is really my audience. I have a second site in mind that may be the one I use G+ on...
Don't make it too hard on yourself. Just enjoy learning G+ so that you will not have a headache all the time. Lol. Anyway, I, myself, am not well-versed with G+ yet until now. I am taking it one step at a time, trying to network with other WA members and learn from them.
I also want to have a forum in my website but stalled it for a while until I learn more about it. It looks a little complicated to me. But I think being too picky would limit the extent of our forum. Sometimes it's good to hear thoughts from different angles so that we can see the whole picture of what we are discussing. Btw, what plug-in are you using?
Thanks for the feedback! I am not using a plug in for my forum - it's actually a stand alone VBulletin site that I've owned for 5 years. Activity has dropped off over time so I'm trying to perk it up using the ideas I'm learning here. :-)
May you please share your link so I can take a look at it? This sounds new to me. Yes, a lot of things here will eventually perk up your forum.
@betcha - this is my forum. http://www.mymommyboard.com VBulletin is a paid software but there are free ones out there as well. SMF is a solid platform and it's free. I believe you can integrate wordpress with some of them as well, but I haven't looked very deeply into that.
Thanks for sharing, Jessica. That's a good-looking layout. I wonder if the VBulletin is income generating in itself? The way it looks, I think we could integrate it with our WP websites. Please keep me updated when you find something great to work on. My website is a teacher's resource and I plugged in a forum for teacher hangout. I am not even halfway with the content and I got overwhelmed with the forum so I put it aside for now. Here's the link if you want to take a peak: http://abcdaryhangout.com/the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-christmas
Vbulletin has some good plugins for ad placement and other revenue generators but it's all about the traffic and posting levels in the long run. Once you buy the software you own it for the life of the version, so that's nice. I don't see me creating more forums in the future since they require a lot of care and feeding. :-) I also probably won't create a site for my forum, since it's a more general chat forum.
I think your idea of a teacher forum for your site is a good one. It might be easier if you make the site first and then build the forum once you get steady traffic, in my opinion. Then the conversation will kind of flow naturally. Your site looks like you're off to a good start!
Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I am concentrating on the contents right now. As you said, the forum will come later and it will just flow naturally once it gets the traffic. This is such a fruitful conversation with you. Looking forward to a more productive networking with you. More blessings to come along your way, Jessica, and your two boys as well.
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Hey Jessica, I'm seeing a light bluish background and it actually looks great to me. Your layout is very nice, very clean...really liking it!
Thank you Doubletap. I popped that template on earlier today, so I am glad to hear it looks good! I just need to whip up a nice header graphic now.