New to SITS? Welcome!! Go read this to get started.
Welcome to the weekly blogging tip and Saturday Sharefest comment game! This week I’m talking about spring cleaning your blog.
Take a deep breath. Smell that warm, fresh, spring air? Now take a big sniff of your blog. Does it smell stale? Messy? Not so fresh? I’ve got a challenge for all the SITStas this week. It’s time to Spring Clean your blog.
Here’s what I’d like you to do this week (or at least this month):
- Take a good look at your blog header. If you’re using a boring default header, it’s pretty simple and inexpensive to create a header that helps convey your blog’s personality. There are tools and instructions here, here, here, and here. At the very least, be sure you have a catchy, concise blog title and tag line.
- Go over your sidebar content with a fine-tooth comb. Clear off anything that is not current or useful to your readers. When it comes to sidebars, less is more. Let your post content do the talking and your blog will shine.
- Review your post formatting. It’s easiest on your readers’ eyes when your font is in a consistent size and aligned to the left (or justified). When a post is created with many different size fonts, different colors, or centered text, it’s tough to read and may make it less likely a visitor will return.
- Make sure there is a prominent link or sidebar widget to your “About” page so your users can learn about you, follow you and contact you easily.
Now let’s play a game! Here are the rules for the SITS Saturday Sharefest:
- Leave a comment here with a link to one of your best blog posts (or just your main URL if you prefer).
- After you leave your comment, visit the link of the person who commented BEFORE you.
- Comment on their post and be sure to say “Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest” in your comment.
Now, go leave some comments! And please visit my blog, Mom Improvement.
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Hello everyone
Happy Saturday
I’ve recently added some more photographs for your enjoyment hehe
http://gasaiphotography.blogspot.com
.-= Gasai Photography´s last post: March Break Fun =-.
I’m new to this… I sure hope I’m doing it right!
I’ve just spent a lot of time today working on my blog and putting up some new policies. It’s a new blog, so there’s still work to be done.
Spring cleaning
I need to work on a logo/banner but I am so graphically challenged that I don’t know whether or not I’ll be able to make anything that actually looks good! lol
.-= Becki ´s last post: Integrity in Book Reviewing =-.
Happy Saturday!
Great advice about Spring Cleaning!
My newest post is actually a little article on Handmade Spark called “Spring Cleaning” http://handmadespark.com/blog/spring-clean/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+HandmadeSpark+(Handmade+Spark) Check it out, if you get the chance.
And/or stop by my blog & say hi! I love your visits.
.-= Shelley´s last post: Things They don’t tell you… =-.
Happy Saturday Sharefest !
I have a header, but I would like something more elaborate, with pictures of myself. I want to do something unique. I don’t have photoshop- I use gimp. At any rate check out the link to my blog: http://www.thenerdydiva.com
.-= Sheri´s last post: I Thought I Was Gonna Catch A Case Last Night =-.
Great tips as usual. Happy SITS Saturday.
.-= Michelle @ Italian Mama Chef´s last post: Creamy tomato basil soup =-.
made a dress yesterday!
and i have a may day basket exchange hosted on my blog- come check it out! http://angelinaladawn.blogspot.com/2010/04/making-my-own-dress.html
.-= angelina la dawn´s last post: making my own dress… =-.
Today was so beautiful….I’m just now coming inside. LOL
.-= Diva (in Demand)´s last post: Control =-.
I still have a giveaway going on for people who join/follow/fan our site….come through and enter to win!
http://somethingaboutsimple.com/?p=155
.-= Renee’´s last post: Meet Giada =-.
Happy Saturday Sharefest!
I have been working on my blog for days trying to get it right. My biggest issue is decluttering and the header. Any ideas?
I would love a header that I can have actual pictures of myself.
Check it out for yourself:
http://www.thenerdydiva.com
.-= Sheri´s last post: I Thought I Was Gonna Catch A Case Last Night =-.
I didn’t know that centering your text was a bad idea – oops! Thanks so much for the tips! This is my first time visiting and I’m your newest follower
I am getting my blog designed by an real live actual designer this next week and am so excited! I am all about the spring cleaning!
.-= Stephanie Stearns Dulli´s last post: I think I’m having an affair. =-.
I really do look forward to Saturdays JUST so I can grab some more info on how to spruce up this blog of mine! Thank you so much for the tips ;^) Have a great weekend!
.-= Cynthia´s last post: Please Don’t Tell Me Different… =-.
Solid post and a reminder that I really, really need to “clean” my own “About” page. Ugh. I’ve been meaning to do it for…alright, let’s just say, too long, and leave it at that. The task overwhelms me a bit because I’m not much of a self-promotion kind of girl. Much, much better at writing about gifts than I am about writing about myself! Arghhhh!
Have a great weekend!
.-= Alyna, The Gift Detective´s last post: Personalized Candles, for Mother’s Day and more! =-.
Happy Saturday Sharefest, I’m a tad late, I was doing a read a thon today! This post is a recent favorite, I hope you enjoy it.
http://lizzie-aworkinprogress.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-spot.html
.-= Lizzie´s last post: Mid-Event Survey =-.
I love SITS.
Spring cleaning is a great idea. I need to do more around the house than on my blog. http://www.littlefamilyinthebigwoods.blogspot.com
.-= Joyce´s last post: =-.
Oops. Pressed submit before adding my link. This is my favorite post from this past week:
http://lucilleinthesky.blogspot.com/2010/04/got-milk.html
Hello all. I have been diligently working day by day to make my blog better. I really want to woek on the header. Anyone know how I can create a header in gimp with photos and no template. you could steer me in the direction of a site or a video it would be great. Happy Saturday Sharefest.
.-= Sheri´s last post: I Thought I Was Gonna Catch A Case Last Night =-.
Thank you for all of the spring cleaning tips! Happy Spring!!!
http://www.IntegrativeMom.com
Okay so this is my third comment lol so I hope you’ll delete two of these – sorry! I didn’t think it worked the first time I commented but I kept looking and trying to see who commented before me so I could leave them a comment! Sorry again
.-= Star @ A Load Of Craft´s last post: Nursing Cover =-.
Happy sharefest! I’m a little late. Nice weather and had to enjoy it! Check out my site…
http://funonadime.blogspot.com
.-= Fun On A Dime Lady´s last post: What’s On Your Computer? =-.
Coming in late, Happy Saturday to all!
.-= Heather´s last post: A Coat of Paint for my Blog =-.
Great tips… thanks!
I am fairly new to blogging…
so my blog is not super messy yet…
but when I find the time (ah!) I should decorate!
April 13 sounds exciting!! fun!
do you need to comment every hour to be entered in each giveaway hour??
oops… my link or URL… is http://www.seizingmyday.com
I need a new header so badly – I have all of these designer friends offering to help, yet none have yet. Wah. Need to check those links and figure this out on my own.
.-= ally´s last post: Weekend Retro Rewind =-.
late for saturday sharefest but with flying back to the US and having some super grandma time with my 4 munchkins my blogging time has taken a hit.
dianeswords.wordpress.com
.-= Diane Prouty´s last post: On Being a Wayfaring Stranger =-.
So … I’m participating in the Saturday Sharefest. On a Sunday.
Story of my life.
Happy Saturday – er, Sunday, SITStahs!
.-= Rita/Fighting Off Frumpy´s last post: Reading is FunDUHmental =-.
Love to Sping Clean!!!!!!!! http://totmama.blogspot.com/ hugs Sitstas!!!! Natalee
.-= natalee´s last post: I remember my past life…. =-.
Some great tips there
I’m now off to visit Natalee 
http://typecast2000.blogspot.com/
.-= Nickie @ Typecast´s last post: I don’t know my charts from my Elbow =-.
Late to the comment party but these are great tips for doing a re-fresh of your blog… it’s so easy to forget to step back and clean things up, deleting unnecessary components, etc., instead of just slapping more on!
http://www.beautywoome.com/beautyblog/just-say-no-to-duckface-or-your-face-will-stay-that-way.html
Also late to the game – wasn’t online yesterday! although I just started my blog, I’m already feeling the need to change up my header….maybe soon!
This post has received the most attention lately:
http://www.thequarterlifequest.com/hypocritical-chicken-shit/
.-= Eran´s last post: Weekend Wisdom #4 =-.
I loved this post!! Fun.
. Spring cleaning!!!
I definitely need to change my header…gonna try to work on it these next few days
http://www.nuflaiir.com
I loved this post. Fun.
I definitely need to change my header…gonna try to work on it these next few days. Spring cleaning !!
http://www.nuflaiir.com
Oh, what a great post and what a great way to get new visitors and check out some new blogs! Off to visit Lilian!
http://blahggy.com
Great tips! Great way to see new blogs and get some new visitiors! Off to visit Lilian!
Twitter: myicing
says:
Great tips!
Thanks for sharing
Xoxo,
Mimi@ Irresistible Icing
.-= Mimi´s last post: I’m a Lady Blogger! =-.
This inspired me to clean up my own blog a little! Great post!
It’s Sunday now (almost Monday!) but I want to play anyway. Off to visit Mimi…
.-= Kayleigh´s last post: if someone asks me my wedding colors one more time I’m going to scream =-.
A little late to the game, but better late than never! I deleted one of my sidebar widgets, wasnt important and looked odd. I feel much better about the look of it now.
Now off to visit a new blog!
I have been traveling and actually taking notes about revamping my blog a bit so this article is very good timing. Just linking up to my main blog since I am just getting caught up on all of my mail
http://www.lifeonpossomtrot.com
How right you are- sometimes less is more!
Just read this- thanks for the tips!!
.-= Shauna´s last post: =-.
I’m loving the Spring Cleaning of the Blog advice
.-= More Than A Mom´s last post: Getting To Know You ~ April 11 =-.
Oh what a fun game and great tips for Spring cleaning the blog.
http://www.texasmonkey.blogspot.com
.-= Shayna´s last post: Me Monday – Taking Time to Smell the Bluebonnets =-.
What a fun game and great tips! Thank you.
.-= Shayna´s last post: Me Monday – Taking Time to Smell the Bluebonnets =-.
whow.. I’m fairly new to blogging and am not sure
what I’m doing.. but I’m having such a good time..
be honest with your comments, please.. and yes
my sidebar needs some weeding out!
thanks
Sandy
http://thewondersofdoing.blogspot.com/
.-= Sandy´s last post: 2010 Ultimate Blog Party….. =-.
I’m inviting everyone to come on over,, be very honest…
read my blog and give me your thoughts.. what do I need
to do to make it “A Better Blog”..??
thank you all
Sandy
http://thewondersofdoing.blogspot.com/
.-= sandy´s last post: 2010 Ultimate Blog Party….. =-.
Love this! Feel free to give us tips on ways we can improve our site.
http://www.jillymoos.com
so i’m late with this. bad weekend. and i was doing some spring cleaning on my blog. better let than never, though, right?
oops. i forgot. one of my favorite posts is here: http://smartassdirect.blogspot.com/2009/07/let-me-believe-let-me-forget.html
I think my site is now quite tidy and I have the lovely Diana at http://customblogdesigns.blogspot.com/ working on a new Header for me! I’m very excited to get it back!!
Hope everyone had a good weekend!!