Since Easton Ellsworth provided me with 12 tips to improve my blog, I have been looking through the suggestions and decided to make a few changes.
- Lose the duplicate feed buttons.
In place of the RSS feed links that I had on the sidebar, I am now offering the opportunity to subscribe to Derek Semmler dot com via email. I’ve decided to keep the RSS image background, although I may eventually drop that as well.
It’s all about options and now you can receive your RSS feed in your preferred format – through your favorite feed reader or via email.
- Lose the technorati button.
The Technorati button has been removed from the header. It has been quite awhile since there have been any new Technorati favorites added to the site so I don’t think I am losing too much by removing the link.
If there is a large uproar about the missing button, I can always bring it back.
- Put “Search this blog” in the search box at right.
This was one that I asked for your input on and there were a few comments that were in favor of the default text. In an effort to deliver the things that the readers want, I have added default text to the search box.
When you click within the search box, the default text will disappear and you can enter your search criteria.
Any time there are changes made to the site, there is the possibility that small glitches have been introduced. If you notice anything strange or out of the ordinary, please let me know.
These changes have all been made with the hope that it makes your stay here a little more pleasant. Therefore, I would love to hear your thoughts on the changes:
– Do you like the RSS via Email option?
– Will you miss the Technorati button?
– How do you like the default search text?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I think adding text, any text, to the search function is a good idea. It makes it stand out a bit more.
After adding the email updates option to my blog, the subscriber count jumped about 30. That may have been a coincidence, but I don’t see any harm in displaying it.
You’re running a pretty slick blog overall, good job.
Hmm I have “search this blog” above the text box. I think I am going to try and put it inside the text box.
The RSS Via Email is working very well with my Eight Crazy Weeks of Giveaways at Futurelooks. I’ve been giving people incentive to sign up for it by giving away hundreds of dollars of prizes. It keeps people from unsusbscribing if there is a chance to win some great stuff by staying subscribed or subscribing.
There’s an idea. Have a monthly contest and sacrifice one of those T-shirts in your collection 😉
@Josh :: Thanks for the feedback on the blog and the recent changes. I haven’t really seen much of an increase to the RSS numbers yet but hopefully it allows people to use the option they prefer.
@Austin :: Given the choice, I think I like the text in the box better because it consumes less real estate.
@Stephen :: Lol, I do have a few t-shirts that have been sent that could be used to entice people. Although lately the contests have stepped it up to the point nobody will be happy with a lousy t-shirt anymore, except me of course.
great tips.. i’ll have to integrate these items as well.
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