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How to Involve Readers in Designing your Blog

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Ask Your Readers

What I am going to share with you today is really exciting, it’s about readers feedback, it’s about blog design, I am going to tell you how I involved our blog readers in designing our blog, and how to design a better blog by getting worthy readers feedback.

design better blog

The story began last week when I decided to redesign our blog and add some new enhancements and futures to our Thesis Skin, and I was so lucky to finish this job fast in the weekend, I didn’t even need to put the blog in Maintenance Mode while redesigning or anything from that because I am very sensitive when working on it. Enough talking, and let’s go by points to organize my mind, so.. here is what I did!

Preparing a test site for my new design!

  1. I did a fresh WordPress installation a sub-domain name.
  2. Then I installed Thesis Theme 1.7 on it.
  3. I copied the old/original FB skin folder into my theme.
  4. I transfered Thesis Theme Design Options.
  5. Then upgraded to the latest version of Thesis Theme 1.8
  6. I added some sample posts with text, and images.
  7. I started to work on the test blog!

By this way I was able to redesign FamousBloggers.net away from the live site, and when I finished with all design work I started to think how I will put my new skin to it! so.. Here is what I did on the live version of the blog!

Now.. Working on the Live version of the blog

  1. I did a database and files backup
  2. I upgraded FB blog to WP 3.0.x
  3. I upgraded to Thesis Theme 1.8
  4. FTP the new skin folder
  5. Uploaded my Thesis Design Options

Then I refreshed my browser, and… I congratulated myself for the new design 🙂

Any Problems during the process?

Yes, I had a few problems with database after upgrading to WordPress 3.0.x. For some reason the blog started to load slow, and I got too many database connection errors and a lot of throttling warnings. I tried to solve this problem, I worked for hours with no use!

I contacted my host provider, I explained the problem, and I told them that I am experiencing I high level of CPU throttling and problems with database connection, they told me the problem is in the scripts I am using to connect to database!

I say to myself, this doesn’t make sense, I moved all new scripts and codes from my skin and the problem still present. Maybe the database needs to be repaired, or you know what? I think the database needs to be retired! So.. I created a brand new database and imported all data, then I connected the blog to it, and we are back to normal speed! pretty cool!

Here is a screen-shot shows CPU throttling going back to normal:

cpu throttling

Now! we have done a great job by redesigning the blog, and also we had everything back to work normally! What’s the next step?

The next step should be testing and tweaking our new look, is it appealing to our blog visitors, but more important  than that is how our loyal readers accept it, if they like it now, and also what they think of it!

Next Step: Design a Better Blog!

I decided to make our design even better, but I needed help! and who am I going to ask? Yes.. exactly.. our blog readers 🙂

It’s time for some feedback!

Yes, I Asked and I got the Best Feedback ever!

blog design feedback

Here is what I did!

  1. I did a blog post
  2. I share on social media
  3. I sent a newsletter
  4. I waited for respond

I did a blog post about Upgrading to WordPress 3.0 and Thesis 1.8, I told our blog readers and friends about the new design, and I asked for their help to make it better, I shared my post on social media and a few bookmarking site, I sent a newsletter to our email list and I asked for the same help and feedback. Aweber (aff) makes it easy for me to communicate with our subscriber.

And, here is what I’ve got!

It’s was amazing to hear what our blog readers and friends think of the new look of our blog, they were so kind, they simply helped us to really have a better design for our blog!

I have got amazing 35+ feedbacks and options from our readers

I don’t really know how to thank everyone sent me feedback through blog comments or contacted me via email!

A very little thing I can do is to mention all those who really helped me by giving their feedback or opinion, this is the main goal of writing this post. I must give them BIG…

Many thanks to my dear friend Will who blogs at noaspa – @noaspa (He was the first one who give me feedback via Twitter)

Are we done with Blog Design?

Working on our blog is an endless process.. so, answer is.. No, Never!

About

I create websites with WordPress, and I develop Thesis Skins. I am a social network lover. I am also the night creature who works hard to keep this project up. Owner and founder of the Famous Blog.

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{ 72 Responses }

  1. John Allen says:
    It is great to know that you actually involved your readers in designing your blog. This will definitely make them to feel pert of this and they will be loyal to the blog.
  2. Sagar says:
    I also strongly agree with you, the design of any blog should be a good experience for any visitor.
  3. Anup says:
    I agree with this article. Web design really effects visitors. Even if you have good content, your visitor will return back if you have poor blog design.
  4. Usama says:
    Amazed by your results and the feedback. Having a lot of it can make a huge difference doesn't it. Good job.
  5. Imran says:
    Hesham this design is better than earlier design, sorry I had been lately doing to many thing never concentrated on my blog neither commenting. I always test my blog or website on my computer by using WAMP Server or XAMPP and if satisfied I go online.
  6. John Wheeler says:
    I like it. I like the new Thesis theme. I invested in StudioPress however. I think you've got a great start. Probably a few tweeks you could make to clean up the UI and enhance UX, but overall very nice. John
    • Hesham says:
      Thank you John, as you know work never ends :)
  7. jared thompson says:
    Without your readers, what are you? A self indulgent person simple designing/writing without the thoughts of the people you should be first be thinking of. With a re-design its great to see you didn't just go out and say this is what I want so im going to design it this way. With user input i'm sure you improve some areas and got a complete new way in designing something you didn't think was possible!
    • Hesham says:
      lol! a singer without audience! Readers are the brain, and I am just a tool in this world!
      • jared thompson says:
        a singer singing alone in his room = a blogger typing and no-one listening.
  8. Mani Viswanathan says:
    Glad u liked out responses :-) You are always welcome to hear from us! Perhaps, one important thing you've mentioned @ last line of the post is that designing is a process which doesn't end shortly. Its a continuous process. ATB with the new rocking design :-)
    • Hesham says:
      lol thanks Mani, this is much appreciated!
  9. Nasrul Hanis says:
    Designing is absolutely an endless process. I followed your work on Thesis and I can say nothing than - it's awesome! Keep up the good work Hesham and I'm sure a lot of people will get benefits from this! :D
    • Hesham says:
      Many thanks Nasrul, I really appreciate your as a friend!
  10. bryan says:
    Hesham! thanks for allowing your readers to give feedback on your new blog design. Glad that I'm one of them too :)
    • Hesham says:
      You all really helped me, and I can not thank you enough!
  11. Colleen says:
    Wow Hesham, didn't realize the work that went into the redesign until you posted all your steps. And, thanks for the plugin at the end. Very kind of you. :)
    • Hesham says:
      Sometimes it takes a lot of work behind the scenes to get everything done in a proper way, especially with a live blog! The plugin was a good idea because I learned something new, thanks to those who asked for it! Many thanks for your support, I hope you are having a great weekend
      • Colleen says:
        Had a great weekend Hesham. Here's hoping you had the same! :)
        • Hesham says:
          Good to know, and happy for you! Well.. mine was behind my laptop as usual :)
  12. TJ McDowell says:
    I'm guessing this technique worked so well for you because you have a lot of readers, and a lot of them are designers. I wonder how this same scenario of asking for reader's help would have played out if it were on a different blog. What is your guess?
    • Hesham says:
      Makes sense! Although I think feedback from non-designers readers are effective! it's a simple eye and it's what we need! P.S. most feedback were from readers who aren't designers! I was insisting they tell me about something they don't like on the site!
  13. Julius says:
    The new theme looks nice. I like how the previews of the posts are smaller. That way you will be able to see a lot more of the posts without having to scroll too much. By the way Hesham when I visited ThesisAwesome the Twitter updater was broke and it was showing some error. I am not sure whether this is just temporary.
    • Hesham says:
      Yes, home page is more organized, no unnecessary white spaces, and no scroll too much like before! Thank you for letting me know about ThesisAwesome.com Twitter updater, yes it's temporary error, fixed now! but thanks to you I know that I shouldn't use it, so I will try to find some other way!
  14. Sathish says:
    Asking your readers for designing is the better option to feel them that they are belong to your blog's community. Thanks for sharing a awesome tip. I never tried this before. Will give it a try for sure.
    • Hesham says:
      Sathish , I think everyone should ask his readers, friends and family about his blog! they are our eyes!
  15. Joe Boyle says:
    I am redesigning my site, too, with Thesis, and am really enjoying integrating my readers into it. I've been collecting feedback, much like you have, over the last month or so, and am going to put everything full force for the people who count - my readers. I really do love the design of FamousBloggers, and can't wait to see it get even better!
    • Hesham says:
      Joe, I see that you didn't start the work yet on your live blog, the best way to do this is to go live and then get feedbacks and make tweaks! Good luck!
  16. Steve says:
    Hesham, I liked the process you went through for your blog redesign. I am traveling now, but a blog redesign for my site is near to the top of my list when I return. Great info & ideas and very useful to me personally. Thanks Steve
    • Hesham says:
      Glad to hear that! and I hope you can share your experience once you get your new redesign up! I wish you a great trip, and safe return to home and family!
  17. Tinh says:
    Great idea when we do a survey on how our readers think about our new design and I have received some good feedbacks for my redesign too. Thanks
    • Hesham says:
      I see that you are using KISSinsights survey on your blog, are you getting daily feedbacks through it?
      • Tinh says:
        Yes, I have received over 50 feedbacks and 2 per day :-)
  18. Will says:
    Hi Hesham, I forgive you absolutely and completely and without reservation for not mentioning my valuable input ,) ( because you are you .... and you sent me a nice personal e-mail about it!) Anyways, wishing you a great weekend, the sun is shining on Hamburg - and on you too I hope Cheers Will
    • Hesham says:
      I have no idea how come I forgot the first person who send me feedback via Twitter, forgive me my friend, memory problems, I think I am getting old :) Problem fixed, Many thanks Will.. great weekend!
      • Will says:
        Hesham, you're class ! All the best, Will
  19. Rahul says:
    Readers are the ornaments of our blog. If we have lot of readers then our blog will shine like anything. I cam to know that readers can increase if we post regularly on our blog and this can be possible if we publish guest posts too. So i want to know how to get guest bloggers? I want guest bloggers for my blog. Can you suggest how I may get guest bloggers?
    • Hesham says:
      I can say reader was the brain and I was the tool! Getting guest bloggers for your blog? It's a long story, I can not share it in a comment :) but it's all about dedicating your time and efforts toward it, prepare your blog, and take your time!
  20. Harsh Agrawal says:
    That's a pretty cool idea.. It;s been long I have not asked suggestion from my readers for design..Since I was sitting in my comfert zone.. Your post inspired me to go ahead and ask my readers feedback about the current design and what we can do to make it much better..
    • Hesham says:
      Yes my friend, thinking alone is not a good idea :) Ask them, and you will get so many useful ideas and fixes!
  21. BLOGitse says:
    What a great idea. Maybe I should ask my readers - I've heard people don't like black backgroung but I like because pictures are in main role on my blog. How about a poll first to find out the % who don't like... Thanks for the post - something to think about - have a great weekend! :)
    • Hesham says:
      I think people don't like black or dark websites designs because it's not comfort for reading! Poll is good idea to find the % of what your visitors and readers don't like! Although, comments and direct communications are better! You to, have a great weekend!
  22. Patricia says:
    Wow you are very clever. I wouldn't know where to start. One of the first things I will do when I monetize my blog is to get a programmer to do all my techie stuff for me. I like the look of your blog. For my own blog I did the same in that I took notice of what my readers said and although it is a very simple design they seem happy with it. I will add more as I learn more. Patricia Perth Australia
    • Hesham says:
      Patricia, organizing and planning the work makes it more easy to manage! It's great feeling to have feedback that says readers like your blog :) Programmer is a good idea, I wish you good luck! Thank you for stepping by, and have a great weekend
  23. element321 says:
    Hesham, Thanks for the mention. The new look and features rock! Keep up the good work.
    • Hesham says:
      No problem buddy, thank you for the help and support :)
  24. Samuel says:
    We may agree or not, i think that the importance of blogging and commenting is sharing: Sharing our ideas, our thoughts makes us better persons. Thanks for the oportunity Hesham.
    • Hesham says:
      Many thanks Samuel, sharing could be a big secret of success!
  25. Julius says:
    Thanks for the mention, Hesham. Really appreciate it. I agree with what you said that there's never an end when it comes to designing and redesigning blogs. I think it's part of the essence of art - there is and will always be room for change and improvement. It's an unending cycle and everyone that appreciates art and aesthetics would agree and aim for that better design. I'm just glad with what you did here on FB and would be anticipating more on further improvements. Keep it up and more power!
    • Hesham says:
      Julius, this unending design or work cycle refresh our minds, enhance our skills and keep us involving and updated with what we need to know about our blogs! P.S. I see that you are using one of ThesisAwesome.com Skins on your blog, pretty awesome, I am going to publish a post about blogs who is using our skins soon!
  26. Ryan Biddulph says:
    Hi Hesham, Thanks for the kind mention Hesham, right at the top of the list ;) Enjoy your weekend :) Ryan Biddulph
    • Hesham says:
      Bryn, you was the first who added a comment! then my friend Will was the very first who tweeted me :) many thanks! Good weekend to you to mate!
  27. Michael says:
    Hi Hesham This is very timely as I'm in the process of redesigning my blog. Thanks for sharing these valuable tips and insights. Michael P.s Blog look super awesome :)
    • Hesham says:
      Michael, I wish you good luck with redesigning your blog, glad you liked the blog :) P.S. Nice recent post on your blog :)
  28. Sujith-Techlineinfo says:
    Very nice design. Thesis is the best.
    • Hesham says:
      Thank you Sujith, glad you like it!
  29. Felix says:
    Very net and clean design. Congratulations Hesham. I am hoping that I can also use thesis theme in the future. This is really amazing. - Felix Albutra
    • Hesham says:
      If you decided, let me know because I will have a little gift!
      • Felix says:
        Thank you very much. By the way, how much would be the cost if ever I will switch to thesis? Because I will save for that.
        • Hesham says:
          Thesis Theme personal option cost $87 , developer option cost $164 (price could change when Thesis 2.0 is out!) Check out ThesisAwesome.com, if you bought through my affiliate I will give a free membership for unlimited Skins downloads.
          • Felix says:
            Wow! That's a great deal. So, what option you would recommend for me as a blogger? I will definitely find a way to have thesis and also use your skins.
            • Hesham says:
              Of course I would go for a developer options, especially that price could increase at any time! but it's up to your budget :)
  30. Cassie Rice says:
    Your blog looks great! For the future, there is another tool you can use to get feedback on your blog: Pop Feedback. With this, you can ask short one question surveys that show up on the bottom right hand corner of your blog. Since it's so short, you'll be able to get even more responses. :)
    • Hesham says:
      Thank you Cassie for stepping by! I will put the pop feedback tool in mind for future use, it looks awesome! Keep in touch, and have a great weekend
  31. Noor Azlin says:
    Hi Hesham. Its morning here in Malaysia, so good morning! Thanks for mentioning my name upthere ;) Its great the way you renovate your blog without having your community "feel" the transition mode. I also like to redesign my theme but do not test it first like you do. The result, causing my readers to "see" the flip flop of widgets post layout ;). Thanks for supporting me for the Sugartone contest. Although I do not win, I'm pretty much motivated with the contest spirit. Can't wait for FB to create one more contest, I'll surely joined in!
    • Hesham says:
      Good morning :) Testing is very important, backup your site is much more important! I try to make upgrades and designing process more smooth because I don't really like to annoy my blog readers! I know competition was very high at Sugartone, I wish you good luck next time! New contest? thinking of it! need some time to organize it to make sure that we can have good prizes and a lot of winners! for sure we will do our best to organize a big one soon!
  32. Ben Lang says:
    Great job Hisham. So glad to help... I see that you've done everything that I said, looks amazing!
    • Hesham says:
      Many thanks my dear friend Ben, I have tried my best to follow every single feedback, and results are amazing! and as I said.. work still in progress :)