Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

Thinking, writing, business ideas … You’re only a stranger once.

March 15, 2007

Above the Fold: SmartWealthyRich.com

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 8:26 am

Couldn’t Resist SmartWealthyRich

ABOVE THE FOLD

I met Jonathan Phillips when he left a message with me at MyBlogLog. I took a side trip to his blog, before I replied. When I got there I saw something I couldn’t resist — the title of his blog.

Smart, Wealthy, Rich [dot] com

But that engaging title was in tiny typography . . .

So I invited Jonathan Phillips to get tweaked Above the Fold. Here’s how the Above the Fold Tweak Process works

  1. I make a “before” screenshot.
  2. We talk through some changes for readability.
  3. The blogger makes the changes.
  4. We talk while the tweaks are in process.
  5. I take an “after” screenshot and share the results in a post.

Tweaking Smart, Wealthy, Rich

The blog: SmartWealthyRich.com
- How to create wealth, keep it, and make it grow!
URL: : http://www.smartwealthyrich.com
Blogger:: Jonathan-C. Philllips

Before

This is SmartWealthyRich.com before we started. Click to enlarge.

Smart Wealthy Rich


Three Tweaks that We Agreed Upon

In this series, we’ll concentrate only three important tweaks for each blog that is featured. On Jonathan’s blog, those three tweaks were these.

  1. His feed button was overpowering.
  2. The title is too small.
  3. The main body text block is too wide. A reader needs transportation to return to the next line.

Jonathan and I discussed how in a blink test, the feed button wins. We decided that it would be a much stronger presentation if the title got that first attention. Folks would remember where they were and where they wanted to return.

When choosing text the type size needs to match the line length. If they don’t match, the eye has trouble doing the “return sweep” to the next line correctly. Jonathan’s line was too long for the size of the type in the body text. We shortened the main body copy block and increased the type size.

We made other changes. Can you see them?

For the results, turn the page now.

After

This is SmartWealthyRich.com this morning. Click to enlarge.

smartwealthyrich.com after


Jonathan’s Turn to Talk

Jonathan, tell us about your blog.

I must say, to be totally honest, that when I started my blog I wasn’t exactly sure where I was going with it.. . . I just wanted to write, learn, and share stuff that I know, and help people.

I’ve worked in sales and marketing for about five years, and I thought I could maybe help others with my writing. There is a lot of things you kinda forget when you work in sales and marketing in a telecom company — things like formatting an article, how to attract more readers, make your site easy to navigate, and so on . . .

What advice do you think made the most difference? In what way?

Liz, you gave me a lot of useful advice! From where to put that widget on my sidebar to what to change in my header to make it more appealing, I think the best advice you gave me was how to make people (like you told me, we all are reluctant readers!) want to stay on my site and read more! That is something i’ll never forget! My blog is starting to take off, and it’s getting more and more readers and feed subscribers! That is just great!

How have your readers responded to the changes?

My readers responded to the changes in a really positive way. They started to comment on posts more, and get involved in the discussions. Many subscribed to my rss feed, and by that I mean. . . a lot more than I expected!

Many wrote me e-mails (some were really deep and meaningful discussions), offers for link exchanges and all. People responded to the changes positively, and it shows, that it’s way more interesting now than it was before the changes, That’s exactly what I needed.

It’s about the people, as Liz would say, and she’s right! Without the people it wouldn’t be as important to me as it is now! Thanx Liz! I’ll always be grateful!

Jonathan, you were a pleasure. I especially enjoyed hearing you say, “Wow!”

What other design tweaks do you suggest that Jonathan might consider?

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related
Above the Fold: 11 Things Right about Escape from Cubicle Nation





Filed under Design, Successful Blog |




C'mon. Let's talk!

37 Comments to “Above the Fold: SmartWealthyRich.com”

  1. March 15th, 2007 at 9:47 am
    calvin said

    Jon is really cool guy. I talked to him couple of weeks ago about blogging interest. He was such a humble guy. But look at him now, his blog ranking is getting higher with each passing days. I wish him all the best.

  2. March 15th, 2007 at 9:51 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Calvin!
    Welcome!
    Jonathan was a really cool guy to work with and I so enjoyed every minute of it! You’re a great guy yourself for stopping by to say so.

    Do come back again. You’re not a stranger anymore. :)

  3. March 15th, 2007 at 10:07 am
    Jonathan-C. Phillips said

    Hi Liz, ok i’ll say it again! WOW! :)
    I can’t tell you how grateful i am for you to feature my site on yours, and for giving me all those advices! I’m still working on my site (of course), now i’m in a “writing style experiment” sort of thing (kinda finding my “voice”) and your advices help me every step of the way! I’m also working on a new design (matter of using cutline instead of k2 as the template, cause i feel it’s easier to work with).

    Seriously my blog got from almost zero traffic, a technorati rank in the millions range to steady visitors, readers, feed subscribers and a technorati rank of something in the 60k, and it’s getting better and better, i couldn’t have had that much improvement in a those couple weeks if it wasn’t for you! :)

    Like you told me, blogging is about the people! You were right!

    Thank you so much Liz!
    wow!

    Jonathan

  4. March 15th, 2007 at 10:07 am
    Nicholas said

    You two make a great team. Well done, well done, just a great job. The blog looks so great!

    The difference between the before and after is amazing…

  5. March 15th, 2007 at 10:09 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Jonathan,
    The blog looks great and you’re doing so well!! YEA! That makes me really jazzed. It hardly any time at all. The difference is all in the details. :)

  6. March 15th, 2007 at 10:10 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Nicholas!
    Welcome and thank you for saying that! It was a fun and exciting endeavor. :)

    I appreciate that you can see the difference.

    You’re not a stranger here anymore!

  7. March 15th, 2007 at 10:42 am
    Showing Appreciation! at SmartWealthyRich .com said

    [...] I would like to invite you to read my other post about Liz and successful-blog.com. You can also read the post she wrote about me and my site on her blog, so you would get the whole story! I’m extremely grateful you took the time to help me and feature my site on your Liz! Thank you so much! [...]

  8. March 15th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
    Solo Business Marketing said

    Liz,

    This is a fabulous tutorial, proving that a few tweaks make a big difference to create a more-friendly blog appearance for visitors.

    It’s a great lesson for all of us, whether we’ve just started blogging or have years of experience.

    Shirley

  9. March 15th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Shirley!
    Great to see you! Thanks for putting in a word of support. Little things do make a difference.

  10. March 15th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
    Yoav said

    Hey Liz,

    You gave Jonathan solid advice and it really makes a difference.

    Yoav

    P.S.

    Did you get my email yesterday (after we talked)?

  11. March 15th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Thanks Yoav!
    Yes, I think I did. I also thought I answered it. Let me go check now. :)

  12. March 15th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
    Ben Yoskovitz said

    The new blog is a great improvement over the old one. Some additional suggestions (since Liz asked for them):

    1. In the RSS UPDATES section –

    (a) Include text next to the graphic (Subscribe by RSS) that’s hyperlinked.

    (b) Change “Enter your email” to “Or subscribe by email” so it’s clear there’s a choice and people don’t have to do both or don’t have to subscribe solely by email.

    2. I think an ABOUT blurb with PHOTO would be a huge asset. When we first get to the site we don’t know who the author is.

    This is compounded by the fact that for each post it doesn’t tell us under the headline who wrote it. New people coming to the site won’t feel that same comfort level as they would if they saw the picture / 1-2 sentences + your name on each post.

    I’d put the ABOUT blurb right under the SUBSCRIBE stuff. Or put it above the TALK WITH ME (why would I talk with you if I don’t know who you are?) Actually - it might go nicely above the SEARCH at the top of the right sidebar.

    3. I’d replace RECENT POSTS with POPULAR POSTS - it’s a different widget you can use, or just change the title of it. There’s a certain ring to “Popular” that attracts more interest. If you need the widget link just let me know.

    I do like how you have TOP POSTS in the top navigation, although top navigation is often ignored (in my opinion) by bloggers who are more used to looking into sidebars.

    4. I prefer to see the COMMENT link at the bottom of posts (or maybe at the top and bottom). I’m more likely to comment after reading (or scanning) a post. To have to scroll back to the top doesn’t make as much sense.

    5. Visually, you might consider doing a graphical header of some kind - something that makes the blog stand out more from the standard WordPress theme being used. This is more about creating a stronger brand for the site than anything.

    6. The “Google Search” button could be changed just to say “Search” otherwise it might seem confusing — are they searching your site or elsewhere or both?

    7. I would install the Related Posts plugin (I can provide URL if you need it - or the actual files), which will show related posts at the end of posts. It’s a great way to give readers something to click on after reading some content.

    A lot of this is very “nitpicky” but I hope it helps! Nice job Liz and Jon…

  13. March 15th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
    Ellen Weber said

    Great blog - terrific collaborative and I also really liked your gems that add value Ben. For #5 - I’d like to see a distinctive (as image) added into that graphic header. What do you think?

    With a distinctive image in header, the site will appeal readers of similar distinctives, and to the rest of us who see and are curious.

    One great image there will also hold and harness the blog to one clear signature theme - so it will find and fill its niche even better as it evolves around that distinctive.

    Nuff said — great discussion!

  14. March 15th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
    GP said

    Wow.. we could all tweak our blogs based on t hese great tips. You guys are rock!

    GP in Montana

  15. March 15th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Ben!
    Thank you for the time you took to add to the discussion. I love all of your additions to the conversation. I know Joh will just eat them up and take his blog even further. You’re the best for helping us get to the next level!

  16. March 15th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Ellen,
    You always add such perspective to what we’re doing. Thanks for being the one who sheds that light for us. It really is a collaborative effort we have going here. What fun! We’re a blogging community!

    Thank you!

  17. March 15th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey GP,
    That’s why we do stuff here, because we’re all learning. It’s an incredbily cool thing, don’t you think? :)

    Yeah, I know. :)

  18. March 16th, 2007 at 12:21 am
    John said

    Big headers, pictures, and lots of whitespace. Very nice.

    (I’m talking about this post :) )

    As to the subject at hand - what a transformation. Outstanding work; I am impressed. :D

    And *since you asked* (because I never give unasked-for opinions - hahahahaha), I think there should be a photo/About right above the “Recent Posts”.
    -j

  19. March 16th, 2007 at 12:25 am
    ME Strauss said

    Thanks, John!
    I’m so smiling at your comment on so many levels. I can’t wait to talk to Jonathan about that photo about the “Recent Posts.” I’m thinking the one of you on the beach might look nice there. :)

  20. March 16th, 2007 at 1:17 am
    Jonathan-C. Phillips said

    Wow (yeah i know i say that a lot, but you guyz/galz are so nice and helpful! )
    First of all, Ben, thanx a bunch for the list! many of the things you mentionned in your reply i have thought about, and will apply those when i finish that new design, but there are some other point i haven’t thought of, which is great, and i’ll definatly apply most if not all of your suggestions! Thanx a lot!

    As some of you suggested, one thing i will change in the new design i’m working on will be a graphical header, with an image that would represent the theme of the site! not sure yet what it will be, so feel free to give me ideas! (there’s a lot of infos in your replies i will use for building the new layout/design of course)

    what’s that photo on the beach? hehe

    Thanx a lot to all of you! keep those comments comming! :)
    Like Liz said “i will eat them up and take my blog even further” (talking ’bout suggestions and comments here), she’s right! she knows me well i think! :)

    Thanx again!!!!!

  21. March 16th, 2007 at 1:33 am
    Jonathan-C. Phillips said

    Oh by the way Ben, could you hook me up with those links for the plugins you mentionned in your reply? It would be really appreciated! (either on here, or by e-mail through my contact form on my site)

    Thanx again! :)

  22. March 16th, 2007 at 1:34 am
    Jonathan-C. Phillips said

    By the way Ben, it’s nice to meet another Montrealer here!

  23. March 16th, 2007 at 5:00 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Jonathan!
    It’s as if your blog has now been through a weekend makeover. Take what you need and leave the rest behind. I can only imagine how much fun you must be having.

    Thanks for being a learning kind of guy!

  24. March 16th, 2007 at 8:34 am
    Jesper said

    Interesting to see what results can come from what appears to be such “simple” changes. You (Liz) have a great eye for layout and functionality, as well as some of the commenters. I wish I was as gifted in that depertment. My blogs need it. ;)

  25. March 16th, 2007 at 8:53 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Jesper!
    Welcome! It’s nice to meet you. People’s can sense “see” things that are minute variations, and balance with unity makes use feel comfortable even when we don’t know that’s the cause of how we feel.

    Thank you for your encouragement. I’ve had decades of practice working with and learning about how folks intereact with text and visuals online and off.

    You’re not a stranger anymore. :)

    PS the blog that’s attached to your signature doesn’t need much at all. :)

  26. March 16th, 2007 at 11:18 am
    Ben Yoskovitz said

    Jonathan - I’ll send URLs to the plugins shortly via the contact form on your site.

    Are you in Montreal now?

  27. March 16th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
    Jonathan-C. Phillips said

    Hi Ben, Thanx a lot for the plugins, really appreciated!
    Yeah well i live on the south shore of Montreal, i saw there was this tech entrepreneur breakfast on April 10th, i might join if i can! That should be realy fun and interesting!

  28. March 16th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
    Ben Yoskovitz said

    Jonathan - you should come. I’ll be there.

  29. March 17th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
    Robin Bal said

    Jon is a really nice guy, he is cool, humble,
    modest and very helpful. We talk on skype often and I always have something new to learn. He often talks about you Liz and how you helped him with his blog. I still have a few things to fix on my blog, which Jon pointed out and I have no clue how to fix them. Few more chats with Jon on skype and I think I will have all that fixed. Smartwealthyrich.com is a must read for me everyday.

    Cheers

  30. March 18th, 2007 at 12:22 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Robin!
    Welcome! Nice to meet you! Any friend of Jonathan’s . . . I mean that. The guy you describe is indeed the same guy that I know, and I think the world of him too. He’s one generous spirit.

    I’m glad that he’s the way that I met you. :)

  31. March 22nd, 2007 at 11:01 am
    What would you like to see on the new design? at SmartWealthyRich .com said

    [...] I had a lot of help from Liz over at successful-blog and from other bloggers who replied to her post about my site and would like to thank all of you who gave me advices and tips, now i would just like to have some more input from my readers/visitors, so i can work on those things before i put the new design online! [...]

  32. April 13th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
    A Fresh Look said

    [...] Liz wrote about my site in her above the fold series, and i’d like to thank everybody that gave me tips and tricks in he form of reply on Liz blog. I appreciate it a lot! And i’d also like to thank Ben from InstigatorBlog for giving me tips and infos about some plugins i might wanna use (more about that in a moment) and pointing out a couple of things. Thanx also to Robin, who saw my design while it was in progress, and gladly took the time to give me comments on it! Of course thanx to everyone who participated in the header art contest! Jorge who runs InnovaPixel.com is the winner of the contest (as you can see by the new design) so he will get a button/banner at the top of my sidebar for 1 full month, starting monday! (by the way his blog is in Spanish.) Great work, all the people that participated in the contest submitted really high quality work! [...]

  33. April 22nd, 2007 at 10:14 am
    Above the Fold: BRAINPRINT — bytecomics.com/blog/ - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once. said

    [...] Related Above the Fold: 11 Things Right about Escape from Cubicle Nation Above the Fold: SmartWealthyRich.com [...]

  34. May 1st, 2007 at 10:45 am
    Karen said

    Liz,
    I’m enjoying all the tweaks you’ve made over several blogs. Now I’m thinking about how to tweak mine!

  35. July 11th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
    April said

    I too have quite a large rss button on my site which came with the theme. After reading this post I’m going to go and look for an alternative.

    Thanks for confirming what I thought.

  36. July 11th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
    ME Strauss said

    hi Karen,
    How did I miss this comment? SOBCon got in the way. I’m so sorry. :) Thank you for noticing. :)

  37. July 11th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi April!
    I know what you mean. The person who designed made it right to catch attention. It doesn’t need to be the focus of our blogs. :)

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