Couldn’t Resist SmartWealthyRich
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
- I make a “before” screenshot.
- We talk through some changes for readability.
- The blogger makes the changes.
- We talk while the tweaks are in process.
- 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.
Three Tweaks that We Agreed Upon
In this series, we’ll concentrate only three important tweaks for each blog that is featured. On Jonathanââ¬â¢s blog, those three tweaks were these.
- His feed button was overpowering.
- The title is too small.
- 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.
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, ââ¬ÅWow!ââ¬Â
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
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.
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. 🙂
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
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…
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. 🙂
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!
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
Hi Shirley!
Great to see you! Thanks for putting in a word of support. Little things do make a difference.
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)?
Thanks Yoav!
Yes, I think I did. I also thought I answered it. Let me go check now. 🙂
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…
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!
Wow.. we could all tweak our blogs based on t hese great tips. You guys are rock!
GP in Montana
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!
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!
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. 🙂
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. 😀
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
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. 🙂
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!!!!!
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! 🙂
By the way Ben, it’s nice to meet another Montrealer here!
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!
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. 😉
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. 🙂
Jonathan – I’ll send URLs to the plugins shortly via the contact form on your site.
Are you in Montreal now?
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!
Jonathan – you should come. I’ll be there.
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
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. 🙂
Liz,
I’m enjoying all the tweaks you’ve made over several blogs. Now I’m thinking about how to tweak mine!
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.
hi Karen,
How did I miss this comment? SOBCon got in the way. I’m so sorry. 🙂 Thank you for noticing. 🙂
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. 🙂