I haven’t been around much, yet you have probably seen things going on with this blog. I am in the midst of updating and creating a few new WordPress sites for some clients and I tend to use my own blog as a test site. That is why you are seeing a Pinterest-like layout.
On all the sites I create, I find myself using a lot of the same plug-ins or websites, so I thought I’d pass on my three favorite sites to you!
Graphic Designer I am not!
I am first to tell all my clients that I cannot draw for the life of me. If a client wants a special logo or design I point them to www.istockphoto.com. This is where someone can find out if there is an image already created for their website. I usually take that image and then add text using Photoshop to create a logo or header for a site. If my client knows what they want their logo to look like it makes things a bit easier for me.
If you have an idea of what you would like and can’t find any inspiration there, you can always find a local graphic designer. My warning, graphic designers are not cheap! But they are worth the money you invest in them if you find a good one.
Comments are Golden
Bloggers need comments! That is how you build your audience. If a blogger interacts with their commentors, they are likely to return to see what else you write. A plugin called CommentLuv is AWESOME!! You can find it for free, but if you get the CommentLuv Premium, it opens a world of linking for your visitors. For example, if you comment on any of my posts, you can leave a link of your most recent posts. I have discovered many new blogs just by clicking on your comments! Didn’t know I was checking you out, did ya! 😉
WordPress Framework
There are a lot of themes for WordPress, but the one I use is The Thesis Theme for WordPress. It is a perfect fit for me and my programming skills. I am able to design a website to a client’s personal taste using css and php. If you have no idea what those two things are, no worries, you can use the menu to choose your color, columns and upload your own logo. Plus, they have an awesome guide and a forum where you can ask questions!
Well, there you have it. Three of the top sites I look to when I start working on a website. Soon, I’ll let you know what plug-ins I use on many of my sites. It’s a great list to turn to when you don’t know which ones to choose!
Yay! Thanks so much, Anna, your timing is perfect! I’m just beginning to play with blogging and the “shortcuts” you’re offering are so very helpful!
Joy recently posted..of mileage and misery (and new shoes!)
Twitter: mydebtfreeroad
on August 23, 2012 at 10:23 pm
Glad to help! Just know that CommentLuv for Blogger is called Intense Debates. 🙂 Love your running site! Maybe it will motivate me from walking to running!
Anna recently posted..Blog Tips: My Three Favorite Sites
I subscribe by email, so don’t usually visit your site, but thanks for the istock tip, I love to help set up sites but other than using my own photos I didn’t know where to go.
And I agree, I have found some neat blogs via commentluv
Kendra recently posted..Love Stories that Last ~Part 1
Twitter: mydebtfreeroad
on August 24, 2012 at 11:49 am
iStock has a lot of options and you can find some images really inexpensively. You can find free photos for your posts at http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/. I use them all the time, but you have to give the owner credit. So glad you stopped by! 🙂
Anna recently posted..Blog Tips: My Three Favorite Sites
These look great. Thanks for sharing this, Anna. Comment Luv is an awesome plugin. A real useful one for the bloggers.
Twitter: mydebtfreeroad
on September 13, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Yes it is…except when I discover about 10 good comments in my spam. LOL! Yours and the ones below were all in there. 🙂
Anna recently posted..40 Days to 40th Birthday
Great share, Anna! I’m a huge fan of istockphoto.com, I end up spending quite a lot in one go 🙂 I specifically like vector images and other edgy graphics. Thanks for sharing the tools you need to get the job done!
Twitter: mydebtfreeroad
on September 13, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Me, too! I just spend quite a bit a few days ago while working on a website. Glad it’s there…I can’t draw for the life of me!
Anna recently posted..40 Days to 40th Birthday
Hi Anna! It’s great to be here and I highly appreciate your tips, I couldn’t agree with you more on the value of commenting and engagement. Commentluv has definitely inspired more readers to leave insightful comments and it’s such a great way to exchange our best practices. More power to you!
Twitter: mydebtfreeroad
on September 13, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Thanks, Kristine!
Anna recently posted..40 Days to 40th Birthday