Blog Redesign

I started blogging back in 2007. I'd been reading a number of students' blogs as I tried to decide where I wanted to go to law school. And once I made the decision - George Washington University - I read the entire archives of a blogger about to graduate. It was my first experience of really learning about what I might expect from something before I jumped into it, and I was thrilled by it. 

Of course it didn't take long before I decided I needed a blog of my own, and I really only knew of two choices - Blogger or Wordpress. The blog I had been reading about GW used Blogger, and since I didn't have any real sense of comparison and this was just a fun new hobby, I hopped on that train. 

Eight years and three blogs later, Blogger has served me well. I've published 719 posts on the platform, made friends, found my voice, and learned a bit about domain names and design along the way. But there have also been some kinks - primarily issues with comments - and some limitations with aesthetics, especially with my lack of web design skills. 

I've been considering switching platforms for quite a while, and last weekend I finally took the plunge. It's hard to conceptualize how completely the blogging landscape has transformed in those 8 years, but there are now dozens of different platforms out there if you want to share your words (and pictures) on the internet. 

I went with Squarespace for two reasons:

(1) their design templates are beautiful, clean, and professional
(2) paying for the service includes access to help staff

As a non-web designer, I have gotten so frustrated on numerous occasions when something on my blog is not working and I have no idea how to fix it. I've spent many hours googling away to try to figure out what the problem is, often to no avail. Even just a few months ago, I tried to make a simple change (through code) to how links open on my blog and temporarily disabled my blog template, inducing several panic-driven hours trying to get it back. I eventually did, but I decided it was time to move on. 

I think web design and graphic design are awesome and you know that I considered trying to figure it all out since I do love collecting hobbies. But when I was honest with myself, I really want to be spending my time writing, crafting, cooking, gardening, and taking photos. And there are only so many hours. Squarespace was the obvious option for a blog that would be beautiful but also allow me to focus on the areas I want.

This past weekend I exchanged 25 emails with Squarespace support staff. In one, I simply said:

No question - just wanted to say how amazing all of you have been the last 48 hours as I've created a new blog and imported my blogger one over. So incredibly helpful. 

Having access to actual people to answer my questions was critical and amazing. I'm still working out a few quirks, but I'm so excited to transition over to a more streamlined, professional look, and one that is hopefully a big more user-friendly for my readers. Check those tabs, folks. 

And speaking of working with awesome people, Bree from Sweet Little Muse, who designed my new logo, was fabulous. And typing the words "my new logo" makes me get kind of giggly all over. I have a logo!

Though my blog looks different, you can expect the same types of posts from me - crafts and recipes and photos and words sharing my creative process, the ups and downs and hopes and fears. 

Thank you for joining me on this journey. 

 p.s. Made these roasted potatoes last night - so freaking perfect.

Like what you just read? Share it with a friend! You can also follow ktmade on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram so you'll never miss a post. And you'll earn my undying affection!