Wow! After more than three months of brainstorming, searching, waiting, planning, and tweaking, here we are, ready to greet the world!
The makeover of EricaSays.com has been a major undertaking, and perhaps one of the most anticipated legs of my online journey. I’ve never been more excited about the future of any of my sites!
I feel like those lucky folks on the Extreme Makeover – Home Edition…
The Old Theme was so boring, dark, and stifling. I was almost embarrassed of it. After blogging for five years, and getting mostly nowhere, I knew it was time for a big change!
The New Theme is open and freeing. When I preview a new post on the made-over site I sigh with relief… finally my site is deserving of my content, and of all the amazing people who visit it! Now when you come a-visiting I’ll feel confident swinging the door wide open and inviting you in instead of hiding behind a half-cracked door and wondering, ‘Can they see the mess inside?‘ I’ll also feel more confident about guest blogging on other sites, knowing that when someone clicks thru on that link to my site, they won’t find a trace of the old mess!
Credit Where Credit is Due!
My dreams for this site could not have been made a reality without the amazing work-from-home mom, Julie, of Mason Jar Holdings. This woman took a really crappy picture of me and turned it into the perfect silhouette you see here. Maybe some day I will feel confident enough to show you the original photo… but today, you get Julie’s rendition! (Trust me, it’s much prettier!) You can see the full silhouette on my newly updated Twitter Profile!
Re-branding is about so much more than throwing up a new logo on your WordPress theme… the work that goes into choosing the colors, the words to use, and then updating across the board takes a lot of time and effort!! I’m exhausted, but happy! And, I couldn’t thank my friends enough for all their help, critique, support, and praise along the way!
So, tell me, what do you think of the new layout?
Erica, there is no pressure. I know that it's hard to keep up with your own blog let alone post on another sometimes. I plan to write a post to announce the new banners, but they are up on the blog now on the sidebar, about page and podcast index.
http:bloggingwire.com/podcast
Cheers!
Yes, I do. I have two very different blogs. A niche blog: http://beautifulblogdesigns.com and a personal blog: http://justmovingforward.wordpress.com.
I will be back later to see more of your new site and where I can link to it at BBD.
Looks great!!
I understand completely. Handing your photograph out on a business card takes some doing. Branding is important. Well done on the design anyway, I do like it. With more information, I can now understand the path you took in the redesign.
Keep up the good work.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Erica Mueller, Erica Mueller, Eric, Jordan Cooper, Justin Matthews and others. Justin Matthews said: RT @EricaMueller Proud to Announce the All New, EricaSays.com http://bit.ly/5cihfK [...]
Erica, congrats on getting it completed. Love the themed mini bullhorn buttons. You're shaming me into doing something with mine. Good to see the swollen Adam's apple is getting better
Now you have turned your blog to an Awesome Blog! enjoy blogging.
Great new look on the blog Erica!
Thank you, Antti!
haha. Yes, I wrote Julie and told her about the adam's apple. She fixed it right away! I think it looks much better now.
What are you planning to do with your site, Kevin? Seems like you have a decent theme/layout. You just looking to get a logo and do some branding?
Thanks, Melissa! Now you can see why I have been MIA. haha
It needs a decent header graphic. My son was supposed to be doing one for me – he's a computer graphics animator – but he's very busy and hasn't got round to it.
Amanda, your sites are beautiful! I could hardly believe they are on Blogger!
You've done a beautiful job with them!
And, what a cool niche to pick!!
Looks very unique. The pervious design was too much of blue. The new design looks very cool. Great Work!
Thank you, Aaron!
Yes, I have a weak spot for blues… Always tempted to use several shades, with grays. My favorite combo for web stuff. But, it was time for a change!
Love it Erica!
Thanks, Girl!! I'm lovin' it too!
You going to BlissDom?
Thanks, Girl!! I'm lovin' it too!
You going to BlissDom?
[...] in 3 sizes. Erica also introduced new branding for her site just recently and talks about it in Proud to Announce The New Erica Says. Thanks again [...]