Brand new blog from brand new blogger! Any advice gratefully accepted...

[ojbsmum]

Hi,
I've just posted my very first ever blog post! Feeling excited but nervous about it all. Not really sure what I'm doing...

I'll be trying to get to grips with all the tech-y stuff (pics, links etc) over the coming weeks but I'd really appreciate any feedback/hints/tips/pointers on it. I'm not sure about the theme, layout etc and want to get that right before I post too much so I don't have to come back and make major changes later.

Thanks in advance, O mighty Mumsnet Bloggers!!

Might help if I gave you the address for my blog!
Oh dear - what a rookie mistake...

www.babiesbooksandblackboards.com

Thanks again x

Maybe even like this, if I can get it to work...
www.babiesbooksandblackboards.com

Oh dear...

Hurrah! Well done, you're on your way!

I love the chalkboard template (being an old-fashioned girl of similar vintage to yourself!) and your writing flows naturally and is easy to read.

A few tips to start you off, from one who has been blogging for over three years:

• add some pictures for visual interest
• break up long text pieces with images and subheadings (people aren't comfortable reading great blocks of text on screen without a visual break)
• pix will also add a bit more colour - needed when your theme is otherwise black and white
• get rid of the "Meta" links that come as standard with Wordpress and add more interesting, relevant links e.g. Usborne Books, Mumsnet, other book-related things
• lose the categories tag in the sidebar until you've built up a library of few posts in different categories
• that sidebar can work harder for you, and will help you add visual interest too (maybe your photo in there too?)

I use Wordpress too and am happy to give you more pointers if you like - just send me a message via the contact form on my Young By Name website.

By the way, you will probably find yourself constantly fine-tuning the layout etc - most bloggers do. But don't worry, that's part of the fun! And I love that the technology allows that, unlike print.

Most important of all, have fun!

Thanks for those pointers. Yes, definitely need to get pics figured out asap. I was just too impatient and wanted to get going!
Not sure how to change the sidebar stuff but I guess it must all be there on the dashboard for me to find.
I'm a little worried this could get addictive. Can't wait for preschool and/or naps so I can get back to it. Bad mother, me?!

I've made a start on the changes. Would love to know if you think it's an improvement and what else I can/should do...
TIA

Yes, definite improvement - well done! Your photos are lovely - that splash of colour really lifts the whole thing and your smile sets the tone that this is going to be a fun read!

Other sidebar changes are great too. More good things to add to the sidebar: a "follow" button, to make it easy for people to follow you; the Mumsnet logo (adds credibility), and, if you're on Twitter, a link to follow you on Twitter (or Facebook, if you want to).

A way of contacting you, other than via leaving comments, might be nice - provided that you want to that! Best done as an additional page.

Great work so far - and I hope you're having fun!