As you can see, the new Smart Passive Income Blog Design is live! I’m really happy with it, and so far, the response has been mostly positive. I think my VA did a great job of implementing ad spaces and a new updated look, while still keeping the feel of my old design. Here’s a comparison between the two:
Old Design
New Design
New Changes
Here is a list of changes and updates, in case you’re wondering:
- I’ve put in some ads, hoping to not have the ads take over the website.
- New logo design.
- Rearranged widgets for better navigation.
- Subscriber area with both twitter and rss links and counters.
- New items in the navigation area:
- A page dedicated to just my monthly income reports. These seem to generate the most buzz on my website, so I decided to compile them into one easy to access link.
- A resources link, which holds all of the passive income tools that I’ve used or heard of that are worthy.
- A blog news page, which has some press articles, interviews and other features around the web.
- Updated fonts throughout the website.
- Dynamic flickr picture rotator.
I’m adding a few more features in the next week or so, but I’m at a point where I could launch the updated design – so here it is!
I’d be curious to hear what you think, or any recommendations you have to make it better. Thanks everyone for your patience and support!
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{ 23 comments (Click Here to Leave a Comment Below) }
Loving it! Nice work!
Thanks Jeff!
Looks good Pat!!
Thanks Michael!
Not a fan of 100% width sites. Other than that, looks good.
Yea I was wondering what people would think about that. When you make the window really small, it makes it look really crowded. Would you recommend making it static?
Thanks Kevin.
I just happen to be checking the site out and I saw the new look. It looks good. I liked the simplicity of both of your sites. One thing I don’t like about the new site is the red font on both the Recent Posts and Top Commenter. I find it hard to read but that is just me. I hope you don’t take offense at my comment.
That’s a good point – it is a little difficult on the eyes. See, this is why you guys are awesome. No offense taken whatsoever! Thanks Sonny!
Odd…I’m usually a fan of blog redesigns, but I like your old site better, and I think it would convert better in terms of new subscribers.
Your old site explained who you were on the front page. This builds credibility. Your new site doesn’t do this.
Your new logo, IMHO, is not as good as your old one.
“Exclusively” is spelled wrong in your footer.
Recent Posts is a decent sidebar addition, but better would be a popular posts widget. That really gets people to stay and click around your site more.
I feel like your blog has less “you” on it. Which is sad.
-Erica
Hi Erica,
Thanks for your honesty and pointing out what works and doesn’t for you.
If I pretended to be a new visitor, I don’t think I would know exactly what the website is all about right away. Good point.
Things aren’t set in stone.
Thanks Erica!
The new look is nice, i think i might prefer the old just a tad bit better, but mainly because it has the little blurb that introduces you. only thing that bugged be about the new page was how long it took to load, it might have just been my computer and stupid internet acting up, but it took a couple minutes to load, and at that point I will ,for sites other than yours, go some where else. But again thanks for all you do and sharing your journey!!!!
Sorry man, but the old design is much better. There is far too much text here in the sidebars, everything looks crowded and squeezed together. Check out Copyblogger to see how to make a 3-column design still feel simplistic
Looks good Pat! I like that I can see more older articles on the first page.
I launched a second site this weekend too– DaddyCooksQuick.com http://www.daddycooksquick.com/
Smart change.
I think the website has improved its usability, while retaining some space for the necessary banners.
Wow love the new design. Keep up the good work Pat!
Very nice! These days, we have so many things we want on a blog page, it’s hard to have a design that isn’t cluttered, but it’s really easy to find everything you want on this design.
I like the new design, seems more efficient for users to navigate around and get to the information they need and want. Are the ads affiliate ads or did you work to get them pay on a monthly basis? Only suggestion maybe would move Google ads to top of page before the content or upper more in the left sidebar.
It looks like they are just affiliates to me, although I’m sure Pat will clarify.
Hey Craig,
They are affiliate ads, which I’ve actually already started to make money from, which is pretty cool. I don’t think I’m quite at the point yet where I should start private ads.
Hey Pat, other than being a tad bit busier than before, I do like the new design! I’m excited for you that you are now monetizing this blog and I look forward to hearing if you make money from your advertisements.
I think I am going to have to say old site too. I like the new logo better, but overall the site is much more crowded now and has less of a homey feel.
I would pretty much squash the left sidebar. There isn’t much of value(IMO) in there and it really takes away from the focus and feel of the site.
Hope that helps. I truly enjoy your blog.
Hi Pat,
Nicely done — you added the popular posts and put your “hello” widget back on the right side. A good compromise!
-Erica
Pat – One of the things I did a lot on your old site was use your search feature to look up older articles you had written. You have a ton of great timeless content. For example, I know you wrote that piece on writing an eBook. Having the search on the first page would allow your users to find some of your great work very quickly.
Also – I like your old logo better which looks like you added back!