Frequently Asked Questions

Blogging Questions

Which blog platform do you use?
Which blog platform should I choose?
Who designed your blog template?

Other Random Questions

How can I contact you?
What kind of wine do you drink?

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Which blog platform do you use?

I used Typepad for both blogs. For freshblogtips.com, I purchased my own domain name. I followed the directions on this website to map the domain to my blog.  Eventually, I will map my freshvintage blog to freshvintageblog.com, but I am worried that I will lose search engine traffic. More than 50% of my traffic comes from Google searches, so I don't want to lose any potential readers or PageRank because of broken links. But Typepad Hacks tells me that everything will be fine, so maybe I shouldn't worry.

Which blog platform should I choose?

This blog and freshvintage are both hosted on Typepad. I originally selected it because it appeared to be more professional and flexible than Blogger. I'm very happy with Typepad and I have no complaints because it is really easy to use and to customize. But, sometimes I think about switching to a self-hosted Wordpress blog (for even more customization and better Search Engine Optimization features). Then I remember that it would be a huge pain in the ass to transfer 175+ posts and hundreds of photos to a new platform, and I snap out of it.

Since I haven't tried all of the different platforms, it wouldn't be fair to tell you which platform is better than the next. I'll leave that to the experts:

http://www.ojr.org/ojr/stories/050714gardner/

Make sure you take a look at the chart that accompanies the post. It gives you a quick feature comparison.

Who designed your blog template?

I designed the templates for both blogs. I used the three-column Typepad template, and added my own header image and background. It isn't anything fancy or difficult - anyone can do it. 

I would suggest that you stay away from the standard template that comes with any blog. You should really try to set yourself apart by creating your own banner image, especially if you have a business or want to start one eventually. Who wants to look like everyone else?!

If you aren't Photoshop-savvy and you don't have any techy teenage children who you can bribe, then you can always pay a professional. There are lots of great designers who can create custom blog elements for you. Here are a few who create beautiful designs:

• Sara from Sadie Olive Design
• Hope Wallace Design
• Aeolidia Designs
• Eclectic Whimsy Designs
• Shabby Miss Jenn Designs

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How can I contact you?

You can reach me at colleen(at)freshvintagestyle(dot)com.

What kind of wine do you drink?

My go-to wine is Chardonnay. I like it oaky (wine snobs probably think that is bad, but I don't give a rat's ass). My favorite red is Sangiovese. There are three ways that I select wine at the wine store:

1. If the shelf is almost empty for a particular wine, then I'll assume that it must be good since everyone else is buying it.
2. The wine label must be totally cute (duh). I am particularly obsessed with the wine called The Show by Three Thieves. The labels were designed by the world-famous letterpress print shop, Hatch Show Print.
3. If the wine was recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk from WineLibraryTV.com, then I am buying it. What? You've never watched Gary? Oh, boy...you are missing out. Visit his website. To get a flavor for his style, watch the "National TV Appearances" on the right side of his home page.

Comments

[Lulu]

Your blog is fo helpful. the info is great. I am new to the blogging world and I am trying to catch up. I now have a place to go when I need help.

[One Gal's Trash]

Hey Colleen,
A little bird (okay, it was Amy)told me you were in Portland recently. Hope you had a junky trip to the great northwest. I have many questions as my winter goal is to turn my blog into a $ making proposition. This will make my husband happy and then he won't leave me for a thin gal who doesn't hoard. So here goes:
How many hits do I need per day/week in order to attract advertisers? (I get about 35 a day...is that sad?) What exactly does Blogher do? I've read the intro, but still don't get it. I have a "follower" on Blogger. Does this mean she gets a notification when I post? About your camera...I know you have a sexy lens but do you know how it shoots with the lens it comes with? (Too spendy to get both...see above re:cranky husband)
Thanks!
Pam

[Shawn]

Well I'm flattered. Thanks for including me in your list of blog designers. What great company to be in. :) Your blog is FANTASTIC!