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You are here: Home / tech tips / Work Your Blog Wednesday: Branding Your Blog
tech tips

Work Your Blog Wednesday: Branding Your Blog

September 25, 2013

Because I also own Design by Christi, I get a lot of questions about custom blog designs so I wanted to do a post with some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns I receive. I also wanted to offer some tips I’ve learned from experiences along the way over the last year of designing blogs.


Will changing my blog design hurt my branding and/or followers?
I don’t think so, especially if you write a blog post about your new design when it’s installed. I think most readers can figure out they’re still in the same place. =) Sometimes a brand new look actually HELPS your brand. Aren’t we always giving ourselves makeovers? Redecorating our classrooms and homes? A blog is the same way; it’s ever-evolving. I’ve had three blog designs here on Ms. Fultz’s Corner and each one has been an improvement over the last. Your blog should feel like YOU when you open it. If it doesn’t, it’s probably time for a makeover.


How do I pick a blog designer?

This would be one of the most difficult parts for me. I admire the work of so many of my fellow teacher-blog designers. Just like there are many shops on Teachers Pay Teachers, there are many places to get your blog designed too. My best advice is to look at each designer’s portfolio. We all have a unique style and chances are one designer will stand out to you as you visit the portfolios. I also look down at the bottom of my favorite blog designs when I’m blog hopping to see who did the work.

Don’t hesitate to email another blogger if you love their design to hear about their experience too. You’ll want to know that the designer is easy to work with and follows through on his/her guarantee.


How long does it really take to get a custom design installed?
This varies from one designer to the next and seasonally as well. When I was new to blog designs, I could easily install a blog in 1-2 weeks. Now that my business has grown, so has my wait list. I also do fewer designs during the back to school rush.

When paying your deposit, you should get a firm date for when your blog will be designed as well as how long installation usually takes. All of my clients are given a Saturday start date and know they will have a full preview within that week. Once they approve their preview and pay the balance, I install the next day. You need to know when to expect your beautiful new blog!


How do revisions work if I don’t like my preview?

Picking a designer who shares the same design sense as you do will help make sure you don’t need major revisions. But, we don’t always get it right on the first time. It happens! You should know what the revision policies will be before you ever get started. I include 3 revisions in each of my Blogger packages so we have three drafts to get everything just perfect for you. Whether it’s a minor tweak like a font change, rearranging background papers, or a complete header do over, your final blog should feel like YOU. After all, you are the one who has to look at it every day and you’re the one paying for a design.

How much will a custom design cost?

Blog design prices are all over the place. Cost is a product of designer experience, software/hardware/licenses they’ve purchased to design, elements included in the design, and demand. When comparing designers, try to compare apples to apples and look at what each package includes. 

In most cases, your blog is part of your brand and business. I cringe each time I open my wallet, but it really is true that it takes money to make money. Consider it an investment and a business expense that you can write off on your taxes too. 🙂


What kind of support comes with my design? 

This is going to vary by designer too. Most designs are sold as-is, which means no refunds or changes once the design is installed. Sometimes there’s a short window there for tweaks after you’ve lived with your blog a few days too. It’s also usually possible to add to your blog in the future (at a cost). I personally back up all design files so I have them if anything is needed in the future.


How does image hosting work? I’ve read that some bloggers have to pay fees each month to keep their blog up and running.
This is probably one of the most confusing parts of a new blog design. Each time a picture loads on your blog, it takes bandwidth. If your grab button is displayed all over the blogging community, it takes bandwidth. Many blog designers pay for your bandwidth themselves under their own accounts. For me, this is less than a $1 per client per year. Other designers require you to host your own images and pay for your own bandwidth. An unlimited plan on Photobucket will cost you $30 a year. 


The benefit to having your designer host the images is no cost/account to you. The drawback of having your designer host the images is that if your designer doesn’t continue to renew and pay for the subscription, your blog images will disappear. Many designers will give you the choice so you can decide which hosting option is best for you.

How does this whole process work?!
As a final thought, be sure to READ THE POLICIES PAGE! My terms and conditions are all available on Design by Christi and I have a separate FAQ page there too. This is common on many blog designers’ pages. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask your blog designer before paying your (often nonrefundable) deposit. 

Until my next Work Your Blog Wednesday, you can visit my You Tube channel for several more blogger tutorials. I also have a Pinterest Board with more tips, tutorials, and resources for bloggers and sellers. 

blog design
by Christi Fultz 

About Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

View all posts by Christi Fultz

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I MAKE STARTING YOUR OWN BLOG EASY…

previous post: World Gratitude Day
next post: Fancy, but Free, Slideshow Maker!

Comments

  1. Elizabeth says: September 25, 2013 at 9:08 pm

    I always love reading all of your blogging advice, Christi! Thank you for your awesome videos, too 🙂
    Elizabeth
    Fun in Room 4B

  2. Minnie Chormanee says: September 25, 2013 at 11:37 pm

    This is a good piece of advice. Thx. <3

  3. Jamie knefely says: September 25, 2013 at 11:55 pm

    Thanks for the advice!!!

    Jamie
    teachingtidbit.blogspot.com

  4. Emily says: September 26, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    I really love my design 🙂 Thank you!

Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

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DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big gi DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big girl room is one of my favorite places in the house. We let the kids choose their own decor for the new house and Charlotte’s room is a purple and pink dream... no surprise there! 

The DIY wallpaper was probably a “once and done” experience for us and took about six hours for this 9 by 16 wall. More pictures and sources are on our family blog, also linked in bio: https://completelychristi.com/2022/02/diy-floral-removable-wallpaper.html

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo #homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our ow Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our own custom closet, we decided to do my son’s too. We primarily use his closet for off-season storage and toys, but it was always a MESS! Then the mess spilled out onto his nightstand, desk, dresser, building table, and under his bed. He needed a system! 

I used the online design tool from @containerstorecustomspaces to create this DIY Classic Elfa system. It took about three hours to install and set up. I love how flexible the system is, which means we can reconfigure the layout as he grows. I’m also really proud of his label choices... maybe he inherited some of my organizational skills after all!

#louisvilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #homeorganization #homeorganizing #closetorganization #organizedhome #organizedcloset #walkincloset #closetgoals #closets #closetdesign #customcloset #closetmakeover #kidroomideas #childsroom #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall with Display Ledg DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall with Display Ledge Tutorial // Carter’s room needed a punch of color and a place to display his favorite Legos. This weekend project was exactly what I had hoped for! Full tutorial and sources on my hobby blog, linked in bio. https://completelychristi.com/2022/01/diy-board-and-batten-accent-wall-tutorial.html 

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective  #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Farm Flowers // I absolutely love my monthly flowe Farm Flowers // I absolutely love my monthly flower delivery. It’s the perfect “pick me up” on a gloomy January day… or any time! As a momma, it’s easy to do all the things for your family. This is one thing I do for me! And since I work from home, it makes my space just a little happier every day. I was initially intimidated by the thought of arranging my own bouquets, but they provide tips and pictures to help. The best part? They arrive mostly in bud form and bloom in your home so you can enjoy each arrangement longer. ✨ Mine usually last 10-14 days. Link in bio to learn more.

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #momselfcare #freshflowers #thebouqscompany
Primary Closet // We had to empty our closet for t Primary Closet // We had to empty our closet for the bathroom remodel, so we decided it was time for an upgrade before it all back together. ✨ We worked with a designer from @containerstorecustomspaces and are so happy with the results!

#louisvilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #homeorganization #homeorganizing #closetorganization #organizedhome #organizedcloset #walkincloset #closetgoals #closets #closetdesign #customcloset #closetmakeover
Bathroom Makeover // We aren’t quite finished in Bathroom Makeover // We aren’t quite finished in here, but I’m pleased with the progress so far! We had plenty of room to turn our primary shower into a wet room with freestanding soaking tub. Shower glass is on the way, and I think we’ll tackle those mirrors too. The closet makeover is underway now, so check back for that next.

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #bathroommakeover #homemakeover #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #momsselfcare
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As an experienced third grade teacher with a Masters in Elementary Education and K-12 reading license, I know educational resources need to be both inviting and engaging to capture students' interests. I am passionate about creating user-friendly resources to help all students learn while saving valuable prep for teachers. Read More…

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DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big gi DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big girl room is one of my favorite places in the house. We let the kids choose their own decor for the new house and Charlotte’s room is a purple and pink dream... no surprise there! 

The DIY wallpaper was probably a “once and done” experience for us and took about six hours for this 9 by 16 wall. More pictures and sources are on our family blog, also linked in bio: https://completelychristi.com/2022/02/diy-floral-removable-wallpaper.html

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo #homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our ow Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our own custom closet, we decided to do my son’s too. We primarily use his closet for off-season storage and toys, but it was always a MESS! Then the mess spilled out onto his nightstand, desk, dresser, building table, and under his bed. He needed a system! 

I used the online design tool from @containerstorecustomspaces to create this DIY Classic Elfa system. It took about three hours to install and set up. I love how flexible the system is, which means we can reconfigure the layout as he grows. I’m also really proud of his label choices... maybe he inherited some of my organizational skills after all!

#louisvilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #homeorganization #homeorganizing #closetorganization #organizedhome #organizedcloset #walkincloset #closetgoals #closets #closetdesign #customcloset #closetmakeover #kidroomideas #childsroom #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall with Display Ledg DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall with Display Ledge Tutorial // Carter’s room needed a punch of color and a place to display his favorite Legos. This weekend project was exactly what I had hoped for! Full tutorial and sources on my hobby blog, linked in bio. https://completelychristi.com/2022/01/diy-board-and-batten-accent-wall-tutorial.html 

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective  #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Farm Flowers // I absolutely love my monthly flowe Farm Flowers // I absolutely love my monthly flower delivery. It’s the perfect “pick me up” on a gloomy January day… or any time! As a momma, it’s easy to do all the things for your family. This is one thing I do for me! And since I work from home, it makes my space just a little happier every day. I was initially intimidated by the thought of arranging my own bouquets, but they provide tips and pictures to help. The best part? They arrive mostly in bud form and bloom in your home so you can enjoy each arrangement longer. ✨ Mine usually last 10-14 days. Link in bio to learn more.

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #momselfcare #freshflowers #thebouqscompany
Primary Closet // We had to empty our closet for t Primary Closet // We had to empty our closet for the bathroom remodel, so we decided it was time for an upgrade before it all back together. ✨ We worked with a designer from @containerstorecustomspaces and are so happy with the results!

#louisvilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #homeorganization #homeorganizing #closetorganization #organizedhome #organizedcloset #walkincloset #closetgoals #closets #closetdesign #customcloset #closetmakeover
Bathroom Makeover // We aren’t quite finished in Bathroom Makeover // We aren’t quite finished in here, but I’m pleased with the progress so far! We had plenty of room to turn our primary shower into a wet room with freestanding soaking tub. Shower glass is on the way, and I think we’ll tackle those mirrors too. The closet makeover is underway now, so check back for that next.

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #bathroommakeover #homemakeover #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #momsselfcare
Merry Christmas // Does anyone still scroll their Merry Christmas // Does anyone still scroll their regular feed, or are we only seeing Reels and Stories these days? Either way, this deserved a permanent place. Merry Christmas from our family to yours. We are very thankful for another year together. Now bring on our second Kentucky Christmas!

⁠
#momsaroundlouisville #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #louisvilleky #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kyproud #ky #kentuckymom #kentuckychristmas #christmasinkentucky ⁠#louisville #locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momlife #instagrammom #momsofig #christmastime #festive #holidayseason #tistheseason #christmasspirit #holidays
Kentucky Christmas // It’s our second year home Kentucky Christmas // It’s our second year home for Christmas and you’ll catch me here by the fire all season. This is what dreams are made of. 

#kentuckychristmas #christmasinkentucky #louisvillechristmas #momsoflouisville #kentuckymom #christmasdecor #christmas2022 #merrychristmas

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