I want your input.. DeanHolland.com makeover !!
Welcome Back To Dean Holland Dot Com... Be Sure To Look Around And Get Involved In The Discussions Going On!
Hi guys
As you may of read over the next few weeks I plan on TOTALLY overhauling my blog. But to what extent will be down to you and what you feel would be best.
** I have a new traffic tip for you in this post so stick with me peeps **
I have some thoughts and ideas as I will share with you below but as you are the lifeline of my business I want your input if you wouldnt mind. The theme I currently use is a free one I downloaded but the more I progress I make the more I am realising it is restricting my options.
Now there are 2 options available;
1 – I purchase a premium theme which will cost up to a maximum of $200. I then bring in a graphic designer to produce me a custom header for the theme, with the standard I am looking for I expect this would cost anywhere up to $300.
Option 1 cost would be around $500 in total. The advantage of this choice would be it being cheaper than option 2 saving me money. The disadvantage of this option being that I would be using someone elses theme and therefore would not be unique to me, but with the custom header would that really be an issue ??
2 – I bring in a WordPress theme specialist programmer to build me from scratch my own unique theme. This would include custom header, custom footer, custom layout etc… Everything would be designed by US and built to that specification.
Now I have done a little research and for the level of quality I would be looking for we are looking at a cost of around $1300 for the whole job to be done. The advantages of this option would be my blogs total uniqueness, the fact I could have the theme exactly how we choose to have it. So we have the power ( HA HA ) to build whatever we like on this theme !!
The disadvantages of this option being the cost, as I said above I have looked around and to get the quality of work I want we are looking at around $1300. Yes I know .. Big bucks huh !! But is it worth it ?? Is it a waste ?? Remember over the next few weeks my earnings get paid to me, this is currently over $3300 so the funds are there to plow back into my business should it be the right decision.
Oh yeah!!.. There is one other ADVANTAGE to this option, an advantage that each of you could use to potentially bring in a LOT of long term traffic. If you take a look in the footer of your theme on your blog you will see some links, something along the lines of – Theme designed by…[link]…. For …[link]… Now if you had your own theme designed then that second link would be your blog !! Do you see where Im going with this ??
So lets say I have my own theme created, I then have my theme with a link to my blog in the footer. Now I want to remain unique so I could take the custom theme and have the designer change the colour scheme and offer a few different colours. You then take those new designs of the custom theme and you either sell them on as premier themes for profit or you could take the option to offer it free. Remember your blog lijnk remains in the footer of the theme so you spread accross the internet and have a link on possibly thousands of blogs !!
You could actually have a much cheaper theme created just for this purpose !
Just something else to consider 
So my fellow bloggers and friends.. I turn to you and your fountain of wealthy knowledge for valuable input into the MAKEOVER OF DEANHOLLAND.COM !!
2 column.. 3 column..
Colour schemes …
Header design ideas.. ( I have thought of having an animated graphic version of myself done
In mind of what I just said if we choose option 2 would you be interested in a spin off version of the theme ?? Let me know
The things racing around in my head about this are basically – I would prefer a custom design BUT is it worth the extra $1000 than option 1 ?? Would it be of more benefit to go with option 1 and then take the saved money and outsource some work ?? Man there is so much to consider.. HELP !!
How exciting huh !!
I look forward to your help.. Uh one last thing, something I mentioned I was planning for you all in a previous post has fell through 
**BUT** I have something just as good that WILL happen, you are gunna throw yourself at this blog and tear the server to pieces to grab the stuff im gunna give !!
YEEAAAHHH
Dean 
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About the Author
Dean Holland Is A Successful Internet Marketer, Entrepreneur And Business Mentor. Through his internet marketing expertise, his shear passion to achieve higher levels of success and strong desire to help others Dean Holland can and will help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to get you started making money online or improve your current business to make even more money with the internet.
January 9, 2009
10:16 am #comment-1
Hi Dean,
Just MHO – but I would not do a custom theme right now, just customize one with your branding and focus on bringing in the $
Depending on the theme it may just be a case of replacing the logo and a few colours – so you might get the cost down on that (Warriorforum maybe?)
However I know the temptation you’re talking about..hmmmmm …own theme..
I take it you’ve checked out the revolution ones? they’re free with no support – but they customize apparently:
http://tinyurl.com/6d4bje
Hope this helps!
Jerry
http://sosinternetbusinesshelp.com
January 9, 2009
10:24 am #comment-2
hi deano, $1300! Keep your money, yes monitize blog get graphics etc, invest money in product creation etc to build business, sorry short answer but on my mobile phone cheers Tommy http://www.tommy-mclaughlin.com
January 9, 2009
10:26 am #comment-3
Hi Dean,
Really glad you are making great progress and feeling ready and able to look at enhancing your Blog.Keep up the good work.
May I take this opportunity to cry for help to you and all the other family.
I too would like to become part of the team, but for some reason cannot complete the final stage of setting up Alex’s coaching programne.
I must be the thickest numtie on the planet!.
Sureley not all the members sailed through the setup process, please,please give a shout to someone who can help.
The domain name I have but not on the web.
The email is okay, any help would be gratefully received to progress, then i could start to create a blog and join the family.
January 9, 2009
10:41 am #comment-4
Hey !!!
Man.. quick responses
@Tommy – Hey bro, thanks for the input. I know it is a lot isnt it ! Im just torn between the options though, I have seen some really great blogs from people lately that are doing $10,000+ a month from their blogs and have spoke with the developers of those blogs. This is why Im stuck brother.. It could go either way right now, thanks once again !
@John – Hey John… Do not dispare, you are in the family bro !! So what it is taking you longer, everyone works at a different pace and you have all of us to come to.. Im glad you have.
So John first off you need to tell us what your stuck on, be quite detailed as the more info you give the more help will be available. If I cannot help I know of a few others that can.. ( I actually needed help setting my PPP up, it was beyond me bro )
Together we will do it brother.. Let us know
Dean
January 9, 2009
11:05 am #comment-5
Hi Dean,
My honest opinion – total waste of money, but then it’s your choice. The only reason I can give to back up my view is take a look at our Leaders’s blog Alex, LOL. Now that is probably more basic than yours and it pulls in loads of traffic. Also my blog and Gary Simpson’s blog – probably at the moment the 2 most active student blogs in the entire student community (it’s just crazy isn’t it?) and again though they are a bit more feature rich and flashier they are not going to win any awards for style, LOL. Now that is not to say that I don’t think you should overall your site. I want to have a facelift as well. But there are some really fantastic themes out there that are totally customisable and free. If you wanted to personalize the themes a bit further you can pay a designer probably 50 bucks come up with some banners for you and that’s it. That’s the route I will be taking.
In the end it’s content that matters and keeps people coming back. On that note I’ve put up my latest video on my site. Best ever yet (least I think so, LOL, but then I’m biased
). Hope everyone enjoys it.
Garry Parkes,
http://garryparkes.com/
January 9, 2009
12:17 pm #comment-6
Hi Dean
I agree with Garry, it is content that matters and that is why people keep calling back.
Your theme as it is is clean and fresh – I personally do not like too much fuss as it distracts from whats in the blog – if I find a too fussy blog I don’t stay on it for long – but that’s me and not everyone thinks like me.
Anyway if there are any graphics you would like done I do know a lady who does some superb graphics – she did the ones on my website (if you want to take a look at http://www.ultimatebusinessinabox.co.uk)
If you want her email address let me know and I can send it through to you.
Also I have a new post on my blog re: the Nintendo Wii – I know it’s nothing to do with IM but I found it really useful and those who have the Wii will also find it useful – could save you tons of money.
Take a look http://resalerightsexplained.co.uk
Well Dean keep up the good work as usual – and best of luck with the new blog design
Speak soon
Elaine
January 9, 2009
1:00 pm #comment-7
Dean, do you want my honest opinion?… Just go for a premium theme, and get some tweaks made to it! – And a premium theme doesn’t even cost as much as $200, most I’ve seen are priced around the $70-$80 mark.
If you’ve visited Mark-McWilliams.com before then I’m sure you know I’m a big fan of the Revolution Theme’s. I have found them really easy to work with, but also tweak to however I want it. Another company, WooThemes, provides some quality themes too. And with each theme, there are a number of different colour schemes too.
Now while I haven’t personally used any of the WooThemes on offer, there are a number that I really like, and would love to use some day. FYI, they have a couple of free ones available too! – It wouldn’t take much, to have some custom graphics done, and integrated with the premium theme of your choice.
In my eyes, that’s a maximum of $300 spent, and you can save the rest for developing your business. Again, not only am I a big Revolution fan, but I’m a huge WordPress fan too! (So I’d like to think that some value my advice given around theme for their blog!)
But before I go, let me point out something else you may not have thought about. You go with a premium theme, and you’ll 99.9% of the time get free updates for life. Get a custom theme done, and when WordPress upgrades, and includes new features, you’ve got to get the custom design sorted so that it’ll work. Maybe that designer might have moved on, whereas a premium them designer is usually in for the longrun!
If you want me to talk more on the subject, just say and I’ll post some more!
Speak soon Dean, and as you’re doing, it’s always good to value the opinion of your readers first before making the leap of doing somtehing you could regret!
Thanks
Mark
January 9, 2009
1:04 pm #comment-8
Hi Dean,
I’m willing to bet that my last comment, possibly ended up in your SPAM bucket! Please dig me out if possible, guess it’s down to the fact I included a couple of links?!
Luckily I decided to make a copy of it before I hit submit, just incase it has been lost in ‘holland cyberspace!’
Let me know what’s happening bro!
Thanks
Mark
January 9, 2009
1:41 pm #comment-9
Hi Dean,
An online Extreme Makeover how exciting!! I have to agree with the rest and say don’t go for the most expensive. Obviously it nice to have some customised parts but I’m sure this can be done at less of a cost.
I can understand how you want to put money back into the business, this is something I have spoken about with Dad and we haven’t earnt anthing yet, BUT reinvest it in the right area and I don’t think a snazzy blog theme really warrents that.
God I sound boring!!lol
Anyway see you tonight-I can’t wait!!
Becky
http://www.ianandbeckycarteronline.com
January 9, 2009
2:20 pm #comment-10
Alright Bro
Yes i agree with the rest dont blow $1300 on a blog mate it prob would be a waste of money, you could invest that in something else for your business for sure.
Chat soon dude
Dan
January 9, 2009
2:57 pm #comment-11
Hi Dean,
Sorry for the quick reply earlier, but was not at the computer …
I am about to post my online goals for the coming months, and I was wanting to discuss this post as well, it is very interesting to say least
If anything, it is providing good information to all the F500 ….
With the $3,300 stick it under your mattress as it will gain just the same interest at moment lol !!!
Sorry, poor humour ….
Cheers
Tommy
http://www.tommy-mclaughlin.com
January 9, 2009
2:57 pm #comment-12
As the Banks I should have added doh !
Cheers
Tommy
January 9, 2009
4:18 pm #comment-13
Dean,
I would just wait a little bit longer until you have more consistent income rolling in. Although a theme is great and all, people keep coming back for the content you provide. I think themes are over rated… just take a look at Garry Conn and John Chow’s blog… neither have fancy themes… and neither are 100% custom.
Adam
http://www.adambshero.com
January 9, 2009
4:21 pm #comment-14
Dean my blog isn’t optimised but this is what you should bear in mind.
Go to Google and search for your blog. When the Google page comes up click on cached and the last crawled page will load.
At the top of the page there’s a link that reads ‘text only version’. Click on that ~ this is what Google sees, starting with those words at the top, this is what Google, and others, think your blog is about.
Instead of Dean Holland Presents maybe you can use something more descriptive, such as Dean Holland Builds and On-line Business
Then your tag line could read something like:
Internet Marketing: Business Building: Profit Generation
Those links:
* Homepage
* About
* How To’s
need to be reworded to describe more of what you’re about.
Now as I say, I haven’t done this, but I have been spending lots of time in private webinars given by Alex Goad and Brian Jonson on SEO, and this is what they would recommend.
As for the colours and design simplicity and fast-loading are supreme. Your present theme works quite well, best not to go for too many bells and whistles.
That’s my take anyway
Stephen
http://twitter.com/stephen_bray
January 9, 2009
4:33 pm #comment-15
Dean Im sure you will be able to do a good job with all the imput, but one thing would help me and the older folks out bigger text.
Shoot I still having problems with myprofite pulling platform. hopr this will help you out.
Darrell
January 9, 2009
4:35 pm #comment-16
Hey Dean,
Like the idea of a makeover, but have to wonder at the cost you describe…..
Have you tried posting your project somewhere like elance?
I beleive you could get it all done for 25% or less than your present budget.
Just a thought.
Oh yeah thank you for your kind words over at my blog! It means so much to me!
Bobby
http://www.bobbywinchell.com/blog
January 9, 2009
4:37 pm #comment-17
Hi Dean,
I got my blog up on my own URL, and in your words I took “control of my blog”, thanks for helping everyone with your e-book brother.
It seems that now that I’ve set up my blog, I need some basic help with making it look professional and adding a theme, a blog roll, a student list, etc., etc. How do I go about this if I’m not technically savvy? Can you give me some direction please?
Any help or direction is greatly appreciated and I hope to return the favor some day:)
Gary Gilliam
http://GaryGilliamBlog.com
Follow me on Twitter Too:
http://Twitter.com/GaryGilliam
January 9, 2009
4:37 pm #comment-18
Hey Dean,
I agree with everyone else…save your money…
Fancy looking blogs are neat and all that, but I firmly believe, and this is what draws me…CONTENT is King… If you put up gobbly gook (you know what I mean) then you get no traffic…
But I know I am preaching to the choir.
Scott
http://ScottThrall.com
January 9, 2009
4:39 pm #comment-19
Hi Dean,
Go for it. You got a plan written out for yourself so just go for it.
As long as you got a plan around the theme. 
Please let me know if you need anything. I figured that the fastest way to learn how to go about things is to be available to people.
All the Best!
Regards,
Erwin Chua
Winning To Win With Erwin Chua – Internet Marketing Advice
http://winning2win.com
http://www.twitter.com/waywalker0101
January 9, 2009
5:07 pm #comment-20
Hi Dean,
$1300 !!! Go to http://wpremix.com Their theme is the one that I use. It is incredible, you can customize the theme anyway you want, be that colour changes, header changes in fact anything your little heart desires you can do with this theme.
I think the cost was $80, so you will still have a lot of change left over, maybe enough for that trip to Hawaii =O)
All the best,
Paull
http://paullhamilton.com
January 9, 2009
5:28 pm #comment-21
Hi Dean:
Just my two cents-Have you tried something like artisteer(.com)? Kind of a poor man’s custom designing for blogs. You can get a free trial to play with it to see if it suits you. I was about to go with that because I couldn’t find anything that I liked, but I finally did settle on a stock theme.
My disclaimer: I have NO affiliation with Artisteer. I put the .com in parenthesis, so it would not turn up as a link. I’m not spamming or pimping them. I just happened upon them, and thought it’s an interesting alternative.
Denis
January 9, 2009
5:32 pm #comment-22
Hey Dean,
I have to agree, save your money!!! I like your blog. I come back because of the GREAT content you provide. I don’t come back because your blog look pretty :O)~ save you money and invest in things more important later :O)
By the way, I posted some new videos on my blog. Everyone!!! Go check them out, I hope it’s helpful for everyone who gets confused when uploading videos to Youtube. If anyone needs help on anything Please let me know.
http://steven-de-gracia.com
January 9, 2009
5:40 pm #comment-23
Hey Dean,
Sorry I haven’t been over here for ages, back at work now so popping on in my breaks!
How was your Christmas and New Year?
In response to your question, I like your existing theme! And I agree with some of the other comments – content is the crucial part, rather than the looks – even though I’ve had compliments on my purple blog (i.e. the look of it), I like to think people are coming back to see what randomness I’ve thought of to post about, rather than just to go ‘ooh look, it’s pretty and purple’.
Or maybe they just come back to look at my pic…
who knows!!!
The amount of money you mention above is pretty scandalous in my most humble opinion at the moment, particularly when around us people are really feeling the effects of the credit crunch…I would think it could potentially be spent on other, more-beneficial-in-the-long-run investments (or your other half of course!).
But hey, that’s just my opinion!!
Take care bro,
Nikki
January 9, 2009
5:57 pm #comment-24
Hi Dean
I would suggest only small tweeks to your blog the money can be spent on other parts of your business.
An all singing dancing blog may put people off and give you less traffic and thus income than at present.
I am not an expert by any means but if I visit a blog or website and see a load of fancy graphics etc it puts me off.
Richard Moloney
http://www.richardmoloneyblog.com
[NOTE FROM DEAN - Richard, please DO NOT use affiliate links in the url ! Thankyou]
January 9, 2009
6:00 pm #comment-25
Hi Dean,
I agree with most of the other comments.
Save your money and stick with a theme that’s already available. Maybe create a custom header yourself using FREE ‘Gimp’ software (simplier version of Photoshop image Editor software).
May be invest some of the money in learning some basic copywriting skills, to increase your sales and your profits.
The money can be much better spent on other things. Audio equipment to produce your own audio products is another example.
That’s my advice.
To our success,
Dave
http://www.DavePumfrey.com
P.S. John Hall – if your problems with setting up a blog, visit BecomeABlogger.com – they’ve got FREE video tutorials explaining how to set-up a blog.
January 9, 2009
7:08 pm #comment-26
Hi Dean
Gotta agree with everyone else here, having it designed from scratch is too much moolah and probably a waste.
Stick with WordPress there are hundreds if not thousands of themes on the internet that are completely compatible with WordPress. When you Google WordPress Themes the first couple that show up offer 100 or more themes for free.
Pick one that has two or three columns (personal preference) and you can change the header to one that you want. If you want to get a header designed so be it, it would be a lot cheaper then getting a whole site designed.
Of course if you know how to use any of the good photo programs you can design your own.
If you have a theme and header logo you want to use you can outsource it to have the whole site built for you for less then $200.00 (it most likely would still be powered by WordPress) so you are only saving your time. Dan Briffa has a guy that he used he can give you a heads up on what the guy does for you.
Go to this address that I am sure you are already familiar with http://www.winningtheweb.com/im-top-blogs/
Check out the first top 20 or so Blogs and you will quickly see that many are not the best looking Blogs on the net. Easiest way to compare is right click on about 10 at a time and open in new Tab then you can go from one to the other easily. Since most are not the best looking Blogs it dictates that content rules.
Approx. 66 percent of the top Blogs are WordPress Blogs and coincidently about 66 percent of the top Blogs use 3 columns.
By looking at these Blogs it will give you a clear idea as to what is needed on the Blog pertaining to Content.
By looking at these top Blogs one can come to the conclusion fairly quick that some Bloggers spend too much time trying to get their Blogs to look pretty. Look at some of the Headers in these Top Blogs they are nothing, just easily produced with a bit of color and good
Fonts.
I know myself I want to change mine but just don’t have the time to do it, I regret that I went with the 2 column (personal preference).
After looking at a lot of the top Blogs I now have many things that I would like to adopt in a new Blog. For now though it will have to wait, I just keep adding to the one I have.
CUL8R
Keith Elford
http://keithelford.com
January 9, 2009
7:28 pm #comment-27
Hi Dean,
Probably not what you want to hear, but I agree with the majority. I think it would be best for you to build your business up.
When you have a really solid footing and a loyal customer base. I think that then you could consider some changes to your blog.
I hope that my comment was of some help. All the best for the future.
Speak soon.
Alan…
marketingwithbigal.com
January 9, 2009
8:58 pm #comment-28
Hi Dean,
Regardless of whether you change your theme, spend a few thousand dollars branding yourself and coming up with a clever way to create another source of income, you have managed to generate a lot of interest and activity with this thought.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Stephen Bray’s suggestion about adding tags to your heading is worth looking at, I think.
You’re doing something that works right now and the people coming to you are seeing that you’re using simple methods that work. In their eyes this online business is achievable by anyone willing to put in the effort and time using free and inexpensive resources.
Short version: invest your money in something else like creating a product, or that trip to Vegas.:)
Whatever you do, we’ll be watching to see how it goes for you and cheering you on!
Warmly,
Theresa
January 9, 2009
9:30 pm #comment-29
Dean,
As you know us Yorkshire folk have a reputation for being on the frugal side when it comes to spending money.
For my part I am probably from the same mould.
My advice would be not to demolish the whole thing. A little snip here and a little tuck there would be all that you need at the present time.
As most of the folks above are saying spend a little on a face lift and when you have reached target of lets say $10k, then is the time to be a little more drastic.
May good fortune be with you,
John Patterson
January 9, 2009
10:26 pm #comment-30
Hey Dean,
How you doing? Great to hear that your considering a makeover, but I have to ask you a you this: people know who you are and have grown accustomed to your current theme and most importantly the way your write, the content you provide and most importantly who you are, it’s all about this branding,
You could have the best looking blog with all the bells and whistle but is that really you? At the end of the day, reality kicks in and reality sell as you’ve probably seen from yesterday’s show with Maria as well as from all the previous webinars with Alex.
To reiterate what some of the other students have said, at the end of the day it’s about you, your content and have you asked Alex about it?
My advice is a makeover is great, and yeah adding a few extra features would be great , the monetising option is kool but don’t over do it and thing is, don’t try and make it too corperate looking and if possible add a few videos of yourself, maybe a video from yourself introducing your blog and what you blog is for.
Anyway all the best and I’m really sorry about this long post – see you at the webinar tonight
Nigel
January 9, 2009
10:34 pm #comment-31
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January 10, 2009
1:43 am #comment-32
Hi Dean,
Don’t spend the money. Keep working on your content and readers. If you want to update your blog just try out some free themes.
My blog got hacked last night and today it was gone. I didn’t care about the look I lost, I was concerned about the great content in the comments my visitors had left me that may be lost.
I recovered most of it but I will tell you I visit here to see what Dean has to say not what your blog looks like. That is what you should think about.
Besides I like the way your blog looks. And I know you will have some videos up soon now that you have that new camera.
My 2cents.
David
January 10, 2009
1:52 am #comment-33
Hi Dean,
Pleased to learn things are going so well for you.
Personally I would keep your blog design simple. It’s the content that’s important and if you are appealing to beginner marketers you might want to remember Alex’s advice K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple Stupid
Guess it depends who your market is.
Best wishes
Jean
January 10, 2009
6:54 am #comment-34
Hi Dean,
I agree with everyone else, don’t spend $1300 on a new blog, keep your money! There are plenty of other things you can use it for to make even more money! You have great content here, and that’s what matters. A little bit of a change is a ggod thing, alot could possibly not be so good.
Talk to you soon,
Lori
For John Hall: Can you leave your e-mail address for us so that any of us who could possibly help you can get in touch with you? Thanks! Lori
January 10, 2009
8:27 am #comment-35
@ John Hall – i have a few video tutorials on my blog that may help you as it has others of f500. If you need anything then just post a comment and i will reply to you cheers Tommy
January 10, 2009
9:23 am #comment-36
Hi Dean,
You are amazing, you never stop surprising me. I have no idea what to tell you as I am always happy to read your blog.
If you could help me personally by telling me how to upload your ebook and picture onto my Blog I would be very grateful.
I can follow instructions because you helped me with my blog via you ebook. I understand that I need to use a “post” but have no idea what that means.
Thanks I know you are very busy, so if you can help me I will follow you to the ends of the earth.
Best Regards
Flor
January 10, 2009
3:41 pm #comment-37
Hey Dean
Congrats on your continued growth and success! I like Option #1. It is less expensive, and I think you can end up with a look every bit as professional and uniques as with a custom design. Oviously, it is penny wise and pound foolish to cut costs and end up with an inferior product, but I don’t see that as a risk here. Get a snazzy premium template and let a graphic designer make it “yours.”
Either way, I know you’ll succeed.
January 10, 2009
7:16 pm #comment-38
Hi Dean,
I do agree with the rest of the gang. Just add little here and there but no major stuff. I found out that changing themes is not that simple. They all have slightly different features so the blog may not convert entirely. I have spent my time already doing just that, so I know. Then, there are diffent WP version and not all older themes are suitable for the latest WP version. I have spent literally hours on the net looking for the perfect theme I wanted to carry me to the future so I would avoid just that hassle of any upgrades.
So, I see where you are going with this. Just keep in mind that there are a lot of beautiful, FREE themes for WP, why would you want to pay for this? I found my theme for free and am very happy with that. Now, I have to spend my time on other things around my blog that you have already done.
Keep up the good work.
January 10, 2009
8:39 pm #comment-39
Dean,
I have to agree with a majority of the post’s. Push traffic to your blog, keep posting what you are doing, continue to provide content that will benefit everyone. The new design can come later. My theme is CognoBlue. I like the three column theme. You can you use your existing header image instead of the blue header like I have.
Think long and hard about the makeover. Write down everything and categorize everything as you did with planning your business and to do lists.
Good luck and I know you will achieve your desires with a future make over.
David Armbruster
January 10, 2009
9:19 pm #comment-40
Hey Dean!
Stop! (like the Grolsch ad) you don’t have to spend all that money on some techie geek wizard who will take your hard earned cash just to re-create something which seems perfectly (okay, maybe not perfect) good already.
I understand where you’re coming from Dean, I also want to make some changes to my blog, particularly the header. So, if you’re interested in making an animated version of yourself one of the options is taking a picture of yourself, upload it onto your PC and if you don’t have photoshop already then download free software similar to it which will allow you to play with your pic and get it close to being animated. otherwise, the alternative is to get someone, preferably someone talented, to draw a caricature of you (like those guys who hang around London parks and have nothing else to do but draw silly pics of tourists). They charge about a tenner and scan it onto your computer and just add titles via the photoshop software, tweek it to your liking and Voila!
Might not look professional but close enough, and on a budget mate.
I’ll let you know when i’ve got my header on so you can see an example of it and if you like it then i’ll help you with yours.
regards
Che Guy
January 10, 2009
10:03 pm #comment-41
Wow, Dean; the only constructive comment I can think of at this point is that the theme of your header seems very dark, and I feel if it was of a lighter theme it would inspire more friendly, positive vibes.
(I am finally starting to host my blog with Hostgator instead of with workpress! Got a ways to go, though.)
January 11, 2009
5:37 am #comment-42
Hi Dean
Interesting post and Marketing Idea with some equally interesting comments. However, I do not believe you are getting the reaction or comments that you were hoping for.
You talk about the level of quality that you are looking for. That tells me that you want something that is not available by any other means but to spend the money to outsource the work. The real question is will you be happy with something that is less than what you want.
Its not like choosing a wife. When choosing a mate you should be pretty darn sure that they are everything you want.
Choosing a blog theme, not quite so important, but since it is an extension of you it should be a theme that meets your needs and serves your message well.
I for one say that if spending the money will get you exactly what you are looking for then spend it. Chances are that you can make the money back by selling copies of your theme to other people.
I am sure that you can get the graphics produced much cheaper than the price you are talking. I know a guy in India that does fantastic graphics he is very inexpensive and very fast.
Just my 2 cents worth
Thomas Northrop
January 11, 2009
6:04 am #comment-43
Hey Dean,
Congratulations on all the success you have been having on your blog and in your course. I’m in the same process of rebuilding my blog.
I have a strong lead from eLance.com that will be rebuilding my blog so its compatible with the wordpress interface for 80 $. If nothing else, try eLance out, give some sample urls or just an explanation of what you want your blog to do for you.
It’s great you can search the site using many different variables including, budget, time, feedback, region etc.
Have a serious interview process exchange detailed emails and if you get all your questions answered, I’d suggest you go for. Make sure you pay close attention to the type of feedback the person is getting, I only deal with 95% or higher (a the end of the day, you can’t please everyone!). Lastly check out their portfolios to get an idea of their design and presentation skills.
Hope that helps.
Keep in touch, I’ll be launching my new blog really soon.
Cheers,
Nadeem
January 11, 2009
1:44 pm #comment-44
Hey Dean,
I think your blog looks awesome but only you can make the final decision whether you are happy with it or not!
I actually deleted my whole blog by mistake and had to start all over from scratch but the truth is I was trying to make it something that I wasn’t and that never works.
Just my thoughts my friend!
All the best!
Roy
January 11, 2009
8:59 pm #comment-45
Hey Dean
I’m in total agreement with everyone else. Save your money – by all means change the theme and maybe get just the header done which you can insert yourself. Content is more important than fancy layouts and graphics.
However Revolution 2 are doing some lovely templates starting at $59.95 for single or $149.95 for all theme package. if you haven’t been there here is their URL: http://www.revolutiontwo.com/themes/streamline
What kind of header were you thinking of? I may be able to help as I do my own.
Best wishes
Doug
http://dougstewartonline.com
January 12, 2009
1:24 pm #comment-46
Dean,
$1300 is far too much unless you are getting custom programming done too? Still too much anyhow.
Premium themes are okay, but i would also venture in the direction you want to go as it will basically do the link building for your blog automatically.
My suggestions.
If you are like me, you like to brand yourself in a nice way. This would include a nice logo that can be re-sized and used for whatever you want. It’s your business signature.
The other option of course you could do is either find a theme you like online and have a freelancer design you that same theme with optional changes. This is what i did and it only cost me 60$ It’ll replicate smashingmagazine com – not quite live yet, but soon.
Of course if you’d like his info, give me a shout.
You know, its actually funny. You are doing exactly what i thought about doing when i had mine re configured. It’s a quality link builder again.
Logo designers. The best, but also the priciest would be logoworks com
designgururyan com is another high quality designer
Just my two cents.
Whatever you do, i’m sure it will look great!
Cheers,
Colin
http://www.marketingwithcolin.com
January 12, 2009
3:20 pm #comment-47
Hi Dean,
Have you got any more clarity in what you want to do yet? In the end it’s all down to your personal preference as there is no right and wrong way to do this, just a matter of prioritising what you want to do with you time/money.
How’s the videoing coming along? I tell you Dean it is going to take you a lot of effort to get a full blown video up and running on your website. Good Luck with it. If you need any help with any of the stages I can tell you what has worked for me, entirely using free tools. Just let me know.
It’s taken me 3 full days to get my blockbuster (ok, 10 min entry for the competition!) up on my site. Hope you enjoy it.
Garry
http://garryparkes.com
January 12, 2009
4:23 pm #comment-48
Hi Dean,
My immediate thought, before I started reading all the comments was SAVE YOUR MONEY……..you are doing a great job. I reckon YOU could have a blank page and people would still go to your blog! It’s ‘content that counts’….I reckon Alex would say the same thing.
I like your new opt-in page!
Cheers,
Colin
January 12, 2009
5:16 pm #comment-49
Well Dean,
It seems almost unanimous.
(Well accept for Vince, who is writing to Dave on your blog. I should probably delete the parenthesis, but maybe that bad Gary has crept into me)
Keep your money. Your blog has been a site that many can relate too. It’s easy to follow, never too busy. You make it easy to find what I’m looking for. I use the arrows often. The color of the header did make me pause on my first visit, but now I don’t even notice it. I see the stars. Nice touch.
Good luck with your decision.
Mrs Renee Olson
PS I initially liked a 2 column layout, but have actually started to like the appearance of 3 column blogs.
January 12, 2009
9:25 pm #comment-50
Wow,
Has this post turned into a resource unto itself.
Some thoughts on your questions,
I think I would consider as to why you want to create your own theme. Are there features you have not been able to find anywhere that you feel are a must for you? Otherwise option 1 would be best.
Rising above the free themes there are a whole lot out there you can get for $50 to $300 and some with a lot of variability.
The aspect of using your own theme as a lead generator is valid, but I would ask, is this the business you are in. What else can you create as a lead generator with the same time and money investment that is most closley related to you?
John