You may have noticed that I’ve stepped back to doing only two posts a week lately. To be honest I need that extra day (and more) to truly focus on where I want to take this blog and the rebranding. It’s a massive task.
Now that I’ve sealed the new name, there are so many other things that I need to be 100% crystal clear about. What exactly do I want to blog about? How do I want people to feel when they read my blog? The truth is that I will most probably keep a lot of the content, but perhaps be a lot more focused. Really, the idea for the big change was because my name didn’t fit what this blog represents, but it’s still a good idea to have a good hard look at what works and what doesn’t and what I can introduce. I’ll definitely expand a few areas, like the business side of things. I’ll sometimes post tips on blogging, explore social media and interviews with the experts. I also intend to go out and photograph more shops, makers and businesses.
I take my notebook with me everywhere and jot ideas down as they come to mind. I’m also pinning to a secret Pinterest board all of the things that I like in the form of typography, images, colours and styles so that I’m 100% clear when I hand the brief over to the designer. I’m looking at the navigation of different blogs. What is it that works and what doesn’t? I take note of that so that I can hand it over to my web builder.
It’s such a different, more thought-out process then when I first started blogging. I have even hired a coach to mentor and guide me through this mirage of rebranding. It’s really an exciting journey that I’m on and it’s filling my head very waking hour.
As I move forward, I have two questions that I’d love if you take the time to answer:
1) Do you think I should do it in two stages like I was initially thinking? to avoid confusion… I was originally thinking that to avoid confusion when people landed on my redirected site, I would change my name first and then a month later; unveil the new logo and rebranding. Everyone I speak to now tells me not to do it.
2) Is there any content that you definitely want me to keep or lose? What about regular features like 5 Decorating Questions and 5 Food Questions? Do you think that they’ve had their time and perhaps its time for a change? Is there anything that you would you like to see more of?
Feel free to answer just one along and of course, any other suggestions are very welcome.
Thank you so much for your support to date, it means so much to me.
Happy weekend to you all!
Mel xx
P.S You can also follow updates on the rebrand via Instagram.
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Heya Mel x
I agree with everyone else – one big hit! :) it’s a lot of work and the process involves a lot of your mind space, but you’d just feel so great when its done and done! Its like building and moving into a new home and you finally finish all the unpacking in one go and can sit down with your feet up feeling proud.! hehehe..
I love your existing content, its a good mix, would love to see a travel post on NZ maybe…? auckland in a day or in 2 days..?. last time when i visited Auckland (that was ages ago mind you :) ), i struggled to find any tips on where to eat, shop and visit…of course only if that’s what you’d like to write about :) just thought NZ/Auckland deserves a shout out cause its a lovely place :)
love and hugs x
Thanks Joi. Yep, I’m certainly going to do it in one hit now. Funny enough, I did a post on Auckland in 1 day which you can find here http://melchesneau.com/2014/09/10/1-day-in-auckland-interior-sightseeing/ That kind of thing is certainly something I can develop. Mel xx
ah, this is perfect.! thank you Mel.! so sorry i hope i didn’t come across as rude just trying to be interactive :) thanks again x
your loyal fan :)
Oh not at all, I love your suggestions keep them rolling in. xx M
Hi Mel, did you ask your tech guy how it goes with page ranking? I mean you have been done a great job the past years and A, M&C is probably well ranked now on Google. How could you maintain that with a new name? On the other side, if you really feel you just wanted to start from scratch, just go for it! G, x
I’m not entirely sure. Each old post will be redirected but not sure on the rankings. I figure that there probably will be a drop initially but will be worth it. xx
I think 2 posts a week are perfect Mel! You need time for the rest of your life too! Can’t wait to see the results-I know you’ll make an amazing job of it-congrats lovely lady! Xx
Thanks Caroline. That’s so very true and I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks down time over Christmas with the family. It’s going to be bliss xx
I would do it at once and if you are worried you can always put a strapline “previously known as…”
What I found with mine when I switched recently from bodieandfou.blogspot.com to http://www.karinecandicekong.com is that to start with the traffic drop (I hadnt put one last post about the move on the old blog so make sure you do)
Also remind people to change/bookmark the new url. My blog is listed on a lot of blogs but its still the old address which eventually forward them onto the new one.
But regardless of stats, traffic, the best thing about having a new blog is that I started enjoying blogging again. I had finally got a blog that was me and since then I had a great amount of pleasure writing & sharing with everyone again
I saw the other day that you changed and it looks gorgeous Karine. I can imagine how much more energised you’d feel, I simply can not wait and feel like I’m in a bit of a holding pattern. I’m interested in the drop in traffic. Didn’t you get a redirection in traffic for each of your posts? x
I agree with everyone else, I would do it all in one hit too. I can’t wait to see the changes, especially the name. It’s very exciting! X
Thanks Emma. Interesting how I’m being swayed by you all x
So exciting! I can’t wait to see the result. I know it’s a lot of work, especially if there’s a limited amount of time in which to do it. Rooting for you! xx
Thanks Yvonne. It feels so good to have great support xx
Mel
With my marketing / branding hat on – launch name and look & feel at same time. You can always include a fun banner with current name and name change info. A phased approach will detract from your new vision and approach and lessen the impact.
Michelle x
Thanks Michelle. Yep I think its definitely looking like the way to go! xx
I agree – all at once. I would keep your redirected site up for awhile (I don’t know exactly how this works) so those who don’t check regularly can find you especially if you are changing your name. I can’t wait to see the brand new virtual you!
Thanks Cyndi. The pressure’s on!!
Hang in there – only good things will come.
Thanks Cyndi xx
I’d say do it all at once rather than in 2 stages. Everyone who regularly follows you will know that this is happening anyway, and I know that I can’t wait to see it all unveiled…don’t know if I could wait for 2 stages! xx
Thanks Leigh-Ann – yes I was always worried about the people that pop over once a month to check in… There are always people like that also.. I’m definitely swaying towards doing it in one hit. Excited and nervous! xx
Definitely launch the rebrand in one big hit. Far better to do it with a bang! And you’ve covered the change enough that people aren’t likely to be confused… or if they are, there’s enough content on here explaining it that you shouldn’t have any trouble! :)
Thanks for your advice Rosie. Yes I’m kind of thinking that way too… I guess leading up to it, I can do a bit of a countdown or something. x