Comments on: 10 Tools To Make Your Blog Shine

By: Pam Dyer

Pam Dyer — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:31:05 +0000

But what about the Web-safe font caveat? I *love* the way your fonts work with your design — but have you had any feedback from users who don't have them installed?

By: Francisco Rosales

Francisco Rosales — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:16:28 +0000

Hey Pam, the fonts I'm using are Rockwell for headlines and Cambria for the content. The blog is on Thesis but there is no skin. I love getting Thesis naked and start creating something from scratch, it's really a blank canvas. Let me know if you need help…

BTW, Disqus will be as easy to install as the LinkWithin plugin.

By: Pam Dyer

Pam Dyer — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:03:25 +0000

Thanks for this post, Francisco! I was already using some of these tools, but I wasn't aware of LinkWithin — I just installed it and it's a terrific plugin. I know I should make the leap to Disqus in order to generate more conversation, and I'll take the plunge soon.

I just love the design of your blog. I know you're using Thesis; I am too, but I'm obviously not a design genius. I started blogging last October and I still have a lot to learn. I'm curious — what font are you using? And are you using a skin? I've seen that there are some popular Thesis skins out there, and I'm thinking that one of these could help spruce up my design.

Thanks again for all your great posts!

By: Francisco Rosales

Francisco Rosales — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:05:05 +0000

Hey Tobias, glad you find it helpful. I have tested everything and I think the only one I have removed was the Gigya toolbar because I was taking too long to load…

Thank you and happy new year!

By: tobias tinker

tobias tinker — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:17:43 +0000

Great roundup of tools and practical tips, I'll be implementing most of these (well, the ones I haven't already. Kind of hard not to notice that you've implemented most of them here too… and as usual, everything is presented in a clear, straightforward way – showing as much as telling. Thanks for that, I'll be back…

By: Francisco Rosales

Francisco Rosales — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:44:40 +0000

Thanks for your comment Ken. I gotta say that Disqus is one of those tools that once you start using and getting comfortable with, you start seeing all the potential and hopefully you get the most out of it.

I'm glad you found the post helpful and hope to see you again.

Francisco

By: kenharperii

kenharperii — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:50:17 +0000

Nice collection of ideas; Thank you. I had already added Facebook and Twitter buttons, and a share to the web button, and WP comments, but hadn't thought about adding Discus as a different platform for comments, or adding internal navigation links to related blogs to reduce bounce rate, or polling visitors to add more discussion of the topic. Good stuff !! Should make for a better experience.

By: Jeff Gross

Jeff Gross — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:48:26 +0000

Thanks for the post. These are insightful ideas.

By: Francisco Rosales

Francisco Rosales — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:06:04 +0000

Hey Carrie, let me know what kind of videos because I have a couple of tools I can recommend…

By: carriekish

carriekish — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:03:18 +0000

Thanks for the ideas! I am just getting ready to start posting videos on my blog and facebook (challenge from my coach). I love the idea of using polls in the sidebar. I hadn't even thought of that! Love, Carrie