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Blog Tips
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August 27, 2013

5 Things Every Blog Should Have

Your Name: I can’t tell you how many blogs I come across that I can’t even find the name of the author. Readers want to get to know you, starting with your name! {preferably, this should be the first thing in your about section on your sidebar and at the foot of each post}.

Ways To Connect: Make sure to have your email visible via icon or on a “contact me” page. If I want to email you, I want to be able to find it quick. Also, make sure to have all of your social media icons at the top of the page so that people can connect with you. I advise starting social media pages on all platforms. I know that it might feel silly having a facebook page for your blog and only having 1 or 10 followers but trust me, it is better to start early. This is one thing I really regret, I didn’t create or share my social media sites until a month and a 1/2 or so into blogging. Because of this, I missed so much time building relationships. Give your readers more ways to follow you via twitter, facebook, instagram, bloglovin, pinterest and rss. Trust me, they want to KNOW you and it is easier to have a convo via twitter or facebook.

About Page: What is the most viewed page on your blog (besides your homepage of course)? Most likely, it is your about page. I know for me, the first thing I do when when visiting a new blog is scroll through their home page, then proceed to their about page to learn more about them. This means you could missing an opportunity to connect with readers. That is BIG! Read my post here about Tips For Your About Page.

Navigation: I think that it is vital to have a search bar and archive on your sidebar. By having these, it will allow people to stay on your blog longer and give them ways to search through your past posts. I often go back to find posts I have read on other blog and it is really helpful. No one wants to waste time hitting the “back” button 20 times to get to a post you wrote a few months ago. 

Easy Way To Comment: I think everyone hates spam. This is one of the most annoying things, however, google does a pretty good job of filtering out spam, so turn off your word verification for your comments. Its easy. Go to settings > Posts and Comments > Show Word Verification & hit NO! I had this on for probably a month without even knowing it! I also currently use Disqus instead of the normal blogger commenting.

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42 Comments
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    I love this! And all blogs definitely need these things!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    I agree!!!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    Yes!! You totally hit all the nails on the head, girl. It still boggles my mind about the first one. Come on, every blog should have a name attached. I think some people are so paranoid with the internet but at least give us a fake name! haha

    Awesome post, will be tweeting to my followers later xoxo
    Blessings,
    Jacy
    http://www.jacyleepulford.com

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    So true! I’m using Disqus too and I’m loving it!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    How do you add a search bar?

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    What is so great about disqus? I don’t use it but when i comment on blogs who do, I don’t see their reply for months because I don’t use disqus myself and it doesn’t e-mail me when I get a response. I just noticed your response yesterday to my comment I left on your Wicked post and realized that others have replied to my comments that I just never knew of. So I’m just curious what makes disqus great? Why would I want to convert to it? At this point I’m not a fan of it because I’d be afraid that my readers would experience what I’m experiencing where I don’t feel like certain bloggers are responding to what I have to say on their blog. I look forward to hearing the pros and cons of it! – of course, I’ll have to remember to check out my disqus account to see when you reply lol. Other than that, I think these tips were great and I agree with the frustrations of not even knowing who you’re reading about when their name shows up no where!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    That is strange and not the “norm” that I know of. When I comment on someones blog with diquis and they comment back, it comes straight to my email…not sure why yours isn’t coming back!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    Found it, I think it is in your settings on disqus.

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    I agree with everything you just said, especially regarding word verification on comments. They’re a turn off. Now, I’m off to go make sure I have a “search” button and that my “archive page” is somewhere on the home page. As for social media, it’ll take me a while. I feel like I’m so socially overextended. I can bearly keep up as it is:)

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    Heather, I was a little skeptical switching to disqus too, but I’m glad I finally did. Disqus emails me when someone comments on a post or responds to a comment I made on someone’s blog, or any other comments I make elsewhere using the app. The cool thing is that it actually merged my blog comments (although i lost links to people’s profiles) I’m actually beginning to love it.

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    What a great post! I’m new to the blogging world, and I appreciate pros like you who take time to help the newbies out! 😉 Thanks for sharing!

    http://sometimesgracefully.com

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    Thanks Nicole! That’s helpful, I’m looking into the switch! 🙂

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    You’re welcome! Let me know how you like it:)

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    Great list! So many blogs don’t have About pages and it just confuses me as to why they don’t.

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    Yes ma’am to all of these. I am always annoyed when I go to a blog and there is either no about me page or the page says coming soon. That was literally the first thing I wrote. I also hate when their is no search bar or way for me to see older post other than clicking the back button.

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    Agree with all of these! It’s funny I read this now because a couple of days ago I was looking for someone’s name and could not find it anywhere! I think it should be on the sidebar section, but some people find it necessary only in the about-me. I don’t know how I feel about that!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    I am very new to blogging, so this was very helpful. I have been following some of my favorite blogs for a while so I can appreciate the things you have outlined as a reader as well.

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    I agree wholeheartedly with every one of these!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 27, 2013

    Thanks for this post! I love reading tips and tricks to the blogging world. 😉

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 28, 2013

    PREACH sister!! i can’t stand it when i can’t figure out the name of the person who is writing the blog or how to subscribe!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 28, 2013

    Thanks for this post- so helpful!hugs

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 28, 2013

    I so agree with your #1 – It’s shocking how many bloggers forget to include their name on their page! It’s hard to try and develop a relationship with someone when you don’t know their name 🙂

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 28, 2013

    Holy moly, you took the words right out of my mouth!! I actually have a blog post almost exactly like this scheduled for next week!! Great minds think alike! 🙂

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    haha.. love that… yes a fake name will do!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    Thats funny 🙂

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    I know!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    Thank you for reading!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    uh… yes how to follow is a biggie too!!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    Thanks for reading

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    thanks girl

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    thank you kelsey!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    Yeah, i mean you are spending more time on their site “Hunting” but its frustrating sometimes..lol

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    Yes… search bar is a biggie for me!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    I know I like to read more about them…haha.

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    ekkk… dunno if i’m a pro..haha.. thank you though!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    I can do it for you if you want.. but you just go to layout then add gadget and scroll to search and hit add, then drag it to where you want it in your layout..

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    yep! I had mine on for awhile without even knowing it!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    love it!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    thank you!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    thanks girl!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    Got it. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Marquis Clarke
    August 29, 2013

    Thank you for all the tips! I have to agree I dislike going to a blog and loving it and not being able to contact them or looking for some of this information.

    XoXo,
    Nicole

    http://www.nicole-kelly.com

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Marquis Clarke

Hi, I’m Marquis Clarke

I'm a modern mom of two, who strives to encourage women throughout marriage and motherhood. I embrace life as it comes with kid meltdowns, family dance parties, and snacks galore. I believe that laughter is the best medicine, simplicity is perfection, and that life is breathtakingly beautiful.

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The Sudan Crisis is at the forefront. As of last September, over 14 million people have been forced from their homes due to the ongoing conflict - over half of them being children.

@WorldVisionUSA is responding with lifesaving support—and we can help! 

3 Ways to Help: 
SHARE this post, PRAY for displaced families and children, or DONATE using the link in my bio to support World Vision’s lifesaving work.#WorldVisionPartner
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Their slides are awesome. 😎 The dueling splash blasters are our favorite!

We rode so many slides this year and when we weren’t on a slide, we were in the lazy river or by the wave pool.🌊

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  • 💙You can use my PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long!💛🎟️

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You can camp in a tent, bring your RV, rent cabins, bungalows, houses, etc - they have so many lodging options.

& at their campground, you can:😎

Eat at The Hideaway
Play Bingo
Play Putt Putt Golf⛳️
Play on playgrounds
Watch a family movie 🎥 
Play life size games
Play Laser Tag
Eat s’mores
Listen to live music
Rent Golf Carts (a MUST in our book)
Go Biking or Fishing or Paddle boarding
Play Pickleball, Volleyball or basketball 🏀
&& MORE!!!

We’ve made so many awesome family memories here over the years! Highly recommend planning your next getaway to Splashway!💦☀️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
  • First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
@marquis_clarke
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Yesterdays La Dolce Vita Brunch at @zanticucina was so much fun!🍋💙 The atmosphere was filled with joy, the restaurant was decorated with so many cute details, they had live music and the food was beyond delicious! Make sure to follow @zanticucina and watch for their next themed Brunch in July and August!! But don’t wait until then to try them out - their menu is amazing and their pizzas are next level! #houston #houstonmoms #thewoodlands #thingstodoinhouston #houstoninfluencer
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@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
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4th of July Kid Basket 💙🧨 COMMENT “shop” for the link to everything! Just such a cute way to get your kids excited about the holiday. I love making these sweet memories with them. #4thofjuly #kidbasket #targetfinds #targetmom #tarhetdoesitagain / https://liketk.it/5gN9h
2 days ago
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I dunno how I blinked and went from 25 to 35 😳💗 so thankful for another year and excited to see what 35 feels like…. Prob the same as 34🙃

COMMENT “shop” for the link to my dress 💗

#happybirthday #hbd #summerdress / https://liketk.it/5gL2N
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
I dunno how I blinked and went from 25 to 35 😳💗 so thankful for another year and excited to see what 35 feels like…. Prob the same as 34🙃 COMMENT “shop” for the link to my dress 💗 #happybirthday #hbd #summerdress / https://liketk.it/5gL2N
3 days ago
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@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
Today is #WorldRefugeeDay. 🧡🌎Did you know that number of refugees has TRIPLED in the last decade, making this one of the most urgent and escalating global crises? The Sudan Crisis is at the forefront. As of last September, over 14 million people have been forced from their homes due to the ongoing conflict - over half of them being children. @WorldVisionUSA is responding with lifesaving support—and we can help! 3 Ways to Help: SHARE this post, PRAY for displaced families and children, or DONATE using the link in my bio to support World Vision’s lifesaving work.#WorldVisionPartner
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
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@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
💙You can use PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long!💛🎟️ We truly love @Splashway Waterpark so much!💦☀️ 10/10 always recommend #splashway because it’s so family friendly for all ages (toddler - adults). Their slides are awesome. 😎 The dueling splash blasters are our favorite! We rode so many slides this year and when we weren’t on a slide, we were in the lazy river or by the wave pool.🌊 #houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark #houstoninfluencer
4 days ago
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@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
💙You can use my PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long!💛🎟️ We truly love @Splashway Waterpark and Campground so much.💦☀️From their fun family friendly waterpark to their lively, activity filled campground. There’s never a dull moment. You can camp in a tent, bring your RV, rent cabins, bungalows, houses, etc - they have so many lodging options. & at their campground, you can:😎 Eat at The Hideaway Play Bingo Play Putt Putt Golf⛳️ Play on playgrounds Watch a family movie 🎥 Play life size games Play Laser Tag Eat s’mores Listen to live music Rent Golf Carts (a MUST in our book) Go Biking or Fishing or Paddle boarding Play Pickleball, Volleyball or basketball 🏀 && MORE!!! We’ve made so many awesome family memories here over the years! Highly recommend planning your next getaway to Splashway!💦☀️ #houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/7
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊 It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙 🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️ #houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
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