Blog Critique: Writing Unleashed

In this series I give constructive feedback about the look and function of an author blog from a marketing perspective. As always, I rely on help from graphic designers Tom Barnes (my hubby) and Joe LaRue. To review the blog elements we look at or to submit your own blog for critique, go here.

We have a special Wednesday edition blog critique today. Why? Because I said so. How's that for an answer. So go on over to Laura M. Campbell's blog, Writing Unleashed and come back to discuss below.

First of all, Laura, congrats on having such a cool name. And secondly, congrats on becoming a professional writer! WOOT!!

There are some great things going on in your blog: You have your profile at the top of your sidebar, you have ways to subscribe by RSS, and you are getting your name on other people's blogs (great marketing!). But when you have time - I realize you are a busy bee lately - there are a few things I would suggest to move your blog to the next level.

• Name in Title: You're a professional writer! Get your name in the Title or, at the very least, the subtitle. People need to be able to find you.
• Post your contact info: Again, you never know who's looking to reach you through your blog.
• Get a Search box: I love me a search box. It really makes things easier for new readers.
• Have more than one post per page: I've never given this note before, but I find it a little annoying when there is only one post on a page. It does make for easier reading, but one of the things I like about blogs is being able to quickly read through several posts. Having to always hit "Older Posts" is a little time consuming.
• Your font color is sometimes very nearly the same color as your background post. Make sure it's always a light color so we can see it.
• Also, the yellow color that you use for your links is so great. It would be better as your post color. Make your links white instead.
• And speaking of color - we like the brown that you have on the bottom better than the brown that is your post backgrounds. It's a cooler brown and would be a cleaner contrast.
• I've said before and I'm saying again - I like single sidebars. They are cleaner. Just my opinion.
• But if you're going to have two sidebars, really think about what you need there. Your awards are cool, but I'd put them at the bottom or on another page. They tend to look awkward since they are different sizes. Then move your followers up under your profile. Make it easy for people to follow.
• Connect to your writing, girl! Yes, I know, I don't do it yet either because I'm lazy. But you're not lazy. You're a professional writer with a goal of being published this year. Get your writing samples up for those agents to look at. And think they don't look? Well, let me tell you a story: I had an agent ask me just last Friday for my blog address. Man, I really should have had my writing samples up. Learn from my mistakes, Laura. Everyone, learn from my mistakes.

And that is all I have for you, my fellow Laura. Again, congrats. Here's to a great year for you and your writing!

Anyone else have any feedback for Writing Unleashed?