I'm packing my virtual boxes and making the move to Wordpress!Change -- even good change -- is always a little scary. What if I lose all my subscribers? What if I can't figure out how to use Wordpress? What if my entire site gets lost in cyberspace?!
I finally overcame my neurosis and pulled the Trigger for a few reasons:
1.) Easier connection with my readers. That is the #1 reason I made the switch. Wordpress plug-ins enable you to reply to your readers on your blog and then send them your response via email. I love that it makes interacting and connecting with your readers so easy. I think being able to see replies also helps fuel dialogue and discussion. I can't wait! And I haven't even scratched the surface of all the cool Wordpress plugins!
2.) I'll own my content. Right now, Google owns my content. And since they didn't write a word, that seems sort of unfair. Plus, since they own it, they could conceivably shut down my blog at any time. I don't know of anyone who this has happened to, but I don't like the idea that it could. Self-hosted WordPress means I'm in control of my blog and its content. And as a recovering control-freak perfectionist, that appeals to me. (Old habits die hard.)
3.) Enhanced SEO. I've heard from several bloggers who made the switch that they saw a boost in traffic after making the leap.
4.) I like the look. Wordpress blogs just have a look I like. I love that I won't need a magnifying glass to see the number of comments. I like having smaller versions of old posts under current posts, so new readers can easily peruse the latest archives.
Blogger has served me well. And I certainly visit many awesome-looking -- and just plain awesome -- Blogger blogs. But, for me, for the above reasons, I just decided that it was time to pack up and move on.
So please excuse the chaos around here next week. I'm making the move on Monday and Tuesday, so it's doubtful I'll be able to post Tweet Me Tuesday this week, but be sure to link up on Kristen's blog, MamaBytes.
I look forward to chatting with you in my new home!
I'm new so don't have as much to lose but I'm still scared to do it! I plan to do it in the upcoming weeks though. Maybe I can learn from you. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI made the switch. Initially I was very overwhelmed, but am finally getting the hang of it. :O)
ReplyDeleteMelinda, can't wait to hear how that works out. Will we need to sign up to follow you anew?
ReplyDeleteKaren, I don't think you should have to subscribe again. At least that's what I've been told by the designer who's making the switch for me. I'm praying all goes as planned! ;0)
ReplyDeleteI have thought about doing this for a lot of the same reasons. I'm still so new at this, but I love the clean look of wordpress. Are you working with a web designer to help with the transistion? I'm curious to hear more about this move and see what afects it has on your blog. Good luck with the move! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope it works out for you. Looks like I have to sign back up for it!
ReplyDeleteI just moved (from WordPress.com) last weekend and so far so good. I found a great site: http://bloggingwithamy.com and she provides clear, step-by-step info for WordPress if you need it. Good luck on the move! :)
ReplyDeleteHey! You were above me on the SITS Sharefest roll today. Hope the move goes well! :) Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI may follow you over! I used Blogger simply because I had a Google account, but I immediately wished I'd used Wordpress. Let me know how it goes! Can you put your old posts over there, too?
ReplyDeleteSee you at your new "home"..
ReplyDeleteYou are so brave! I don't think I could ever make a big switch like that....i am so bad at change! But I do look forward to seeing your new digs!!! Exciting for you!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think you're brave, too. I'm not...yet, anyway.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...now I'll have to figure out how to follow you! But I will, don't worry. Too much good stuff here to miss it!
You're going to LOVE it!! It might take some getting used to but if you need me I'm here!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so brave! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteHey Melinda... here's a thought... why don't you buy a domain via blogger (all your subscrobers stick around and get shifted there automatically) )and then you can keep it when you move to wordpress, so your subsribers will still have the same address and will just land in a different operating system?
ReplyDeleteJust a thought - might make the transition less likely to lose people ?
xx
Hi there Melinda,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on "making the switch." I think i'm going to move my business site over first and then we will see how that goes... i'll be looking to make sure you are ok... enjoy the "packing" lol
hugs,
shelley
Yay, good for you. I made the switch a few months ago too. Hope it goes smoothly! :)
ReplyDeleteWOW--love that you are making the move!! I didn't know all that info about google--like they own the content! WOW! Thanks for informing me! Hope you are doing well:) THANKS for sharing your talents:)
ReplyDeleteps...do you know if we (RSS feed followers) will have to resubscribe to your new blog site? Not that it matters--I just was wondering:) **NOTE:: just read your response:) LOL!
HOOOORAY for changing!
Hooray and good luck with the move! I'm already looking forward to seeing your new home. Luckily for moi, my husband works as a web designer and is very familiar with Wordpress. He designed my blog for me and showed me the ropes and what do you know, even a technologically-challenged woman like me now knows her way through it. You will love it!
ReplyDeleteThat's exciting. I had no idea about Google owning blogger content. Lame! Hope your transition isn't too stressful. Looking forward to seeing the new page!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know, too, that you're one of my always-read bloggers, and I left you an award on my post this week :).
I made the move about two months ago and it has been a good one. I wrote four posts about my transition. You can view the posts at christianmommywriter.com and type WordPress in the search box.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you! :-)