For those that know, I am a bit thrifty, a little stubborn, and incredibly interested in how things work. I often believe that it is this combination of traits that has lead me to my DIY passions and can do attitude. Which is why after about a year of research, debate, talking it over with blogger friends, and attending a blogger conference last weekend, I finally decided to make a switch here at Home Everyday, and of course I did it mostly by myself.
You will notice that the design is a bit lot different than before. However, that is not all that has changed. I made some changes behind the scenes too, which will hopefully make writing this here blog more fun, but more importantly will make your experience as a reader even better too!
I made the switch from writing all of my posts on Blogger to a self hosted WordPress site, and here’s why:
1. Labor of Love: When I started Home Everyday, I wasn’t sure where it was going to go. I didn’t want to spend a great deal of money on something that might not succeed, and beginning my blogging journey on Blogger seemed like an easy, foolproof, and low risk way to get moving on a blog. I was able to customize some features I wanted. However, as Home Everyday grew, and I learned more about this blogging industry, I learned that there are some set backs to starting a blog on Blogger. Also, I want to own my own content. To quote blogger buddy Jennifer Evers of Me Myself and Jen who gave a great keynote talk at Collective Bias’s SoFabU On The Road Chicago Conference last week, “not having a self hosted site is like building your dream house on rented land.” So, after about a year of hemming a hawing, I decided to make the switch. The hundreds of posts and photos on this site chronicling a lot of me and my families adventures were too much for me not to own.
2. Back Up the Backups: While I was always sure to back up every photo and blog post I wrote on Blogger, I was never really positive if something went really awry, would have I have a way to restore everything quickly and easily. Not only did I want to build my dream house on land that I owned, but I also wanted good homeowner’s insurance too. With WordPress and my hosting provider, I now know that if something does happen, my content is safe, and I am able to restore it much more easily.
3. More Features: Writing on this platform has so many more features in which I can showcase my writings with all of you. There are also ways to better organize the information on this site so it is more easily accessible.
4. Familiarity: When I first began Home Everyday, I had no idea what I was doing in regards to a blog. However, I have had the amazing opportunity to also write on my South of I80 blog at ChicagoNow. This is where I was first able to become familiar with WordPress and learn some of the awesome features, and over time I have become increasingly familiar with this platform.
5. Customization: One of the reasons I have never gotten a tattoo is because I change my mind way too often. I like being able to switch things up and customize them depending on seasons and trends. WordPress will allow me to more easily make design customizations to this site to make it more beautiful.
I hope that you enjoy the new Home Everyday!
