New Blog Theme – I’m Using the FlexSqueeze WordPress Theme
I can barely hold my excitement in as I’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time now. For about the last week or so, I’ve been playing around with a new blog theme, completely in the background and undetectable to anyone.
Thanks to the plug-in Theme Test Drive, I’ve been able to install a new theme and customize a good portion of it behind the scenes. You’ve all been seeing the current theme while this was going on.
Missing the old theme already? Here’s a farewell snapshot…
In my excitement to roll out the new theme, I forgot to get the snapshot before enabling the new theme, so I had to find a cached version with the old theme… LOL.
As you may notice with the new theme, there is still a lot that needs to be done, most notably the footer area. I’ll get to that in a minute.
This new theme is a customized version of the FlexSqueeze WordPress Theme, which is a completely customizable theme that allows you to create your own unique blog theme. I bought this theme on a recommendation from Dennis Edell, and I couldn’t be happier.
This theme had everything I wanted, and then some. The main thing I wanted was better navigation, and if you’ll notice, the page links are now below the header and to the left, rather than above the header and to the right.
The next thing I wanted was a feature area, which is right below the navigation. I can add whatever I want here, and I may be changing some of the offers over time. The newsletter opt-in will most likely be permanent.
You’ll also notice I now only have one sidebar (a big one at that) on the right-hand side. I also have two sub-sidebars below the main sidebar to add additional content.
Within the next week you’ll see changes being made to the sidebar. I already have plans for it, and once I get everything finalized and the way I want it, it shouldn’t change much after that. So, don’t be alarmed if you see random stuff disappear or appear over the course of this week.
At some point, I’ll be adding a custom header to replace the plain, boring one you currently see. It’s okay as-is, but I think I can make something that stands out a little better.
I’ll also be adding additional pages to the blog as well. Not sure when this will happen, but I know for sure that I’ll be adding a Comment Policy, Disclaimer of some kind, a Write For Us page, and a Resources page that contains tools that I use and recommend.
I Need Your Help
As with any new theme installation, etc., there is always the chance for some bugs/errors to occur. I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary yet, but if you come across anything, please make me aware of it so that I can get it fixed.
And lastly, as mentioned above, there is a feature section at the footer. I had played around with this, but I couldn’t come to a conclusion as to exactly what I wanted there.
So, I’m asking for you to recommend what I should do with that space.
What should I include in the footer area? Should I remove it altogether? Should I add the newsletter opt-in form there also?
I’m open to any and all suggestions.
I’m very excited about the new theme, and I think it looks more professional than the old one. I look forward to the new changes to come, as I hope you are too.
I appreciate and thank you for sticking with me and helping to make this blog what it is. I couldn’t have done it without all of you!
Tags: blog, customizable wordpress theme, Dennis Edell, flexsqueeze, flexsqueeze wordpress theme, plug-in, plugin, theme, Wordpress, wordpress theme
Related posts...
Tagged with: blog • customizable wordpress theme • Dennis Edell • flexsqueeze • flexsqueeze wordpress theme • plug-in • plugin • theme • Wordpress • wordpress theme
Filed under: blogging • Resources • Wordpress
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Twitter: AMater
says:
Just doing a test comment making sure subscribe to comments and TwitterLink is working properly.
@Dennis Edell – You’ll notice only one suscribe to comments checkbox now. I had to change a setting in the WP Thread Comments plug-in.
.-= Alan Mater´s last blog ..New Blog Theme – I’m Using the FlexSqueeze WordPress Theme =-.
[Reply]
Twitter: kaiserthesage
says:
Hi Alan,
This is a clean layout and I personally like it
Very refreshing or I would rather say a much fresher reading experience. About the footer, hmm, I think it’s better to place those special offers on the top right sidebar menu instead, to make them more visible and to make them look more important, since I think they are.
Also with the categories, I think it’s better to display them as a flat list instead of using a drop down list (just for seo purposes and easy-navigation), well that’s just a thought I want to share with you. But overall, this is a good layout and definitely the type of layout that I would apply with my future sites.
Regards,
Jason Acidre
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Jason @ Affiliate Marketing Tools,
Appreciate the comments and for you taking the time, Jason. I agree with you about the footer. I just feel like I should have something there, though. I have nothing in mind at the moment.
I fought with myself about how to display the categories, and I agree about not using the drop down for better SEO. However, they take up a lot of room otherwise. Not sure if I want to sacrifice the space.
Overall there’s still a lot that’s up in the air, and many changes to come, both slight and some more noticeable.
Again, thanks for the input!
[Reply]
Twitter: kaiserthesage
says:
Oh shoot, one last thing… your URLs, they still have “/wordpress/” on it. That’s all
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Jason @ Affiliate Marketing Forum,
I think what you’re seeing is the “wordpress” category. The permalink structure is setup to look like this: /category/post-title/
[Reply]
Twitter: DennisEdell
says:
Lookin’ good my man!
One thing I’d like to mention, whenever talking about it, you should tell how it is an alternative to Thesis; it actually IS “no coding knowledge required” where as thesis kinda lied on that one. lol
Footer – these big footers are getting pretty popular, look around some and you may get good ideas for yours.
Newsletter – header, sidebar, and footer; why not?
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
Thanks!
Ah yes, good point indeed. I certainly love the fact that I don’t have to deal with coding and such.
I looked around and found some plug-ins/widgets that allow you to create slideshows that showcase whatever you want in these “feature” areas. I may give that a try at some point as they look pretty cool and definitely eye-catching.
LOL… I probably will end up putting the opt-in in the footer area, but right now I’m not going to put in the sidebar. Maybe later… we’ll see.
Thanks for the input. I’m currently on the lookout for social bookmarking widgets/plug-ins. Recommend any? Preferably a customizable list that shows up at the end of posts.
[Reply]
Dennis Edell from Direct Sales Marketing
Twitter: DennisEdell
@Alan Mater,
Opt-in box – what I plan to do is, header/middle sidebar/footer. This way, no matter where you’re reading, it should be in your peripheral.
Social plugin recommendation – http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/sociable-zyblog-edition/ – I used it forever and loved it. You can see it working after each post on my old blog – http://www.directsaleswebmarketing.com/ – It’s also one of the only ones I found that plays nice with Commentluv.
I’ve since decided to go hard-code and drop some plugins.
Be sure to review some of those slide-show things after use. I’m not really too into them, but maybe…
Btw, coffee received! I’ll use it sometime this week.
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..6 Blogs – 6 Blog Themes. All the Same or All Different? It’s a Branding Issue… =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll take a look at it.
Not sure if and when I’ll ever use slideshows. Seems a little too fancy, but maybe someday…
Awesome. Let me know if it’s any good!
[Reply]
Dennis Edell from Direct Sales Marketing
Twitter: DennisEdell
@Alan Mater, The one thing I don’t like about most social site plugins, including the one I recommended, is the size of the buttons. If you have much else between the article and comments, they are easily missed.
Yea, really not s big fan of slide-shows myself. If you do use one, make sure its one with forward-backward buttons also so you can manually speed it up or slow it down.
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..6 Blogs – 6 Blog Themes. All the Same or All Different? It’s a Branding Issue… =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
Yeah… which is why I changed the size of the font “Sharing is Caring…” to something more noticeable. We’ll see if that helps any.
Oh yes, the one that half intrigued me does. That’s the only way I would ever use one.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
Also, I’m torn between what color to use for the footer area. Leave it as-is or use black like the top feature area?
[Reply]
Dennis Edell from Direct Sales Marketing
Twitter: DennisEdell
@Alan Mater, I think that might depend on what you place in it; if anything will be tough to see in a certain color.
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..6 Blogs – 6 Blog Themes. All the Same or All Different? It’s a Branding Issue… =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
I played with different options, and I think I’m going to leave it as-is. If anything, what’s inside will change. I kinda just threw something together for now.
[Reply]
Dennis Edell from Direct Sales Marketing
Twitter: DennisEdell
@Alan Mater, May I ask why the reluctance to place it in your sidebar?
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Less is More – Here’s My Current To-Do List =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
Not really reluctant. Just wasn’t sure if I wanted to at the time. The more I think about it, the more I may do it. It does make sense to put it there also, but I don’t want my sidebar to get too crowded.
[Reply]
Dennis Edell from Direct Sales Marketing
Twitter: DennisEdell
@Alan Mater, Did it before I got here, nice. lol
I was gonna say, lose something else if you have too for less clutter. I see a couple things far less important then the sign-up form.
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Name My Blog Network – Win $10 or Ad Space! =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
I agree… however, I want to see how things perform for a while before I change stuff around (again). You know, the whole “testing” thing.
[Reply]
Twitter: BertPadilla
says:
I like the new layout, and it looks better than the previous one. As for the footer, I suggest you make it 3-column if you can and add excerpt about your Bio… Does it sound interesting?
.-= Cebu Tech Blogger@Windows 7 Crack´s last blog ..Download iSkysoft FLV Converter for Windows with Free License Key =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Cebu Tech Blogger@Windows 7 Crack,
Thanks! 3 columns is actually a great idea, but I’m not sure about a bio section there. That’s what the About page is for.
[Reply]
Twitter: DennisEdell
says:
All sounds/looks good so far. I think you need to raise the reply level on the threaded though.
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Comment Replies – Do You Even Notice? =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
Thanks!
Done! Upped it from 5 to 10. Think that will be high enough? lol
[Reply]
Dennis Edell from Direct Sales Marketing
Twitter: DennisEdell
@Alan Mater, I’m sure it won’t take us long to find out. lol
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Comment Replies – Do You Even Notice? =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
LOL… well hopefully you’re right!
[Reply]
Dennis Edell from Direct Sales Marketing
Twitter: DennisEdell
@Alan Mater, Mines set to 20. lol
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Noticing Comment Replies – Part Two – The Flip Side =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
LOL… ever need it that high?
[Reply]
Dennis Edell from Direct Sales Marketing
Twitter: DennisEdell
@Alan Mater, Quite close. I had to raise it from 15.
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Noticing Comment Replies – Part Two – The Flip Side =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing,
Nice. Maybe someday I will too… lol.
[Reply]
Twitter: clickonportal
says:
I wasn’t able to see your old theme, but your new theme looks pretty nice
If I start to get really serious, might get my own very customizable theme as well. But for now, I’m happy with me free theme. lol
I don’t see any bugs from you at my end!
.-= Mici @ Click On Portal´s last blog ..A Nightmare on Elm Street: Thinking of Sleeping? Think Again! =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Mici @ Click On Portal,
Thanks! Glad you like it. There’s nothing wrong with free themes, but they’re harder to customize. My old one was a free theme that I spent hours and hours tweaking and customizing.
FlexSqueeze makes customizing a breeze without having to mess with the code if you don’t want to.
[Reply]
Mici from Click On Portal
Twitter: clickonportal
@Alan Mater, I so hate that part, starting on your blog. There’s just so much to add! Finding plug-ins are a pain but it’s very much needed so I spent a lot of time setting up my blog. I don’t remember if I said this already but one time I messed with the codes and my whole site shut down! It had to be rebooted! Like seriously! I’m seriously planning on taking up web design!!!
.-= Mici @ Click On Portal´s last blog ..Why You Should Break Up your Marriage with Your Free Domain ASAP- =-.
[Reply]
Dennis Edell from Direct Sales Marketing
Twitter: DennisEdell
@Mici @ Click On Portal, Plugins are a snap if you use the same ones on every blog.
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Organization is a MUST I’m Taking Time Off…Line =-.
[Reply]
Twitter: imstrategies
says:
The theme looks really great, I really love the colors, good job!
.-= JR @ Internet Marketing´s last blog ..Google Mayday Update, Caffeine and Tanked SERP Ranks =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@JR @ Internet Marketing,
Thanks! Glad you like it. Anything you would change about it?
[Reply]
Twitter: imstrategies
says:
The only thing I can see is maybe adding more posts to your recent posts widget.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@JR @ Internet Marketing,
Done. I upped the Recent Posts and Popular Posts counts to 10.
[Reply]
JR from Internet Marketing
Twitter: imstrategies
@Alan Mater,
Great, I think it’s much better that way, gives visitors more stuff to read through and stay on your site longer.
.-= JR @ Internet Marketing´s last blog ..Google Mayday Update, Caffeine and Tanked SERP Ranks =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@JR @ Internet Marketing, I agree!
[Reply]
JR from Internet Marketing
Twitter: imstrategies
@Alan Mater,
BTW, are you affiliating for Flex Squeeze? I was thinking of possibly buying it, if you are give me your affiliate link and if I do I will use it.
.-= JR @ Internet Marketing´s last blog ..Google Mayday Update, Caffeine and Tanked SERP Ranks =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@JR @ Internet Marketing,
The link in the post is actually my affiliate link.
That would be awesome, man! I’d appreciate it if you do decide to buy it.
[Reply]
JR from Internet Marketing
Twitter: imstrategies
@Alan Mater,
LOL, I figured that but wasn’t sure, will save the post. I like the theme a lot and thinking of changing over.
.-= JR @ Internet Marketing´s last blog ..Google Mayday Update, Caffeine and Tanked SERP Ranks =-.
[Reply]
Dennis Edell from Direct Sales Marketing
Twitter: DennisEdell
@JR @ Internet Marketing, Definitely give it a go. Alan purchased through me, so we can have a 3-way chat. lol
I’ll be using it on all the upcoming blogs.
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Sub Categories and Drop Down Menus – What’s the Deal? =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@JR @ Internet Marketing,
As Dennis pointed out, it’s definitely worth getting. You can completely customize everything about it to make your site/blog unique. I’m glad I got it.
[Reply]
JR from Internet Marketing
Twitter: imstrategies
@Alan Mater,
I can see that, it really has a lot of features.
.-= JR @ Internet Marketing´s last blog ..Google Mayday Update, Caffeine and Tanked SERP Ranks =-.
[Reply]
Twitter: retta719
says:
I love FlexSqueeze theme
I use it on a few different sites and they all look so different because of all the tweaks and changes you can make to it.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Loretta @Virtual Assistant Resources,
Glad to hear from another FlexSqueeze customer. I’m glad I made the purchase, and as you said, there are so many different tweaks you can make so that any blog you have can be unique. I’ll definitely use it on all future blogs I setup.
[Reply]
Twitter: DennisEdell
says:
Alan, keep eyes open for a contact email I just sent you.
.-= Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Organization is a MUST I’m Taking Time Off…Line =-.
[Reply]
Twitter: marketingcoach2
says:
Hi Alan,
I think that your optin will look better in the right side, because it is what human eye focus first.
Regards,
Ramiro
.-= Ramiro@Internet Business Opportunities´s last blog ..3 Steps To Success With A Work At Home Internet Business Opportunity =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Ramiro@Internet Business Opportunities,
Hey, Ramiro, great to see you here!
I do have the opt-in on the right side as well, but it’s about half-way down the page. So far I’ve been getting quite a few sign-ups from my blog, so something is working.
[Reply]
Hi again Alan (just commented on another post of yours about the backlinks and wanted to check out more of your site!). I started using flexsqueeze about 6 months ago but have mainly stuck to the squeeze page option so far. I find it great to use and it looks really good as well. I’m now experimenting with a theme called “Woo Themes” – I am enjoying it so far but think FlexSqueeze offers more options and can be more easily customized.
.-= Maggie @ Cobra Kai Costumes´s last blog ..Cobra Kai Halloween Costume =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Maggie @ Cobra Kai Costumes,
Great to see you here again, Maggie!
I do like FlexSqueeze a lot and all the different options and types of pages you can make with it, plus the ease in customization. I don’t know much about Woo Themes other than I see some people promoting it.
Hope you’ll stick around!
[Reply]
Twitter: AussieSire
says:
It is a great theme isn’t it. I’ve been using it for ages and I tell everyone how great a theme it is. It has so many features and the latest update absolutely rocks.
I don’t care what anyone says Flexsqueeze is the best.
.-= Sire´s last blog ..FlexSqueeze Latest Update Can Make Your Posts Rock =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Sire,
Absolutely. I have it installed on all of my sites, and with the numerous customization features, each site is unique in its own way. Very easy to use as well.
Couldn’t agree more. Thanks a ton for stopping by, Sire, and hope you’ll stick around.
[Reply]
Hi!
It was nice to find your blog. I’ve been spinning for weeks on what theme to use for a new site I want to start up. There are so many options out there, each with different features, different pricing, etc. One thing I really wanted to get a sense of is how FlexSqueeze handles the normal blog stuff — all you ever hear about is the sales/squeeze pages.
So, how is the “normal” blog stuff working for you? Are you pretty happy with what you can do with the sidebar widgets, etc? For example, in the sponsors section, is that a widget or did you just make a text table to get them to align so nicely. Also, are you using both Keyword Luv and Comment Luv? cool!
.-= Eric Schwager @ Silicon Valley Real Estate Investor´s last blog ..Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-11-21 =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Eric Schwager @ Silicon Valley Real Estate Investor,
That’s a great question, Eric. I’m glad you asked.
Honestly, I couldn’t be happier. Using the theme for normal blogging and such, it works well. As you can see, I’ve been using it for a while now. As far as sidebar widgets and everything, you have full control over what shows up in the sidebar, and you can choose the widgets like you would with any other theme.
The sponsors section isn’t a widget, but the theme actually provides you with the code to use. So, all you have to do is input your image URL’s and links into the code they give you. The theme then provides the spot to insert the code.
As far as other ad placements, the theme provides spots to place Adsense or custom HTML code. You can then specify specific places for the ads to appear. For example, before a post, after a post, etc.
They just recently released an updated version of the theme, which I like even more. Overall, I am more than satisfied with using the theme for blogging. I have yet to actually create any sales/squeeze pages with it. I currently have FlexSqueeze installed on all three sites I own. They all are different in appearance thanks to the multiple customization features that are available.
I would recommend the theme to anyone. Hope that answers your questions about the theme. If you have anymore specific questions, don’t be afraid to ask.
Regarding KeywordLuv and CommentLuv, I use both.
Thanks again, and I hope you’ll stick around.
[Reply]
Twitter: urdigitalspace
says:
This weblog design is awesome. The look is elegant. All the best.
.-= Swamykant@Free WordPress Theme 2011´s last blog ..5 Tools To Escape The 140 Character Limit in Messages =-.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Swamykant@Free WordPress Theme 2011,
Thank you! Glad you like it.
[Reply]
Hi Alan, Theme looks great
Ayden @ Look At BigCommerce´s last [type] ..SEO with BigCommerce
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Ayden @ Look At BigCommerce,
Thanks! Appreciate it.
[Reply]
I like the blog, my sister sent me here since we are having troubles making it in the real estate industry. I look forward to learning from your blog.
matt@dallas real estate´s last [type] ..Frisco- Texas Tops for Jocks
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@matt@dallas real estate,
Great to have you here, Matt! Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.
[Reply]
I do like FlexSqueeze a lot and all the different options and types of pages you can make with it, plus the ease in customization. I don’t know much about Woo Themes other than I see some people promoting it.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@justmoveout,
I absolutely love FlexSqueeze. Don’t think I’ll ever use anything else again.
[Reply]
Twitter: codedigitalcom
says:
I like the new design, I think it’s clean and usable. Good job!
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Lukas@Web Design London,
Thanks!
[Reply]
I have heard of Flexsqueeze and from what I hear, it’s all good points. It’s important to choose a good theme and I must say I have seen really good ones lately although some are pretty expensive. But if you consider the fact that you will probably keep the same theme for at least a couple of years, it’s good investment. Well yours is looking darn good I must say.
JaneP@Hip Replacement Surgery Video´s last [type] ..Kidney Stones – The Most Horrible Pain Of My Life!
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@JaneP@Hip Replacement Surgery Video,
All good points, Jane. Glad you like this one!
[Reply]
There are plenty of free themes out there that give me everything I want. If I were going to pay for one I’d probably get the whole thing custom made instead of a premium version. Since it looks like I’m late to this party I have to ask, what kind of opt-in rate do you get on each box since you decided to throw three on the page? I doubt the bottom one or the one on the side gets much attention, but I could be wrong.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Anthony@acne diets,
I receive a few sign-ups each day, usually. The forms were more to fill space when I first changed themes and haven’t gotten around to changing things around since then. Any ideas on what I could replace them with?
[Reply]
Nice theme, clean design. Keep up the good work. One day I want to be able to design themes more easily (not quite there yet though).
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Craig@ potty training a puppy,
Thanks, Craig, glad you like it. Might want to look into FlexSqueeze… it’s super easy to edit the design and layout.
[Reply]