Adios, Blogger!

Well, y'all, the time has come... this will be my last post here on Blogger! If you've been following along with my rebrand process, you'll know that I'm moving to WordPress. The bulk of my new space on WordPress is set up and I'll be making the move and import in the next few days. This way, I can start writing and posting from my WordPress platform next week! And I've already got some great posts in store for my first couple of weeks on the new site. 
Earlier in 2015, I posted somewhere about how one of my blogging goals was to move to my own domain and get rid of "blogspot" in my URL. Well, friends, it's happening! I'm super excited to finally own my blog. It's the little things, right?

Starting next week, you can find my blog at www.athoughtandahalf.com! 

I guess I should be more sentimental about leaving Blogger and moving to WordPress. After all, I did blog here for nearly 3 and a half years! While it will be an adjustment (the learning curve isn't bad, though!), and I will have to get out of the habit of typing "blogger" into my browser, it's time for the move. We'll see if that habit dies hard. 
Anyway... adios, Blogger! It's been fun. WordPress, I'm coming for you! 

The Official Big Announcement!

If you read my post about rebranding your blog earlier this week, then you probably have an idea about what's coming. If not, well... I've got a big announcement on this Friday!
I've had this space for over 3 years, and in the last year and a half, it's become a huge part of my life. Blogging itself feels like second nature. I take this space very seriously and I'm proud of what I've done here so far. But I feel like there's so much more to come. 
And that's why...

That's right, the blog is getting a major facelift. Here's what you can look forward to:
A new domain // It's been purchased and it's set up, but it's obviously not launched yet. But the space is officially mine. Yay. I'm starting to own the Internet. 
A new design & aesthetic // I'll be testing my design skills here. New colors, fonts, symbols, embellishments, and new features on my blog's layout... it'll all be here. And it'll look fabulous.
A new platform // That's right... I'm moving to WordPress! As much as I rag on WordPress and how it frustrates me, who would've thought I'd actually make the move? But I am. The bad taste from working with WP last semester in grad school has (mostly) gone away. I know there will be a learning curve and it will take some getting used to, and I'll admit I'm nervous about it. But I know it will be a great move and it'll be one of the best things I can do for the future of my blog. 
So when can we expect to see all this come to fruition?
Not immediately, I will say that. While the plan has been floating around in my mind for a few weeks, and I've done some of the basics, like mockups and first versions of my new title/logo, the whole rebrand will not be launched until after I finish graduate school and have (hopefully) settled into a new place and job. 
No worries, though - I promise to keep y'all updated and in the loop throughout the process. I'll share some teasers and sneak peeks at my new design and layout, and fill y'all in on switching to WordPress. That will be the biggest challenge for me. But I'm ready to tackle it!
If you have any advice, insights, or any words of wisdom to offer, please do not hesitate to share them! I'm always looking for easier or new ways to do something, or a different solution, or any kind of advice. Blogging is an always-learning process, and I know I'll learn a whole lot during my rebrand and launch.
Have you rebranded your blog recently? What was the hardest part of the process for you?

9 Things to Consider When Rebranding Your Blog

Lately I've had some big blog things on my mind...like a rebrand, or a blog facelift! Sure, I used to play with my design a lot, but this time, I'm thinking about some larger changes that I'd love to explore and implement on the blog. When my creativity starts flowing, new ideas start forming, and I just can't help myself...I have to see where they take me! It's exciting, and I'm not gonna lie, it's a little overwhelming, too.
When I started making my list of plans, I realized how much goes into a rebrand. I did a mini rebrand way back in my first year of blogging, but nothing like what I'm thinking about now! Whether you're doing a full overhaul and rebrand, or just giving your blog a little facelift, there are lots of things you'll need to think about. Here are 9 things you should definitely consider when planning to rebrand your blog!

1. Design and layout // Whether you're keeping the same color scheme or choosing a new one, design choices are super important in a rebrand. This includes but is not limited to: colors, fonts, symbols, embellishments, elements...anything that contributes to the aesthetic of your blog. Making your blog look nice is a top way to attract readers.

2. Platform and domain // This is one of my biggest points of contention in my own process. Right now I'm on Blogger, and have been since I started. While WordPress and I aren't the best of friends, I know tons of people who use it and love it. Squarespace is another option I have to explore. Whatever I decide platform-wise, I would love to move to my own domain and get rid of that "blogspot" in my URL. I hope that, once I have some money saved, I can literally own my blog by the end of the calendar year!

3. Rename // No worries, y'all -- A Thought and a Half will remain the name! But for some people, a rebrand means a complete overhaul, name and all. A fresh start is good for you sometimes, right?

4. Tag line // As much as you need to think about your blog's title, you might need to consider a new tag line, too. It's like a slogan for your blog that gives your audience a brief glimpse into what they'll be reading. Be creative and catch their eyes! 
5. Content strategy // Is your content changing in any way (see below)? Are you shaking up your content calendar and post frequency? Do you want to open up to guest posts more often? The #1 blogging rule--at least my #1 blogging rule--is to be consistent, no matter what I do or how often I post. Whatever your new strategy is, stick to it and own it!

6. Theme and subject // Are you a food blogger looking to branch off into fashion? Is "lifestyle blogger" a little too broad and you need a more specific vision? I'm sticking with my same theme, but I would like to incorporate some more blogging and social media-related content.

7. Social media presence // A rebrand is a great time to launch a new social media page for your blog, or to push for more traffic on another page. I'd love to grow my Facebook page, so that'll be a big focus for my rebrand.

8. Time frame for rebrand and launch // For me, my rebrand won't happen until after graduation and I've had time to wind down from school and focus on the blog. I've got a little while before I get too deep into it. Plan and schedule your rebrand and launch on a time frame that works for you. Don't rush it! 

9. Keeping your readers updated // Communication is key! Update your readers along the way so they know when big changes are coming, and know to be patient if some of your new elements are up and some aren't. You can post update posts with little sneak peeks and teasers to help build buzz and excitement so readers can tune in for the big debut!
Rebranding your blog is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. There's so much to think about, but it's always worth it in the end. If you're happy with it, then your readers will be happy, too.

Have you ever rebranded your blog? What was the hardest part of the process for you? Would you add anything to this list?