If you've been wanting to start a blog, and were considering blogger as your blogging platform of choice but were immediately told off by other bloggers, then you will find confidence in this post because we are about to prove everyone wrong, once again.
If you're new to this series, Blogger on Blogger is my brainchild. It's my interview series that I've started to let people know that's acceptable to start your blog on the blogger platform, and whether your blog makes money or not is dependent on a hundred different factors none of which are labelled as your "blogging platform".
In this interview, Brenda, a full-time blogger will share why the blogger platform works for her and might work for you too, there's no need to be afraid of the platform.
Q.
Is your blog hosted on the blogger platform? If yes, then how long have you been blogging? And what do you blog about?
Answer:
Yes, my blog is hosted on the Blogger platform. I started this blog in April 2009. In 2012, while recovering from double ankle surgery, I decided to move my blog to Wordpress.org. I moved myself there, with the help of an eBook.
I had a lot of trouble on WP with getting hacked, etc., so after a year I moved it back to Blogger. On WP, you can simply add one too many plug-ins and your blog disappears till you figure out which one was the culprit. I had that happen a few times. And it's pretty scary when you go to your URL and it's empty!
In the interim of moving my blog back to Blogger, a technical problem with my domain host (Godaddy) caused me to lose all my posts from 2009-2013. But I didn't give up. I just started all over again. Since I post daily and sometimes twice daily, I now have quite a few posts built back up.
I had several blogs before this one, so have been blogging a total of about 9 years.
I blog about home, garden, frugal tips, my everyday life, and a little bit of everything.
Yes, my blog is hosted on the Blogger platform. I started this blog in April 2009. In 2012, while recovering from double ankle surgery, I decided to move my blog to Wordpress.org. I moved myself there, with the help of an eBook.
I had a lot of trouble on WP with getting hacked, etc., so after a year I moved it back to Blogger. On WP, you can simply add one too many plug-ins and your blog disappears till you figure out which one was the culprit. I had that happen a few times. And it's pretty scary when you go to your URL and it's empty!
In the interim of moving my blog back to Blogger, a technical problem with my domain host (Godaddy) caused me to lose all my posts from 2009-2013. But I didn't give up. I just started all over again. Since I post daily and sometimes twice daily, I now have quite a few posts built back up.
I had several blogs before this one, so have been blogging a total of about 9 years.
I blog about home, garden, frugal tips, my everyday life, and a little bit of everything.
Q.
Why did you choose blogger to be your blogging platform and do you currently earn an income from your blog? If yes, would you say it’s full-time or part-time?
Answer:
Blogger is simpler and it is free. That is the main reason I like it.
Blogger is simpler and it is free. That is the main reason I like it.
Q.
Have you worked with brands on your blog before? If yes, were they worried you’re not professional because you’re on blogger or was your blogging platform never a concern?
Answer:
Yes, I make a full-time income. I have an annuity that isn't nearly as much as I make blogging that helps out. But I work full-time and would estimate that it is a full-time income.
Yes, I make a full-time income. I have an annuity that isn't nearly as much as I make blogging that helps out. But I work full-time and would estimate that it is a full-time income.
Q.
Do you think it matters what platform you use for blogging? Or is it the content and value you give to your readers that attract them to your blog?
Answer:
My blog platform has never been an issue with brands. But for 2017 I decided not to work with brands or guest posts or anything other than what I'm doing daily. I don't think readers like sponsored-type posts, as I don't like to read them myself. So I just decided not to do any of that anymore.
My blog platform has never been an issue with brands. But for 2017 I decided not to work with brands or guest posts or anything other than what I'm doing daily. I don't think readers like sponsored-type posts, as I don't like to read them myself. So I just decided not to do any of that anymore.
Q.
According to you, what are some of the pros and cons of blogging on blogger?
Answer:
I have been on quite a few blog platforms in my time. I started out with Typepad. I then went to Wordpress.com. Then Blogger. Then Wordpress.org, and back to Blogger. I really think it is about the content, not the platform.
I have been on quite a few blog platforms in my time. I started out with Typepad. I then went to Wordpress.com. Then Blogger. Then Wordpress.org, and back to Blogger. I really think it is about the content, not the platform.
Q.
Why do you think blogger is a better blogging platform in comparison with the other blogging platforms out there?
Answer:
My main problem with Blogger is that it's hard to get help when something happens. I have had my blog URL hijacked and taken over by a blogger in Italy who was on Blogger also. I have had my blog stolen. And I've had trouble finding someone who could help me figure out what to do.
I truly believe that a company that works solely with Blogger would be quite beneficial. I think a lot more bloggers would stay on Blogger if that was the case.
Maybe a private forum of some variety would also help. Perhaps even a forum with a Blogger company that has a small monthly fee. As I rarely have gotten the Blogger forum help to respond to my questions.
My main problem with Blogger is that it's hard to get help when something happens. I have had my blog URL hijacked and taken over by a blogger in Italy who was on Blogger also. I have had my blog stolen. And I've had trouble finding someone who could help me figure out what to do.
I truly believe that a company that works solely with Blogger would be quite beneficial. I think a lot more bloggers would stay on Blogger if that was the case.
Maybe a private forum of some variety would also help. Perhaps even a forum with a Blogger company that has a small monthly fee. As I rarely have gotten the Blogger forum help to respond to my questions.
TIP : That's exactly what Balkeni Studio is about! I'm passionate about helping bloggers on blogger platform succeed, I don't want technical or support problems to deter you from having an amazing blogging experience on blogger. That's why I offer a range of services, blogger templates, branding elements, e-commerce on blogger and I offer custom services to match your needs, all you will need to do is get in touch with your custom request.
Q.
Is support, tech help, and customisability (of templates, etc.) an issue on blogger? Do you feel that your blogger blog lacks on these fronts?
Answer:
No, I use third party templates, so I can get pretty much whatever I want for a good price. I have also learned over the years and can fix or customize some things myself.
Blogger gives you lots of areas in which to customize with their platform. So that is nice. I don't have any trouble figuring out how to do something if I really want to do it.
No, I use third party templates, so I can get pretty much whatever I want for a good price. I have also learned over the years and can fix or customize some things myself.
Blogger gives you lots of areas in which to customize with their platform. So that is nice. I don't have any trouble figuring out how to do something if I really want to do it.
Q.
Is it true that you don’t own your content on a blogger blog and blogger can shut down your blog any second?
Answer:
I don't know what exactly gets a blog shut down, but that has never been a problem for me. I think you own your content just as much with Blogger as you do with Wordpress.org.
Because if you happen to not pay your hosting bill with WP, there goes your content! No hosting company is going to keep your blog online if they don't get their money on the stated date.
Blogger is its own host and therefore that isn't going to happen. Although I have heard a few cases of blogs disappearing. So I don't really see the difference.
I don't know what exactly gets a blog shut down, but that has never been a problem for me. I think you own your content just as much with Blogger as you do with Wordpress.org.
Because if you happen to not pay your hosting bill with WP, there goes your content! No hosting company is going to keep your blog online if they don't get their money on the stated date.
Blogger is its own host and therefore that isn't going to happen. Although I have heard a few cases of blogs disappearing. So I don't really see the difference.
Q.
Do you think you one can’t effectively monetise a blogger blog? Is it hard to monetise a blog that’s on blogger?
Answer:
I personally have never had a problem making money on Blogger.
I personally have never had a problem making money on Blogger.
Q.
Blogger is a very limited platform, once your blog grows, you’re going to have to shift to some other platform. Do you agree with this statement? If yes/no then please give your reasons as well.
Answer:
Not true. Blogger is not limited at all. It has no limits.
Not true. Blogger is not limited at all. It has no limits.
Q.
Any advice for those that are just starting out their journey on the blogger platform as a new blogger?
Answer:
I really think that when people on WP tell you that you can't do this or can't do that in terms of growing your blog on Blogger, it is a complete falsehood.
I don't see Blogger as limited. Instead I think the blogger might be limited in their abilities. Because if you reach out to others and do some research, you can do the same things on Blogger that you can do anywhere else. It just might take digging a little bit more.
But I've never minded digging!
I really think that when people on WP tell you that you can't do this or can't do that in terms of growing your blog on Blogger, it is a complete falsehood.
I don't see Blogger as limited. Instead I think the blogger might be limited in their abilities. Because if you reach out to others and do some research, you can do the same things on Blogger that you can do anywhere else. It just might take digging a little bit more.
But I've never minded digging!
Know More About Brenda
If you have just started your blog on the blogger platform and you know nothing about it, this post is for you. If you are thinking about starting a blog, I have some other tutorials for you.
NOTE : this blog post is for the new blogger dashboard. If you're looking for a post about the old dashboard, please stay tuned. Once it is live, I will update this article with a link to that post.
By the end of this post, you will be confident in your way around the blogger dashboard. You'll know about all the settings available to you in the dashboard that you can use to manage your blog easily.
To make this blog post easy to understand I have divided the blogger dashboard into four sections, the top section, left section, middle section and the right section.
We will be covering in detail what buttons and features each of these sections have.
Top Section
TIP : Click on the image to enlarge it.
Starting from the hamburger menu (≡) on the very left: Clicking on this button will collapse the navigational tabs on the left (Which is also called the main menu). These tabs lead to other places inside the dashboard, by default the posts tab is open every time you log in to your blogger dashboard.
Then you'll see the blogger logo along with the text letting you know you are in the blogger dashboard currently.
There is a search box located in the middle of the top section. If you would like to search for anything such as a post, whether published or not you can use this. You can even search by typing the post name or some of the words that are present in the post name. For a more detailed search guide, read this post from Google.
Next, you'll see a grey circle with a question mark, this is specifically to help you understand how you can use the search box more effectively. It leads directly to the post I linked above. It's always there and easy to access so that you can look it up for reference whenever you need.
Moving on you'll see another question mark, this question mark serves a different purpose. You can access two places using this button. You can enter the blogger help forum (this is where normal blogger users volunteer to help each other with blogger related problems.
I myself am a blogger product expert in the forum, you can check me out here.) or you can send feedback directly to blogger about an issue or general features/updates you might want to see (for example, password-protected pages and posts is a great feature blogger blogs don't have, you can send in this request in the feedback telling blogger you want this feature and how it would be beneficial for you).
INFO : The same button is used for Help and Feedback, remember, help takes you to the support forum and feedback lets you send any feedback. Also, please don't expect blogger to respond to your feedback. It is only for sending feedback.
Unfortunately, there is no "customer care" available for blogger. There is no contact number you can use where someone from their support team will get in touch with you.
That is why I started the dedicated blogger section on this blog. I wanted to help you, the information on this blog, to the best of my capabilities is accurate, tried and tested. And it's all free. So I encourage you to add this blog to your reading list or signing up to receive blog posts directly in your inbox. Just so you're always in the loop about the latest about blogger, tutorials and obviously ways to use your blogger blog by taking it to the next level.
I'm here to help you with your issues on your blogger blog. I'm a real person you can talk to with years of experience using the blogger platform. I try to give out as much free information as possible. If you need me to help you troubleshoot, or look into something for you one on one, you can have a look at my services here.
The Left Section
TIP : Click on the image to enlarge it.
Not much has changed in the left section. For the most part, it remains the same. Let's take a look at the few changes there have been before we get into what each button is for:
- The help and feedback button which had previously been relocated to the left navigational menu, is no longer there. This button has now been moved to the top section as mentioned above.
- And addition has been made in the form of a new button, this button is called, "Back to Classic Blogger" all blogs using the new blogger are able to switch back to the classic editor if that's what they prefer.
NOTE : The classic blog editor is not mobile responsive, unlike the new blogger.
The left section of your blogger dashboard serves the purpose of helping you navigate around the blogger content management system.
First, you'll be able to see the name of your blog, and then right underneath you'll see the link to view your live site.
Then you'll see the navigational menu laid out in a clean manner, you have all the tabs you'll need to make the most of your blog. This navigational menu is always visible by default unless you click the hamburger menu (≡) in the top section.
Right underneath the navigational menu tabs, you'll see the Reading List tab. This tab allows you to read other people's blog, it's easy to follow blogs you like and you can stay updated anytime, anywhere.
Then a small button is located to help you go back to the classic (old version) of blogger if needed.
The middle section
TIP : click on the image to enlarge it.
- You can now see the small arrow on the top with the number of posts you have on your blog. This arrow is a filter and if you click on it, you'll be able to sort blog posts on the basis of, All, Draft, Published and Scheduled.
- Then blog posts are visible, now will notice that the status of the blog post is now visible in this section instead of being in the right. The way the labels where shown have also been improved upon. Personally, I prefer this. It also tells you the number of labels on each post now.
You'll see an image (if you've added an image to your blog post) thumbnail, otherwise, you'll see the first letter of your blog post title. you'll also see the title of your post, labels and date of creation in the middle section.
The Right Section
TIP : Click on the image to enlarge it.
- You'll notice many changes here. You'll see the number of comments and views have changed in design. Now, there is a number in front of the icons respectively.
- Other than that you'll also see an "eye" icon, which you can use to preview the post (this used to be in the middle section before).
- There are three dots, once you click them you'll be able to see three options, Discard (Trash/Delete), Apply Label and Publish.
- Your image and author name are also shown in this section.
I hope you've enjoyed this detailed, in-depth tutorial and it will help you adapt to the new blogger in a guided way.
There are many more changed sections in the new blogger dashboard which I will be covering in the next posts over the course of some weeks. I hope these posts will be beneficial for you.
As always, if there is anything just let me know in the comments down below!
If this blog post has helped you, in any way please consider donating to help me publish content more regularly. This blog as you know is powered by hours of work and coffee (it's expensive!, by the way).
Your kind donation really helps me keep up this blog, costs related to running it and helps motivate me to keep bringing the latest news, status, and tutorials to you.
You can even follow my blog add it to your reading list, or sign-up to receive all my blog posts in your inbox so you never miss them.
And lastly, you can request for a blog post or a tutorial you need but can't find on the blog.
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- Three-level-menu
- Stylised widgets
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- Premium blog header
- Well documented
- Responsive theme
- Customisable colours
All sales on digital products are final, unless you purchased two of the same kind.
Theme FAQ's
Do you offer installation?
Yes, we do. All you need to do is get in touch and I will install the template on your blog for you.
My images are not aligning properly.
For images to appear exactly like they do in the demo they need to be 1200px wide and set to original size and centred. If your images are smaller, the template will adapt as long as they are set to original size and centred.
Are the read more breaks automatic?
No. You need to add them in manually by adding the page break option from the blogger post editor.
Is this template SEO-friendly?
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Do you offer support?
Yes! We offer lifetime support for problems in the theme. If you need customisations, those cost extra.
Can I resell these templates to my own clients?
You may purchase this template to build an individual client's site but you may not remove the credits. They need to stay intact. You may not claim our work as yours.
Can I purchase this template elsewhere?
You can purchase the template directly from this post without any worries. Or via our shop.
What do I do if I want some customisations?
Please get in touch with us, customisations usually cost $5-$15.
Do you offer any other perks?
Yes! if you have a template from our shop, all our other services come with a 50% discount. You can explore our services here.
Can I see a list of detailed features and information?
You can view the more information, including a live demo of the theme in the shop.
Many people have been bringing the issue of being unable to comment on blogger blogs using the Safari browser. If you've been having this issue, you're about to hear some good news.
There are many bloggers who wrote to me highlighting this issue, and since I experienced it too recently (after upgrading my Macbook) I just had to dig deeper into it.
This issue is fixable and you're going to learn exactly how to fix this issue in this post.
01. Clear Browser cache and Cookies
The first step is to clear out your browser cache and cookies.
NOTE : This will log you out of all websites you are currently logged into. Please make sure you have all passwords stored somewhere or you remember them!
When I mention Tab, I mean the set of options that look like this:
- Open your Safari browser
- In the tab click on Develop > Empty Cache
- Then Click on Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All
You've successfully managed to empty cache and cookies, check to see if your comments are working now. If they are still not working, continue to step 2.
02. Disable Safari Extensions
Sometimes extensions can cause conflict on websites. You'll need to check if any of your extensions on Safari are causing this:
- Click on the Safari tab > Preferences > Extensions
- Now disable each extension one at a time and see if the comments work.
- Once you've repeated this step for all your extensions you'll know if the extensions were causing this issue, if you still can't comment on blogger blogs then you can turn your extensions on again and move onto the 3rd step.
03. Enable Cookies and Cross-Site Tracking
If none of the above steps have helped then:
- Click on Safari > Preference > Privacy
- Make sure that Block cookies is unchecked.
- Make sure that Prevent cross site-tracking is unchecked.
This should definitely help solve the issue once and for all!
If this blog post has helped you, in any way please consider donating to help me publish content more regularly. This blog as you know is powered by hours of work and coffee (it's expensive!, by the way).
Your kind donation really helps me keep up this blog, costs related to running it and helps motivate me to keep bringing the latest news, status, and tutorials to you.
You can even follow my blog add it to your reading list, or sign-up to receive all my blog posts in your inbox so you never miss them.
And lastly, you can request for a blog post or a tutorial you need but can't find on the blog.
As a blogger product expert in the Blogger Forums, and a tech and design expert who offers services related to the blogger platform, I find it important to discuss some known issues and more about the blogger platform.
Recently bloggers have been reporting that their images in blog posts have disappeared leaving a minus sign on grey circle. This is an issue that seems to be affecting all blogger blogs.
The good thing is that blogger is aware of it and is working on a fix. However, there is no official ETA available on the resolution.
My personal recommendation
This issue has been affecting all my blogs as well. If you are impatient on a resolution I recommend swapping out your images, this means re-upload them to your blogger blog posts.
When will a fix be available?
As I mentioned, there is no official ETA available on it, however I'm keeping a close watch on the issue itself and will update this blogpost whenever a fix is offered.
Additionally you can even follow this post on Blogger Forums to stay updated.
TIP : Always keep your blog backed up, with a copy of your post and the images stored locally on your computer.
This will help you to easily replace images or content if something goes wrong! In case you don't have the images stored with you, you should click on the image link in your blog post editor, go to Google Album Archive or From This Blog and you should be able to get the image back into your post.
If this blog post has helped you, in any way please consider donating to help me publish content more regularly. This blog as you know is powered by hours of work and coffee (it's expensive!, by the way).
Your kind donation really helps me keep up this blog, costs related to running it and helps motivate me to keep bringing the latest news, status, and tutorials to you.
You can even follow my blog add it to your reading list, or sign-up to receive all my blog posts in your inbox so you never miss them.
And lastly, you can request for a blog post or a tutorial you need but can't find on the blog.
Recently, I painted this beautiful floral wreath with yellow roses and red peonies making it a perfect fit for this weather. It was time well spent. With real watercolour stimulation, it's hard to say it's handprinted, but digitally.
It's available for purchase on my shop, my Etsy and on Canva as always.
Q.
Is your blog hosted on the blogger platform? If yes, then how long have you been blogging? And what do you blog about?
Answer:
Yes, I've been blogging since 2008. However, I been blogging on Blogger platform since 2013. My blog is about my experience and reviews with different things like travel, beauty, clothes, events and other things. Pretty much, my blog is lifestyle, full of different topics.
Yes, I've been blogging since 2008. However, I been blogging on Blogger platform since 2013. My blog is about my experience and reviews with different things like travel, beauty, clothes, events and other things. Pretty much, my blog is lifestyle, full of different topics.
Q.
Why did you choose blogger to be your blogging platform and do you currently earn an income from your blog? If yes, would you say it’s full-time or part-time?
Answer:
I chose Blogger because it is an easier platform to use, and no hassle of worrying about getting hacked or blog crashing due to spike in traffic. Plus, Google is King, why not use a product from Google?
I earn a full-time income using Blogger, and was able to quit my job two years ago thanks to my blog.
I chose Blogger because it is an easier platform to use, and no hassle of worrying about getting hacked or blog crashing due to spike in traffic. Plus, Google is King, why not use a product from Google?
I earn a full-time income using Blogger, and was able to quit my job two years ago thanks to my blog.
Q.
Have you worked with brands on your blog before? If yes, were they worried you’re not profes- sional because you’re on blogger or was your blogging platform never a concern?
Answer:
I've worked with several different brands and been featured in different national publications and not once was it a concern that I was using Blogger platform. Honestly, I've had people tell me my blog is easier to use and navigate.
I've worked with several different brands and been featured in different national publications and not once was it a concern that I was using Blogger platform. Honestly, I've had people tell me my blog is easier to use and navigate.
Q.
Do you think it matters what platform you use for blogging? Or is it the content and value you give to your readers that attract them to your blog?
Answer:
Content and value is what's important, not what platform you're on.
Content and value is what's important, not what platform you're on.
Q.
According to you, what are some of the pros and cons of blogging on blogger?
Answer:
Honestly, nothing I can think of. Well, Blogger does need to do HTTPS for custom domains.
Honestly, nothing I can think of. Well, Blogger does need to do HTTPS for custom domains.
Q.
Why do you think blogger is a better blogging platform in comparison with the other blogging platforms out there?
Answer:
Easier to use and not slow to load up like other platforms.
Easier to use and not slow to load up like other platforms.
Q.
Is support, tech help, and customisability (of templates, etc.) an issue on blogger? Do you feel that your blogger blog lacks on these fronts?
Answer:
Blogger lacks tech help and support which can make people not want to use their platform. I wish there was a phone number for Blogger so I can speak to a live person.
Blogger lacks tech help and support which can make people not want to use their platform. I wish there was a phone number for Blogger so I can speak to a live person.
Q.
Is it true that you don’t own your content on a blogger blog and blogger can shut down your blog any second?
Answer:
Not true! You own your own content and can take your content anywhere you go if you happen to leave Blogger. However, yes, there are rules you have to follow with Blogger or take a risk of getting shut down. But if you follow the rules you will have no problems.
Not true! You own your own content and can take your content anywhere you go if you happen to leave Blogger. However, yes, there are rules you have to follow with Blogger or take a risk of getting shut down. But if you follow the rules you will have no problems.
Q.
Do you think you one can’t effectively monetise a blogger blog? Is it hard to monetise a blog that’s on blogger?
Answer:
Nope. I monetize my blog in many different ways like affiliate links, ads, sponsorships, and with my eBook.
Nope. I monetize my blog in many different ways like affiliate links, ads, sponsorships, and with my eBook.
Q.
Blogger is a very limited platform, once your blog grows, you’re going to have to shift to some other platform. Do you agree with this statement? If yes/no then please give your reasons as well.
Answer:
Not true. Blogger is not limited at all. It has no limits.
Not true. Blogger is not limited at all. It has no limits.
Q.
Any advice for those that are just starting out their journey on the blogger platform as a new blogger?
Answer:
Enjoy the journey on Blogger, and don't let naysayers push you to other platforms. Use a platform that works for you.
Enjoy the journey on Blogger, and don't let naysayers push you to other platforms. Use a platform that works for you.
Author Bio
A mom of two teenage girls. A full-time, professional mom blogger based in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. She enjoys learning and reviewing new products. She's a passionate brand influencer.
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