You may start to see a few changes coming to this site over the coming days and weeks. For those who know me, this sort of tinkering is to be expected.
There are reasons behind this latest series of changes. It has occurred to me that with well over 2000 articles published on this site over the past six and a half years, very little of that content is on display. Only using the site;s search function will dig the old stuff up.
So, over the coming weeks, you’re going to start to see banners popping up on the home page and other areas of the site which are a bit like this:
I teased this particular banner on Twitter the other night. These new banners will create their own section of content for specific types of posts. So in this case, anything on the technology front will have its own section. This will show up content specific on this area. There will be same for other types, such as product reviews, personal analysis.
This way, content that may have previously been consigned to the history books can be more easily accessed. I will be introducing these new sections over the coming weeks.
Name change?
One other, slightly more dramatic change I am considering at the moment is whether to change the name of this site.
Double Glazing Blogger started out as a very generic term, and one really to get the ball rolling all those years ago. But since then it has sort of snowballed.
Yet, this industry is far more than just double glazing. Even over the last few years the industry has diversified and expanded so much that the term “double glazing” is becoming less and less relevant.
The problem is though, I can’t think of a good name. It would need to be a name which encompasses all facets of the sector, whilst sounding slick at the same time. If you guys have any ideas on what would make a good new name for this site, please leave your suggestions in the comments section below.
Or do I need to change it at all?
I am also toying around with the forum idea again. I’m not saying I’m definitely going to give it a go. Forums require a lot of work, and I’m still considering if DGB really needs one. I’ll keep you posted on that one.
So, as these updates to the site happen, I’d love your feedback, be it on here or on Twitter. Hopefully these changes will help the site continue to grow and be more relevant to the site’s loyal readership.
I wouldn’t change the name. It’s kind of established enough already not to need it, and has become DGB by default. That’s not offputting, and many firms and brands are known by the initials but not by the words they represent .eg. B+Q. Remember the Consignia debacle at the Royal Mail those years ago? So predictable. It doesn’t need to become slick or have umlauts added! DGB is just that. Simple, and not all about double glazing.You’ve started the way forward off with DGB Design. You don’t need to have any more pop-ups either. The poll pop-up is tiresome for… Read more »
Thanks for the feedback Ginty. I have just been conscious of late about how diverse the industry has become and whether the site’s name reflects that. As you say, if most people know of the site by it’s initials rather than the name, then perhaps it doesn’t need a change. I understand your point about the polls. The reason I have them pop up is I have found that when they do, the poll gets more clicks. Before, when I have posted polls, it’s been more difficult to get results. For example, my poll which asked readers to identify themselves… Read more »
Jason…I am unsure what is meant by a forum?
Hi Mark
Think along the the lines of the GlassTalk website from a few years ago, but within the DGB world. There’s a lot of work involved in forums and so many get flooded with spam that any real conversation gets lost in it. I also have to think about whether reader would find it useful. I think it might be useful for home owners if they wish to interact with the industry i.e. ask questions etc.
Jason
Hi DGB I think it is pretty good as it is , definitely no change of name , just as Ginty says. I’d clean up all the polls and pop ups and keep it simpler , I would give a lot more prominence to the comments though , it helps engage the viewers , there is little point thinking of creating a forum when there is so much more potential to be had from the input from the readers. Show a bigger list of latest comments and make them more obvious , but then I would say that wouldn’t I… Read more »
Hi Kevin Thanks for the feedback. Looks like the DGB name is staying the way it is for the time being! I hear what you are saying about the polls. Like I said to Ginty in my reply to his comment, although the pop-up feature can be a bit annoying at times, it does help me get the votes in. One of my earlier polls got over 600 votes by having that poll pop up on screen. But I will find a way to try and limit how invasive they are. Good points on the comments as well. I am… Read more »
It take time to build brand/reputation so don’t be hasty!
http://bit.ly/1MvfPZ7
Think a forum for consumers is a great idea.
Yes to an index to find old blogs but a very BIG NO to changing name.
Yes to a search on comments as well, that way if you typed BFRC or GGF in, anyone can easily see all the questions they duck out and shy away from :D