Putting it to a Vote: Should FWJ Change its Design?
May 5, 2008 by Deb
Filed under Freelance Writing
Make no mistake. I’m a work at home mom. I’m proud and honored to be here for my son and watch him grow. I began FWJ for WAHMs and watched with amazement as the community grew beyond that of a mom blog.
Now I’m wondering if the work at home in your pajamas design is just a little too cute for what we’re doing here now. I guess you can say I’m having an identity crisis.
What do you think? Do you like FWJ’s current design and logo, or should it be something more professional and business oriented? I do value your opinion.
I tell my son that it’s not where you live but how you live where you live. In your case the content of your blog is much more sophisticated than the appearance of your home page. However, the information that you provide and the lessons that can be learned are invaluable. Perhaps you can setup a beta site with a different theme and let the readers vote!
“Wahm-in-pjs” is recognizable, at least to me, as part of your brand, even if I can’t relate to the image.
I think you’re feeling some of the same things that Wendy at eMoms/Sparkplugging went through. Your site has grown to have a much broader appeal than originally intended, and maybe it is indeed time to look less like a “mommy blog.”
I vote for a change.
I think the mom in pajamas at the banner helps me feel at ease here. Had the design been too professional when I first got here last year, I’m not sure if I’d have stayed. But then again Deb, if you think a blog design is necessary for FWJ to move to the next level, then go for it.
I just looked at the site yesterday for the first time ever. I didn’t even notice the graphic since I was focused on the stellar info the site contains. Updating her to be sitting with a laptop at a coffee shop might work, however!
I agree with Mariella that it feels very welcoming and not intimidating like most of the other sites, especially to a beginner.
Dee has a good idea about creating a beta site and then deciding which you prefer best.
An updated look is always good, IMO… but I agree, don’t lose the welcoming feel. I think you can shout “professional” without getting too businesslike.
I vote for change.
Bob is on to something when he says that he can’t relate to the current image. The importance of a brand is not only that it is instantly recognizable as belonging to the organization, but also that it has universal appeal. You probably have just as many men as women read your blog, so the brand should reflect that.
Honestly, I have never cared for the whole idea of presenting the pjs image of work at home. Anyone who freelances knows it is a business, and you have to be diligent to make it work. The pjs image makes people outside the profession think working at home is just a way of pretending to have a job.
I agree with the others who say that they found the logo extremely accessible. That being said, it would be nice to have a slightly more streamlined way of navigating the site. It often takes me a little while to find what I’m looking for
I have always liked the appearance of, and the picture on your blog (it never dawned on me those were pajamas she was wearing), but I do think a more professional look is a good idea.
It never occurred to me that the girl in the image was wearing Pjs. Strap on a pair of over-sized sunglasses and that’s how a lot of women dress to go shopping around here.
You’re never going to please or relate to everyone.
If you don’t think it reflects what you’re trying to do, change it. Otherwise, I think it looks fine. And I agree; it’s quite welcoming and personable.
I’m one of those people who after a few months MUST move around furniture in my home. If I can’t move the furniture, I’m rearranging cupboards. My poor husband and kids will just have gotten used to where everything is and then I’ll move it again. It’s an urge I can’t control, so I’ve learned to appease my inner voices and just move things around rather than question what others might think.
Love it the way it is but will love it no matter what you decide!
I’ve never enjoyed cutesy cartoons, and I feel the image directly targets women and not the broad audience you have.
It’d also be nice if you ditched some of the RAM heavy advertising going on – loading is slow, even on premium high speed. Dialup is barely accessible and requires an extreme amount of patience.
I think you can do better. Do me a favor, though… don’t have some big identity crisis with related panic attacks and tears, k? It’s just a redesign.
I agree with the others. The logo seems very polished and inviting. The pajamas are not even that much of a central feature. If you wanted to modernize it just a bit, perhaps you could make the background wallpaper more sleek, and perhaps clutter up that neat desk a bit more to add realism. (Okay, perhaps I should just speak for myself on that one. My own desk always has a pile of papers somewhere on it.) Good luck making your decision.
When I think of freelance writers, I don’t automatically think of people working from home in their pj’s, although I do work from home and do work in my pj’s sometimes.
You’ve changed during the past three years and your audience has changed too, so I think a change in logo would be a good thing.
Thanks for the input thus far.
A note about ads – I know the Kontera ads are so loading – though it doesn’t take long for me. It’s 1/3 of the income though so I’m reluctant to let it go. I’m looking into other forms of advertising in the mean time.
Re: Pajamas
Realistically – I’m in capris and a t-shirt today. Yesterday – sweatpants and a hoodie. Very rarely am I ever dressed up working from home, so the PJ’s image doesn’t phase me in the least.
Re: Loading speeds
I don’t have a problem with them at all on hi-speed.
As for panic attacks – I’ve experienced them for eight years now – my mom and maternal grandmother both dealt with them as well. I can guarantee it takes more than an identity crisis to trigger one!
I agree that it’s very inviting which is great for those just starting. I too, may have been intimidated by a more “professional” design. However, I’m glad I checked you out and kept coming back since I just got my first paid-to-blog (not just shared rev. gig)! It’s not huge but I’m excited. So I’m glad that your site is welcoming. But it’s your site. Do what you need to do. I love it no matter what it looks like and am glad you keep it up.
Don’t let your advertisers know you’re looking to get rid of them. Bad for business.
@Adam – I think when you’re talking about an Adsense or a Kontera it’s not such a big deal. Other advertisers are a different story…
Before you make any decision, I believe you should evaluate your goals. If you only want to change or become more professional because suddenly more people are watching you, you might want to consider the fact that you gained these people largely *because* of your format.
I have never viewed your blog as a “professional” site. Your posts, like your design, are very casual and contain quite a bit of personality. But *you* are quite professional in the way that you post regularly, respect your readers, and overall try to create a community. That’s way more important in my book.
Playing with your brand can be a heavy thing. Make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons, try to find out if you will gain readers or lose them by doing it (I suppose that is what this vote is all about), and try to identify what type of readers you want to reach with your changes. But most importantly, listen to your gut.
That would be my advice anyway…
~Graham
I think the pj design is cute, but it doesn’t fit this site any more (says the person working from her pajamas at noon). Hadn’t thought about it, but it does have that mommyblogger feel to it, as does the whole color scheme.
I don’t find the ads to slow down my connection, but I did have an issue a couple of weeks ago where, when I came to this site, it shut down my browser.
I’m more or less indifferent towards the graphic (never even realized she was wearing PJs) although it is kind of cutesy and stereotypically “girly.” I think a graphic redesign might be a good idea, but I wouldn’t care too much if you left it the way it was, too.
Although I have to agree with James on the ads. Your blog loads SO SLOWLY with dial-up and even with the broadband connection at my day job. I know that the ads bring in money, but frankly I find myself reading your blog less and less because I don’t have the patience for a one full minute load time plus the possible risk of crashing my browser.
I don’t adore pink and blue pastel – so I vote for new no pastel logo. Also, this blog never loads slow for me. It’s always fine.
I just blogged on this topic today!
I vote for a change!
http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/899/if-your-focus-changes/
I’ve always loved that cartoon image, but I am a mom – and I do work in my PJ’s.
Since many readers of your site are men I vote for a change that will be welcoming to both men and women. But I’ll miss the pajama girl!
@James – Do I smell a steretype? Not very cricket, especially if you are a regular visitor.
@Graham – I’m not so sure that all of this bsuiness was built because of the format, meaning logo design. People are on the lookout for opportunities, and are consciously scouring the web for places that offer them. Many of the loyal followers of this blog said they stumbled on it. The format aspect that made them stay was an easy to use list of current openings. That shouldn’t change. But as you said a brand is a heavy thing, it makes you or breaks you. As an enterprise, if this blog is to survive to anniversary four and beyond, there has to be signs of evolution and growth. Sticking with the same old same old is not the way to go.
I like Deanne’s idea of putting her with a laptop in a coffee shop. (Keep the same girl, I have grown to recognize and like her – just get her dressed!).
I’ve got to stay home with my littlest one most of the time. But believe me, when she is old enough for kindergarten, I intend to A: have a laptop by then, and B: sit in a coffee shop for one morning a week, maybe doing the planning/outlining portion of my work.
She really is cute (I’m still in my jams at 11:25 am!), but this won’t always be me either. Nor will it always be you, Deb
I’d say make a change, but don’t stray too far from the comfy welcoming look that draws people in. Definitely avoid something stark and really graphic. That would be just too weird.
Maybe you have the pj girl and a guy sitting at small adjoining tables like in a cute bistro coffee shop with bookshelves. That way all these menfolk will have someone to relate to!
Deb,
I’m having the same conundrum. I took a poll and readers were split (many of them said they’d read the blog regardless of what it looked like). But if you’ve had this design for awhile (which I’m assuming you have, since it’s been like this the whole time I’ve been reading), it may be time for a change.
Susan
I have to also agree with Rhonda – I sort of thought she was in a cute little summery outfit, or loungewear, but maybe not straight out of bed. Her hair looks too good! Anyway, I have seen much more casual jammie girls than her. She is on the more sophisticated end of that spectrum.
But maybe it’s time she got dressed
And give them both laptops and latte’s. Hey, maybe that will inspire us jammie wearers to get out of the house once in a while!
Deb,
I don’t think the girl even looks like she’s in her pj’s. More like a tank and yoga pants. Really, do any of you who work in your pj’s look like THAT when you do it? I don’t work in my pj’s simply because I don’t feel fully awake without a shower so it’s the first thing I do in the morning. My work uniform consists of jeans and a t-shirt.
I’ll be here regardless of your logo.
Deb, my first design was similarly ‘feminine’ with lots of pictures of me with my kids. My very first move to help correct my early mistake of targeting too closely on moms was to change my theme to one that was less girly/mommy-ish.
Listen to your readers – and it sounds like they are saying that they love you no matter what, and that they agree that your content has gone beyond moms too.
So I’ll also put in my vote and say go for it!
You could definitely go for a more professional look, but I do think that freelancing from home is something people here can relate to. Maybe a slightly less girly image would help male readers feel more at home, too.
As for the pjs . . . like many here, I had no clue those were jammies! But it´s a good idea to portray a non-pj work atmosphere, I think. It´s important to treat writing like a business.
That being said, I´m a wahm, too, and I thoroughly enjoy it! It´s always great to see other moms making it work.
As a relatively new reader, I don’t associate your blog with WAHMs at all, so it’s quite possible your target audience has changed. I think the current header, which is pretty “girly,” could potentially be a little off-putting to men checking out the site. Not because of the woman, but because of the flowers, pastels, etc.
But as everyone else has said, it doesn’t make a lick of difference to me personally!
@Maria – Point taken. I agree 100% that evolution and growth are usually a good thing. On the other hand, change for the sake of change (not to mention change made without planning ahead) isn’t always the route to go — that was my main thought.
However it is becoming clear that many of Deb’s readers have some great ideas for change. I guess my own comment posted not 2 hours ago is already dated (don’t you just love the Speed of Life on the ‘Net?)
~Graham
I didn’t realize those were pajamas. It is a rather “girly” image, but I just took it as a representation of how you see yourself, or what you like to see.
So I vote for change only if you feel the image doesn’t represent you well.
(I’ve been keeping up with the blog for several months but haven’t said much, so hello everybody!)
@ Graham – You’re absolutely right on two counts. Change for change sake is a worthless expenditure of effort, and the speed of the Internet overtakes us all at times.
When I redesigned my site, I was most worried about ease of navigation and not losing the casual, welcoming feel; this would be the same advice I’d give to you. I say go for it
I personally adore the cartoon, but completely understand what the guys are saying. Pink girl in pajamas all cutesy and sweet isn’t very appealing to men writers and probably even women writers who don’t care for pastels and feminine designs. I also agree that the content is so stellar the cute cartoon can’t be that big of a turn off.
My favorite color is pink, but I went with a design on my blog that hopefully appeals to men and women. I’ve had several men and women e-mail me to tell me they love my site design so *fingers crossed* I think I chose wisely. My wee blog is nowhere near the status of yours but I did want to appeal to a broad audience.
Oh, and I’m on DSL so I’ve never had a problem with loading your site.
Whatever you decide, Deb, you’re doing a great job and I’m a happy reader!
-Michele
I’m honestly surprised there are so many strong opinions!
Even though I come here day after day I’m not tired of the site’s look at all. I love the format and I think the design is nice and not overwhelming. I actually had never noticed that she was wearing pjs, I thought it was just a tank top and pants.
Laurel – I didn’t realize they were PJs either. Looks like a smart casual top and pants to me.
I like things the way they are but this site does appeal to a broad audience so could be cartoon Deb in her pj’s and cartoon Deb in a business suit in a coffee shop or cartoon Men with Pen types under a tree with their laptops too. This site does appeal to the freelancer who can work anywhere.
I don’t think the site needs a redesign but I think the idea of a fresh design is fun. Your site should evolve as you do.
Cheers,
Dana
I support a change. I enjoy the fun feel of your site, but I feel that an updated look would be more representative of your audience
I can’t relate to a WAHM-lifestyle, but I do haunt the coffee shops around campus. Personally, I would like to see that coffee shop feeling reflected here 
I’m sure that you have a ton of great ideas and I know that whatever decision you make will be a good one!
A few constructive suggestions, since you’ve invited them. To me the site seems a little busy, not that I’d ever begrudge anyone the opportunity to bring in a few extra bucks from advertising. The balloons that pop up when I mouse over certain things also get to be rather distracting. I only view the page in the Opera browser, so I’m not sure if the latter feature might work differently in other browsers.
I’m a mom but not girlie at all. I don’t have a problem with the logo and in fact, like others have said, didn’t even realize that she was wearing PJs. I thought she had on a tank and pin-striped pants.
Have you done a demographic study of your readers? Several people mention a wider audience, but how wide? I know James posts here a good bit, but I’d still wager on the vast majority of your readers being women. For that reason, I wouldn’t change the logo to have a man in it just for 5% (or whatever you determine the number to be) of your readers. If you’re going to do away with a person, then that’s a different issue entirely.
I’m a big (venti skinny vanilla) latte drinker (oh yes they know my order at Starbucks). I don’t know how much that’s just a stereotype of writers, but that’s something to consider. How many writers actually relate to that image or ideal? Is that how *you* want to represent writing?
On the download time, we have cable internet, and this site takes about 10 seconds to load, so no slow loading for me either.
My biggest suggestion would be to remove the “blogging jobs” link because you don’t do them w/ About anymore, and they’re not separate.
I agree that I would remove the blogging jobs link but I would keep this as the writing jobs in your pjs that I feel 90% of us are here for, those little gigs that keep us all afloat. I know I’m thankful to you Deb for this site;)
I’m for change. It’s not the girly thing so much as the cartoon…to me it doesn’t relate to the content at all. I think you could take this opportunity to seriously brand.
I’m a hairy old balding writer – 18 years as a full-time freelancer. Found this site during a dry spell and picked up three jobs in a week – a blog, a personal writing project and a children’s education gig. I didn’t notice the cartoon until I read about it in this discussion. What I DID notice is a great daily repository for jobs – better than any of the other sites I visit and free newsletters I get. Keep up the great work!
I have trouble with the site loading sometimes, too. At our local library, I can almost never access the site. I type in the address and then the whole browser page goes white and then closes out. This happens repeatedly. At home, I have cable Internet, so it loads fairly quickly, but there is still a lag time when compared to other sites.