Clever Dude Reviews ST101
So Clever Dude (CD as I refer to him, and I trademarked that nickname btw) decided today to do a share the love review of my blog as he added my blog to his blogroll. He has gotten many requests
to be added to his blogroll, but Stock Trading 101 has been engraved
into his brain (I am the top commentator, and probably send him
the most link lovin out of any other blog, and I am there daily). I am definitely excited to have such a review done, because after all to have a reviewme conducted by CD is, well, $106. And yes, if you are wondering, $106 would probably be worth every penny!
Part of the inauguration includes a critical review of my site, which I LOVE. Feedback regardless if its positive or negative is addictive, because it equates to an opportunity to improve. This is what CD had to say,
“Now, take the advice for what it’s worth. I’m no SEO expert, but I read their articles!
Blain has a pretty basic, 2-column layout with easy-to-read text.
However, one suggestion right off the bat would be to reduce the amount
of stuff in the sidebar. Just keep what makes you money or pleases your
readers.
Also, try placing the menu bar (with Home, About and Stock Education
links) below the header image, rather than at the very top. If you want
advertisers to see your “Advertise Here†link, don’t make it look like
an advertisement 
“
I like this advice. For those who have been in the ST101 party for a few months will know that I just recently moved my menu bar to the top of the page perhaps several weeks ago. Why I did it? Who knows, change perhaps, try something new, but after this review I have lowered it back down below the logo.
The sidebar I removed some content and unnecessary images (know though that my goal is still 1,000 RSS Subscribers!!) and replaced my recent posts with my education post database. Other than that everything is really the same.
CD concluded the review with a bolded, “Keep up the great work Blain!” I want to say thanks to CD for that as I am addicted to enthusiasm (if you can’t tell my daily posts lol) and thanks for adding me to his sidebar! I recommend you check out his site if you haven’t yet, just know though that the #1 commentator spot is MINE, so don’t even try to steal my thunder!
Discuss this post in the StockTradingToGo Forum.
Subscribe To StockTradingToGo.com
You’re welcome man.
Oh, and I have actually MERGED some comments from people who I felt MIGHT be abusing the top commentator plugin by leaving multiple comments in a row on the same post.
Good job on cleaning up the sidebar. If you want more subscribers though, make your “Subscribe” links the top item in your sidebar and get a bigger RSS button. I’ve actually blocked off a section just for subscription options.
Lastly, if you want to draw people’s attention to the advertising and subscription options in your sidebar, then move the sidebar to the left column, not the right. Most people read left to right (assuming you don’t have alot of Middle Eastern visitors) and it’s the logical place our eyes wander first.
You can also always look into a 3 column theme where your ads and reviewme stuff is on the left and content-related stuff on the right.
lol,
That 2nd comment really was naturally flowed, just for the record, because I am turning 21 next month!
Regarding the Big RSS Button, I actually stopped using it because it was annoying for some reason, perhaps I just didnt like the colors, I dunno! I have done my own due diligence though on RSS subscriptions, no worries there.
Regarding columns, yes readers read left to right, but Id rather have my readers read my content first before my sidebar. I have used a two column in the past, just doesn’t do the trick like a single, atleast not for me!
Oh, and why do you have two different checkboxes for “Subscribe to comments via email”? I know the one under the big text box is for subscribing to the comments on this thread, but what does the checkbox above the smiley faces (below the URL box) do?
I believe it is the same gig, but it could also very well be a encrypted bomb
I got the comments template off of someone, dun remember what the hack was. Perhaps they just really want you to subscribe to comment updates, hahah.
Ok, you’re welcome to merge this comment in with the others, but I have one more piece of advice:
If you want to be able to talk to the top names in the personal finance and investing like Flexo from Consumerism Commentary, FiveCentNickel, Nick from Punny Money, Trent from Simple Dollar, JD from Get Rich Slowly, Jim from Blueprint for Financial Prosperity, and JLP from All Financial Matters, get an account and get active in the forums at the Money Blog Network:
http://forums.moneyblognetwork.com/
I’ve learned a HUGE amount about blogging and monetizing from these guys (and gals) and many others, and have gotten to add many of them to my IM buddy list. Really nice people.
P.S. if anyone from the forums sees this and is offended I left you out, I apologize (Tricia, Mapgirl, Henry, etc.)
Nickel told me to get on the forum as well, and so did some other guy, than you have, my word. Word of mouth spreads fast apparently!
thanks for the link to the forums, i’ll definitely check it out!