I have a new blog design and it’s now easy for everyone to comment, hurrah! So there’s that, PLUS if you’ve ever wanted to migrate your blog to WordPress but thought it was too difficult or too expensive, I can tell you there is an easy, low-cost solution.
If I can sort this out, anyone can – I’m not techinically-savvy AT ALL. This new design and Blogger to WordPress migration happened yesterday in (almost) the blink of an eye. It couldn’t have been easier!
Nor did it cost me an arm or a leg.
Nor did it cause me any grief whatsoever – maybe a grand total of two hours of my time registering for a couple of essentials here and there and a little bit of tweaking.
In other words, it was quick, easy and painless (and affordable).
Want to know how easy this all was…?
A new blog template
So first of all, I’m very proud to show off my new blog design which was installed by the ever-popular and ever-amazing pipdig. Apart from the homepage layout (which I’d love you to check out!), it isn’t all that different to how it was before. It’s just a fresh look for a new year and makes me feel excited for the blogging year ahead to start with a new template (I think this is the third year in a row I’ve switched designs in the new year).
Easier commenting
As my blog is now hosted by WordPress there’s no more LiveJournal or OpenID needed to log in to leave a comment, which was always my main bugbear with Blogger.
So if you haven’t been able to comment before today, PLEASE do so now because it’s now so easy! Just a name and email address (that’s not used or collected) is the minimum that’s required. Replying will be (is!) much easier for me too now so I’ll be able to stay on top of that one from my 2018 goals list with ease I hope.
I’m sure MANY bloggers will agree with me on this, but I really cannot stress just how incredible the sales and after service of pipdig is, never mind the fact that their designs are SO beautiful. They really suit fashion, beauty and lifestyle bloggers (and travel and food and interiors, in fact any niche that needs beautiful pictures) – I thought for many years that I could only have a beautifully-designed blog if I paid a designer a couple of thousand pounds to design one for me. Obviously pipdig templates are available to everyone, but with your own header, your choice of fonts and a few tweaks here and there your blog will end up looking quite different to the blog of someone who’s used the same template.
And with prices between £29 and £49 with free installation, you’d be CRAZY not to use their services if you’re frustrated with or fed up of your blog design and want something sleek and professional.
(This is not a sponsored post by the way! I just love pipdig and want to share their wonder with you.)
How I migrated from Blogger to WordPress with minimum effort (and cost)
I’m very proud to now be on WordPress which was installed by the ever-popular and ever-amazing pipdig.
Can you sense a theme here…?!!
Yes, the wonder that is pipdig also offers Blogger to WordPress migration for the mere price of £175, but currently they have a sale on and migration is only £145. I don’t even want to IMAGINE the work involved with (or worry over) transferring my blog from Blogger to WordPress, but to me that is the bargain of all bargains. Not only is everything transferred over for you within a few days, but you get a free blog template as well. A new design AND WordPress migration? What could be better than that?!
I actually bought the migration package back in July during a sale, but I was so busy I asked for the migration to be put on hold. Pipdig were happy to wait till I was ready… a full six months! Nothing is a problem for them. I gave the go-ahead just over a week ago and hey presto – all done by yesterday with my choice of header and fonts and a couple of other small tweaks to the design.
IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU’D LIKE TO GET SORTED THEN DON’T PROCRASTINATE LIKE I DID, JUST BUY THE DAMN PACKAGE ALREADY.
Why you should move to WordPress
I’ve always known it was a no-brainer, but if you’re serious about your blog – especially if you want to generate even a little income from it – WordPress really is the way to go. Pipdig actually list five reasons why you should move to WordPress (they include superior SEO, owning your blog outright and plugins for fancy-schmancy stuff and extra tools), and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Therefore if you, like me until I saw this service offered, have always thought that transferring to WordPress was something for which I’d need a masters degree in coding, three days clear in my calendar or an unlimited budget to pay a tecchy expert, THINK AGAIN.
If this is something you’d like to get sorted then don’t procrastinate like I did, just buy the damn package already and then ask for it to be set up once you’ve chosen your new blog template at a time that suits YOU. You’ll need a little time set aside to buy the hosting package, liaise with pipdig and do your tweaks, but it really takes no time at all in the grand scheme of things (maybe ask for it to be done on a day you’re not posting something).
Imagine trying to do it yourself – the stress and worry over losing everything would be enough to tip you over the edge…!
Other expenses to consider when migrating to WordPress
So here’s a quick summary of your main expenses if you’re making the switch that you need to keep in mind:
pipdig migration service: £145-£195 (varies depending on whether there’s a sale on and your original platform).
WordPress hosting service: Varies, but can be as little as £2.75 + VAT a month.
Domain URL (if you’re still on blogspot.com for example): Again it varies, but you can get a dotcom for around £10-£15 a year.
So I hope it’s given you a little insight into how easy it can be! If you don’t believe me, read what others have to say…
“pipdig made migrating from Blogger to WordPress incredible easy. If I’d have known this, I’ve have made the move years ago!”
~ Lizzy, What Lizzy Loves
Yes I can totally recommend Pipdig too!! Used them on multiple occasions now and I’ve always been pleased!
— Leah•Devoted To Pink (@devoted2pink) January 10, 2018
“I recently bought my second theme from pipdig and moved to WordPress at the same time. As always their service has been outstanding and I couldn’t recommend them more highly!”
~ Annette, Lady of Style
I used @pipdig to transfer me from Blogger to WordPress, and the service is amazing. I’ve also had a few templates from them in the past, although my current one isn’t xx
— Victoria (@Victoria_AptNo4) January 9, 2018
ARE YOU THINKING OF MIGRATING TO WORDPRESS OR BUYING A NEW THEME? COMMENT BELOW, OR TAKE IT TO TWITTER @NOTLAMB!
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Disclosure: This post is not sponsored in any way by pipdig – I just think the service is amazing and think it might help many of you…!
I love the new design! I’m in the process of a re-design and have been looking at pipdig. After reading this, I think i’ll give them a try!
I’m always worried about support, service and updates but it sounds like they’re amazing to work with.
Hi Catherine!
I love the new blog layout! Can I ask, which pipdig theme are you using? It’s perfect for this kind of content!
Jane
Author
Thanks Jane! Of course, it’s the Blossom template… you can vary the homepage a bit with layout to suit you. I chose it because I like the portrait format for the lead images, perfect for a fashion blog! x
That is just what I would need but not sure if they offer their service outside of the UK….so….going to check it out. Thanks for sharing. Love the look and those shoes are adorable Catherine. Have a great week. xo Sabina
Author
Sabina they work internationally so it should be no problem for you!! Thank you, and yes go for it…!
Fab! Looks great, Catherine. I’m a big fan of Pipdig too. Their themes are just gorgeous – the only downfall is I want so many of them :).
Author
Haha – every time they bring out a new one I find myself wanting it Emerald, so yes I know that feeling!! Thank you sweetheart x
Thank you so much for the amazing write-up, Catherine!!
I’m glad you’ve been happy with the service and hopefully we’ll see you again some time in future too 🙂
Author
Phil you are SO welcome – honestly, the service you provide and the beautiful templates you produce are second to none. You’ve absolutely NAILED the market in templates for bloggers so you deserve all the praise and attention you get! I’m sorry if I come across as a bit of a stalkery obsessive, lol ;))
Thank you so, so much for all your help, you’re an absolute godsend and have helped me up my game SO MUCH 😀
Yay! Welcome to WordPress.
I’ve been a follower of your blog since I discovered you in Tweeter back when I was still single, working and almost 40. Now I’m a stay-at-home mom and started a blog. I still love fashion.
Please visit my blog, if you have the chance. Thanks!
I mean, Twitter. hehe
Author
I think I like Tweeter more!! 😉
Author
Thanks Dawn – lovely to e-meet another reader who’s not commented before, I’m so glad you’re able to now! x
I agree the service at Pipdig is superb.
Author
So much love for pipdig, Josephine!! x
Hi Catherine, I am another happy regular visitor who now can also comment 🙂 Love your fun and informative blog. Lise
Author
Lise thank you, and how glad am I that I’ve made it easier for you and many others to now comment?! Hope to hear from you again! x
Hello Catherine
I’ve been a lurker on your blog for years now and love your style but also your sincere, feisty attitude to ageism and your courage in responding to bad behavior (trolls etc.)
Thank you and love picture in this post ESPECIALLY the shoes!
Corinne
Author
Corinne how lovely to hear from you – thank you SO much for commenting and those kind words, they mean a lot! x
I have used pipdig before and I highly rate them. I have been looking at migrating over to WordPress for a while but doing it myself. Might rethink that though. Hopefully when some money comes in from a sponsored post I can put that towards paying for the service. :-). #brillblogposts
Author
Oh gosh it would be money SO well spent Nichole! As you know pipdig already you know how great their service is, and I honestly couldn’t cope with the worry of transferring everything myself… I don’t trust myself! Honestly it was all done within the space of an hour or two (that I noticed), it absolutely didn’t impact on my day or mess anything up whatsoever. I hope it goes well for you, in fact I know it will!! x
The new design looks so lovely Catherine! Congratulations on making the switch, you will love it!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Author
Thank you Heidi!! I always knew it would be better, it was just trying to find the time…!
Love the new look and font. Great way to start the new year. Here’s to a happy and successful 2018.
Author
So glad you love it Sue – thank you! x
Yipee you’ve crossed to the other side! Well done woman And yes I also had a few issues commenting on your posts, particularly after I changed my Google name. Happiness
Author
Oh thank goodness MT! It makes me feel so bad now that so many people had problems, eep 🙁
I love Pipdig – they are a blogger’s dream and as everyone says their customer service is second to none and they are based up here in the beautiful North East. What’s not to love?
And fanfare .. get me … first ever comment out of the bag. As you know I’ve wanted to do this for soooo long.
Looks fab .. here’s to more comments .. I have lost time to make up for! xo
Author
HURRAH!!!!!!!!!! Sharon you’re the person I’ve felt most bad about not being able to comment, I’m SO glad you can now. In fact I think you should go back and comment on every past post of mine – this was post no. 1,235 so only 1,234 to go, I know you’d love to!! LOL 😉
On my to do list!! 😉
Author
I’ll hold you to that, Sharon!! 😉
Lovely new blog look. I’ve used pipdig on my blog, but am still on blogger. Thanks for sharing this information Catherine. x Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Author
Jacqui I hope it helps!! You won’t regret switching 😀 x
I migrated to WordPress when I became ‘serous’ about blogging back in 2015 and I’m so glad I did. It’s such a huge difference to work with something that’s so professional in comparison. Your blog looks perfect, Catherine! Pipdig certainly did a fab job!
Suzy x
http://www.suzyturner.com
Author
Aww thanks Suzy – yes didn’t they do a great job, gotta love those designs! There are still a few things I miss about Blogger, but onwards and upwards 😀 xx
Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph!! Thank you and welcome to WordPress! I’ve been here since I star the blog! I can now comment with no difficulty!! Happy Dance time!! Hope you are feeling well and my fingers are crossed for you!!!
Author
You’re the right Catherine now, Catherine!!!! 😉 I’m glad you can comment with your new name now, and thank you x
I’m also very happy with Pipdig. Congregations on your,,transfer,,!
Author
Thanks Nancy! x
Hello Catherine. This is fantastic. I have followed your blog for quite some time now and somehow never managed to leave any replies. Now I can! Great. A superb opportunity to thank you for many inspirational blogs. Your blog was one of the firsts I discovered and after taking lots of time thinking about starting a blog or not myself, I have done so. I enjoy it enormously and am still using tips and tricks I discovered on your blog. So, thanks a lot and have a great week. Love, Lieske
Author
Lieske I’m so glad, and thank you!! So glad I’ve made the experience better for you xoxo
Yea welcome to WordPress. Loving that I can comment without a blogger id etc etc. I need to move to https this year and stop putting it off. Already on wordpress though 🙂
Author
Ohh thanks Jane, I’m so glad it’s easier now for you. It does make me cross that Blogger make the commenting process so difficult… I had the settings so that everyone had to comment with *some* sort of login so as to stop spam, but I still got spam anyway… goodness knows how much spam I’d have been coping with if I’d set it to accept anonymous commenters!!!
Yes to the https – I know that without it, it’ll cause problems for some people viewing your blog, eep! x
Pipdig are amazing! They have always sorted any problems I have had. I can’t recommend them enough. xx
Author
They’re the best, Laurie…!! x