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People who rate themselves as intelligent have a 47 percent higher need for change in their professional world. They regularly see possibilities and opportunities around them. (1)
Change is great, we should always be trying to make little improvements in not just our blogs, but everything in our lives. As always though too much of a good thing can be a very bad thing, especially in the case when changes are made just for the sake of change. Often times these types of changes are made purely out of boredom and not exactly with the purpose of making it better.
Change made just for the purpose of making a change in order to make things more interesting is not always a bad idea either. You might come across something that really works that you never would had normally tried. Nether less in order to make your changes count it is important to keep a few things in mind when making them.
Make sure the change will actually do what you want
It sounds silly to even bring it up, after all why would you even bother in the first place with a change unless you actually thought it would do what you want? The problem is that sometimes when we are making changes, we are actually only tinkering around in the shadow of a much bigger problem that we cannot see because we are so focused on little problems. This phenomenon is often referred to as tunnel vision.
For blogs, it is like working on making changes on your sidebar to improve your RSS subscribers count, when the bigger problem is how you are marketing your blog. You could have the most awesome sidebar ever, usability - check, design - check, content - check, but no visitors besides a few people who got lost looking for something else.
Ask yourself, if the change you are going to make really going to solve the underlying problem? If it isn’t, then don’t do it. Make changes that count and prioritize them. There are always more things to do in our lives than we have time to do.
Measure where you currently are
The reason it is important to measure where you currently are is in order to have a starting point that you can measure against after you have made the change in order to see if the change is effective. If you make a change, but have no way of keeping track of if the change actually did anything, then you really have no idea if the change was for better or worse.
For blogs, the equivalent could be measuring your current RSS subscribers, average page views, or even the number of times visitors click on a certain link. That link could be your services page or something else that is vital for the success of your blog.
Whatever change you are making, pick a measurement that is meaningful for you or at the very least a measurement that will indicate whether or not you are actually progressing. Measuring how many hits you get doesn’t really help you that much if all that is important to you is how many people actually contact you. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a helpful measurement, but focus on that numbers that really matter for you. Ask yourself, what has to happen for the change to be considered a success for you?
Measure your progress weekly
You could measure everyday, but that is just going to drive you insane no matter what you are doing. Depending on the changes you are making, it might even be better to measure bi-weekly or even monthly. Daily measurements will just have you riding on an emotional roller coaster no matter what changes you are trying to make.
When I was trying to lose weight, I use to drive myself nuts weighing myself everyday. I would feel happy if it went down, but if it went up or didn’t change I would be grumpy for the rest of the day. It was very unnecessary considering that it is normal to fluctuate up to four pounds in one day. Now, I measure weekly, but I take it with a grain of salt as I find biweekly measurements to paint a better overall picture as to what is happening.
In blogs, you have the same situation where the number of RSS subscribers will fluctuate everyday. Just because that change in your layout or that new article on X topic didn’t give you immediate results doesn’t mean it isn’t working. Stick with the change you made and keep track of your progress.
Reassess the change that you made
After you have got enough measurements it is a simple matter of deciding whether or not the change that you made was effective in solving your particular problem. If it worked out well, keep working in that direction.
If it didn’t work as well as you thought it would, figure out what went wrong. Ask yourself as many questions as it takes to figure it out. Did you make the wrong change? Was it successful but it solved the wrong problem? Did you use the wrong measurement? Or perhaps did you not give it enough time to actually see a change? Or did you not have enough information to make the change?
Conclusion
In the end, the whole process of change is really an experiment that you conduct in order to see if what you changed actually is for the better or worse. Experiment, make changes that count, and prioritize them. There are always more things to do in our lives than we have time to do.
Also remember to write down what works and what doesn’t. There is an odd phenomenon where people sometimes stop doing what works and keep doing what doesn’t work. It is more common than you think.
1. Whatley, A. 1998. “Gifted Women and Teaching: A Compatible Choice?” Roper Review 21:117-24
186 comments
I agree totally with what you are saying. My only problem is that when I do try to make a change, it works, but I always revert back to my same ways. Sticking to them is what I find difficult.
I love the article, especially the part about reassessing the changes you’ve made. Good read!
I believe a wise man once said, “Confidence is the food of the wise, but liquor of the fool”. Reminded me of this post. Great read!
Very good insight on this subject. I will try to take it in and actually listen for once!
Very very good advice. I think it’s very important to make the changes but also be realistic at the same time.
awesome read. i wish i could take advice like that and just do it. instead ill think about it for a week then forget it
maybe i can change
Very very good advice, awesome read, thanks
Yes, I agree. That’s very good advice and I hope I could take that advice. By the way, thanks…
Very helpful for me, especially “make sure the changes do what you want”. Thank you.
great n amazing article, this will very helpful for newbie blogger
Still a lot of people are afraid of changes.
Nice article however when I make changes (especially little improvements) I can find it hard to assess how effective they are.
Very good advice, thanks
Great insight! Although measuring progress bi-weekly or monthly can give you a more steady representation of how your changes have affected things, there are times when daily measurement is useful. For example, tracking statistics daily can show you patterns that you wouldn’t see if measuring on a monthly basis. These patterns can be helpful when planning for new modifications.
Nicely summed up.
I think that most changes fail, or better put most change strategies are ineffective, because the assessment of the current status is either missing or incomplete. Some want to change something so badly that they skip this part entirely. But is it is totally on their disadvantage.
It is called heuristic development. You monitor visitor patterns on your site and make adjustments that seem intuitive. Repeat the process. It is a little more “seat-of-the-pants” but it still has a data/analytical side.
I try to get all my Realtors who run sites to “think like a visitor” and make changes accordingly, then review the GA stats to see if they were right.
I also afraid of changes~~~~~~!
being afraid of changes is the worst thing you can do…at the first moment, when your losing the old-fashioned way of life it seems to be hard but then you change and there are you perspectives and its never boring. I love changing an learning more and more but never loose your personality and do what you like to do…
Sticking to change is the difficult part.
Pretty cool post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say
that I have really liked reading your blog posts. Anyway
I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you post again soon!
Making a change without a purpose is pointless. If you can’t say something any better than it currently is said, leave it alone. Furthermore, if you can say the same thing in 5 words, rather than 10, say it in 5 words. This tactic is especially helpful when your goal is to make a sale, or decrease your bounce rate.
Still not sure what you’re trying to say but I do get a little bit of it I think. Thanks.
It’s kinda simple just try reading it a few times!
I agree, first few times I didn’t get it. Try a few more times.
Great post. Measuring the success of your changes is very important.
Great ideas! I was having some porblems about what you already said, Now I will be better!
I love this article, Good insight on this sub. I will try to have it.
Really good article, it was a plaisure to read it.
I sent it to all my friends.
Really thank you, everything is really true, especially this sentence: Confidence is the food of the wise, but liquor of the foo
Good advice, thanks
Thank you for the advice. Ir was really interesting article.
Hope to read you later
Thanks for this thoughtful and intigueing post. I will definitely keep these facts in mind to feed my thoughts.
Very excellent information and I do agree with the concept we have to do more changes in the blog and test how the blog is getting the traffic whether it’s traffic is increasing or decreasing? But we have to do everything reasonably in blog.
Very best article and it’s really interesting. It’s useful to all. Thanks for posting this article.
I love the article. It’s very useful to me. Thank, good job.
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I really really appreciated this blog.
Very nice steps for changes and i will act upon
on the advise.
Cool Thanks for the Post
Making a “change” needs to be the result of a need. Whether a design needs to be made for the better, or something is not working, or the application or technology is outdated, that should require a “change”. Changing just for the sake of it is not a good idea.
Great post, I think keeping changes is the hardest thing, I always seem to get tempted to alter little details.
One of the prime examples is a website redesigning process. People often conclude that they need to redesign their website without knowing what ‘changes’ they need to make. No wonder projects end up as failures..
I agree with everything you’ve said, but like you said at the end, I always end up going back to how I used to do things. It’s a never ending circle. Writing things down is a great idea. I’ve recently starting storing changes in daily processes in spreadsheet files, so I can use them like a check list. The only problem then is that the list gets too long and I start missing bits out! Getting into a rountine when something is changed is the best advice I can give.
Changes never changes …
Nice informtion…
Thanks for sharing….
To think out of the box is what most of the professionals avoid for the simple reason of stepping in unknown waters.
Creativity is natural spontaneous and based on free will but this free will comes to get so much burdened by the client payouts that people stick to what sells and not what is really enterprising bold and unique
Thank you for sharing this information
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I would like to know the owner of quote.
“People who rate themselves as intelligent have a 47 percent higher need for change in their professional world. They regularly see possibilities and opportunities around them.”
My philosophy is just what you mentioned. A wise man once said,”Change brings dollars, no change makes no sense.”
Hm! nice ideas!
Too many designers rush to make changes without really knowing what it is that actually needs changing. You can othen see this in re-designs and it is really disappointing.
Thanks for this thoughtful and intigueing post. I will definitely keep these facts in mind to feed my thoughts.
I´ve bookmarked and subscribed the feeds!
Thanks.
Thanks for the post -
It is not easy to balance between stability and Changes. Try to “think like a visitor” is also hard sometimes, because visitors are changing to.
Helpful post. changes are often so hard to make, but can work well.
Thanks.
change all boils down to direction. If your not focused on where you are going and why you are going there and at the same time distract yourself with the side effects of what the change might bring your transformations could be ineffective and/or detrimental.
Great post! As important as it is to make changes.. so is important to make the changes count.
I love the article. It’s really important to check if changes are having a positive effect.
It’s magnetic!
Very cool! Thanks! I’m will try to make some like this…
That´s true!
Changes are good as long as you are changing for the better and that´s what we are all aiming for. Right?
Helpfull tips, but why is it so hard to make some changes? Even a little ones?
You need to update your site.
Thanks for sharing this informative article.
It’s very useful to me.
Keep Writing…
Good advice!
I`ve made a change this year, and i`m proud to be able to say it was the best what could happen to me. Change is good. Nice article
I think some changes are harder than others, some require a lot of discipline. Some will be uphill battles and others you will reach a plateau. Even when you fail, you have changed because you have learnt something. Change is in human nature, its in our blood! Those that don’t change (evolve) become extinct!
Change isn’t always good. you should never change just for change’s sake. Planning, vetting, and measuring should always be done to determine if the change was actually worth it or not. You should know what you want to change and if it produces the desired effect.
brilliant article, thank you …. change is good sometimes..
good advice
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Very nice content.. Thanks for sharing
Very Interesting and impressive post.. keep writing…
Very Cool !
Very Gr8 Article..Thanks!
Very Nice …Changes are the part of web developer and designer.
What you want to say…
Great post, I definitely agree change is essential to our careers, and personal development. The reassessment stage really hits home too — without reassessment it can be difficult to see where all your effort for change is going. It is a great way to keep motivated into either continuing in the right direction, or switching paths to a more effective direction.
good article very useful thanks. I love …
Good advice, thanks
Thanks for this informative post.
Nice post. I totaly agree with you
This is a great article, thanks.
This is a great article, has got me going hmmmmmm ….. thanks.
There is a lot to be said for testing, testing and more testing as websites do evolve and if you keep an eye on your competition and test your own site you will improve.
Thanks for this interesting Topic.
I enjoyed this post.
Unfortunately, many web masters make changes just for the sake of change, having nothing at all to do with accomplishing something positive for the blog owner.
That’s why the suggestions here are so valuable.
Making changes just for the sake of change can be destructive unless one has a way of gauging the effect of the changes.
Thank you for giving me a heads up regarding the reasons and parameters surrounding a web site change.
Beth
ToysPeriod is a leading online shop specializing in lego sets and model railroad equipment.
i really enjoyed reading your blog, hope to see new entries soon!
Well put, we all need a little change in our lives.
They say, change is the only consistent thing yet the more they change more they remain the same. But yes, in the world of blogging if one doesnt change he runs the risk of turning himself into obsolete. the way new things are coming up, its always better to stop for a while and reassess entire thing and then move ahead.
Thanks for sharing.
I don’t usually post on blogs but I found yours interesting. Keep up the good work. I’ve enjoyed reading here.
Great post and advice tips
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very good your text.
I loved the content of the post.
Very interesting articel i agree with all facts you tell us.
Thanks for this….
Really interesting article… thanks for great stuff
Really impressive stuff.. keep writing
Thanks for post man.
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Thanks for post. Congratulations.
Very good insight on this subject, change is hard for anybody so any help is useful
Excellent approach adopted in this blog to help others. really like that
Very good article, thanks
Excellent Article… Thanks for sharing..
Really Interesting…. GOOD
Thanks for sharing this informative article.
its a awesome idea…
Thanks a lot for your interesting article. You´re absolutely right, you have to do the right chance if you want to make things better, no matter if it´s at work or in your private life. Change is important, but it has to be the right change. Thanks for the advice of writing down the changes and if they work or not. I think it´ll help to make a good situation analysis.
100% agree. do what you love and love what you do. that is the way to make sure you will end the work with success.
Excellent tips. Anyone looking to make big changes on their site should definitely give this a read beforehand.
I think that most changes fail, or better put most change strategies are ineffective, because the assessment of the current status is either missing or incomplete.
Good to see
I’ll use this advice to make my own blog look good.
great article. it is always a good idea to try and look at your work from an outsiders perspective. Even better, get some real outsiders to give you some real feedback. Family and friends are great and generally honest
Good advice. Thanks
In practice you often see changes make a site worse.
yes, it is important to messure. Thanks.
good info. increase your traffic = increase the outcome.
I really enjoyed reading your blog, hope to see new entries soon!
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Thanks for post man.
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i wish i could take advice like that and just do it. i
Thank you for this very helpful post, I´ve marked it as a bookmark and will definetly read again! I´m always thankful for the feedback by an outsider! But don´t depend to much on the opinion of your friends, rather ask outsiders that have very much knowledge in this area, they can give you a better feedback!
Very good article, I will stress this blog regularly because there are a quality content. I wish the same time take the opportunity to publish our video Our graphic design studio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yNdCFLLWks&feature=player_embedded
Great Read. Clients often want to change their blogs for various reason. We try to keep them up to date and make necessary design changes as well as up to date with any applications that will help their user experience.
Very nice article. but never change a running system
there are many issues when changing something…
In practice you often see changes make a site worse.
Great Post and Great Feedback! Thanks!
Good post….thanks for sharing.very useful for me i will bookmark this for my future needed. thanks for a great source.
Awesome posting,very informative as well. thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing, beautiful content and great post.. Really help!
I loved the idea of always reassessing the change you have brought about. It makes sense and is a great push in the learning process. Goof post.
Helpful post. changes are often so hard to make, but can work well.
Thanks.
Okay, benefit a lot from the web.
Thank you for this very helpful post, I´ve marked it as a bookmark and will definetly read again!
I’m currently dabbling in seo, moving from flash development, which is something I’ll always enjoy dearly. But it’s time to try a change. Good article.
What you want to say…
good article. thx. but change isnt good all the time!
thx nice information.
It is really interesting and beautiful,what you have said and described is just what I am dreaming for,I am happy to see this.
maybe i can learn more from this web, but why it does not update everyday.
Very good article there thanks
Very nice
I agree. A good one and I hope I could take that advice. Thanks for sharing.
Wow. Great blog! I haven’t read good blogs like yours for a long time. luckily I’ve found your blog. I’ll be reading your blogs more and more to read some good advice on blog and in real life. Keep it posted!
too late to read your post, great article.
i like your point of view ! thank you !
This is a great post, i was looking for a bit of help and this is exactly what i needed. Many Thanks for your post!!!
This is one of those articles, which actually has a message. Thank you! I found it very helpful.
Your blog just got a bookmark from me
Your posts really contain precious information! thank you
keep up the good work 
The only thing that is constant is change. However it is sometimes difficult to accept change in your work methods or approach.
Thanks for the informative post.
Change is often difficult to deal with. Humans tend to naturally resist it. It can be both good and bad but if we’re not always changing, life can get pretty boring.
Thanks!
I really like your logical and structured approach to making the changes and then considering the changes that have been made. Great article.
you have shared very nice and informative article. I will keep the these things in my mind. It will rally help me.
I agree totally with what you are saying. My only problem is that when I do try to make a change, it works, but I always revert back to my same ways. Sticking to them is what I find difficult.
Very good article, I will stress this blog regularly because there are a quality content.
I’m currently dabbling in seo, moving from flash development, which is something I’ll always enjoy dearly. But it’s time to try a change. Good article.
I agree with a lot of your thoughts here. Another area I like to look at is A/B testing a new page layout against an older layout to see which attracts more clicks/converts etc.
“Think like a visitor” is definitely good advice, when it comes to design…
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I’m currently dabbling in seo, moving from flash development, which is something I’ll always enjoy dearly. But it’s time to try a change. Good article.
Changes should be monitored every day. The only way to achieve the result.
Hi. Thanks for posting the info. It’s great that people are still interested in sharing thoughts and info with others. In this way we will all live in a better world. The tips & tricks you presented are welcomed. Thank you.
Whatever change you are making, pick a measurement that is meaningful for you or at the very least a measurement that will indicate whether or not you are actually progressing. Measuring how many hits you get doesn’t really help you that much if all that is important to you is how many people actually contact you.
Nothing wrong if you will change. Just make sure you’ve change for the better one and not for a bad one.
Drew
Thanks for posting the infomation…
Remember to write down what works and what doesn’t. There is an odd phenomenon where people sometimes stop doing what works and keep doing what doesn’t work. It is more common than you think.
Measure where you currently are…
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I like “Measure your progress weekly” Bcz i always check my progress.
I think a good footers is important for users to visit specific parts of the site. So footers should be more conspicuous than other parts of the site, without taking center stage to draw attention of visitors.
Thanks for breaking this down for me. It’s always important to change and refine to improve conversions.
Whatever change you are making, pick a measurement that is meaningful for you or at the very least a measurement that will indicate whether or not you are actually progressing. Measuring how many hits you get doesn’t really help you that much if all that is important to you is how many people actually contact you.
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