Since I'd redesigned this blog at the beginning of 2020, I have been asked multiple times by readers and fellow bloggers where I got the template. Well, here's the answer - its a Sora Template called Sora Ribbon that I purchased for $9.95. A free version can be downloaded. However, I purchased the premium version, so I can make adjustments to fit in with the blog's theme, such as colors, copyright notice, etc.
For some reason, everyone believes I use Wordpress, but I don't. I use Blogger. I have nothing against using Wordpress; it's a great platform to use for blogging. Personally, I like using Blogger because it's easier for me to maintain on a day-to-day basis. Wordpress does have more features, which are great to have, but it's time-consuming to learn how to use them properly.
Many bloggers do prefer to use Wordpress (and other platforms) for their blogs and websites. Not unless you're a graphic designer and know a few things about code, I would recommend purchasing either a pre-made or custom template.
For those of you who are looking for a new template for Wordpress, I recommend checking out the themeplanet website. Their templates range prices from $25 and up, though 3 free templates can be downloaded. There's a wide range of categories to choose from, such as blogs, entertainment, eCommerce, technology, real estate, etc. One of my favorite templates is ET Poren (see the picture below), as it's clean and responsive.
FYI: The Bean is my favorite Shopify template. See below!
Additionally, the website also offers HTML5 templates, if needed.
If you don't know how to install a template, just google it. While I am a little bit familiar with Wordpress, I would probably get something wrong and give you the wrong installation tips. Please, just do the research yourself. However, if you need Blogger tips, then I'm your guy!
We are currently living in trouble times, so I do understand redesigning your blog or website probably isn't the top thing on your to-do list, but keeping a blog/website template updated is essential for bringing in new readers and customers. Technology keeps changing, so you need to make your blog/website can work correctly on mobile devices, which is what most people use nowadays. I know this from first-hand experience. My previous blog template wasn't responsive and didn't work well on cell phones and tablets, so I had to make the decision to buy a template and tweak it enough to suit my needs.
Times have changed since I started blogging in 2009. Serious bloggers need to make sure their blogs doesn't look like blogs. Yes, this is a bit confusing, but its the truth. In the past, blogs have had huge, colorful headers and too many widgets in the sidebars. While this might look great through the eyes of a blogger, it looks unprofessional to the average reader/visitor, who just wants to read whatever you've posted. Having too much stuff on your blog's homepage will cause loading problems in most browsers. So less is better than more.
Just make sure your blog is nice and clean!
