The Journey of Disliking My Own Website
Not long ago I read an article here on Medium about building a business and starting your own thing after getting 10k followers on the platform (so sad I cannot find that article to share it with you). I currently have 15k followers and I thought it would be a great idea start my own blog website and own my content. Why not have a blog website where my content wasn’t just a tenant but the landlord? For people who are new on Medium, there is a tricky statement on Medium’s terms and condition for the ownership of your content. This wasn’t just about escaping the subtle complexities of Medium’s content ownership policies; it was about improving my business skills which are close to none. I am good at creating a community of followers on different platforms but I am lacking knowledge on monetization.
My business strategy for this website was:
- All the content will be free, so people who do not have membership on Medium can read my article on my website.
- Try to build a website fast, and at minimal cost. All the design and coding part I will be doing on my own.
- Implement SEO and Google Add Sense in your website. This will be the way I will be generating some money.
1. Market Research
Before jumping off the cliff and dropping dead on the ground, I did an extensive market research. I researched some of the blog websites I thought they were cool and studied those niches. During my research I stombled one case study done by one youtuber @wpmaker, which I found it fascinating. There are websites out there that are making 9 figures a month. While I have a long way to reach there, I believe that if some people out there can make it, I can do it too.
2. Choosing Technology
One non-negotiable vision I had in mind was: I need to get this project done fast. While I have learned from my past experiences that fast doesn’t mean perfect, I chose to stick to my vision and went with Wordpress for the technology.
As a developer capable of crafting a website from scratch, I recognize that WordPress isn’t the pinnacle of advanced technology. Yet, it was the perfect ally for a swift launch (hint hint of my website name). This entire website is a mosaic of my solo efforts — from its initial design, through the details of development, to the nuances of SEO and the final act of publishing. In hindsight, the absence of consultation with UI/UX designers was perhaps a step overlooked in my rush to bring this project to life.
3. Launch day
Everything was done in three days from the day my lightbulb lighted in my head. I was on a illusional rush to get it done and launch the website but the day I published it, I was not fullfilled. My website, though functional, didn’t ignite that spark of joy. It felt like a puzzle with a missing piece. It didn’t feel right, and I couldn’t pinpoint what exactly was off. This was more than just a creator’s typical self-critique; it was a fundamental disconnect between my vision and the final outcome. Complete disappointment!
Call to Action for UI/UX Designers
This is where I need your help. To all the UI/UX designers reading this — I am reaching out to you for guidance and expertise. I understand the importance of user experience and design, but as a developer, my skills lie elsewhere. I am looking for honest, constructive feedback on my website. What am I missing? How can I make the user experience more intuitive, engaging, and reflective of my personal brand? Please do not make me remove memojis :P.
Here’s my website: https://swiftblondie.com/. Take a look and let me know:
- What are the first impressions? Does it capture attention and why or why not?
- Is the navigation intuitive, or do users find themselves lost?
- How does the visual design impact the overall message and tone of the site?
- Are there any glaring UX/UI mistakes that I, as a developer, might have overlooked?
- What changes would you recommend to better align the website with my vision and goals?
I believe in the power of collaboration and the magic that different perspectives can bring to a project. By opening up my website to critique and advice from UI/UX professionals, I hope to bridge the gap between functionality and aesthetics, between my vision and its execution.
To anyone out there hesitant about their own projects, remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and willingness to grow. It took me almost 3 months to post this article as I was embarrassed of my failure. Yet, my journey has taught me that sometimes, the best way forward is to acknowledge what you don’t know and seek out those who do.
In conclusion, this journey of building and disliking my own website has been a humbling and enlightening experience. It’s a reminder that the creative process is never solitary — it thrives on feedback, collaboration, and continuous learning. I eagerly await your insights, dear UI/UX designers, to help me transform my website into something that I not only like but am proud of.
I welcome your thoughts and critiques in the comments section below, or feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn for potential collaboration opportunities.
