Over the last few weeks, I’ve hinted now and again that behind the scenes I’ve been working on something very special. I’ve been bursting to tell you, but I really wanted to wait until everything was ready. And today is the big day, which is also my blog’s 4th birthday! What better way to celebrate than with a brand new, improved Flowerona?
I’m so thrilled to welcome you to my new floral space on the internet. It’s not just a blog, but a website. And as well as having lots of special new features, I now have a new logo and branding. Here’s a run-through of the layout of the new site:
Home Page
The home page gives you a visual snapshot of what you can find on the website. In particular, it includes up-to-date links to the latest blog post, workshop and video.
Blog
There are lots of enhancements on the blog:
Larger images
Beautiful photos have always been very important to me and now, they’re bigger.
Pin It functionality
You can pin images direct to Pinterest. Simply hover your mouse cursor over an image and a ‘PIN IT’ button will appear.
Read full article buttons
To make it easier and quicker for you to scan through blog posts, from tomorrow you’ll see the start of a post and then a ‘read full article’ button.
Share functionality
At the end of each blog post, you’ll see ‘pin this’, ‘share this’, ‘tweet this’, ‘email this’ links, which you can use to share Flowerona posts.
New banner advert formats
There are now more options for advertisers with Gold, Silver and Bronze categories of banners.
New Flowerona for Florists section
Workshops
Find out about the latest Flowerona workshops for florists in this new area.
Facebook Group
I set up the Flowerona for Florists Facebook Group back in April and I’m thrilled that there are now over 1,000 members from all over the world. If you’re not already a member and would like to join this very friendly and supportive community of florists, then please visit this page.
Job Vacancies
I’m frequently contacted by florists who are looking for staff as well as florists who are looking for a new position. So, I’ve set up a Job Vacancies board as a place to advertise vacancies and your services.
New Work with Rona section
In addition to writing the Flowerona blog, I also have some other ‘hats’. They include Writing, Training, Consulting, Speaking and Presenting. And in this section, you can find more details about these others areas.
Other Enhancements
FAQs
I’ve written a new FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page, covering everything from advice on floristry courses to recommended florist shops to visit in London.
New Social Media Links
You’ll now find links to my Flowerona accounts on Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube. Shortly, I’ll be updating all my social media accounts with the new logo and branding.
Featured On Badges
Lots of people who I’ve featured on Flowerona have asked me for a ‘Featured On’ badge to put on their website or blog. I’m thrilled that I now have a range of badges in different colours and styles available. Simply send me an email and I’ll send you a link to this page, where you can choose a badge.
New Photos
Earlier in the year, I had a new set of profile photos and general shots taken by the very talented photographer Vicki Knights, which I’ve integrated into the new website.
Cookies
When you first visit the site, you may notice a message about cookies which I’ve added to comply with the EU Cookie Law. Simply click No problem and/or More info.
Responsive Website
Nearly 40% of Flowerona readers access the site using a phone or tablet. So, this new website is responsive. When you look at Flowerona on your computer, you’ll see the full view of the site. And when you visit it on your phone or tablet, Flowerona will retract to fit on the smaller screen.
I think that just about covers all the changes and enhancements! I hope you enjoy taking a look around the new Flowerona and like the makeover. I’d love to know what you think. So please do tweet, Facebook or Instagram me, send me an email or leave a comment below. I’m very, very excited about Flowerona’s future and I hope you like my new site.
P.S. Look out for my next blog post today, where I’ll share the story behind the Flowerona Rebrand.
Congratulations Rona. I know just how much work goes into getting a site live, you deserve to be very proud!
Thank you so much Fiona! I have you to thank in the very first place though for helping me to start the journey of creating the new Flowerona. Without your on-going support and encouragement, it wouldn’t be the wonderful site it is now. I’m so very grateful to you for introducing me to the amazingly talented Sara at Salted Ink http://saltedink.com, who designed it. 🙂 x
Well done Rona! The new site looks fab! 🙂
Hugs from Sweden
Thank you so much Emelie for your lovely message. 🙂 x
Hooray and Happy Birthday Flowerona! The new site looks gorgeous and so very you. I love it. xx
Thank you so much Emily! Sara at Salted Ink is one VERY talented lady. 🙂 x
Huge congratulations Rona!! YOU DID IT!!!!
The new site is beautiful – be very proud. X
Thank you so much Lucy! I’m so pleased to finally be able to share it with everyone. 🙂 x
my my you have been busy. well done on a great job. you make everything seem so effortless but always manage to pull off something which is well organised informative and polished. we are not worthy (bow bow).
Thank you so much Toni for your lovely comment! I’m so pleased that you like the new Flowerona. 🙂 Oh and by the way…beneath this swan-like exterior, my little feet are paddling furiously…to make it all seem to effortless! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. 😉 x
Well done on the rebrand, everything looks fabulous!
Thank you so much Andri! 🙂 x