Dear friends, this post is addressed to you more than to anybody else. You have been supporting my blog for almost 3 years now, which gained 147 followers up to date and connected me to so many wonderful creative people and gave opportunity to broaden my vision and my dreams!
The thought of renaming/changing my blog's URL from Hindustanka was in my mind for about 6 months now. Here are my thoughts, and you are welcome to suggest whether it will be a good change and how to implement it smoothly. I know about the consequenses as losing followers and so on... But I feel the change is required.
1. The search engine issue: when you type the name of my blog, it gives of course the blog's link in the first search result, however rest of the results are linked to the word combination "Hindustan ka" - what means in hindi "of India"... I didn't think about it when naming the blog in the beginning, but that way all the links to my blog are lost in the numerous searches of that word combination - while I have created almost 200 posts so far and linked here and there in the net!
2. I believe that blog's name doesn't reflect what I am talking in it about. At least I feel that referring only to India in the URL and name narrows down the idea. Hence the new URL/name I'd like to keep has to be more abstract perhaps (even if related ot India), or at least less specific than the one I have.
3. I'd like to give some beautiful URL/name and already have few ideas.
4. If need to do the change, I'd like to do asap. Forgive me that I am bothered with such unimportant things now, but as soon as I am not going to give up blogging yet, I want to make my experience better.
Please let me know what you think or may be some of you had such experience and your piece of advice will be appreciated.
The thought of renaming/changing my blog's URL from Hindustanka was in my mind for about 6 months now. Here are my thoughts, and you are welcome to suggest whether it will be a good change and how to implement it smoothly. I know about the consequenses as losing followers and so on... But I feel the change is required.
1. The search engine issue: when you type the name of my blog, it gives of course the blog's link in the first search result, however rest of the results are linked to the word combination "Hindustan ka" - what means in hindi "of India"... I didn't think about it when naming the blog in the beginning, but that way all the links to my blog are lost in the numerous searches of that word combination - while I have created almost 200 posts so far and linked here and there in the net!2. I believe that blog's name doesn't reflect what I am talking in it about. At least I feel that referring only to India in the URL and name narrows down the idea. Hence the new URL/name I'd like to keep has to be more abstract perhaps (even if related ot India), or at least less specific than the one I have.
3. I'd like to give some beautiful URL/name and already have few ideas.
4. If need to do the change, I'd like to do asap. Forgive me that I am bothered with such unimportant things now, but as soon as I am not going to give up blogging yet, I want to make my experience better.
Please let me know what you think or may be some of you had such experience and your piece of advice will be appreciated.
Have a nice day!
I changed my blog URL and name years ago too and encountered no problems. I think blogger makes it somewhat easy to do it.
ReplyDeleteI also think that it will not affect that much... let me see but change is inevitabel. Thanks for info!
DeleteGood morning. When you open your new blog, just leave a post on this blog directing people to it with a link. It should go smoothly. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Debi! Yes, I suppose I will this, leaving the link to a new blog in this one...
DeleteI have had the same thoughts about my blog also. It's your decision and I will follow you wherever you go. Just let us know where we can find you, Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte! :) See you there soon!
DeleteI don't think this is unimportant at all. Your blog--especially your personal blog should say something about you. I started my Pagan Culture almost five years ago, and just a few months ago changed the name to "Magaly Guerrero's Pagan Culture." The URL still the same in my case, but seeing my name as part of the blog title reminds people that it is mine.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to change the URL and keep this same blog? Or are you starting a new blog? In any, do find a way to tell us about i so that we can continue enjoying your words, your art and your sunniness. ;-)
Yes, it is good to keep your name in the title. I'd like to change URL actually... or may be the blog title only? I canbe confused at times... :) Thansk for sharing your experience , Magaly!
DeleteIf you are not happy with the name Anna then you must change it, it won't make a bit of difference to your followers, we will still follow your lovely blog I have known of quite a few who have done the same without any problem. I cant wait see what name you come up with. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda! Then I will go for it most probably in a few days.
DeleteUnfortunately I don't have any hints for the change because I didn't do so up to now, but I hope some other bloggers can be helpful. Your reasons are understandable and please be assured that I will follow your lovely blog also in future :-). Have a nice evening!
ReplyDeleteNata
Nice to know Nata :) Really, may be that way I will be left with true followers at last! hehe :)
DeleteDearest Hindustanka,
ReplyDeleteWhy would you want to give up this name? You have built up a very nice blog and it reflects your dream and where your heart is; otherwise you would not have chosen it the first time around.
When I do a google site search, you show up alright: site:hindustanka.blogspot.com/
You never can search your true presence on the WEB the way you did.
Check out my post: {How is YOUR Blog's TRUE Presence on the WEB?} http://networkedblogs.com/IqWrm
I certainly would NOT change anything if I were you.
Hugs,
Mariette
PS If you want better results, switch to Google+ and that will help you more than anything. Type in my search box, top right on blog Blogger Tips and you might find some help from my previous posts.
Thanks a lot Mariette! I will read your post and think of the options.
DeleteHi Anna, A change in blog name might be a good idea as I am sure the word Hindustan will bring up tons of search results. Maybe something in line with your hobbies, travel and of course your new bundle of joy. Love that design of the Russian doll with the bindi...so apt for you, you could make that your icon. Is it a tattoo design?
ReplyDeleteP.S. With the current trend in Bollywood the word Sunny will also bring lots of (unwanted) results ;)...Just joking!!!
Lotsa love.
Hi Sangeetha! Yes, I suppose so too... I also didn't consider hindi relates eacrh results, so together Hindustan and ka gave totally wrong search... let's see.
DeleteYes, it is a tattoo I found in the net - a perfect mix of Russian and Indian cultures!
Haha, you are so right! Even I thought the same :)
I'd say follow your heart, your desire, what better reflects *you*. :o)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra! I will follow :)
DeleteI think you should do what makes you happy ;o) I think this is a great idea and it makes sense ;o) Once this happens, leave a link on this blog, to your new address, so we can all follow you. Once we have all got to your new address, you can close this one down ;o) Big Hugs ;o)
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacy, I will do this that way for sure. Hope not to lose all my readers :) Or as I had replied before, true ones will stay.
DeleteHug you too!
Hello.. I actually changed the name of my blog without moving anything. I used to call it "Teresa Kasner's Crochet" - but realized that I didn't want to just have crochet pictures.. now I call my blog a "lifestyle" blog and talk about anything I feel like. How about your name and "Happy Days" after it? ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa! I think that you still left the same URL then... I want to change it too. Thanks for the name suggestions!
DeleteGood luck with choosing your new name - I will be sure to follow your new blog!
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling well and healthy. Thank you for the sunny wishes - we need some warmth right now!
P.S. I am re-reading "Little Women" right now. I see from your earlier post that you just read it too. It's one of my favourite books. :)
Thanks Mrs. Micawber!
Deleteyes, I am all right. You can borrow our warm days please, to at least melt the snow which is still left in your area of living :)
I liked this novel, very positive :)
Nothing in life is a constant except change :) You must do as you feel, n even when you change it as i have seen numerous bloggers do, just leave a link in your last post on this blog. I am sure me and all your other lovely followers will definitely hunt you down.. Stay happy and do what makes you and your little one smile :)
ReplyDeleteRight, Rajeshwari! Well, I feel I need to have this change, and I will, as my mind is now woreking hard for this!
DeleteThanks dear! You too take care and be happy!
How nice to hear from you, Hindustanka. I think you should follow your heart.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to change, just be sure to let us know so we can continue to follow you.
Thanks for all your sweet visits and comments. Susan
Thanks Susan! I am just confused abou new name - many ideas but it has to be right, as I would not like to change it again,
DeleteI am glad my visits make you happy!
To change is difficult,gather your courage and follow your heart .Keep us informed ,we are with you sweetie!
ReplyDelete