Over the Memorial Day weekend, besides kicking back and enjoying the extra time with family I decided to give Next Generation Chiropractor a much needed face lift.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve enjoyed the current layout immensely. But, change is good and I wanted something cleaner, fresh, and less distracting.
Next Generation Chiropractor’s original design was inspired by Chris Pearson’s work for Brian Clark over at the infamous Copyblogger. By using a three column approach and full-width framework within Thesis, I was able to recreate the design successfully.
To see what I’m talking about, take a closer look at these two designs:
Current design for Copyblogger:
Original design for Next Generation Chiropractor:
Look familiar? Pretty darn close, huh? 
You see I live by principles. Two that come to mind are that you shouldn’t reinvent the wheel and if you want to be successful do what the successful are doing. Thus the reason for following the design of one of the top bloggers in the world.
But, one thing I noticed about my site was how loud it was getting. The analogy that comes to mind is that when a new reader visited my site, their face probably looked like an Amish in Circuit City.
In other words, I sensed that readers were being distracted by all the different things incorporated in the sidebar instead of honing in on the content.
As a blogger, that’s the last thing you want to happen!
Remember, content is the lifeblood of a blog. People don’t visit your chiropractic blog because of your sidebar. They visit because of the valuable chiropractic content that you publish!
So, after scouring the web and collecting new ideas on design, I tackled the project head on by focusing on a clean, crisp design.
Some simple but pleasant changes
As you take a look around, one thing you’ll notice is that I made some simple but aesthetically pleasing changes.
For starters, you can easily connect with me through the floating social media pallet that I inserted on the left-hand side.
Next, I updated my header logo to a more polished look. The original one served its purpose but was too busy.
I also incorporated a two-column design which expanded the width of the content section. This really opened up the look of my blog and will allow me to embed larger videos within the content section.
Another neat feature is the page peel effect that I incorporated in the upper right-hand corner. It not only eliminates advertising clutter but also grabs readers’ attention.
The Page Peel:
The Page Peel Effect:
Still sporting the Thesis Theme
Since I build the majority of chiropractic websites in Headway Themes, my first thought was to switch over to Headway during this redesign.
However, even though I absolutely LOVE Headway, Thesis is like that favorite college sweatshirt that your wife despises, you’ve had for years, and need to get rid of but can’t because it’s so darn comfortable.
With Thesis, I’m comfortable. I’ve learned so many customization tips that are specific to the Thesis theme that I’d be lost without it.
For example, in Thesis instead of using a plugin to produce drop caps, all I have to do is insert the proper drop cap HTML code within the HTML editor and each post is formatted correctly.
I realize that that is a small feature but it’s one that I can’t live without. It’s intuitive, efficient, and doesn’t require another plugin.
What do you think?
All and all, I think I found a design that can last for another year or so. And, by staying with Thesis, I feel right at home.
But, like I always say, it’s not about me, it’s about you!
So, what do you think? Do I have a winner here?
Let me know in the {comments} section below.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
About Dr. Patrick MacNamara
I like the new look. Your use of pictures and easy to navigate links make it a pleasure to look at. Thanks for the tips – I have not placed as much energy or time into my own blog, but I continue to read yours to help with mine.
Thanks for the two thumbs up, Dr. Goodfellow! I appreciate the time you took to voice your opinion and am thrilled that you find it pleasing to the eye and easily navigable. That fulfills my objectives from the beginning.
In the interim, if you ever need help with a new design, don’t forget about Developing Others.
Have an awesome day!
Minimalism at its best. Love the clean look and feel. I changed my design for the same reason. It just seems that after a while, if you’re not careful, too much piles up in the sidebars and then you have to clean house. Personally, I’m a fan of 1 content column and 1 sidebar. I think it makes for a nice clean look. Good job Dr. MacNamara!
I agree, Dr. Harshe. It’s just like living in the same house for years. The longer you’re there, the more stuff you accumulate. So, every once in awhile it’s a good idea to clean house and have a garage sale! That’s basically what I’ve done here and am enjoying it.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know what you thought!
Dr. MacNamara,
I like the new look, how hard was it to transfer from Headway to Thesis.
Todd P. Sullivan, DC
I didn’t transfer from Headway to Thesis. I’ve always been with Thesis since the beginning. I was just thinking about switching but have too much invested in the code.
As a Thesis-only developer, Good call on sticking with Thesis. From a design standpoint, I think you hit the nail on the head. Your old design was professional but loud, which you realized. The new look is much cleaner and more content-focused.
I do especially like the social media icons floating off to the left – they make it easy to share without being intrusive. Overall? Great work Doc.
Thanks, Rob. I appreciate the feedback! And, thanks for stopping by the site.
This layout is much cleaner and nice. I like the 1 sidebar layouts much better. Only suggestion I would make to your new layout is a more customized header.
Thanks, Dr. Beck. I’ve considered your suggestion already and may venture down that path soon. But, considering I threw this together over the weekend I had no other choice than to fire up Fireworks and create my own.
The upper right corner peal is sick. I love it!
I agree, Dr. Haley! It’s a great way to advertise without taking up precious real estate. Thanks for stopping by the site!
Nice and clean!!!
I have always preferred sites that have a clean look and your site is there now.
Regards
Will Kalla DC
Blog: The Singapore Chiro
Thanks, Dr. Kalla, for the two thumbs up. I appreciate it and am enjoying the new design as well. Hope all is well in Singapore!
Love the page peel. Dr MacNamara, and the overall design. It is free of clutter and the post content is the highlight of the page (as it should be). Great job.
Thank you! Hope all is well in the UK. My sister-in-law lives there and loves it!