Being a money-saving, coupon, deal, personal finance-interested blog I don’t take much time to give you glimpses into life on the other side of the computer. Today, however, I want to share a couple major things we are in the midst of around here.
First, like we laid out in our 2011 goals, we are working on a totally new website layout, look and feel. That means a new logo and new color palette, a new tagline, which we have already finalized and you can check out for yourself, and a coming-soon new site.
A New Website
The new site will be clean and simple with a primarily white background like this site. Yet, have an information layout more like this one. I also hope to have some sort of photo of me on the home page that shows my personality, sort of like these guys do. It’s coming together, but a lot of work.
The work isn’t so much in the design and layout, but in getting ready for some of the new features the site will have. We are planning to introduce things like:
- A directory of shopping lists for regional grocery stores nationwide that are maintained by third-party blogs. To that end, if you are a blogger and are putting together weekly shopping lists for local stores near you, shoot me an email and let me know you’d like to be included.
- A welcome center that will help first-time users get better acclimated to the site and to new money-saving ways.
- A free multi-week intro tutorial that will send subscribers a weekly email with tips and tricks for how to save on groceries and everything else, using PocketYourDollars.com as a resource in the process.
- Customizable email content and RSS feed content. You will be able to select which topics you want included in your email or RSS feed and whether you want the emails daily or as-things-are-posted on the website.
- A topical index that will allow you to quickly and easily look at the deals that are most important to you whether about photos, shoes, family outings, those local to your area or some other topic. You’ll be able to see all posts in a topic or only those that are not-yet-expired.
- Ability for us to automatically expire posts when they pass their date or stock runs out, they won’t clutter the site. Granted, you will still be able to see them, if you want, by using the new topical site index.
- You’ll see the user-rated hottest deals, as well as most current deals, both on the home page.
- A deal calendar that automatically includes all one-day or yet-to-be-started sales, deals and promotions. It will also tie-in to our post expiration so, should things change, and the deal is done early, the calendar will reflect it. (The best part is that this will happen without our team having to manually update things each time they change).
- Mobile-optimized site that renders more quickly and easily on smartphones and mobile devices. It may not exactly be an app yet, but it is a step in the right direction.
- Anything else I missed that we should be thinking about?
Oh, and about the new website folks, it will be different. I am fully braced for an initial “oh my goodness, it’s different and I hate it” reaction. If Facebook gets that sort of thing every time they make a change, then I expect it too. At the same time, I think the changes we are making came from you – suggestions you’ve emailed me, shared in our Town Hall meetings earlier this year or that I’ve heard when I am out and about public speaking.
We will tweak and adjust, since there are guaranteed to be some bumps in the road. But for those that are resistant to change, start gearing up now for a different website experience sometime this summer.
Website Changes – Round Two
Three other things that won’t make the site relaunch, but are next in line for implementation include a coupon database for online shopping coupons. You know, the promo codes that you currently go to sites like Coupon Cabin or RetailMeNot to get? We’ll have those codes right here, plus we’ll be able to keep a real-time stream of them tied in to relevant blog posts. That means if we share a deal about Kohl’s, for instance, then the bottom of that blog post will include real-time coupon codes good for additional discounts at Kohl’s. If you view the blog post days or months later, the coupon codes will be updated to ones that are available at the time you read the post. Cool, huh?
I am finally making progress on an audio and video library where every. single. media appearance I make will be accessible to Pocket Your Dollars’ readers that may have missed it. The videos will also be filed in the topical index, so if you are looking for info on a topic that I’ve talked about on TV, then you’ll get your choice to watch the video. Maybe, and this is a huge maybe, I’ll start doing really short 90-120 second weekly podcasts with money-saving tips when I get this launched. We’ll see about that.
The other thing that’s on the round two list is a discussion forum. I know that many of you look forward to and love our Open Mic posts. We’ll keep having those as I learned the hard way how much you cherish them just as they are. Yet, as the community around here grows we could really use a place for some sorts of threaded discussions and maybe coupon trading.
Whew, I feel exhilarated and exhausted both as I think about all that’s involved with this effort. I don’t have a firm launch date on the new site. I’d hoped it’d be up already, but that was my own over-optimism forgetting how much behind-the-scenes work I needed to do to make this all happen.
Laura Had a Baby
I shared on Facebook a few weeks ago, but Laura Wales, my right-hand helper, had a healthy baby girl in early April. Zara Magdalene Wales was born on April 11 after Laura had been on bed rest for a month (or more, I can’t remember now). Both Laura and Zara are doing well, as is the rest of her family.
Laura’s Maternity Leave
Laura is paid part-time help for me (along with 10 other women who draft most of the shopping lists, then send them to me for review; this allows me to enjoy a little down time) and is on a six-week maternity leave. Amber, another part-time helper, has stepped up in a tremendous way to help me as much as she can, but I’m still feeling the impact of Laura’s absence. Have you noticed all the scatter-brained mistakes recently? Yep, that’s me operating without her.
I feel like I’m working double time on the site, which I love, but along with the website project and another major endeavor (explanation coming in a second), I could use your prayers for stamina and grace.
There is nothing in the world I’d rather be doing at this point in life than interacting with all of you on a daily basis. It’s an honor to be part of your journey and to have you be part of mine. I think I’ll enjoy it a wee bit more though, when Laura is back in the saddle :)
I’m Writing a Book
As if the website project and Laura’s maternity leave aren’t enough for me, I have had a tremendous opportunity open. A Pocketeer (translation: Pocket Your Dollars’ reader) emailed me inquiring if I’d be interested in writing a book. At first I thought she was joking, so I asked her what her role was at the publisher. When she told me that she works in talent acquisition, recruiting new authors, I knew that it wasn’t a joke. We don’t have a signed contract yet, but are all very optimistic that things flow through their approval process as we hope.
The book will be about attitudes that keep you broke. How our thinking and feeling about money impact our decisions and need to be adjusted before we can experience any lasting financial change.
Topping my list of lessons learned in these first few weeks of writing my first book is that it is way, way, way more effort and brain power than I imagined. I am getting into a groove and gaining confidence. It’s actually much more fun than I ever imagined too. One thing I regret is all the times I’ve said over the years, “I don’t like to write. I’m not a very good writer.” It’s time for me to prove myself wrong.
Friends, I share all of these things just to give you a glimpse into the things I’ve been focused on lately. I appreciate you having patience if things are slightly off kilter around here for a few more weeks. I have a deadline to meet for the book while Laura is yet on leave.
Again, I value all you bring and add to Pocket Your Dollars. I wouldn’t be here without all of you. Oh, and yes, we’ll figure out a way for every one of you who wants a signed copy of the book to get one. Maybe another Meet & Greet after it’s published?
P.S. – Writing this post made me feel less crazy for how exhausted I have been recently. Yep, seeing it all on paper makes me realize that there is a lot going on in my world right now.
About Carrie Rocha
Wow! You deserve a vacation! I am super excited about the new website…it sounds great! I will pray for God to give you wisdom and strength while you are in the process of writing your first book (also very exciting!) Thank you so much for all you do for us “Pocketeers”. I don’t know what I would do without this website….I check it probably 10 times a day so I don’t miss anything! It has helped me save my family of 6 a lot of hard-earned money and I am very grateful for all of your hard work! Blessings!
Thank you for all you do to make this site work! Looking forward to the changes!
Can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for all your hard work and for sharing knowledge with us.
Thank you for making a database of coupon codes. I hate trying to access a code and being redirected to the store site in order to use the code. I want the actual code so I can use Ebates!
Wow you really do have a lot on your plate. However, I’m excited about the updates you’re working on. I’m sure they’ll take some getting used to, but worth it in the long run. As a young, stay-at-home mother of 3 (so far) myself, I don’t know how you juggle this along with your family – not to mention the book!!! My prayers will be with you! God bless and thanks a million!!!
I’m excited for you!
Carries, best wishes to you and all your new endeavors! I am so thankful to have a site like yours to reference and save my family money. Praying for all you have going on to go smoothly and be a blessing to you and your family. :)
Congratulations and best of luck with all the changes you have planned for Pocket Your Dollars! It sounds like you have your hands full and we will be praying for you to go through it all smoothly. As a faithful Pocketeer, I look forward to what is to come and am SO thankful for all that you and your staff do and have done!
Wow, and I thought I was busy! :) Thanks for all your work. You have saved me lots of money since I started using the site last year. I’m not sure if this is already one of your updates (I’m not super familiar with RSS feeds) but I would love to be able to go to one place on the site and see the best baby deals, or produce deals, etc. In order to juggle couponing with life in general, I usually stick to Rainbow, but when diaps or something are on sale cheap enough somewhere else, it’s worth the extra trip.
Also, congrats to Laura. I love baby’s name! I bet Laura would be happy to trade some copy editing for a night feeding or two. :)
You make me tired just reading all this!!!! You are doing great!!!
Wow! I can’t imagine having all that on my plate. You must have a very involved husband. Everything you do is always top rate so I know you’ll get through it all. When it’s all in place & Laura is back then you should take some time for yourself. Maybe you can find a week at a spa on Groupon. LOL.Good Luck Carrie. We’re all rooting for you. God Bless!
Once again you are appologizing for being amazingly wonderful. I’m excited for the upcoming features, even as it comes with many growing pains & adjusting, I’m sure. Be encouraged, rest easy, perfect doesn’t exist but you have a great team around you. Congrats to Laura & baby!
Wow! Thanks a lot! Congratulations on the baby Laura. Can’t wait to read the new book, Carrie. :)
Again. Amazing. You. Congrats Carrie on always keeping things fresh around here! Can’t wait until your book is out! Have fun with it and enjoy your summer. And of course, congrats to Laura and her beautiful new baby <3
YAY!!! Good for you Carrie!!
I just found this site, and I have to say it has the most detailed list on coupon match-ups…and I love it!! However, I am very excited you have a new site coming! I am drawn to very colorful, personal and clean websites! I can’t wait :) Happy for you! AND congrats to Laura!
You are so ambitious! I really admire that. The new site sounds fantastic. Of course there will be some transition time where we all get used to it. That should be expected by all – totally normal. Without change, life would be boring. And as my favorate daytime TV mogul says, “When you know better, you do better.” I think that definately applies to the site. Congratulations on taking life by the horns! Can’t wait to see where all these things lead you!
Wow, sounds like it’s time to sit down and eat an ice cream cone! Hang in there, no pressure from us, we’re just thankful for what there is! (while still being excited about what’s to come!)
I’m content with what you’ve made available so far and am absolutely sure that when you are ready the new site will be awe-inspiring. Take care of yourself and your family. We’ll keep praying.
While reading you post I can tell you are overwhelmed with everything that is going on. This too shall pass. Please remember to take care of your self, it is so easy to get so busy that a person forgets to slow down and enjoy the moment. I understand how much work it is setting up a website, right now my husband and I are in the process of getting our own website up and running. I wish you well with all your projects. Take care.
Such exciting updates!!!! I’m excited to see the changes and the book!!!
YAY! I am excited about all the changes! I think the logo looks awesome and I think the new formats you mentioned are very cool sounding. I can’t wait!
Congrats on the book and to Laura on the baby. I LOVE this site/community and recommend to anyone and everyone who will listen!
not to add to your already huge list. But, I think it would be nice to have some sort of meal planning forum.
Just a thought.
It all sounds wonderful! I am sure most all of us will love the new changes once we get used to them.
I could feel the stress in your words of the workload you have on you…I pray that you can enjoy this time and not push yourself too hard or too fast.
Know that we all LOVE what you have here as it is…so no pressure or rush from us to hurry on this site; take your time enjoy your family along the way; and if this “construction” takes longer than you thought, so be it…most all construction projects take way longer than anticipated. Give yourself some breathing room; don’t push yourself too hard.
Carrie,
Your are such a unique person. I think many of us have learned not just to save TONS of money, but also endurance, transparency and hard work.
You are going to do great!
A Meet-and-greet after the book is published would be great since I didn’t get to go to the first one!
How exciting and bold! I’m looking forward to seeing the new site and book. Take care of yourself. “Through Him all things are possible!” :D and of course the old stand by “Yard by yard life is hard, inch by inch life’s a cinch!”
Blessings!
Congratulations on the book opportunity! I contacted you recently regarding behavior modifications needed to reach financial freedom. I often found myself in a cyclical money mess that I created for myself and how that has impacted my net worth. I look forward to your insight.
Have you considered branching out to a new market? That could potentially be huge in Texas. I often find myself explaining couponing to my Spanish-speaking relatives. They often pay full price for everthing!
I sort of feel guilty now because your website has simplified my shopping, but may have complicated your schedule. I often pride myself in my research because of my natural inquisitiveness. If you need help with research, just let me know. it’s the least I could do to express my token of appreciation. Thanks – Linda
Carrie,
Thanks for the update. I hate to admit it but I am one who absolutely hates change. Although I think your site needs it. I love many of the newbies that will be on the new site. Such as, A directory of shopping lists for regional grocery stores nationwide. I have a couple of different local stores that you do and have had to look elsewhere for sales and coupon match ups for them or have done it myself. I also love the tutorial and welcome center part. I have been following you since Bridging the Gap 2010. It was hard to get going and I think this will help the newbies to the site. I think the topical index is fabulous!! I sometimes have a hard time finding my way around your site and this is wonderful. I have to say that you have the best site EVER! I have looked at other sites and always come back to yours. It is the best and soooooo easy. Thanks so much for all you do!