New Look For Diva Marketing

08/16/2005

Welcome to a virtual launch party for Diva Marketing (blog)! Champange_1

After trying on many different styles Diva Marketing finally is ready to unveil the new look! There are still a few backend threads to be snipped but I was so excited that I wanted to wear it right away. Thank you, thank you  Peter Flaschner of the Blog Studio.

To bring you up to date, several weeks ago I met Peter Flaschner, one of the blogosphere's most creative designers, when we were both guest blogging at Pro Blogger. Another example that blog networking works.

Peter liked my approach to strategy but he questioned if the graphic elements of Diva Marketing Blog were doing more to harm rather than support my branding efforts.  He kindly offered to re skin (ouch!) the blog. Thus began the start of a beautiful friendship.... (and I fear far more than Peter bargained for).

We agreed to blog the process in pure blogger form - with honesty and transparency - which meant allowing y'all to see all comps, the rationale of our strategy and with comments opened. Very brave of Peter! Take a look at the evolution of the comps on Peter's post at the Blog Studio.

We listened and learned. In doing so I learned lessons about branding and customer perceptions that went far beyond the redesign. I learned that I had created a Blog Brand. I learned that people cared about the image of Diva Marketing ... some very passionately. I learned that although a brand might be controlled by the customer ... shame on you if you don't provide cues to help guide that perception. (Gulp)

So now Diva Marketing has a new do. Peter and I feel it meets the objects we set: elegant, sassy, sophisticated keeping the fun but with an eye to capturing more business opportunities. And like any Diva with a new do I'm excited to show it off to you!

Your feedback was invaluable. Peter and I both thank you for your generosity in sharing your insights and expressing your creative ideas. This is as much your blog design as it is Peter's and mine.

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» Diva's got a brand new bag--and a pair of shoes too! from Qumana Blog

Dahlings you just have to visit Toby's new site!  [Read More]

Tracked on Aug 17, 2005 6:59:00 PM

» Blog redesign: Potential results from http://blogbusinessworld.blogspot.com/2005/08/carnival-of-capitalists-at-local-small.html
Blog redesign is not something that every blogger considers as a serious option. Of course, my good friend Toby Bloomberg of Diva Marketing is no ordinary blogger. As one of the reigning blogging divas, Toby has been on the leading and often contr... [Read More]

Tracked on Aug 20, 2005 5:28:29 AM

Comments

Absolutely gorgeous design, Toby, and it fits your online persona so well : ) It's pure eye-candy...and I mean that in the best way possible.

Just lovely!

Posted by: Cary on Aug 16, 2005 4:39:00 PM

You look mah-va-less dahling! What a fun and fresh new look!

Posted by: Lisa Meyers Brown on Aug 16, 2005 6:09:50 PM

Fabulous Toby. What a great process to go through -- and what a fantastic end result. Congratulations.

Posted by: Teresa Caro on Aug 16, 2005 6:10:42 PM

My dearheart, Toby...what delightful work you have had done! A true, inspiring face-lift. How jealous Jane is! But then...we like you in pink. We like you in anything... kudos to the Blog Studio. So, what's in the glass??

Posted by: Yvonne DiVita on Aug 16, 2005 7:22:26 PM

Pop the bubbly, the Diva's got a brand new bag!

Looks awesome, love how it turned out!

Posted by: Tris Hussey on Aug 16, 2005 8:14:27 PM

I love the new look for your blog. It's very updated and chic. Just like you.

I even expect it to result in more visitor traffic for you. Let us know if it does, as that is something of interest to everyone. Especially you.

Champagne corks are popping in honour of Toby Bloomberg and and the makeover of Diva Marketing.

Posted by: Wayne Hurlbert on Aug 16, 2005 8:22:22 PM

Hubba Bubba! Bewdyfull

Posted by: Darren Rowse on Aug 16, 2005 11:00:09 PM

Holy olives, catwoman -- what's up with the martini? I visited and was like ... did I make a wrong turn at ...?

I do like the new design overall, but I'm not sure about the cocktail reference for a professional blog (I'm certinaly no prude or tee-totaller, just not sure how that will go over). Maybe it's a really smart move. Might put off some folks, though. Cool for a non-work blog.

Toby - is it there for shock ("bold") factor? What was the thinking behind that? Not trying to pee in yer cornflakes, just curious on the thinking behind this one.

Best of luck with it :) New paint is cool!

Posted by: TDavid on Aug 16, 2005 11:26:14 PM

I think the martini glass is cool. Change that you might as well change the whole thing because it fits perfectly. 'professional' is good but the tone of this site is both professional and 'cocktail like' in my opinion - they're not mutually exclusive by any means. Fit's Toby's personality perfectly from what I can tell.

Posted by: Darren Rowse on Aug 16, 2005 11:46:34 PM

Thanks for your good wishes and feedback.

TDavid - Appreicate your always thoughtful comments.

We were after a way to create an image that would reflect the "diva voice." Since there are often references to cosmos and appletinis the martini glass seemed to "fit" the image. Here's a link to the entire Diva Marketing story. By the way...you play an important part ;-)
http://bloombergmarketing.blogs.com/bloomberg_marketing/2005/07/what_a_strange_.html

Posted by: Toby on Aug 16, 2005 11:48:22 PM

I like it! It represents you and the personna you have created here. It complements and supports your copy.

Posted by: Linda Abraham on Aug 17, 2005 1:11:26 AM

Yo, Toby, it looks smashing, dahling! Not only does it have its own pizzaz, it reflects your bubbling personality (hic). What I greatly appreciate is your willingness to share thoughts about the process... makes me want to give Peter a ring about that blog of mine...

Posted by: Michele Miller on Aug 17, 2005 8:09:40 AM

Michele - Peter was a dream to work with ... if you're thinking about a new Wonder Brand skin def put him on the top of your short list!

Posted by: Toby on Aug 17, 2005 8:57:10 AM

Looks great, Toby. Peter does great work - fitting for THE Marketing Diva.

Best - mp

Posted by: michael d. pollock on Aug 17, 2005 9:02:55 AM

My cousin Tallulah would have sent that T David boy out to feed the dog, and would have locked the door behind him.

Nice stuff!

Posted by: Allan Jenkins on Aug 17, 2005 10:39:47 AM

Ah Allan ... TDavid's questions cut to the core and of branding concepts. Good to be challenged and sure nice to be appreciated...thanks for your comments!

Posted by: Toby on Aug 17, 2005 10:46:09 AM

Distinctive, fun, clear, pretty - just like you.

And very fresh - just like you.

I love it.

Posted by: Jill Fallon on Aug 17, 2005 11:53:42 AM

hmmm... Diva does AdRants?

Looks like it's more fun. Of course brings to mind that old "Marketing - Two Drink Minimum" Far Side cartoon.

I wonder if the martini glass is becoming de riguer for all top marketing blogs? I better get working on a new design! I'm a three onion guy myself.

Posted by: Rich Westerfield on Aug 19, 2005 4:36:11 PM

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