Welcome to the New Hip2Save Site…
So let me start off by saying that I know change is hard. Very hard. I haven’t changed the Hip2Save site since 2009. Yes, 2009, when I moved from Blogger to WordPress. That is a crazy long time to not update or change a website.
So it’s time. Grab your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and check out the new site…
I sure hope you like the new site as much as I do! I understand that it may take a bit to get comfortable with the new look so please take some time to get familiar with the site and feel free to leave a comment below with any feedback you have. We hope that you find the site to be more user-friendly, easier to navigate, totally responsive on all of your devices, and that it makes you feel excited to part of this amazing Hip2Save Community!
Here are just a few of the new features:
TWO Ways to View the Site – Yes, we now have TWO different options to view posts on the site! We have the view that you all are familiar with (just like on the old site) – you can just scroll down and continue scrolling to see all of the current deals that have been posted. OR, switch to the grid-view and view 12 deals all at once in small blocks (this is a great option if you’re in a time crunch and want to quickly see the latest deals). You’ll see the image of the deal on these blocks as well as the deal description. If interested in a deal, just click on the block to view the full post. And the best part about both views is that you can easily toggle between the two options!
Navigation Menu – Be sure to check out our new Navigation Menu at the top of the site! This is where you’ll find most everything you’re looking for. Search our online deals (you can even search by category like photo deals, toy deals, and more), search store deals, check out our latest Restaurant deals, and latest freebies and coupons. Plus, easily access free printables available in the “Tips” section, and don’t forget to browse the yummy recipes and frugal DIY ideas.
Our Navigation Menu Follows You – Yes, the navigation menu will now follow you down the site as you browse all the deals so you will no longer have to scroll back up when you decide that you’d like to check out a different section of the site.
Easily View Store Deals – You now can easily view the weekly store match-ups and store guides for each of the popular stores on Hip2Save including Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. Just click on the store name in the navigation menu, and you will be taken to the current deals for that store. In addition, you’ll see buttons at the top of each page that link to the current store match-ups and the store guide which contains the store’s coupon policy and more information regarding how to shop at each specific store.
HIP List – Although this is not a new feature, I just wanted to mention it as you can now easily toggle between the HIP list, the grid-view, and the normal full-deal site view. If you’re new or not familiar with the HIP list, it’s a nice feature that allows you to save posts to check out at a later time. Have you ever had moments when you’re either out of time or out of printer ink, or both, and you really want to keep track of a “HIP” deal and/or print a valuable coupon in the next day or two? This is where the HIP list comes into play! 🙂
Love the new look! So ”hip” 😀 Thank YOU for being the awesome you!! So continues to rub that lucky red ball @ Target.
Thank you! And I will… that Ball always gives me good luck! 😉
I got so used to the other layout and found it to be useful and easy to use. Hoping the new layout provides me with the same ease. Love ur site in general and appreciate all the hard work..I am here daily and always find a bargain..also enjoy the reader comments.
Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.
I like the old layout because it was easy to read. I find this layout difficult to read on my computer .
I find it almost impossible to use on my mobile phone. Slow, not user friendly. The store links on the navigation menu aren’t even accessible on my phone. I mostly use my mobile device and it is much more difficult now.
i agree with Spedtch95 completely. It’s ok on my laptop. But impossible to use or navigate on my mobile phone.
I agree….it is taking forever to load on my phone. I’m on the go all the time and usually only access thru my phone so this is frustrating. I like the new changes but wish it was mobile friendly.
Thank you all for letting me know about the slowness on mobile. It shouldn’t be this way. I am passing along to my team.
Collin I have an old iPhone 4s not sure if that is the reason, but judging by the others’ comments, it may not be.Is there any way they can put in just headings/titles like the old format to just click on? That might speed it up and fix the situation? Maybe its just too graphic intensive for phones now, unless you have to latest and greatest? I think the laptop version is absolutely fine (other than comments text too small) but on the mobile version its a disaster – slow, cant load, can’t scroll, type is so small I cannot read it. Hoping your team can make adjustments. The main pages look great though!
Great idea about on removing images. I would think that would definitely help load time on mobile devices – passing along to the team. Thanks!
have you tried the Hip2Save App that works well for me
Tough change but will get used to it
Thanks! I totally understand… change is hard.
I can’t seem to figure out how to view the site in block form like you said you could?
At the top of the page (where the first post starts) Just click on “Grid View” 🙂
Let me know if you’re not able to see the “Grid View” (which is the tab next to “Classic View”)
Awesome! The website was great as it was, now it seems even better.
Yay! Glad to hear that!
I don’t like the sidebar with all the ads. They’re bigger than your actual site. I don’t like the today show banner. It’s confusing that it’s there. Are you full-time with the today show now? Does your site belong to the today show? I don’t like change.
Hi Jane,
The Today show bar at the top has always been on the site (even on the old site). And yes, we have a partnership that we’ve had for a few years now. As far as the ads go, they should not be bigger than the actually site, the post content should be taking up most of the space. Would you mind sending me a screenshot of what you’re seeing? (collin@hip2save.com) Thanks!
I am really trying to find something about it I like but sorry there isn’t much. Everything is smaller and harder to read. I really do not like how everything is scrunched on the left side of the page with how to connect with hip2save on the right. If I want to access that I would rather look for that at the top of the page somewhere and have a bigger screen to view the deals. It is just to busy and cluttered. I will still follow your site but probably less often throughout the day. Sorry!
So sorry to hear that. If there are specific things that are bothering you, please feel free to email me (collin@hip2save.com). The site was just released last night, so we are still fixing issues and making changes etc.
In the old side of the screen size so I can read it better and block out the ads on the side. It’s hard to read if I cannot increase the screen size.
I keep clicking on the today show banner… It keeps taking me away from your site… Frustrated. Sorry for all the complaints… I just don’t like change. Another shopper site I would follow change to… Two years ago. i didn’t think that worked either.
It’s as if the screen size has gotten smaller.
Can you change the view and zoom in more. I guess I am not seeing what you’re seeing as the Today Show banner at the top of the site is very small for me. For me, the bulk of the site is the content and the deals. Can you send me a screenshot of what you’re seeing as we may be able to fix the issue soon (collin@hip2save.com). Also, please let us know what device you’re using and what browser you’re in.
I liked the old layout much better. Would it be possible to allow us to choose to view the site with the old layout or with the new layout?
I agree with the above 5 comments. I too would like to know if it’s possible. It looks pretty and organized but it’s hard to read, impossible to scan topics quickly on a mobile phone like the old one, and the print is so small. I can’t even see some of the features Collin listed in her explanation of features – the store links. Very frustrated. If I can’t read it I can’t use it. May have to go back to the previous blogger site I used and it breaks my heart. Sorry
Thanks all of the feedback… we won’t be able to go back to the old layout, but that’s why we created the “Classic View” as it’s very similar to the old site. Also, things should not be hard to read and font shouldn’t be small. So if that’s an issue, I’m guessing it’s an easy fix as I am not seeing that. If you can, please email me (collin@hip2save.com) with screenshots of what you’re seeing and also let me know what devices you are on. That would be super helpful. Thanks again!
Will do Collin! After work. I am on an iPhone 4s. I know its old but they still sell them, lol. I’m noticing when you type a comment on the laptop the font size is absolutely fine. Its reading the font on the already existing laptop comments and the mobile device that is super super tiny. I’m guessing its 4 font. Will play around a bit on my MS Word and try to give you a size idea when I email you.
Thanks for all the feedback regarding font size – passing this along to the team.
I love it 🙂
Thanks, Rose! 🙂
internet explorer keeps saying website not working because problems with website and have to reclick on. DO NOT LIKE FORMAT. Liked the old one which gave exact time of post. New one not enjoyable to easily browse though. Definitely a bummer!!!
So sorry to hear that you’re having problems with IE. If you can send me a screenshot of what’s happening and what device you’re on, that would be helpful (collin@hip2save.com). Also, we have on our To-Do list to add the post times back, so stay tuned for that.
I think the new site came at a great time. We have time to get adjusted to it before the holiday sales really hit! As for the changes to the site, I think there are a lot of thoughtful changes that I believe we’ll all adjust and adapt to, especially those of us viewing the site on mobile devices. Fantastic planning on your part, Hip2save team!
Awww… thanks, Amy! I sure appreciate that comment!
A+ from this teacher on the new site! I love the ease of use. I like many others had a bit of a breakdown when it was down for a bit yesterday… My husband said, “you’re so addicted, you’re having withdrawals.” What can I say? I love my deals and Hip2Save is the best place to find them!
You’re awesome! Thanks for the sweet comment! 😉
Hi Colin -good luck on the new site! I’m on a tablet and used to make frequent use of the store shortcut links that you had posted on the right side of the screen. So far, I can’t find those, maybe because I’m on a tablet? If you can bring those back, that would be great! 🙂
Hi Julie, so all the stores are easily accessible in the Navigation menu which should follow you down the page. And to access stores, just click on the “Deals” category and you’ll see all of the popular stores posted on Hip2Save. I hope that helps! 🙂
Love, love the grid layout. I miss seeing the number of comments that have been posted but overall I like it.
We are actually adding the accurate comment count back VERY soon, that’s on the To-Do list. Thanks for the feedback.
Pleasantly surprised by the change.
You listened to your followers because I asked for a system that an save items of interest.
Thanks everyone involved & thanks for continuing to update. I liking at your site several times a day:)
So glad to hear that. Thanks for the kind words! 🙂
I have been here since your first site. I have realized it has been that long until today. Thank you so much for all of the deals over the years!
Oh WOW! Thank you SO much for sticking with me through the years! 🙂 Would you mind shooting me an email (collin@hip2save.com). Thanks so much!
Dear Collin – I LOVE your new updated site and format! It looks so fresh and beautiful and HIP (just like you).
Awww… you’re sweet! Thank you! 🙂
It looks great! Usually I don’t handle change well, but I better adapt or I pay the consequences lol! Thanks for saving me SO MUCH over the years I’ve actually paid off thousands of dollars in dept. Honestly, I can’t thank you enough. Keep up the amazing job 🙂
Thank you for the kind words… it means a lot! 🙂
Loving it!
Thank you!
Two thumbs up!
Yay!
I love the new layout! Looks great!
Glad to hear it!
Love the grid layout!! A+++
So happy you like it!
The traditional view isn’t really working for me. Takes too long to load (the three deals along the bottom seem to be a problem for my machine) and I just don’t like how it is smaller without utilizing the room along the right. (Just saying, I see lots of people like it.) However, I love the grid view and that is working totally fine for me – so that’s how I’ll use the site.
If there was a way to bookmark the grid view page that would be great. What is happening is that even though I immediately click on grid view as soon as I see the tab it won’t take me to the grid until it loads the traditional view and that is taking awhile for me.
Sorry to hear you’re having issues with the classic view 🙁 … I am passing along your comment to my team. Also, if you have a chance, can you email me with your browser info and what device you’re using? (collin@hip2save.com). Thanks!
Change is inevitable, people need to get over it. That being said, I think the page buttons need to be bigger at the bottom of the layout. Too hard to just hit the right one with fat fingers!!:)
Agreed! People should stop complaining. Collin has dedicated a lot of time and hard work into this site and I think some things could be revised, but overall the layout looks more modern.
Thanks all! I appreciate the feedback!
As I mentioned yesterday, I love the new look! Two questions though…can I switch to a mobile view like the old site (simple, easy to read)? And when I use grid view, everything that my finger touches while scrolling highlights in blue making it hard to see. Is there a way to avoid this? I am using Safari on my iphone. Thanks!!
I was looking for the mobile option to switch back too. I like the updated look but it’s just too hard on the eyes to follow on my phone.
We are still working on the mobile issues, but have you downloaded the free Hip2Save app? I think you’ll love it… it’s super easy to browse through deals on! 🙂
I downloaded the app the day it was released but preferred the layout of the mobile view. I will start using the app more now! Thanks for the response and all of your hard work! 😊
I am trying to be open minded on this. But, I agree with some others. I feel like it is condensed down and to much space to the right. The old saying is “If something is not broke don’t fix it.” I know there is a reason for change but it doesn’t aways suit everyone. It’s going to take some adjusting but I am sure we will all get used to it. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas and your great information. Happy Holidays.
I am in agreement with a lot of commenters as this is more difficult, but won’t stop me from using your site. I feel as though there is too much room for advertisements and fluff on the sides and therefore the actual room for writing and posting deals is quite limited. I have been on the site for about 5 minutes only looking at comments and navigating and my eyes are already starting to hurt. There’s also soooo much blue that it is hard to differentiate between everything. It is either blue or white coloring and not enough of a change to split things up to the eye.
I don’t want to sound ungrateful or problematic, but this is much more difficult. That being said, I still look forward to reading about the deals, but I will be spending less time cruising around the site commenting and reading information from people and will just be quickly looking for the deals.
Thanks to both of you for the feedback. I am passing along both your comments to the team. As far as the advertisements go, those are the same size and in the exact same spot they were on the old site. We have not changed those at all.
I’m trying to browse by store but can’t find the link for it and if I search “target” EVERY SINGLE post shows up… help lol I need to look at thr target deals and it was posted on Saturday
So if you click on “Deals” in the navigation, it will drop-down and you’ll be able to select Target. Here’s the direct link for ya – https://hip2save.com/save-money-with/target-deals-target-coupons/
great job Collin seems to be running faster today
Glad to hear that the speed is better today! 🙂
Please don’t be discouraged by the negative comments- change takes time and those that don’t understand the ads on the side don’t get how some websites work!
Looks great! Easy to use! Like!
Thanks for the kind words and brightening my evening! 🙂
I am LOVING LOVING LOVING the new look!!! I am having zero issues with it on my comp. I rarely view the site on my phone though. LOVE IT!
Yay! So HAPPY to hear that!
I can’t really tell what’s happening here .. . Does Colin still run this page??
Yes, not sure why you think I wouldn’t be running this page? I’ve actually taken the day to try and respond to every single comment on this post as I really value all my readers. <3
Looks great Collin! I liked the old layout a little better but with anything change takes a little getting used to. We all will adjust in no time for black Friday deals. Lol
Great job to you and your team!
Thanks, Janet!
I can only say that everything is very small and hard to read now. I like to be able to scroll thru and see the titles very clearly, but now it all runs together and im squinting too much. Maybe just make the font bigger?
Thanks for the suggestion about enlarging the font. I am passing along to the team.
Nice job!
Thank you!
Ok, I was a little scared when I first saw the changes but its really not that hard. I’m older so i did panic at first. Just took a few minutes to get comfortable with it. I’m not having any problems whatsoever. I actually like it better now. GOOD JOB!!!!!
WooHoo! 🙂 Makes me so HAPPY to hear that! Thanks for the feedback.
Not user friendly :(( Difficult on my computer and slow on my phone
So sorry to hear that 🙁 If you’re having specific issues, feel free to email me (collin@hip2save.com)
Beautiful job Collin! It’s apparent you and your team put a lot of hard work into the new look! Congrats and looking forward to many more years of saving on Hip2Save!! 🙂
Yay! Thanks so much, Bunny! 🙂
I’m all for website change. But this design doesn’t seem to be as user friendly as the old one. Hopefully I’ll get used to it. I know how much work it is to change up a website.
Thanks for the feedback. I know change can be hard.
I love the new layout! It looks so much more modern than the previous one and I’ve had no trouble at all navigating and using it like some others have.
As for people having trouble using the site on a phone, why not just download the mobile app? Seems like that would help!
Thanks! Glad to hear that you love the new layout!
I love it! Change is good😀
🙂
Oh, thank you for waiting to launch this new look until after the Kohl’s deals a couple deals ago! Those were amazing and I couldn’t step away from your site!
LOL! I know… I am glad we waiting too! 😉
I didn’t like it right away because I felt lost. But, like every change, we will have to give it time. We may even end up liking it better than the old way.
Thanks for the comment… I sure hope you all start to love it like the old site! 🙂
The website looks great!!! Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication. You’ve saved us a lot of money and time. This is by far, the best extreme couponing site I’ve ever used. Thanks again! 🙂
Awww… you are sweet! 🙂
i was just thinking yesterday, this site needs a change and BAM! LOVE IT!!!
LOL! Too funny! 😉
I like the new site, but on the old site you listed the date that you posted each entry – can you do that with the new site format?
The date that the post is published is listed to the left of every post title. Hope that helps!
One more comment (still loving the grid! 🙂 )
The top of the site banner takes up a lot of real estate and doesn’t add that much values (the mug is cute and all, but there is no functionality). This causes the user to need to scroll down more than necessary to be able to start seeing all the deals. I think a banner that doesn’t take as much vertical space would be nicer (I deal with reviewing websites, this is a big thing, less clicks and scrolls for the user).
I completely agree and suggested the same as well. Headers shouldn’t take up 30-40% of the main page of a website. Look at big retailers (Walmart, Target, Best Buy, etc), their headers are very small and are only meant for navigation purposes and “home” click links. You want your viewers to have the highest percentage of usable content on the page as possible to capture their attention (without having to scroll outside a header). I really hope they reduce the header sizes soon.
Thanks for the feedback on the header size. I am passing it along.
Love the grid view – so much more efficient to be able to see the latest deals at a glance!
Yay! Glad to hear it!