Everywhere online are blog designs we love or hate. First impressions do really matter, but good design is not just about colours and images. To create a successful blog design that attracts repeat readers and revenue there are some important areas to consider in your design process as well as content.
1. Make your blog easy on the eye to read
Blog readers scan posts. Use headlines, bold text, white space and bullet points or lists to make your blog a reader friendly experience.
2. Focus on the content
Content is the reason your website visitors are there. To keep readers focused on the content make sure it is the main feature point of the page.
3. Consistent navigation
Visitors don’t always arrive at your blog via the home page. They use search engine queries, links from other blogs, rss feeds etc. Navigation bars and sidebars need to show consistent layout links to your articles, recent posts, and pages throughout your site. Help your readers by having a search feature.
4. Cross browser compatibility
Your readers use a number of different browsers and devices to view your content and don’t always view it as you do. Your blog needs to be cross-browser compatible and should use validated code to avoid errors that could lose you readers and revenue.
5. Integrate an RSS feed
An RSS feed will enable your reader to get real time notification when you have posted new articles conveniently in their feed reader or email inbox creating an incentive to visit to your blog again.
6. Create a blog your readers will remember
Naturally your blog will not be the only one read by your web visitor. Many blogs that use free release templates have a look repeated and repeated over the web. To compliment your content make your blog design memorable and eye catching for your web visitor and stand out from all the free themes by getting a unique blog theme designed by a web designer.
7. Ad sensibility
Use advertisements on your blog effectively by not giving them too much priority over content. If a reader has to weave their way through ads for the content, they probably won’t come back.
8. Search engine optimisation
Use a web optimisation strategy for your blog. Integrate search engine optimisation code or use SEO plugins to make your blog rank well in search engines.
9. Put important items in a prominent position
The most effective designs draw the attention of the readers to the important features of your blog, e.g. subscriptions, buy now buttons. Place the most important links, contact information, ads etc. above the fold so that readers see them straight away.
10. Optimise your page loading speed
Web visitors have a short attention span. Keep their attention and avoid the ‘back button reaction’ by having a fast loading page. Reduce unnecessary clutter and have web optimised graphics and clean code for maximum loading speed.
KISS your blog…utilise the phrase - ‘Keep It Simple Stupid’ and have fun!
