Joining us this week on The SITS Girls is Annabel Candy, the author behind Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps. Annabel is helping us to focus in on blog design, writing, and social sharing. Our first post kicks off an overview of best blog designs and what it takes to make your blog as appealing to your target readers as possible.
Is your blog starting to look cluttered? Have you lost sight of your blogging goals?
Are even your most loyal readers thinking of jumping ship because they’re confused about what your blog is really offering these days?
Don’t worry because most blogs become cluttered over time. It happens to all bloggers.
The real key to successful blogging is a blog design that meets the needs of your readers.
If you’ve been blogging for a while, then you should have a clear idea of who your readers are. It helps to focus on two or three individual readers when evaluating your blog and blog design. Whether these readers are imaginary or real is up to you. However, as a blogger, you should have a clear idea of your readers’ age, gender, location, employment status and income.
Blog Design How To Exercise
Imagine you’ve never visited your site before and don’t know what it’s about. What is the first impression your readers might receive? Is this the impression you want them to have?
If the answer to this question is no, then it might be time to update your blog design and copy.
Becoming One of the Best Blog Designs
When evaluating your website and striving to become one of the best blog designs, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure your blog design is polished and professional. Think about your branding, including the images, colors, and language, that will most appeal to your target audience.
- Be aware that if your site looks boring, amateurish, or cheap, that’s how you or your business may be perceived.
- Don’t run with the default images in templates. Make an effort to make your blog look as good as possible within your budget.
- If you don’t have the budget for a professional design, then less is more. Try to find one hero image or photo which really brings your blog to life and shows people what you’re about.
- If your blog is a marketing tool for your business, then its worth investing a few thousand dollars in a classic design that will stand the test of time and prove to be a really good investment for your business.
How To Evaluate Your Blog Design
Look at your blog with fresh eyes and imagine you’ve never visited before. Most new blog visitors will only spend about five seconds assessing your blog before deciding whether to continue reading or simply move on.
There are three main questions readers would like answered as quickly as possible:
- What is your blog about?
- Who writes it?
- How will it benefit them?
Incorporate these elements into your blog if you haven’t already, and you’ll be on the path to becoming one of the best blog designs out there.
If you’ve already done this work, then consider whether the information should be updated and ensure that it is “above the fold,” aka the part of your blog that people see immediately without having to scroll down.
Additional Blog Design Elements to Consider
- A Tagline: A tagline or slogan will instantly tell people what your blog is about. Don’t worry about making it clever or witty. Just focus on telling people in as few words as possible what they’ll find on your blog or how it will help them.
- A Photo of You: It’s human nature to want to know who writes a blog and if we can trust them. A smiling photo of you will instantly inspire confidence in your readers.
- Blog Topics: Include up to eight blog topics with short names so people can quickly scan them to see if the topics match their interests or needs.
- Branding: Evaluate the colors, layout, and images on your site against whether they will all appeal to your ideal readers. If you want to inspire your readers, then you need to have an inspirational look and feel to your site. If you’ve got a business site, then you may prefer a clean design that instantly gives you a professional edge.
More on Best Blog Designs
Interested in more blog design how to tips? Then be sure to read these posts:
- 4 Vital Questions to Ask Before You Start the Blog Design Process
- How NOT to Design Your Blog
- How to Be Successful With a Blog Designer
Successful Blogging eBook and Coupon Code
If you’re a blogger, then you know how much information there is about blogging out there and how hard it is to get started. The whole process is overwhelming and confusing, which is why Annabel wanted to make it easier. To help people set up or relaunch a blog that will help them reach their goals and get the results they want, Annabel wrote Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps. It’s main goal is to help other small business owners and writers tap into the power of blogging. If you’d like to check out the book and receive 35% off the cover price, then simply use the code, 35off, at checkout.
Thanks for reminding us to look at our blogs from the reader’s viewpoint. Love your tips!
Lynn from For Love or Funny recently posted..This is why my butt is flat
Hi Lynn, glad you found that handy and great to connect with you here at SITS:)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..5 Unexpected Life Lessons Learned Camping in Australia
Thanks for this! I’m always looking for ways to learn more about great blog design.
Stephanie @ Hugs, Kisses and Snot recently posted..Flora & Fauna
Hi Stephanie, there’s always a lot to learn to begin with but after you’ve been doing it a while you start to get a feel for what will work and what won’t:) Your blog name is definitely resonating with me! My kids are a bit older now so there’s less snot but also less hugs and kisses – I have to steal them;)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..5 Unexpected Life Lessons Learned Camping in Australia
Thanks for the great tips. I am continually learning and updating my pics and my text. I want to keep readers while gaining new ones.
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Susan Freeman recently posted..Happy October Days
Hi Susan,
That’s a great point. It is good to focus on nurturing the readers you have by building that relationship and giving them the content you want. Hopefully if they like what they read they”ll be spreading the word about your blog and helping you find new readers through them:)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..5 Unexpected Life Lessons Learned Camping in Australia
Twitter: decondemand
says:
Yikes, I need a blog makeover stat!
Marie Cole recently posted..Coyote Beautiful!
Hi Marie, let me know if you need more help:)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..5 Unexpected Life Lessons Learned Camping in Australia
I can’t tell you how uber-excited I am to be getting a blog makeover in November!! However I’m still enjoying cleaning up my look a bit ven now. Tagline is on the mind these days.
Katrina @ In Katrina’s Kitchen recently posted..Creepy Peepers Halloween Jell-O
Hi Katrina,
Great to hear you’re updating your blog soon and you’re right. Even beside the actual blog design and tech issues there is other work to do. I regularly have to update the copy on my static pages (about, contact etc) and have changed my slogans several times as my blog evolved. Slogan writing is fun, enjoy it and let us know what you come up with:)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..5 Unexpected Life Lessons Learned Camping in Australia
Twitter: myicing
says:
Great tips! Blogging is a constant work in progress!
Mimi recently posted..My SITS Day! Woo Hoo!
Hi Mimi, that’s so true! Keeps it interesting;)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..Is a Location Independent Lifestyle Right For You?
Thanks for sharing this information. I think I’ve incorporated these tips into both of my blogs but it’s difficult to evaluate your own blog.
Maybe we can get something going where we can do groups of evaluating each others blogs (using each of these tips)?
Michelle @Radiant Brown Beauty recently posted..2011 Circle of Sisters Rundown – Day 1
Hi Michelle,
That’s a good idea. I recommend bloggers get a blog buddy (or two!) who you can bounce ideas off and ask to give an honest appraisal of your blog. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of willing candidates here on SITS:)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..5 Unexpected Life Lessons Learned Camping in Australia
Sounds good to me. I wonder if there’s a forum topic started. I’ll go check!
Michelle @Radiant Brown Beauty recently posted..National Epilepsy Awareness Month is Coming
Twitter: anoptimisticmom
says:
Thanks for the tips. As I continue to update, this is very helpful and I have to remember to view it from a reader’s perspective.
Optimistic Mom recently posted..Marriage: One more question before you say I do
Hi Optimistic Mum,
Glad you found that handy:)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..15 Writing Tips From Ann Patchett
What great tips! I am planning on moving from Blogger to WordPress in the next couple of weeks, and I want to do some updating. These will help
Hi Angela,
I made that move a long time ago and it’s definitely for the best. I recommend everyone starts in WP from the beginning but if you haven’t it’s best to move sooner not later:)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..Why Pitching a Book is Scarier than Hannibal Lecter
Great tips, I think getting user testers with a fresh perspective can also help. I am doing so on my blong now using a free account from SurveyMonkey. They even have a template you can use so it is super easy. You only get 10 questions though, but it helps you see your blog through the eyes of a reader/stranger.
Susan Silver recently posted..Win a $5 Gift Certificate to Amazon
Hi Susan,
Another great point. I’ve used Google to do free surveys and it’s always an eyeopener. No more guessing what readers want, now you get it from the horse’s mouth;)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..Who’s the Mucho Man?
Twitter: ziggy1962
says:
I need a new tagline for my blog, but I’m not sure what it should me. I outgrew the tagline I have now. Time to put on my thinking cap.
Laura recently posted..I AM WHO I SAY I AM
Great tips! I’ve begun thinking about things that I may need editing when it comes to my blogs design. I’m happy with what I’ve designed for my blog at this point, but these tips are very helpful!
Thanks!
Rachel Allison recently posted..Patience Is A Virtue -
Good evening! Checking in for Roll Call before I head on over to “12 Simple Steps”!
michelle @ this little light recently posted..Hello, Monday!
great tips, and a reminder my blog needs some sprucing-up!
anna ~ random handprints recently posted..Incredible Pumpkins – Halloween Gone Good
Twitter: kg_photography
says:
Thanks for sharing these tips; I’m reading this right as I’m choosing the next blog design. I currently have two blogs and I want to make the designs more in sync with my company, A Novice With Moxie. I’ve currently taking the time to decide between two designs and I’ll definitely keep your tips in mind. Thanks again!
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photography Blog recently posted..Custom Holiday Photo Cards and 2012 Calenders
Great tips!!!! I just did a rambling recipe on my blog
Holly recently posted..Pumpkin Dump Cake
Twitter: Rosesdaughter
says:
This post was right on time! I’m currently redesigning a portion of my blog and needed this advice!
Hey Annabel! Great to see you here! I know that the SITS girls will certainly benefit from your advice!
Anne Galivan recently posted..How To Find Low-Cost (and Free!) Music Lesson Resources Online
Thanks Anne, lovely to see you too;)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..5 Unexpected Life Lessons Learned Camping in Australia
Good tips on a better blog.
I’m still trying to get the hang of this blogging thing and have so much to learn. This was a great post! Looking forward to more
Hi Krishann,
There is a lot to learn but don’t get overwhelmed. Just keep at it and enjoy the process:)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..5 Unexpected Life Lessons Learned Camping in Australia
New to SITS as of yesterday and love it so far
Still have a lot to learn about blogging!
http://wishesanddishes.blogspot.com
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted..Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges
Thanks for the advise. I have struggled with the design of my blog and beat myself up because it’s not professional enough. In reality, it’s simple and to the point. Which is me.
Thanks again!
Hi Blair, simple is best for a non-professional design. Try to think about what your readers will be looking for and make sure they can find it fast:)
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..What’s the Worst Thing that Could Happen?
Thanks for the practical ideas.
Fondly,
Glenda
Glenda Childers recently posted..One of the Reasons I Love Christmas. 31 days of Christmas Wonder (day 12)
I am in the process of re-designing my site and I need all the tips I can get. Thanks!
Traci Lehman recently posted..Walk at the Mission: Spiders
I have been blogging for a while but only recenetly started taking the whole thing seriously and great tips like thses are very much appreciated – thanks x
Sheila recently posted..Flowers Galore
Twitter: teacher_viviene
says:
This is very helpful… I just changed my blog design and I know it needs more polishing..
viviene @ thejourneyofawoman recently posted..Happy Valentine’s Day!
Twitter: Brittany_TYD
says:
I really need to focus on whittling down my “tags” and “topics” and creating a really easy way for my readers to search old posts. I’ve gotten completely rid of the tag widget for now because it just takes over my sidebar!
Brittany recently posted..Truth-Filled Thursdays {Link-Up!}