1. Keep it Simple.
In an
effort to build a site that looks interesting and inviting, many
first-time bloggers will mistakenly overcomplicate matters. This can
cause an assortment of different complications. Firstly, site visitors
who feel overwhelmed by content selections may not be able to interact
with a blog. Overstimulation can also give off a bad vibe, damaging the
site’s credibility. Stick to one or two colors when designing the blog’s
theme, and try to avoid using too many different fonts.
2. Aim for a Subtle Impact
Developing
a expertly-designed blog requires a keen eye for the small details.
Subtle changes and shifts can impact the overall feel of a blog, and are
much more effective than utilizing garish colors and bizarre emoticons
to attempt to grab a visitor’s attention. Make full use of effects like
gradients and textures when designing for a new blog. Without screaming
“look at me!”, designs that incorporate these techniques come off more
professional than others.
3. Make it Clean
Avoiding
clutter is a reoccuring theme when it comes to web design. Clutter is
distracting, and can end up pointing site visitors in the wrong
direction. One way to keep clean lines and edges is to utilize borders
to separate media and text content from one another. Borders do not need
to be exceptionally large, but can instead be as small as 1-pixel wide.
While it may be difficult to pinpoint what is allowing the content to
appear so clean, this technique is a blogger’s friend in helping to
ensure the site looks professional.
4. Unlock the Power of CSS
For
bloggers who are not yet familiar with CSS, learning this style sheet
language could unlock countless opportunities in terms of allowing the
site to take on an entirely new look. Many webmasters mistakenly believe
that good design sense is enough to make a site truly stand out. In
fact, it takes a keen eye for design, combined with the ability to make
that design display properly on the web. Learning CSS is an involved
process and requires a significant time investment, but it can be well
worth the results. Even learning a few simple CSS steps can help
bloggers keep their site looking great.
5. Keep the Topic at the Forefront
It
is important for bloggers to keep the topic or subject they are
discussing at the forefront of a site visitor’s mind. The design of a
blog doesn’t need to simply look appealing, but it should also reflect
the content in question. This can be done in a number of different ways,
and doesn’t necessarily need to include overt references to the subject
matter. Colors, images, and backgrounds can all be used in subtle way
to complement the overall theme of the site in question.
6. Follow Established Protocols
In
an effort to create a site that will really stand out, some bloggers
take things too far. Don’t fall into this trap, but instead try to stick
to accepted blog formats and layouts. Take advantage of sidebars and
provide visitors with the option to subscribe to your content or connect
on social media networks. Content should make a site stick out from all
the rest, not the bizarre layout of the blog.
7. Utilize Advertisement Sparingly
Ads
are a bit of a paradox for bloggers. Advertisement revenue is often one
of the most powerful sources of income for those blogging online. On
the same page, ads turn readers off and cause them to look for
information elsewhere. For this reason, it is essential to pay close
attention to how ads are utilized on a blog. Pop-ups should be avoided
at all costs, as they annoy users. Try to use ads in places that will
not distract from the content displayed on the site, and avoid over
utilizing ads.
8. Photo Quality and Placement is Key
Graphic
images used on a blog can reinforce the content displayed on the site.
When pictures are low-quality and do not reflect the content in a
positive manner, site visitors will be left with a bad taste in their
mouths. Choose images that are professional and relevant to the content,
and try to place them to the right of the text. Images that cut up
content can make for a difficult reading experience, which can alienate
site users.
Thanks to http://www.spiceupyourblog.com