Do You Know How to Enhance Your Blog’s Image?
In interior decorating, experts recommend that we use mirrors to create the “illusion” of a larger room, that we align elements mindfully for proper balance and symmetry, and that we paint in earth-tone colors to convey a sense of calm to our environments.
Just as there are techniques, strategies, and “hacks” for improving your home’s interior, there are for designing and aligning your website or blog for optimal results.
Enhance Your Blog’s Image
Today we’ll cover the most important ones involving design elements, color, and set-up.
Things to help you appear “large and in charge.”
But before we get started, here are a few guidelines to consider:
• The proper design approach conveys a professional image and gives an impression of “good taste” and authority.
• If you don’t have an eye for design, or are not particularly tech savvy, hire a professional.
• Sometimes finding the right look and feel requires a little trial and error and feedback.
• Your site’s design is important to establishing and marketing your brand.
Remember, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
With this in mind, here are some important dos and don’ts…
DO:
• Strive for simplicity. Use colors and templates that align with the purpose, goals, and industry of your blog.
See more info here: http://www.colour-affects.co.uk/psychological-properties-of-colours
• Keep your sidebars uncluttered.
• Choose a font size and style that’s easy to read; not everyone has 20/20 vision.
• Steer clear of intrusive “pop-ups” and loud music that plays when visitors click on your site.
• When incorporating images, try to use those that are professional, appropriate to your content, and that do not appear “cartoon-ish”.
You may even be able to take and use your own images, courtesy of your cell phone or tablet. (I take many of my own photos for my award-winning site, Pen & Prosper). You can also obtain attractive images here:
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net
• Make sure your site is easy to navigate with tabs, easily identifiable key pages, and proper headings.
The quickest way to “lose” potential followers is to “lose” them.
DON’T:
• Don’t use busy patterns or loud colors that may potentially compete with or distract from your blog’s content or messages.
• Don’t overwhelm readers with posts that rival “War and Peace.”
Keep it short, but substantive (200-800 words).
If more, break it up into sessions or series.
• Don’t feel pressured to post content if it is not “ready” and quality-oriented.
Although the goal is consistency, posts should always provide value to readers; which can sometimes take awhile.
Keep these tips in mind whether you are embarking upon a new launch, or trying to elevate your current blog to higher levels.
About Jennifer Brown Banks
Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, creative strategist, award-winning blogger and columnist. Her publishing credits include: Pro Blogger, Daily Blog Tips, Write to Done, Men With Pens, Writing-World, Tiny Buddha, and other top-tier sites. She holds a bachelors degree in Business Management. Banks teaches writers and businesses how to “work smarter, not harder” and increase their bottom line at her “Top 25 Writing Blog” – Pen and Prosper.
For more about how to start a blog, click here.
