Choosing Your Blog’s Layout
Did you know that a bad blog layout can cost you potential return readers? When people surf through blogs, they take mere seconds to decide whether or not a blog is worth their time. This decision is based upon the name of the blog, the blog’s tagline and the layout. So how can you choose a good layout for your blog?
A good blog layout is an uncluttered layout. While, obviously, you want to utilize your sidebars for links and ads, you don’t have to make sure everything is represented in the sidebars. If you use WordPress, you can create sub pages for your blog. Sub pages are a fantastic way to both clean up your sidebars and still give recognition to the sites or categories that you find important.
A good blog layout has space. Make sure that your blog has some clean space. You should be using fonts that are large enough to read clearly and that the lines of text have enough space between them that each line is easy to read. Smashed together text is a complete turn off to potential visitors. In your sidebar, make sure that not only are your lists properly spaced, but that there is space between the lists themselves.
Colors. Some colors are complimentary. Others are not. A blog layout that uses a lot of loud colors can hurt the eyes of your viewers causing them to click away. Use the bold colors to highlight certain areas of your blog that you find important. This doesn’t mean that your blog should be all pale shades (that would be boring). Take some time to study a color wheel and learn which colors work well together. Keep in mind that not every pixel of your website needs to be infused with color. Don’t be afraid of white space!
Obviously what makes one blog layout better than another is subjective. These are just a few hints to keep in mind when you are deciding what you want your blog to look like. What do you think?
Filed under: Blogging strategies, Blogging tips
I noticed your Perfect Blog has no “older posts” link on the bottom of the page. Maybe you should fix that.
Yes getting agood graphic and layout is the best way to attract users
where id you get this layout from is very neat and clean
I couldn’t agree more…way to many bad layouts around which sometimes taks away from supurb content.
I agree, this is a pretty cool layout, very neat. A little bright for me, but cool indeed.
I just had a custom one done, I’ll show ya once it’s up.
This theme was designed by ninjamuk - ninjamuk.com and I like it. I wanted it clean and simple.
It should be easy to read and have a good navigaton.I don’t like the site filled with ads.
Very well put Stefan. Your theme is nice, simple and is a great fit for your blog. Very easy to navigate around and looks quality. Nice post
Agreed, design can be a part of people returning to your blog.
I case of your blog, I’d recommend to increase the css line height. This will increase the readability of the text on your blog.
Check this website for a complete guide into web typography. http://ilovetypography.com/2008/02/28/a-guide-to-web-typography/
Thank you for your advice.. nice site btw
Cool Dennis. I’m definitely interested to check out your new custom layout!
It’s up now, but still workin on it. You see similar lots of places, but I went for a 3column right theme.
I thinks Problogger’s layout is very good to appeal readers to read some of his old posts and pillar posts.It increase the stickness of his blog.
A good layout is really helping me getting more traffic. At first it’s hard to find a good one, but it will get easier, just have to find the right site.
Can anyone suggest some layout options for Blogger.com. I checked some paid ones but they are exorbidantly costly.
Where di you get this layout from ?
If you go to http://www.wahm.com/forum, in the blogging section they have lots of threads for blogger blogs. Including some recent ones about layouts.
I agree, this is a pretty cool layout.Layout is the best way to attract users
I also noticed there isn’t a “previous posts” or “older posts” link on the bottom. That is SO much easier than having to go up to the archives. Aside from that, I like your layout and choice of colors.
I’d say your blog is a good example of a ‘good layout’, easy on the eye and easy to read. Good starting point for people looking for examples.
Very nice Dennis. I’m definitely going to remember to check up on it!
You definitely got a nice theme Stefan. It is clean, simple, and really serves its purpose @ perfectblogging dot com
I definitely agree with you Jacky. Darren has a great layout for his site that lures his readers into reading some of his older, great posts!
I think that the links near the bottom are definitely a good strategy. It is good to have an “archives,” but when people scroll down to leave a comment, they are much more inclined to click on a link near the bottom!
Thanks! Lots of work to do lol.
I’m trying to do this now as well….learn from those that have done it, I say.
This would only be really useful with one post per page wouldnt it?
There are thousands of free blog layouts to choose from if you search.
A great layout makes your blog more sticky and increases page views, time on site, etc.
Chris Pearson (pearsonified.com) suggests that navigation and the layout of blog’s are what one should look for when picking a theme or ordering a custom one.
Dennis would be worth looking and custom ones help you stand out
It’s up. still some work to do, but coming along.
Yeah, custom layouts can take awhile and really be a lot of work!
That’s a great strategy Dennis. Learning from those who’ve done it - especially those who’ve been successful w/ their layout is important.
Yeah, you’ll eventually develop a knack for choosing a good layout.
A great layout can definitely lower the bounce rate of your blog and put up “stop signs” that make visitors “stop” and look around your website more.
This blog is a great example, it’s simple, clean, and looks good
Oh yeah, there are nice looking free layouts all across the web. Just do a little bit of searching and you can find some great layouts!
I’ve read that darker color usualy get more click…I think it is equal with what you said “Use the bold colors to highlight certain areas of your blog that you find important”…
I love it when blogs highlight their most popular posts so you don’t have to go digging. It saves some time and effort.
When Darren was working with Ben on his redesign one of the main things he wanted to accomplish was promote his older posts and drive his readers into the blog. This is why the homepage of ProBlogger is not the blog itself.
They definitely help make a good first impression! Content is always king though.
Totally agree Dennis… A great layout can help tons for attracting visitors!
Interesting… where did you read that?
Oh definitely Hafiz, highlighting popular posts is a great feature for keeping readers at your website longer as well!
Gecko and fly have some nice blogger templates.
I agree on adding space to between each components of the blog. Even if you have a lot of widgets, proper spacing can help lifting up the “eye’s pleasure”
One more to add, a choice between a fixed layout and a liquid layout.
you can sometimes see some blogs and web sites with disgusting layouts and you instantly click on the close button which is not good for the web designer who designed it. In fact I have had several experiences of such. So a nice attractive layout also plays a vital role which should not be ignored no matter how good and quality contents are in it.
To me, the layout is the most important of all and we must pick the right one to attract readers and traffic. Choosing the wrong one is a bad start.
I’m also still undecided on my layout. Since that is the most important thing need to think it through.. Thanks for the tips..
I will definitely try to make a better layout for my blog so it makes my readers comfortable to read..
The main part of the blog not really a contents, but layout play important place of it! Thanks for your tips, i may consider it seriously!
Layout should be a minimalistic as possible. The colours should also be limited to a few. having too much fancy stuff puts readers off because it hurts the eyes.