I recently read a blog post by popular Nigerian lifestyle blogger, Sisi Yemmie in which she suggested four things you could do to make your blog pop. I commented beneath the post adding to what Sisi already mentioned. Sisi then suggested that I write a blog post on this f I haven’t already. So here I am starting a series on some tips and tricks that will take your blog to the next level. If you are not a blogger or just hearing about blogging bores the hell out of you, please go and read about my adventures and misadventures, recipes or features. There’s enough in the “Precious Topics” tab on the blog menu to keep you going before my next post.
If you are still here, I take it that you are interested in blogging so you are in good company, my friend! Please grab a cuppa because this is going to be one detailed read. I’ll have to give you the details if I really want to help you, right?
I started blogging 2 years ago. In my first year, I was totally an on-and-off blogger. I started blogging consistently last May so I’ve been blogging effectively for one year! I am not some professional high-earning accomplished blogger (yet). But there are some things I have learned along the line in my quest to build a blog which I would love to share with you.
We’ll be starting this series by talking about
YOUR BLOG DESIGN.
Your blog design is the first thing that is noticed when someone clicks on your page so make an effort to have an appealing design. The best way to do this would be to get a blog template. Whether, your blog is on WordPress, Blogger, Joomla or some other host, there are lots of free templates out there for you. Simply Google, “free and responsive blog templates” and you will get many free ones. I’ll explain what “responsive” means below.
Here are some direct links for you:
To buy one, which I prefer (for security and constant online help when needed), you can visit online shops such as
Etsy and do a search for “Blogger templates”or “WordPress templates”. I tell you the truth, you will weep for joy when you see the variety of blog templates that will pop up. Pick one that resonates with the theme of your blog and is affordable to you.
When you see many templates, picking the right one could be hard. At least it was for me and I wouldn’t want you to go down that path. Here are some things to look for when choosing a blog design;
- You can view the template live. This is so important, so you will be able to see what it will look like on your blog.
- It is easy to find most recent posts. I hate going to a blog and I’m unable to trace the most recent post. So discouraging. Some blog themes are so obscure. You want one that clearly shows you where to go.
- It encourages comments. Comments make a blog livelier so you totally want a blog template that somehow encourages comments. On posts with no comments, it may say something like. “click to add a comment” or “leave a comment” instead of just saying, “no comments.” This makes your readers see that their comments are welcome.
- It has social share buttons on each post. Social media is where you will get most of your readers so you want to make sure your template has the social media share buttons to encourage sharing.
My blog went through various stages of design. I started with a boring in-built template, tried to customise it myself and right now I am running on a purchased and customised template which I totally love. If you are not a web designer, designing your blog all by yourself usually leaves many loose ends.
So if your blog has not been professionally designed, run now and look for a template. Installation instructions usually come with the package so don’t think you need a web designer or some professional to accomplish this. You can do this!
One very important thing about your blog design is that it should be “responsive”. This means it should adapt well to other screens like those of cell phones and tablets. It shouldn’t look like a text book on a tablet. That is just so unprofessional.
If you do not have Photoshop, no worries,
PicMonkey will greatly help you with your blog picture design jobs.
That’s it for design, my friends. If you have any questions or contributions, please add below so we can grow together. See you in the next blogging post.
Love ya!
Ok i think this will help me. Thanks soooooo much. But you can still reply my mail o.
trendwithgloria.com
I am a blog designer incase anyone needs my services. You can contact me on 09098265695
http://www.emetesmind.blogspot.com
Hi Cherish,
I know how confusing the themes on Etsy can be. Looking forward to see which theme you choose.
Nice to meet you, Cherish!
I'm glad I found your blog Precious. I have looked for a theme on Etsy several times and indeed get confused as to which one to go with. I'll try making up my mind soonest. Thanks for the tips.
http://www.cherishexpress.com
You are so right! I experienced a whole lot of confusion when I saw the numerous themes before me. Every now and then, I still go back and take a peek at others just to see what's new. LOL
Thanks for the tip, Bubu!
Great and selfless advice, Precious. Might I add a trick I did that could help someone out. I'm kind of a perfectionist, so choosing from thousands of lovely themes to get the 'perfect' theme was like a fastlane to the ER. I had to apply the wedding dress rule, "when you find the right one, stop looking"…cos if you do, you'd be more confused. I wouldn't wish such stress even on an enemy. For Lifestyle bloggers, a crispy, clean, minimalist template is easy on the eyes and leave room for you to customize without cluttering. Precious, you rock! http://www.bubusboulevard.com/5-things-to-learn-from-the-saudi-lifestyle/
Thanks, Berry!
GREAT TIPS PRECIOUS!!!
Berry Dakara Blog
You're welcome, Amaka.
Thanks for the tips. 🙂
You were definitely in my mind, sis. You're most welcome. Hope this helps.
I could picture me in your mind when you wrote that particular … U know line 🙂 Thank you for always coming up with these useful tips. They sure will come in handy.
Hugs and thanks.
Okay, dear.
Waow. This is lovely advice, came in handy.
CHAPTER 11 of Wrong but Right is here again. Don't miss it. Manuscript – 6 Working in Westfield Hospital was a dream come true for Shantel. She still couldn’t believe it; she kept waiting for someone to wake her up from the dream. It just felt too good to be true. Granted, she had not exactly been expecting to work in a hospital. She had always imagined herself in a financial organization but when this offer came, it came as everything she had dreamed of and more. Continue here:
http://www.ayandola.com/2016/07/01/wrong-right-chapter-eleven.html
You see why I kept running to you for help! my blog is still undergoing construction, and I needed these tips. Will be back:-)
Very well said Precious! Very very well said.
KacheeTee.com
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Thanks Kachee!
You're welcome, my love.
Precious my love, this is why i love you so much. i was actually going to send you a mail on how who designed your blog for you and now this post pops up. thanks a million, this is very helpful.
The randy maths teacher ep 2