Principles of good blog design
You will find more blogs on the Internet than traditional websites today. Blogs are all about pulling attention toward content and providing hubs for all kinds of information. As you browse through the seemingly endless amount of blogs you will find ones you love and others you hate. To promote better designed blogs here are a few things to keep in mind.
Start with the traditional layout structure
When blogs were created they adapted a layout structure different from the traditional one at the time. This new layout bought content to the main focus of all web pages and ensured readers would not be detracted by other elements on the page.
Don’t reinvent the wheel.
Your readers will be familiar with the traditional blog structure. If you’re looking to make your blog unique don’t change the structure but change the imagery within that structure.
Content is always the focus
It doesn’t matter if you create the most appealing website in the world. If you don’t write unique, information-filled content within your niche, readers won’t be coming back. Your design should reflect that ideal by removing any unnecessary elements and bringing the attention toward your content area by effectively using headings and other hooks.
Good readability
Your blog must have a high quality of readability.
Start by using the basic color scheme rules, dark on light or light on dark. Secondly, make sure that you choose a reasonable size font with good line-spacing. Always make use of headings, bold, and other elements to break blocks of content up.
Keep advertisements few and simple
Many blogs are powered by the income generated through advertisements.
However, even with that being the case it’s important to place advertisements effectively by not allowing them to take over your content. Try marketing less ad spaces for higher prices, which keeps the focus on content without having to sale out your entire blog.
Lay content high on page
Recent studies have shown today’s Internet users spend 80% of the time above the fold and while they are scrolling, they tend focus attention only on 20% below the fold.
When designing your blog this information is very useful for making your design more effective in having readers actually read content. Keep elements above the content area minimal. This will place your content closer to the top of the web page and more within the fold; making users more likely to read the post.
Keep load times low
Visitors are impatient. You must have your web pages load quickly to avoid readers leaving. Blogs can are often weighed down by plugins and heavy imagery that really drives up load times and bandwidth.
Keeping your blog clean of unnecessary elements you will improve user experience and reduce the bounce rate.
Layout elements depending on importance
Effectively draw attention to important elements on your blog by placing them within the fold, such as popular post, and subscription information. You want to keep your web pages short and on point. Stay away from adding unnecessary widgets and other items in the sidebar. Display only what’s important.
Consistent formatting for post
Try to keep everything uniformed throughout your blog and most importantly within your post. You must spend time on designing your headings and the structure for how you will display content. Focus on typography, imagery, headings, lists, and other elements that will be included inside post. Keep everything very consistent.
Remember that your readers will tend to scan content rather than reading it word-by-word. To keep readers focused try breaking up content by using headings, lists, bolding on important statements (don’t overuse) and most importantly be brief.
10 Simple, Minimal and Clean Free WordPress Themes
The essence of blogging is content, unfortunately that has been forgotten by many.
It’s easy to find themes that are built on heavy imagery; completely forgetting the basic premise of blogging being an online journal. I’ve pushed for simplistic design for years and believe that we will see a revival in minimal design not only in the blogging world, but throughout the entire web.
And yes, I shamelessly self-promote my own WordPress themes.
1. Adam by Netjelly
2. Lead by Armypink
3. Die Neue Typographie by Hell Yeah Dude
4. Hemingway by Warpspire
5. Manifest by Jim Barruad
6. Clean Home by Midmodesign
7. by Sansserif Racer by Konstruktors
8. Sharpfolio by Web Revolutionary
9. iA by Information Architects
10. Stilbruch by Armypink
Embrace typography, white space and remember – blogging is about content, have your design reflect that idea by drawing attention away from other elements and keeping the focus on the text.
Make money blogging in under one hour a week
You don’t have to turn blogging into a full time job to become successful. It’s completely possible to run a successful, and highly profitable, blog only working one hour a week. There aren’t any secrets or eBooks to buy from self-proclaimed “gurus”.
All you need is a simple plan.
A simple plan
Start by choose a niche. Any topic will do as long as it interest you. Niche marketing is the smartest way to fast success. The key is writing all your content based on your niche which benefits you greatly with search engines.
Before you run off and create the next big thing, you’ve got to get off on the right foot. Folks fail because they don’t understand the important of selecting the correct domain and web host. Pick the wrong web host can cost you thousands of dollars and one big headache. For the past five years, I’ve trusted Bluehost.
Unlimited bandwidth & space, 24/7 phone support, plus a free domain.
It doesn’t get better than that. Bluehost rocks.
Now, selecting a domain is like an art. You want one that is easy to remember & spell, and most importantly contains your keywords within your niche.
I made the mistake of picking the wrong domain. Google thinks my website is about natural jelly. So, when picking your domain use the main niche keyword within the domain. For example, if you write about Cell Phones, then make a domain like cellphonelover.com or cellphoneguru.com; it takes time to come up with one nowadays since most are taken. Bottom line is, make sure that it contains your keyword niche and is easy to remember.
Now choose a WordPress theme that will pull attention to your content. A bold simplistic two column theme like Adam is ideal.
Building traffic and income
Finally, we need to two important elements for any successful money-making blog.
Content and backlinks.
Start by using Google Blog Search, then make a list of bloggers who write about within your niche. These are going to be the individuals who you befriend. Relationship building is important for the survival of any blog. The best thing is these bloggers have already established authority with Google, that means if your looking for help from them, you need to suck up. Start by taking a screenshot of their current design.
Now, for your first post, write a short review of one of the blogs on your list and make sure to include the screenshot you took. Be sure to include a few links to individual blog post to create some trackback links. Add tags to your post and include the blogger’s name within your header. Once you have finished the post, send an email to the blogger you’ve written about talking about the new post and asking nicely for a link back, if possible.
Rinse and repeat this process once a week on the same day.
Add a simple advertisement for an affiliate along with links to any other projects that you wish to promote. Stay committed and you will have a growing source of traffic and income.
Founder Mark Harbottle of 99designs issues an image takedown notice
It was not long after @designerdepot tweeted my article that Mark Harbottle responded.
Instead of defending the actions of your company, you attack me, by accusing me of theft. If we all adopted the mindset that we are stealing by simply using an image as a reference point then all bloggers would be guilty.
It doesn’t take long to see that with your mindset, SitePoint (your baby) is guilty of theft as well by using company logos to refer to the companies themselves.
Your idea of theft is childish.
Furthermore, when I’m refering to theft, I am not accusing your company of directly stealing imagery for your own website. I’m writing about the theft that is accruing within contest. Unlike many of your users I am not claiming stolen imagery as my own and directly profit from it.
Image take down notice and threats of
possible legal action
Not long after posting this response. I received an email from the legal department at 99designs requesting that I remove the image of the team.
We request that remove our image from your web site. I’m referring to the image on this page of our team with the speech bubbles:
http://netjelly.com/99designs-is-ruining-the-design-industry/
You DO NOT have permission to edit or use that image on your site. It’s offensive to our team members, and it breaches our copyright.
I’ll check back in 24 hours and seek alternative action if not removed.
Best Regards,
Mark
I want to show good faith and continue a constructive discussion about the topic, so I have removed the image. I intended to use the image to lighten to mood of the overall article. If I would have known it was going to completely direct all focus from the post itself, I would have never used it to begin with.
The problem with 99designs is it being based off spec work. Secondly, massive amounts of concept and imagery theft are taking place. I understand that is difficult to combat this and they have taken the step to add a blind contest feature to cut down on such theft.
It became important to write the article after they released the ready-made logo store. They continue to ruin relations and completely destroy the idea of unique company branding.
To be honest, I am surprise with the attention I received with all of this, good and bad.
99designs is effectively ruining client, designer relations
It works off a term known in the industry known as spec work. Spec work means any work done on a speculative basis. In other words, requested work that has not had a reasonable fee agreed on before the work begins.
Spec work has the chance to result in non-payment and often theft.
Multiple campaigns have been launched to attempt to bring the industry together with an understanding of not working on projects without an agreement of a fair price with the client beforehand. The result being designers are paid appropriately for anytime they spend working on a project since they had a legal agreement ahead of time.
Asking a designer, who normally charges per project or hourly, to give away design work to compete in the chance to win a project is similar to asking a mechanic to fix your car with the hopes of getting paid if you liked it or not changing your mind after the job is done.
Do you expect to work an 8 hour shift with the hopes that your employer will be pleased enough to pay you? I doubt it.
They cheapen the process by remove the professionalism
They support the perception that graphic design is easy, and all that is required is the right software, a brief company description, and one hour of time to do it correctly.
It is about building an brand.
They promote a system that ruins the client impression with an idea that it is simply a matter of tossing some pixels at a digital canvas, then allowing the clients to decide which one to pay for destroys the credibility and attitude toward our industry.
If you as a designer would take the proper amount of time to understand the client needs, research the company and competitors, brainstorm the brand, come up with an original concept, and sketch the design before opening any kind of software, you would be better off flipping burgers then to dare take the chance with one of these competitions.
You work for under minimal wage usually
Many who defend these actions claim the money they make is better than nothing. I cannot for a minute see the reasoning behind this defense.
Let’s figure the average payout is $150.00 and that you win at least 10% of the contest you enter (which is extremely rare), you spend at a minimal of 3 hours working, this means you make roughly $5 an hour, which doesn’t even cover minimal wage in the United States.
I am charitable in believing that you would be winning 10% of the contest. Also this does not factor the client backing out and the numerous revisions you could be asked for, which adds to more time spent on a single project.
They ruin the reason in hiring a designer
For sometime I planned to write this article. I did not feel it was necessary in till they released a new feature that allows designers to submit logos to a marketplace which can be bought for $90 or $300 if the client wants exclusive rights.
The logo marketplace is another example of them being more concerned with money then the welfare of the industry. Not only is there mass theft, they now are advocating for clients to pay for a logo that is already being branded possibility by multiple other businesses. This completely defeats the purpose of hiring a designer.
The marketplace, like contests, are being flooded with chip-art, stock imagery, and stolen logos. After the designer uploads the logo, it is placed in a marketplace with thousands of others which plan to be bought for cheap prices, which in a professional environment would be worth much more. But the worst thing about this whole process is that when a logo is sold, you as the designer only make 30% commission from your own designs.
They make more then the designer who spend the time creating the logo. I find this completely appalling and cannot believe a designer would sale themselves out this way. The truth is you will never make enough money for the hours you waste your time with this poor excuse for client, designer relations.
Founder of 99designs responds to this article
Not long after this article made it to the mainstream. Mark Harbottle responded with possible legal action against me.
I have decided to post all communication between us in another post. Read it here.
14 Mistakes Made by New Bloggers
Blogging is a way to share and interact with people interested in the same topics as you. It has become one of the fastest growing types of websites created today. It is often new bloggers make mistakes that will ultimately end in their failure.
There is much more to the process of becoming a successful blogger other then development and updating. In this article I discuss some of the mistakes made by new bloggers and ways to improve current blogs.
1. Failing to learn HTML & CSS
Nowadays with the wide use of Content Management Systems many webmasters have no knowledge of HTML or CSS. Not knowing basic coding knowledge makes maintaining a blog much more difficult.
I am not much of a coder, but I cannot tell you how many times knowing a little has been useful. It gives me the ability to make any visual changes to the website and more control on the format of my articles.
2. Not getting web hosting
No doubt that starting a blog is a commitment and if you hope to turn blogging into a profitable venture then you need to get serious and purchase web hosting. But don’t rush off and sign for up the first web host you see, because honestly, most suck.
I used HostGator years ago, and experience terrible service piled on top with terrible support. Luckily, I made the switch to Bluehost five years ago and never looked back. So, take it for someone who has been doing this well over a decade.
Unlimited bandwidth & space, 24/7 phone support, plus a free domain.
It doesn’t get any better than that. Make the right choice first.
3. Not taking the time to market
Starting a blog and posting content is not enough to ensure success. You have to be willing to take it further by marketing your content across the web.
Before even launching your blog, visit all the popular social networking websites to sign up under both your name and the blogs name. Start with Twitter and Linkedin.
After signing up, start building relationships with other webmasters within your niche.
4. Not updating content and social networks often
Every morning I spent the time to connect with friends across my social networks. By doing this I know that I will have an active audience visiting my blog when I post new content. Since I took the time to build relationships I can now easily drive hundreds of people from my Twitter account to my website daily.
Not only is it important to keep connects going, you must also actively update content on your website to give your audience a reason to visit.
Updating is the single most reason that blogs fail quickly. People start projects with loads of drive but soon losing it after the development process is over. If you are looking to have a success blog then at the least weekly updates are a must.
5. Adding advertisements too soon
Launching your blog with advertisements in place is a huge mistake. You do not have enough content, trust with your audience, or traffic to earn any real money from them.
Start your blog with a clean slate, write a collection of articles, build up your traffic and audience, and finally, try a single ad placement.
6. Creating a web design around your needs
While in the process of designing your blog, you must take into account what your audience will need and how they will navigate through it. If you designed the blog, you will have no problem reaching content but users who have never visited the website will be completely unaware.
Keep the navigation as simple as possible.
7. Not interacting with the community
No one likes a hermit.
Community interaction is vital. We share our thought and feelings with our readers every time all the time. And if a reader takes the time to comment on an article, at least say thanks.
8. Not paying attention to details
Visitors tend to be vocal and are sure to let you know if you mess up.
When writing content or editing your design focus on the little things. Make sure that you double check links, spelling, grammar, coding and anything else.
9. No one cares about your design
Multiple studies have been done over the years that show design doesn’t matter.
As a blogger, it’s a must that you focus on writing unique keyword filled content within your niche. The visual design of your website will not help your search rankings or keep your audience coming back. Content is king.
10. Not making use of the <title> tag appropriately
The title tag is one of the single best ways you can optimize your blog for a search engine.
You must take advantage of the tag by writing your titles with keywords within your niche that are relevant to the web page.
11. Breaking through the clutter
I always have made a strong push for simplistic web design.
After you design your blog take the time to strip down all the elements that are not necessary for your users to navigate and access content. Make sure content is the main focus and easily stands out.
12. Failing to check for cross browser compatibility
Never launch a website without it being completely compatibility in all major browsers.
I cannot believe that some webmasters feel it is acceptable to build a website around one browser; this will shut out a large percent of your potential audience.
13. Launching to soon
If you are new to the idea of blogging or even maintain your own website, it is important that you take the time to educate yourself on the knowledge required to properly carrier out the functions of being a webmaster.
Too many people rush to launch their blog without a good foundation in place. You should wait in till you write at least fifteen posts, which will give you content to launch your blog and to keep the blog updated for a couple weeks.
Being prepared is essential for the survival of your blog.
14. Not having patience
Running a blog is an endless task. It requires that you continue to update and interact with the community if you look to have any success.
You have to realize it is not about money. If you started a blog only to try to a quick buck, you will fail. Blogging is about more than money. It’s about forming communication with your audience and writing content that others will find useful.
Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you are dedicated to offering you readers both knowledge and a source of interaction, you will achieve something amazing.
Tips to improve website usability
Usability is an intensive topic in the web development community. As web developers, we must look toward making the user experience better for everyone and apply these tips as what we hope will become standards, one day adopted by most.
In this article, I outline some of the basic ways to improve usability within your website.
1. Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs have always been a way to improve website usability.
It gives readers the option to access content related to the article and shows them which section of the website they are viewing. Normally, breadcrumbs are structured to give hypertext links to the homepage and category of the article.
2. Larger Font
I recently may changes to my website, these changes include a larger font on content pages. I believe it gives the page a better look and helps visitors’ easily read content. You have to think about your audience when you make design changes.
A font-size of 9px will not cut it.
3. Search Functions
Allowing readers to search content is a must. You may not find much use for it in the beginning of your website, but as you build hundreds of web pages it will be a pain for users to find content without archives or search abilities.
4. Load Times
Optimize, Optimize, Optimize…! You must take the time to optimize your images, CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. By optimizing it helps users access content faster and reduces your bandwidth usage monthly.
Smush.it, by Yahoo – Optimizes your images.
Autoptimize – Optimizes your WordPress blog.
5. Browser Compatibility
Always make sure your website is compatibility in all the major browsers, if you do not, then you will lose a large percent of your audience.
6. Be Consistent
Keep design, writing style, and anything else consistent throughout the website. When users first reach a website they tend to scan the page to determine how to achieve the action they desire, by changing elements throughout it can easily confuse them.
7. Include Obvious Contact Information
Your visitors will have numerous reasons for contacting you, which is why it’s important to include obvious contact information on your website. Currently, I include mine on the top of the page within the summary.
8. Be Brief
When writing for the Internet, you should always keep it simple. Studies have shown users only scan content, not reading it thoroughly (word-by-word). Knowing that, you must break content up, make use of hooks to gain attention, and write content in list form when appropriate.
9. Straight Forward Navigation
Keep your navigate structure as simple as possible. Place links in your footer that don’t involve content or required actions from users.
10. Call to Action
If you intent to push products, then you should have some kind of call to action. This has been a technique used by marketers for years.
11. Eliminate doorway and splash pages
Not only are these things a huge design mistake, they’re just plain annoying. If users want to gain access content, show them it, not a splash page.
12. Keep it Simple
I planned for this website to drive home that point, design doesn’t matter, content does. Giving readers consistent pages with rich content is more important than if you created the best looking website in the world.
