5 Tips to Improve Your Blog

     

I am constantly looking for ways to improve the look and feel of my blog.  It seems I'm never quite satisfied with the layout, or how my posts look, etc.  So I'd like to share some of the tips that I have found to improve it with you, my readers! :)

#1. Add a Blog Intro Graphic to your blog.
Blogs with these little intro graphics at the top always look more professional to me.  Sure, people will still click on your About Me page to read more in depth about you, but this little touch gives them an instant feel of what they can expect from you and your blog.  It's also good to see your face in the graphic (unless you're anonymous) so you can see the blogger.

Below are two examples of info graphics I have made.  I do make these for people, so feel free to order a custom designed info graphic from me on Etsy.  :)

 Examples of Live Steamy, and Creative Goddess Swaps.  See mine in the upper right corner.

#2 Update your About Me page.
A clean and organized "About Me" page is a fantastic thing when you want to understand what a blog is about and who's writing it.  It should have a picture that shows who you are, information about you and your blog, and where to find you.  Personally, I also like when an about me has links to some of the author's favorite posts and topics.  Check out my About page.

#3 Get Rid of your CAPTCHA.
Nothing turns away a commenter as fast as a CAPTCHA.  Especially since they added those fuzzy street signs to the mix, and half the time it isn't what it looks like at all.  I HATE CAPTCHAs.  There's only so many times I'll try and fail at it before I give up and just not comment on your blog.

#4 Watch Your Spacing & Sizing.
Another big turn off when reading blogs is huge blocks of text with no breaks.  It's a sad but true fact that most people see huge paragraphs and skim through it, if they even take the time to read it at all. Break them down into manageable paragraphs, and add photos when possible.

When adding photos, try to size them all so they line up.  It gives it a much more professional and appealing look.  Some great examples of good photo sizing are This Enchanted Pixie, Laryn Green, Kitty & Buck, etc... These are all beautifully easy to read blogs.

#5 Enable Your Email.
Mamarazzi brought this up a long time ago, but it bears repeating.  If you enable your email you enable bloggers to respond to your comments and keep the conversation going.  I have become so much closer with amazing bloggers like Aubrey (shown below) simply because I'm able to respond to what she leaves and have it notify her. Unfortunately return comments directly on the blog do not always.

These were just a few quick tips from me.

What tips do you have for better blogging?