Does Your Blog Design Scream Success?

As a blogger you have big plans for success. Starting with the right topic, great content and a core set of readers, you're going places. But is your blog design on board? Does it look professional, dress the part and scream success?

You might say, but content is king! Yes, but dressing for success plays an important role in life and on the internet. So since we can't see you, we see your reflection in your blog design and layout. Your family and friends may not care if you use those garish font colors or if your photos bulge out of your post column into the sidebar. However, new visitors spot that in a flash.

Dressing your blog
It may surprise you to know that your blog's appearance does matter when it comes to defining your success. As Steve Snell pointed out in his guest post, "This first impression can help readers to see you as the successful blogger you aim to be, or it can set you back if they see an unattractive look." Imagine those new visitors are interviewing you for a job. Do you fit in with what they're come to expect of new recruits --- will they offer you a job at their Google Reader library of great blogs?

As someone who comes from the corporate world, I know the old adage of dressing for the job you want, rather than the one you now hold. Up and coming executives dress at least one job position higher. They feel more confident and their managers do also. Of course, they have to back it up with credibility and performance. So let's get some tips on how to get your design in line with your success goals.

Does your blog's wardrobe have the basics?
Remember that job interview where your best suit was in the cleaners or still in the store window? It probably affected the way you felt and to some extent the first opinion the interviewer had of you. There are plenty of lists for basic things you should have in your wardrobe. Here are some of the things an interviewer looks for in you, and your blog's equivalent:

HEADER -neat, professional hairstyle
CONTENT - conservative suit, solid color with light shirt or coordinated blouse
SIDEBAR-portfolio / briefcase, manicured nails, conservative tie / jewelry
FOOTER- moderate shoes, dark socks or light hosiery

Overall as the person being interviewed should present a package with sparkle, including good eye contact and posture (how you carry yourself). Your blog's equivalent includes a neat and clean template with a conservative color scheme and post backgrounds; attractive uncluttered sidebars; professional header and menu bar; organized portfolio or index of posts and key information about you. The visitor will want to probe for more information about you. Oh, let's not forget the footer --- no flip-flops or outrageous platform shoes that detract from what you're saying about your goals to succeed.

Key elements of a successful look
What should you blog look like to be seen as top notch? Just take a look at blogs that you are instantly drawn to or at least don't mumble under your breath, 'what were they thinking!' All of the pictures, widgets, and other decoration need to fit with your niche, your competition -- where you want to be. Can it stand proud next to your greatest competitor or mentor?

Your blog's layout:

1. Header. Your logo, blog name/description, RSS link, and navigation bar. This is what the interviewer sees when you first open the door to walk in. Is your header's style neat and trim? Is it well balanced? The header is where you want to show your branding, key tag line (goal) and individuality. Many of us use the same template and should put some time into customizing it. After all, you don't want to be a clone of the other professionals!
   
2. Content area. This is where those kingly posts reside. Make that conservative suit, a light solid text background. Maybe a hint of color or contrast in the title or mouse hover colors. Again, a little individuality makes you more memorable. Add a subtle image that complements your post content.
   
   Here you can add a few accessories like separators between posts, consistent end of post prompts or icons.
3. Sidebar. Many blogs have two sidebars. This is your blog's shirt or blouse with a touch of jewelry and makeup. Make it refined, nothing flashy. Leave those useless widgets home for the Saturday night out on the town. The sidebar usually holds your portfolio of previous posts and readily accessible information on popular posts. Ads are usually at the top of the sidebar or run down the sidebar like a neat tie or necklace.
4. Footer. This used to simply mark the end of the blog page. Now many professional blogs have big footers with three or four columns. They may contain social widgets, ads and business card type information. Just remember this is the last place the interviewer looks unless you draw attention there! Your footer needs to be just as tastefully dressed.

What other blogs are wearing:

Unranked

PR0

PR4

PR5

PR6

Your blog's design and layout send a very clear message about you and your goals. Visitors need to see that your design matches your content. Otherwise they might find your great posts less credible.

Is your blog's template design consistent with your overall motivation for success?

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photos - screenshots by BlogCatalog