So we looked at starting your own blog, now it’s time to put your mark on it.
Depending on your platform you will have chosen a theme and maybe some colours that suit your business.
Each platform has a variety of themes available, both free and premium, choose one that suits your needs. Do you want a large content area for posts and photos, multiple sidebars for other links and information or perhaps a gallery format.
Once you’ve locked in your theme, it’s time to start adding in your details.
So let’s start at the top.
First off you need a header.
If you are going for a simple and minimalist look, you might stick with a plain text tagline, which will be available in the setting of your dashboard. However, if you have a great logo or some fantastic product photos you want to include, then you want to design a graphic header to really show off your business.
To design your header from scratch, use a photo program like Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, or alternatively head over to Photoshop Express, use the open source software Gimp or the popular program Picnik. Use these to layout your header to the size your blog theme allows. This measurement will be in pixels and it’s important to keep within these guidelines otherwise your header will become distorted or cropped when you upload it.Once you have your header designed, save your file as a jpg, png or gif file and upload your header through your blog’s dashboard.
If this all sound a bit much and you are using WordPress, try Big Huge Lab’s Blog Header tool.
Next, let’s look at the background. You can keep a block colour or perhaps put something in that’s your signature style. Create your own small square to use as a tile in your background or use a tool like Japoniser and Stripe Generator.
Now, make sure the important information is a part of your blog ~ who you are, what you do and how to find you.
Create an About page and fill it with the relevant information. And make sure people can find it. A picture says a thousand words so don’t forget to include one or several. Don’t forget your contact information including your email and other places on the internet people can find you.
Some other details to consider for your blog:
- An avatar or profile pic: While you are designing your header, make a smaller square version you can use as your avatar. An avatar is the icon that “represents” you in the online world like on Twitter or in forums. You might use your logo or a photo. You can also use it for your profile on your blog.
- Social media icons: On Twitter or Facebook, make sure you link to these from your blog. You can design your own or there are plenty of free icons sets available as well.
- Sidebar widgets: Widgets are the fancy tools so that do all sorts of magic in your sidebar. Add ones in showcasing items from your store, favourite quotes or photos.