Every Blog Needs These Items!

Here is a list of things every blog needs.  Have you even visited a blog and couldn't find the name, contact info or what it is about?

1.  THE NAME OF YOUR BLOG 

The name of your blog should be very noticeable.  When a reader visits, they want to know the name. People love to connect with the writers. Taglines are also a good idea.

2.  SEARCH BAR

This is very important!  When I visit blogs, I often want to search for something.  I don't want to read through every post to find what I want.  Add a search bar on your sidebar, near the top, so your readers can find it easily.  Blogger has one, however I prefer a more advanced one. I like to use this custom one. You can find the code here: Beautiful Search Boxes     Examples of some colors below.

3.  CONTACT INFORMATION

We all feel a need to connect with one another.   Adding a contact page or adding a contact link in your navigation menu is important.
I have my email contact in my navigation menu twice at the top.
Some people prefer a separate contact page.

If you have pages where you want to add your email contact, see the below example: Once you have your pages added like About Me, Recipes, Sitemap, then edit it to add your contact email.
Click the wrench and click +Add external link. Add the title for the page= Contact or Email and where I have myemail@gmail.com, change that to your email and then click save link.

4.   ABOUT ME PAGE


Start by writing a small bio with your photo near the top of your sidebar.  Like I stated earlier, readers like to know some details about you as a blogger.  They like to relate. Example below:

In order to let your readers know more about you, a separate page is important. You can add it to your navigation menu.

* What your blog is all about.
* Your location, possibly.
* The things you are passionate about
*  Favorite things
*  Family

5.  YOUR OWN PHOTO

Some blogger do not have a photo on their blog. They don't realize how many readers want to know the person behind the blog.

Just take a few head shots and post one to where you are writing the short bio. PicMonkey has a shape cutout, you can use to create  a nice profile picture.

6.  DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OR A NAVIGATION MENU

Most bloggers write about different subjects, so having pages for them is a whole  lot easier to find things your readers are interested in. I use a drop down, so I can have more categories for tablescapes, recipes, etc. I have a tutorial here

7.  GOOD COMMENTING SYSTEM

Some bloggers use Google+, Blogger, Disqus

8. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Add some color coordinated social media buttons that

match your blog theme.

Everyone these days are on social media.  It's a great way to connect have your readers follow you and help create your own brand.  I try to use my name consistently on social media.

CarrieLoves has a huge supply of colored social media buttons.

9.  LARGE, CLEAR PHOTOS

Good quality photos are important.  No one wants to look at a tiny photo that is out of focus. Also compress them, so your blog will load faster.  I use Tiny PNG.

10. CLEAN, UNCLUTTERED LOOK

Your readers will love you, if you have a clean, uncluttered look for your blog.  Try to use colors that balance everything.  No photos too large for the post area.  Try to use no more than three colors.  Use a good readable font and make it large enough to read.

Ok, that's it for now.  I hope this helps some bloggers.  We all want to grow our blogs and  look good.
Have a great week!

               

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About Linda @ Life and Linda

Hello, welcome to LifeandLinda. I am from Northern California. I enjoy blogging, Designing Blogs, Decorating, cooking, entertaining, gardening and clogging. I hope you enjoy your visit.