Every Blog Needs These Items! | Life and Linda

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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!




               

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.

14 comments:

  1. I think my blog passes! :-) No more than three colors, that is an art concept that I was taught in one of my Education courses. Same applies for (school) posters, bulletin boards, etc These days it applies to digital creations for teachers too. Good point. Sheila

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  2. Great tips, Linda. I think I have most of the things on this list. I am still pretty camera shy so my photo is hidden on my about me page. Maybe someday I'll get the courage up to put it out in plain view!

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  3. Thanks, Linda!!!! Though not in the top ten, I miss my Back to the Top feature....
    Thanks for making my blog a great one. xo

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  4. Hi Linda! Oh, this was good. I have most of these but not the search bar. I added it and it's a little small but it works, I tried it! You're the best! Hope your Valentine's Day was wonderful.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  5. You're always trying to help us out, Linda, with your great tips. Thank you so much!

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  6. This is why I have you help me with mine so I'm up to date! I was on a blog the other day trying to find a way to respond to someone who commented on mine. The email said no-reply blogger and her blog had no info on how to reach her. I love to use a search bar to find something on a blog- everyone definitely needs one!

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  7. You're so, so good about sharing with us! Thank you over and over!

    The most frustrating thing for me is receiving a comment but no way to respond...no reply blogger, no email on the blog, etc.

    Have a wonderful day!
    xo
    Pat

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  8. Just added the back to top button. I love it. Thanks.

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  9. Great tips Linda! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with us!
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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  10. Wow great advice, I like this post so much!

    My new post is up, so please check it out http://missbabybluelove.blogspot.rs/2016/02/blue-top.html
    And I started following you so if you could return , it would be great! :)

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  11. Thank you for this, Linda. I have a few things to work on! It's always surprising to me when I want to email someone and can't find their email address to save my soul. Also, you're right about a picture...when there's no picture ever of the person it's like talking to a wall.

    Pinning this.

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  12. Such a great post, Linda. I'm glad you emphasized about the contact information. I have been frustrated so many times because I have no way to contact the blog owner! I usually resort to messaging them on FB but that doesn't work if they don't have it, lol. You're helping so many people with this information :)

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  13. Great tips!!

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  14. Hi Linda, I came over to visit after reading your very helpful comment about changing being a no-reply blogger. Your post here is very concise and to the point with great tips and information.

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