Putting the blogroll in a separate page, and in RSS formatted links is a great idea!
Regards,
Jeroen
Gregory Ng
· 1 year ago
Hi Chris,
I used to have a blogroll on my blog but once I got more and more active on Twitter, I have removed it. The reason for me is simple: I feel I can give better endorsements of my favorite sites through conversation(albeit in 140 character increments) than just listing sites. And I have received positive feedback from people whom I have linked to through Twitter because I can cover specific up to date articles instead of a full site.
Like Jeroen, I do like the idea of RSS formatted links though.
-Greg
Todd Jordan
· 1 year ago
Chris,
Good suggestions. I'm not currently running ads either, but I've nothing I'm selling at this point. I love the Rockstars idea. Hope you don't mind if I steal that. I'm wondering though if that increases or decreases the amount of click throughs to those sites. Thoughts?
It's great to hear some relevant comments about design. As a design pro, I see very little method to the madness out there.
I'm about to relaunch my blog using a Wordpress theme. I've been shopping around and really like the way you've made yours work for YOU!
Andre Natta
· 1 year ago
I've been starting to play (offline) with different sidebars for different sections, especially since the goal of The Terminal is information. I currently have the blogroll in the site's main sidebar, but I'm thinking of building a series of pages that would make it easier for visitors to find links based on what they're looking for.
The only reason I still think about ads for the site is because I figure it's a great way to sustain it and do other projects worthwhile for the community. I've been scared of but considering the idea of doing an voluntary subscription model that would keep the content available to all but provide a way for folks to show their support of the site. Still wondering if that will work. I've tried rich media and had mixed results, though people seem to like audio more than video (at least right now).
I restarted my personal blog in an effort to start playing with different ideas in that sidebar (and I've really got to find a way to get that header a lot smaller).
Stephen Collins
· 1 year ago
I'd really like to find a totally professional looking blog template, that completely didn't look like a blog.
My blog is also the heart of the website for my one person company and I'd prefer visitors to feel more like they were engaged in an "experience of my brand" rather than a blog with bits off the sides.
I don't care one way or another about ads as long as it doesn't cause me to crash when I go to your site.
And I did a blogroll on a separate page just because I'm to technologically retarded to do it any other way. My retardation comes in handy sometimes.
Mike Desjardins
· 1 year ago
I find myself fussing with my blog design *all the time*. I'm never quite happy with it, either. But for me, I'm doing it for fun as much as anything else.
It sounds like you've softened your stance on advertising a little?
I only have 15-20 subscribers at any given time. I need to figure out how to work on that. Until then, putting the current number of subscribers is probably silly in my case. :)
One last thing - definitely put your phone number on there. What's the worst that could happen? For me, a headhunter called me out of the blue the other day, and the opportunity sounds great. The headhunter is a very phone-oriented guy (he always calls me instead of e-mailing me), so it's possible that I wouldn't have heard from him otherwise.
David Kowarsky
· 1 year ago
CBro--
If you're still making awesome t-shirts, and are looking for something to sell of yours, there's really no excuse for you not to sell them. I mean sure, maybe keep a couple designs as CBRO exclusives at any given time, but you've got a following and your shirts have something meaningful to say that stimulate the kind of conversations you want people to have.
Yes, I still read you. -DLK
Matthew Murphy
· 1 year ago
Chris,
Really enjoyed the article! You put things together very well. I like that you have your phone number out there. It convinces me that you're serious. As you know, I write a lot about web-based apps, and I've found quite a few that facilitate phone contact between your readers and yourself. Most of these allow the reader to call you without the need to release your phone number to them. (Good for people who have privacy concerns.) The one that I use on my blog is a widget by Google-owned Grand Central. I have a number through them that I've used as my business contact phone for years, and they've released a widget that allows people to call my Grand Central number for free.
Anyhow, good writing and good content, as usual!
Cheers,
Matt
Toby
· 1 year ago
When Peter Flaschner and I redesigned Diva Marketing's skin we asked the community for their feedback. Fascinating to learn how the "brand" was perceived without visual cues (the skin was a boring template). It was a huge surprise to me that there were strong opinions about the direction we should take but needless to say .. an exciting learning experience.
Clintus
· 1 year ago
I still need to get an "about me" page up. Been meaning to do that forever. Great tips here Chris, I think it's time to re-evaluate my site. Thanks.
Israel
· 1 year ago
this was extremely interesting to read. dissecting your blog design is something i often do, but never write about. writing about it helps put it in perspective. we have a few things in common. I like keeping my sidebar full of relevant info, after the ads. thats why i have the the most recent video posts.
i am also a proponent of the thin header. i want my content to be seen as soon as possible. i also want readers to know what is content and what is not, thats why i keep the black text on white with a good size font, so that it isnt hard to read.
i think you should increase the size of your text one point or make it black, or both. while it wasnt super hard to read, it was harder then it should be.
Jason Van Orden
· 1 year ago
We just launched a brand new site for InternetBusinessMastery.com. Like you, We spent some time looking around and thoughtfully deciding how to make the user experience as meaningful as possible.
I like your tips here. We definitely have not done well with the "thin header" and it concerns me. I think I will revisit this.
The "About Page", however, I spent a lot if time on. I tried to really make it about telling a story (or really multiple stories). I also tried to make sure it started by speaking to what our ideal audience was looking for.
The photos of you that you use are great. Are these mostly taken by other people and given to you? I like that none of them look like the posed "author" photo. I need better photos to use, but I definitely don't want the cliche.
Mari Adkins
· 1 year ago
Concerning your main content area and choice of font colors, I do find them a bit difficult to read, but I'm legally blind and "have very special eyes" (according to my eye doctor). All it takes to bring the page into focus is to hit CTRL+ just once.
I recently completely overhauled my website - it's WordPress based just as more and more are these days - but I'm never satisfied with how it looks. It's current incarnation is the most pleased I've ever been. Your post gave me quite a bit to think about and reminded me that I need to get off my rear and get my About page overhauled - it's the only one I didn't get to. Whoops.
Josh
· 1 year ago
"He specializes in provinding information and services to business customers around their Technology and Social Media needs."
Is there a typo in that sentence on your about page?
Barney Moran
· 1 year ago
One critical thing missing in this post and thread is the entire back end of what Widgets are doing and their unique mission for themselves.
P.U.B. [Publishers Union of Bloggers] has pending inquires to Widget Providers concerning how they generate their income; what percentage of this income goes to the Blog Publisher making the critical decision to allow a Widget on their site for their readers. In addition we are requesting transparency on the critical issue of how the private statistics from Publishers Blogs are collected and used by Widgets, hopefully with the Publisher’s permission!
Something we neglected, but have been advised of, is the impact on Blog load performance from a Widget, and are adding this component in our investigation.
P.U.B. expects to heard back from Lijit on the financial and private statistics issues from P.U.B’s inquiry we sent to Lijit in mid April 2008. When we do we will let great Blog Publishers like you know their deal.
Will publish these results to keep the community of Blog Publishers informed on this critical component of Widgets on our Blogs.
Barney Moran Founder, P.U.B.
chrisbrogan
· 1 year ago
@Josh - thanks for finding the typo. : )
Glenda Watson Hyatt
· 1 year ago
Very timely post, Chris. I won my blog design and it initially was to promote by autobiography I'll Do It Myself. But my blog is evolving and, hopefully, growing. I'm trying to update it within the confines of the current design. You mention some good points to consider.
And thank you for touching upon the usability and accessibility factors!
Doug C.
· 1 year ago
Chris, thanks for the great tips. I just started my own blog last week. I've been learning the code so I can design the layout the way I want. Relevant links and material is important otherwise it's just a mishmash. Still working on the "look and feel" as well as the color scheme.
Amy Lenzo
· 1 year ago
I love this post because it focuses attention on something I think is crucial - online aesthetics. Your design here on chrisbrogan.com is lovely - very simple, clean, pleasing. I like the partial glimpse of your face in the banner - it's like a peek into your world - and the overall color scheme and text treatment are consistently professional and accessible. The gray type is great, and yes the size is a little small for us older folks, but hey, what are glasses for anyway?
I love playing with my own blog design and tend to change my banner and color scheme every few months. I'm always tweaking my sidebar content too. The other day I added links to services I have affiliate relationships with, and a list of Amazon Affiliate-linked favorite books that I've written about or want to recommend.
For me having a BIG banner has been very cool because having that much space really helps me set the mood for my blog's focus topic - beauty, and how important I feel it is, in my work and in all our lives.
The design task I've set for myself is complex because mine is both a personal and professional blog. I talk about my work and passion for design and creating hospitable space online, but I also speak personally about what drives me and what moves me, and the general tone is definitely intimate.
These two domains - personal & professional - have not traditionally mixed very well, and my challenge is to find the harmony that can be there between them. It doesn't always work, and I imagine that reflects my own ambivalence about what it means to be a professional, but on the other hand there are already so many great professional blogs in my field (like yours!) and they do what they do so well that it doesn't make sense for me to try and model myself after them.
Given that and my natural inclination towards reflection, I find I'm always having to go in and consciously underline the professional elements in my blog to give them more weight so people know I actually design websites and help people plan their online strategy. :-) I have a professional website but I haven't updated it in ages, while my blog has all my latest sites and is much more immediate for me.
So, with all that I'm not sure I could pass your test - most of my first-time visitors probably have no idea what is going on when they land on my blog. :-)
Luckily many of them seem to like it and if they are my audience, they'll explore and ultimately subscribe. If not, there's probably not going to be much of anything there for them anyway, so I guess it's all good. :-)
I recently found you through a link from one of the other blogs I read and I'm really enjoying your work - thanks for all your inspiration and practical support in this fabulous field we share (I've already subscribed to both your blog & newsletter!).
Warm Wishes,
Amy
Brad White
· 1 year ago
Thanks Chris. I really have enjoyed your blog and I am planning a new blog site for my new company. This article was very informative. Brad
chrisbrogan
· 1 year ago
Are there other design tips you'd add based on your own site's design?
Kelly
· 1 year ago
Chris,
I really like your blog's design. The grey type works well here. A lot of studies have been done lately suggesting black-on-white is actually more fatiguing than a little less contrast, so I think you're fine on that. The face is very easy on the eyes. Maybe a little larger type size might be nice... not much larger.
The colors overall... well I've linked to you in discussing your great colors, so no surprise, I love 'em.
Though the Rockstars page probably doesn't get a lot of use, it is a nice choice and avoids the politics of the blogroll, where if your tastes change you risk offending somebody by removing them. I don't do either, but I do link out when appropriate. I comment around enough that folks know when I have great respect for their writing. ;)
I hope my About page is useful, I've certainly tried to keep it so. And an updated picture is great, too. I just redid mine last week.
Sidebars with too much going on drive me batty, and ads are usually the worst offenders. You do discreetly, prominently promote you, and I think that is key. It's your blog, about what you do for a living. Why do I want "a word from your sponsors"? I don't.
You become an authority to me over time, and the only promo I'm going to want in your sidebar is for more of you. Hmm... I may not be doing that forcefully enough. I should probably get to work on that!
Great post!
Regards,
Kelly
Jenny
· 1 year ago
I saw this post linked from ProBlogger and I'm so glad I read it!
I have been working on a site redesign for the past week and you've really made me confirm or question some of my choices. For example, the header...I was on the fence about making it smaller or not and now you've helped me make a choice!
Great post, and keep up the good work!
Goddess Carlie
· 1 year ago
This is a timely post as I need to update my layout - it was just a temporary one until i got a new one, but I have never gotten around to it.
In particular I liked the points about the thin header and to ad or not to ad. Definitely something to consider as I go layout shopping.
James Walker
· 1 year ago
Hey Chris,
Great post! Extremely timely for me as I've just about reached the end of the road with the template I am currently using. Thankfully, I recently found a great person who will work with me to get something fresh. I have never thought of the thin header idea, and I like it. I'm a big fan of making the most of the screen real estate.
While the design isn't rolled out yet, I'd really like to get your thoughts on the setup and content featured in the about me section. Any pointers you have would be greatly appreciated: www.prprescriptions.com
joe
· 1 year ago
how are ways to make a simple blog?...i really want a simple one uncluttered etc?
Sarah
· 1 year ago
The thin header is definitely something I need to reconsider. Thank you! I'm in the process of redesigning, but I have to say I like blogs that have categories on top instead of everything on the sidebar. I just think it looks more intentional, organized and easier to get to, esp if your blog has ads on it.
Nadine Touzet
· 1 year ago
My own blogroll has grown into a Links and Resources page. I am more comfortable with the format, even though the standard WP Theme I use doesn't make it as explicit as I'd wish it to be, or I'm not familiar enough with blogs yet.
I felt a little intimidated by your announcement of an 'intentional' design, until I realized that I have applied exactly the same approach. I want my blog to be exactly as I want it to be, even though I keep tweaking it. I consider it W.I.P.
Daniel Richard
· 1 year ago
Heya! Great timing on this topic about making your blog design work for ya. Got this link from Darren's problogger site through his tweet.
And the comments there were totally off the topic written in that blog entry. Haha. :D
I have a huge header which on its own is a link to the main page of the site, with a uber-big menu bar. Those two are almost the total opposite of the thin-header that you have written about. Yet again, they seem to fit nicely and adds to the color and brought in a dramatic effect to the site.
That's like giving the newer viewers a "wow" experience before getting into the entries that are of a same high quality that's expected from the writers.
The other two things I need to take note of is to make the site's usability up another notch with the menu bar to be the main navigation on the blog, while the 2nd would be to bring in the blogroll feature in a neat way, either by adding them into the footer, or adopt the Rockstar approach that you use in yours. :)
Thanks Chris for this awesome pointers that you wrote in this entry! If you have Twitter, do find me there @Daniel_Richard or http://twitter.com/Daniel_Richard
Jose Paul Martin
· 1 year ago
I guess you're bang on with this article. Sites and not just blogs should be designed with a purpose in mind!
Ellis Benus
· 1 year ago
How do you feel about the blog archive? Obviously you've got one. Do your analytics say people use it?
I don't understand why anyone would use it... I've never once used one on a blog before. Is it just me?
ChangeForge | Ken Stewart
· 1 year ago
Chris, great read. I really enjoyed the conversational tone in the article. It felt very inviting. I can't tell you the number of times I have felt "turned off" or distanced by a blog on how to blog because there is this holier-than-thow attitude.
Being available and approachable is so important.
I was just commenting on Darren's blog (which is where I linked over from) that it was odd timing reading this as I have been contemplating the yin and yang of form and function for the past few days at my blog, but more on the subject of technology and business, not specifically blogging.
However, the concepts are the same, and I really appreciate all the advice I can get!
Take care and I look forward to reading.
chrisbrogan
· 1 year ago
@Ellis - great question. In my case, I *just* posted a link back to most of my "best of" stories, so people used the heck out of that. But are they clicking older stories? Hmm. Not sure.
By the way, @IMNico from Snowy Day Design was who made my site so pretty. Top shelf guy from Argentina, who designs for a lot of the podcaster and new media crowd. : )
Mari Adkins
· 1 year ago
I always use blog archives - when I hit a site, if I like the first couple of posts I read, I delve back to see if this is a place I want to return to. :)
Thanks for the tip on @IMNico.
Dale Cruse
· 1 year ago
Thanks for the great tips, Chris. I've used several of the and have refreshed the appearance and content of my sidebar! Thanks!
Amy Lenzo
· 1 year ago
Great conversation... I'm enjoying this very much.
@Ellis - I use archives, especially if I've heard about a particularly good post from the blogger and it's no longer showing on the front page. I guess a good search tool would work as well, but my interests might or might not line up with the blogger's own sense of their "best of" selections.
@Daniel - I love your design too, and it's another great example of a large header being used effectively. As all designers know, a graphic can be as valuable as text in conveying information, maybe more so. If one uses images effectively as you have done, there is no "waste of real estate" in using a large header. Thanks for bringing that p.o.v. to the conversation
Mark R. Hinkle
· 1 year ago
Chris,
I think your blog is one of the best designed blogs I have seen. I like the small header and you keep your most relevant content above the fold. I like the separate page for the blogroll as well.
Nice use of the WP Premium.
Regards, Mark
Shama Hyder
· 1 year ago
I will just add this Chris-
Be open to changing it! So many people pick a style and then just stick to it. I have changed my blog SO many times and will probably continue to do it. Testing is must!
Aaron from Webpear
· 1 year ago
Nice Post Chris, a few of my thoughts
1. I use a thick header. My hope is to use header for important features such as RSS Subscriptions, Twitter Profile link etc. I personally feel that many pay more attention to header area that the side bar.
2. Problogger.net does not use a thin header. Its a thick header. Aren't you including the banner ad area and logo?
3. I personally prefer a 1 column side bar. Its easier to scan info. Thats my view.
4. In my view ads don't work well. I visit problogger.net every day, but never clicked on a single add yet!
5. I have a about page that details my profile. I also have a CONNECT page (I like to use the word connect Instead of Contact) for social networking.
6. I love the color schemes and spacing of your template.
Keep up the good work and stay in touch.
Matt
· 1 year ago
Certainly some food for thought here Chris, I found on more than a few occasions I was going 'thats a great idea, I should do that on my blog'.
Jennae Petersen
· 1 year ago
I'm a graphic designer by trade (mostly branding and print...not much web), and when I started my blog, I didn't realize how different the blogosphere was. I started off with a boring 2-column design that I soon realized didn't reflect my content or the likely sensibilities of my audience. Now, both my header and my page background reflect those. Considering my blog is about eco-friendly home decorating, I wanted it to be sophisticated and pleasing to the eye. And I think the color scheme definitely reflects that it is a labor of love.
I have a new 3-column design with 2 columns in the right sidebar. This has allowed me to put my RSS feed and newsletter subscription above the fold, while still being able to offer targeted ads to my readers. All of my ads are either about green living in various areas of life, or about home design and decorating -- both which are very related to my content and therefore likely to interest my readers. And while my header is fairly deep, it's not as deep as it was at first, and again, I think it reflects the content of my blog.
Theresa Zagnoli
· 1 year ago
Chris - Great tips ... definitely have some work to do on my site. Must say one of my favorite parts of your site is the dialogue icons for number of comments and the part about "joining in the discussion". The top line comments icon is a nice graphic element that also facilitates response. Additionally, inviting readers to join in the discussion is more welcoming than the classic "leave comments".
TatianaT
· 1 year ago
Chris, I loved your bio idea - I definitely need to work on mine. I also think that any blog design should reflect the personality of its owner. I'm currently using blogger.com as a publishing tool for my blog, so my options are kind of limited. But I was able to find a template that reflects my character very well.
Freerangemom
· 1 year ago
One thing you neglected: use a larger font! There are those of us out there that are struggling to read your great copy because it is so itty bitty that I can hardly read it even with my 'readers' on.
Reconciler
· 1 year ago
Hi,
this is very useful article. Thx for your time to write this post..
warm hug from here. Trims.
Rachael Hampton
· 1 year ago
Great post would love to hear your opinon of the differents of a website and blogs...
david johnson
· 1 year ago
great post, chris. thanks. i plan to share this with my students.
chrisbrogan
· 1 year ago
@Rachael -
I've got a few opinions.
hosted sites:
Blogger - basic, but still useful. Easy to edit all the code. Wordpress.com - more attractive than blogger, but you can't touch all the code. Tumblr - decent if you add Disqus for commenting. Typepad - I'm not a fan, but lots of people use it and love it. (I'm a fan of Anil Dash and Six Apart. But this is just a choice). Wordpress.org - my choice. But then, my friends at Gimp.TV often tell me they love Movable Type much more, and if they do, there's a good reason to keep it in the running. Movable Type - see above.
Other platforms, like LiveJournal and Vox - all great places to be, and have their benefits.
Of them all, I'm a WordPress guy.
kristarella
· 1 year ago
Gregory – don't you think Twitter might be better for promoting individual articles and a blogroll for sites you read regularly. Twitter is good for sharing links, I agree.
One last thing - definitely put your phone number on there. What’s the worst that could happen?
Heh, I've had some instances of people calling me up after advertising some books to sell and continue calling me... a lot. I'm older now and probably more capable of being firm, hanging up etc, but I'd rather people just emailed me. I guess this is more of a risk for females.
Chris – Great article. I just redid my blog and, funnily enough, wound up doing a lot of what you talked about. Fairly thin header, separate blogroll page (although I'm not sure if the link is a bit lost in the footer), did the about page a little while ago. My goals are a bit different to yours, but I think usability has some good common principles.
Brock
· 1 year ago
I like the "not black but grey" text look, though I wonder if yours could benefit from being a teensy-bit darker. Overall, I really like your design. It is very pleasant to look at it.
ranjeet
· 1 year ago
useful informations
Stormy
· 1 year ago
Chris,
Can you recommend a designer(s) that could help me do something like this?
Thanks,
Stormy
Tawny Press
· 1 year ago
The layout of your blog is wonderful. So much information, yet is not overwhelming. It says it is based on theme by WP Remix, I would add loosely. SnowyDay Design did a amazing job at making it unique and branding it to you.
Must See Home Based Business
· 1 year ago
After spending a lot of money on info products, and trying a lot of different opportunities to make a full time income from home, I found what I like, all rolled into one very attractive package. Check it out at www.confettivacations.com
Brian Herman
· 1 year ago
Just discovered this post and really like it. Good advice and thoughtful questions. I love the fonts and colors you've chosen for your branding and your ideas of "what goes on top" are bang on. Thanks.
createmo
· 1 year ago
Thank you for your website :-) I made on photoshop backgrounds for myspace,youtube and ect.. my backgrounds:http://tinyurl.com/5ajonc take care and thank you again!
Hottie
· 1 year ago
ilove your blog
Hottie
· 1 year ago
i love your blog
Hottie
· 1 year ago
liley
phefland
· 1 year ago
Hi Chris, great post! It seems like every time I think of something I wanna know more about, then you have recently written a great post about the topic... Am really impressed with your blog. And once, again, nice to see the Thesis them... am still wondering about if I should get a theme on a blog I haven't even started yet, or if I should start small and see if I start enjoying writing as much as I do reading blogs.
Kelley Bell
· 1 year ago
Thanks for another great article Chris.
But for me the amusment is in the phto credit by Ellie Van Houtte.
She and I know each other. As a matter of fact, she just e-mailed me yesterday.
Thanks for the great post. All mostly common sense ideas. Especially font size and color. I can't believe some creators ever looked at their finished pages. Blue or some red text on a black background simply does not show up. I illustrate this with my tutorial on creating a PowerPoint presentation (http://o-shining-see.com). A PowerPoint is not too different from a webpage or a blog. You want your information to stand out.
I love the idea of a video blog. I have not seen too many. That is what I'm attempting to do w/ my webpage. At some point I plan to start a blog (video) as a companion to my tutorial web page.
saney
· 11 months ago
Feel free to share designs you think work well in this blog.it is very enthusiastic page to make a blog design.
jackspar
· 9 months ago
Surveying or land surveying is the technique and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional space position of points and the distances and angles between them. These points are usually, but not exclusively, associated with positions on the surface of the Earth, and are often used to establish land maps and boundaries for ownership or governmental purposes. In order to accomplish their objective, surveyors use elements of geometry, engineering, trigonometry, mathematics, physics, and law.
BlogMoneyMania
· 8 months ago
Very nice looking clean design! Soothing colors & not too many ads! I wondered if a thin header is better for readership.
Ares Vista
· 6 months ago
A well-designed and executable plan is the first step for any project. Write it out on paper, with funnel diagrams and hot points. Once you do this, your design time will be reduce dramatically, as well as your frustration level.
Chikabebe
· 5 months ago
I was to make my blog design good thing i read this post! Thanks for the tips
PSD To Wordpress
· 3 months ago
Great tips here, thank you for sharing them, i really appreciate it.
geciktirici
· 2 months ago
thanks for post
Swing Trading
· 1 month ago
Nice one. I have stumbled and twittered this for my friends. Hope others find it as interesting as I did.
evlilik
· 3 weeks ago
thank you for post
evlilik
· 3 weeks ago
Is there a typo in that sentence on your about page?
evlilik
· 3 weeks ago
thanks for post
geciktirici
· 2 weeks ago
The only reason I still think about ads for the site is because I figure it's a great way to sustain it and do other projects worthwhile for the community. I've been scared of but considering the idea of doing an voluntary subscription model that would keep the content available to all but provide a way for folks to show their support of the site. Still wondering if that will work. I've tried rich media and had mixed results, though people seem to like audio more than video (at least right now).
All Comments
Putting the blogroll in a separate page, and in RSS
formatted links is a great idea!
Regards,
Jeroen
I used to have a blogroll on my blog but once I got more and more active on Twitter, I have removed it. The reason for me is simple: I feel I can give better endorsements of my favorite sites through conversation(albeit in 140 character increments) than just listing sites. And I have received positive feedback from people whom I have linked to through Twitter because I can cover specific up to date articles instead of a full site.
Like Jeroen, I do like the idea of RSS formatted links though.
-Greg
Good suggestions. I'm not currently running ads either, but I've nothing I'm selling at this point. I love the Rockstars idea. Hope you don't mind if I steal that. I'm wondering though if that increases or decreases the amount of click throughs to those sites. Thoughts?
PS If I don't see my blog there, I'm going to go get ice cream again today. :P
PSS New hosted home , http://thebroadbrush.toddrjordan.com
I'm about to relaunch my blog using a Wordpress theme. I've been shopping around and really like the way you've made yours work for YOU!
The only reason I still think about ads for the site is because I figure it's a great way to sustain it and do other projects worthwhile for the community. I've been scared of but considering the idea of doing an voluntary subscription model that would keep the content available to all but provide a way for folks to show their support of the site. Still wondering if that will work. I've tried rich media and had mixed results, though people seem to like audio more than video (at least right now).
I restarted my personal blog in an effort to start playing with different ideas in that sidebar (and I've really got to find a way to get that header a lot smaller).
My blog is also the heart of the website for my one person company and I'd prefer visitors to feel more like they were engaged in an "experience of my brand" rather than a blog with bits off the sides.
One example of where this concept has been implemented really well is http://dennajones.com/. For an explanation of the work that went into Denna's site, see http://jontangerine.com/log/2008/04/an-ephemera...
And I did a blogroll on a separate page just because I'm to technologically retarded to do it any other way. My retardation comes in handy sometimes.
It sounds like you've softened your stance on advertising a little?
I only have 15-20 subscribers at any given time. I need to figure out how to work on that. Until then, putting the current number of subscribers is probably silly in my case. :)
One last thing - definitely put your phone number on there. What's the worst that could happen? For me, a headhunter called me out of the blue the other day, and the opportunity sounds great. The headhunter is a very phone-oriented guy (he always calls me instead of e-mailing me), so it's possible that I wouldn't have heard from him otherwise.
If you're still making awesome t-shirts, and are looking for something to sell of yours, there's really no excuse for you not to sell them. I mean sure, maybe keep a couple designs as CBRO exclusives at any given time, but you've got a following and your shirts have something meaningful to say that stimulate the kind of conversations you want people to have.
Yes, I still read you.
-DLK
Really enjoyed the article! You put things together very well. I like that you have your phone number out there. It convinces me that you're serious. As you know, I write a lot about web-based apps, and I've found quite a few that facilitate phone contact between your readers and yourself. Most of these allow the reader to call you without the need to release your phone number to them. (Good for people who have privacy concerns.) The one that I use on my blog is a widget by Google-owned Grand Central. I have a number through them that I've used as my business contact phone for years, and they've released a widget that allows people to call my Grand Central number for free.
Anyhow, good writing and good content, as usual!
Cheers,
Matt
i am also a proponent of the thin header. i want my content to be seen as soon as possible. i also want readers to know what is content and what is not, thats why i keep the black text on white with a good size font, so that it isnt hard to read.
i think you should increase the size of your text one point or make it black, or both. while it wasnt super hard to read, it was harder then it should be.
I like your tips here. We definitely have not done well with the "thin header" and it concerns me. I think I will revisit this.
The "About Page", however, I spent a lot if time on. I tried to really make it about telling a story (or really multiple stories). I also tried to make sure it started by speaking to what our ideal audience was looking for.
The photos of you that you use are great. Are these mostly taken by other people and given to you? I like that none of them look like the posed "author" photo. I need better photos to use, but I definitely don't want the cliche.
I recently completely overhauled my website - it's WordPress based just as more and more are these days - but I'm never satisfied with how it looks. It's current incarnation is the most pleased I've ever been. Your post gave me quite a bit to think about and reminded me that I need to get off my rear and get my About page overhauled - it's the only one I didn't get to. Whoops.
Is there a typo in that sentence on your about page?
P.U.B. [Publishers Union of Bloggers] has pending inquires to Widget Providers concerning how they generate their income; what percentage of this income goes to the Blog Publisher making the critical decision to allow a Widget on their site for their readers. In addition we are requesting transparency on the critical issue of how the private statistics from Publishers Blogs are collected and used by Widgets, hopefully with the Publisher’s permission!
Something we neglected, but have been advised of, is the impact on Blog load performance from a Widget, and are adding this component in our investigation.
P.U.B. expects to heard back from Lijit on the financial and private statistics issues from P.U.B’s inquiry we sent to Lijit in mid April 2008. When we do we will let great Blog Publishers like you know their deal.
Will publish these results to keep the community of Blog Publishers informed on this critical component of Widgets on our Blogs.
Barney Moran
Founder, P.U.B.
And thank you for touching upon the usability and accessibility factors!
I love playing with my own blog design and tend to change my banner and color scheme every few months. I'm always tweaking my sidebar content too. The other day I added links to services I have affiliate relationships with, and a list of Amazon Affiliate-linked favorite books that I've written about or want to recommend.
For me having a BIG banner has been very cool because having that much space really helps me set the mood for my blog's focus topic - beauty, and how important I feel it is, in my work and in all our lives.
The design task I've set for myself is complex because mine is both a personal and professional blog. I talk about my work and passion for design and creating hospitable space online, but I also speak personally about what drives me and what moves me, and the general tone is definitely intimate.
These two domains - personal & professional - have not traditionally mixed very well, and my challenge is to find the harmony that can be there between them. It doesn't always work, and I imagine that reflects my own ambivalence about what it means to be a professional, but on the other hand there are already so many great professional blogs in my field (like yours!) and they do what they do so well that it doesn't make sense for me to try and model myself after them.
Given that and my natural inclination towards reflection, I find I'm always having to go in and consciously underline the professional elements in my blog to give them more weight so people know I actually design websites and help people plan their online strategy. :-) I have a professional website but I haven't updated it in ages, while my blog has all my latest sites and is much more immediate for me.
So, with all that I'm not sure I could pass your test - most of my first-time visitors probably have no idea what is going on when they land on my blog. :-)
Luckily many of them seem to like it and if they are my audience, they'll explore and ultimately subscribe. If not, there's probably not going to be much of anything there for them anyway, so I guess it's all good. :-)
I recently found you through a link from one of the other blogs I read and I'm really enjoying your work - thanks for all your inspiration and practical support in this fabulous field we share (I've already subscribed to both your blog & newsletter!).
Warm Wishes,
Amy
Brad
I really like your blog's design. The grey type works well here. A lot of studies have been done lately suggesting black-on-white is actually more fatiguing than a little less contrast, so I think you're fine on that. The face is very easy on the eyes. Maybe a little larger type size might be nice... not much larger.
The colors overall... well I've linked to you in discussing your great colors, so no surprise, I love 'em.
Though the Rockstars page probably doesn't get a lot of use, it is a nice choice and avoids the politics of the blogroll, where if your tastes change you risk offending somebody by removing them. I don't do either, but I do link out when appropriate. I comment around enough that folks know when I have great respect for their writing. ;)
I hope my About page is useful, I've certainly tried to keep it so. And an updated picture is great, too. I just redid mine last week.
Sidebars with too much going on drive me batty, and ads are usually the worst offenders. You do discreetly, prominently promote you, and I think that is key. It's your blog, about what you do for a living. Why do I want "a word from your sponsors"? I don't.
You become an authority to me over time, and the only promo I'm going to want in your sidebar is for more of you. Hmm... I may not be doing that forcefully enough. I should probably get to work on that!
Great post!
Regards,
Kelly
I have been working on a site redesign for the past week and you've really made me confirm or question some of my choices. For example, the header...I was on the fence about making it smaller or not and now you've helped me make a choice!
Great post, and keep up the good work!
In particular I liked the points about the thin header and to ad or not to ad. Definitely something to consider as I go layout shopping.
Great post! Extremely timely for me as I've just about reached the end of the road with the template I am currently using. Thankfully, I recently found a great person who will work with me to get something fresh. I have never thought of the thin header idea, and I like it. I'm a big fan of making the most of the screen real estate.
While the design isn't rolled out yet, I'd really like to get your thoughts on the setup and content featured in the about me section. Any pointers you have would be greatly appreciated: www.prprescriptions.com
I felt a little intimidated by your announcement of an 'intentional' design, until I realized that I have applied exactly the same approach. I want my blog to be exactly as I want it to be, even though I keep tweaking it. I consider it W.I.P.
Yeah my blog (Winning Everyone) had received a number of comments based on the design itself on the latest entry posted today: http://winningeveryone.com/money-wise/what-you-...
And the comments there were totally off the topic written in that blog entry. Haha. :D
I have a huge header which on its own is a link to the main page of the site, with a uber-big menu bar. Those two are almost the total opposite of the thin-header that you have written about. Yet again, they seem to fit nicely and adds to the color and brought in a dramatic effect to the site.
That's like giving the newer viewers a "wow" experience before getting into the entries that are of a same high quality that's expected from the writers.
The other two things I need to take note of is to make the site's usability up another notch with the menu bar to be the main navigation on the blog, while the 2nd would be to bring in the blogroll feature in a neat way, either by adding them into the footer, or adopt the Rockstar approach that you use in yours. :)
Thanks Chris for this awesome pointers that you wrote in this entry! If you have Twitter, do find me there @Daniel_Richard or http://twitter.com/Daniel_Richard
Obviously you've got one.
Do your analytics say people use it?
I don't understand why anyone would use it...
I've never once used one on a blog before.
Is it just me?
Being available and approachable is so important.
I was just commenting on Darren's blog (which is where I linked over from) that it was odd timing reading this as I have been contemplating the yin and yang of form and function for the past few days at my blog, but more on the subject of technology and business, not specifically blogging.
However, the concepts are the same, and I really appreciate all the advice I can get!
Take care and I look forward to reading.
By the way, @IMNico from Snowy Day Design was who made my site so pretty. Top shelf guy from Argentina, who designs for a lot of the podcaster and new media crowd. : )
Thanks for the tip on @IMNico.
@Ellis - I use archives, especially if I've heard about a particularly good post from the blogger and it's no longer showing on the front page. I guess a good search tool would work as well, but my interests might or might not line up with the blogger's own sense of their "best of" selections.
@Daniel - I love your design too, and it's another great example of a large header being used effectively. As all designers know, a graphic can be as valuable as text in conveying information, maybe more so. If one uses images effectively as you have done, there is no "waste of real estate" in using a large header. Thanks for bringing that p.o.v. to the conversation
I think your blog is one of the best designed blogs I have seen. I like the small header and you keep your most relevant content above the fold. I like the separate page for the blogroll as well.
Nice use of the WP Premium.
Regards,
Mark
Be open to changing it! So many people pick a style and then just stick to it. I have changed my blog SO many times and will probably continue to do it. Testing is must!
1. I use a thick header. My hope is to use header for important features such as RSS Subscriptions, Twitter Profile link etc. I personally feel that many pay more attention to header area that the side bar.
2. Problogger.net does not use a thin header. Its a thick header. Aren't you including the banner ad area and logo?
3. I personally prefer a 1 column side bar. Its easier to scan info. Thats my view.
4. In my view ads don't work well. I visit problogger.net every day, but never clicked on a single add yet!
5. I have a about page that details my profile. I also have a CONNECT page (I like to use the word connect Instead of Contact) for social networking.
6. I love the color schemes and spacing of your template.
Keep up the good work and stay in touch.
I have a new 3-column design with 2 columns in the right sidebar. This has allowed me to put my RSS feed and newsletter subscription above the fold, while still being able to offer targeted ads to my readers. All of my ads are either about green living in various areas of life, or about home design and decorating -- both which are very related to my content and therefore likely to interest my readers. And while my header is fairly deep, it's not as deep as it was at first, and again, I think it reflects the content of my blog.
I loved your bio idea - I definitely need to work on mine. I also think that any blog design should reflect the personality of its owner. I'm currently using blogger.com as a publishing tool for my blog, so my options are kind of limited. But I was able to find a template that reflects my character very well.
this is very useful article. Thx for your time to write this post..
warm hug from here.
Trims.
I've got a few opinions.
hosted sites:
Blogger - basic, but still useful. Easy to edit all the code.
Wordpress.com - more attractive than blogger, but you can't touch all the code.
Tumblr - decent if you add Disqus for commenting.
Typepad - I'm not a fan, but lots of people use it and love it. (I'm a fan of Anil Dash and Six Apart. But this is just a choice).
Wordpress.org - my choice. But then, my friends at Gimp.TV often tell me they love Movable Type much more, and if they do, there's a good reason to keep it in the running.
Movable Type - see above.
Other platforms, like LiveJournal and Vox - all great places to be, and have their benefits.
Of them all, I'm a WordPress guy.
Heh, I've had some instances of people calling me up after advertising some books to sell and continue calling me... a lot. I'm older now and probably more capable of being firm, hanging up etc, but I'd rather people just emailed me. I guess this is more of a risk for females.
Chris – Great article. I just redid my blog and, funnily enough, wound up doing a lot of what you talked about. Fairly thin header, separate blogroll page (although I'm not sure if the link is a bit lost in the footer), did the about page a little while ago. My goals are a bit different to yours, but I think usability has some good common principles.
Can you recommend a designer(s) that could help me do something like this?
Thanks,
Stormy
different opportunities to make a full time income from home,
I found what I like, all rolled into one very attractive package.
Check it out at www.confettivacations.com
I made on photoshop backgrounds for myspace,youtube and ect..
my backgrounds:http://tinyurl.com/5ajonc
take care and thank you again!
But for me the amusment is in the phto credit by Ellie Van Houtte.
She and I know each other. As a matter of fact, she just e-mailed me yesterday.
What a small digital world it is...
-Kelley Bell
http://kelleybell.blogspot.com
I love the idea of a video blog. I have not seen too many. That is what I'm attempting to do w/ my webpage. At some point I plan to start a blog (video) as a companion to my tutorial web page.
I wondered if a thin header is better for readership.