Eye-Catching Blog Design: What Works and What Doesn't?

[Christine Amsden]

So you go to a new blog, and in less than 10 seconds, you've probably decided whether to stay and read or not. What makes you stay? What makes you go? Keep in mind, you haven't had time to read any content -- maybe titles.

[Ursula Ciller]

I decide based on whether the blog appears to have what I am looking for. For example, if I want to communicate with parent or family blogs and want to find out whether this is a good place to introduce my kids picture book, obviously I would be looking for parents or mums with young and not uni-aged kids. Alternatively, if the blog site speciallized in children's books then that would also be of interest.

I like tastefully designed blogs with some background patterns, tend to like colourful presentations with pictures, and am not interested in too much of any one thing. I don't like too much clutter or getting a migraine trying to navigate around the blog.  I also like some cool widgets that show where members are locatedon a globe or map (sort of like what Kate's blog has "http://kateevangelistarandr.blogspot.com.au/ " has) and will eventually put one on my own blog.

[Ethan Schneider]

I like to see clean, focused blogs. A little color never hurts, but it shouldn't have so much that it becomes distracting. If it seems difficult to navigate, I probably won't spend much time on it. I like to think that I have, at least partially, achieved this on my blog. I'm always looking for suggestions on how to improve it, so please feel free to check it out!

-Ethan

http://e135-abookaweek.blogspot.com/

[Think]

I like your blog. Really cool idea. I'm following you now!

[Ethan Schneider]

Thanks!

[Komal Mansoor]

Love ur simple look. Plz check out mine and tell me if its easy to navigate or not. 

Thanks.

[Ethan Schneider]

I think your blog looks pretty good. You may want to try to clearly define each post somehow. This might be as simple as putting a box around each or even just a line at the bottom. Other than that, it is very easy to navigate. Nice job!

[Kat @ Forever Book Lover ♥]

I just popped in to your blog. It looks great…  I'm now following you.

[Ethan Schneider]

Thanks for following!

[TheBookGazer.Blogspot.com]

hmmm can you check out my blog and give your opinion? http://editorsarticle.blogspot.com/

[Ethan Schneider]

It seems a bit unfocussed. Have you thought about making separate pages for different topics (a page for reviews, videos, etc.)? Also, the side columns on each end of the blog are very busy. I would try to make some decisions about what kind of widgets are really needed. Hope this helps! Keep blogging and feel free to ask if you ever need anything. 

[TheBookGazer.Blogspot.com]

Indeed I have tried that, thank you for your advice,I will try to make it more centered. For the meanwhile please become a member of my blog!

[Ethan Schneider]

Congrats on improving the organization and focus of your blog. I look forward to seeing your future posts.