Market My Novel

A good blog design is key to snagging readers. If your design stinks, chances are people won't come back - and they will give you a Thumbs Down in StumbleUpon and other ranking sites.

Recently, I discovered a new site, Novel Matters, a multiple author Blogger with a fun, easy-on-the-eyes blog design that fits with the genres of the authors featured. It was designed by Tekeme Studios, which specializes in affordable blog design.

Today, Tekeme Studios owners George and Ashley Weis drop by Market My Novel to give us some great tips on good blog design.

What are the elements of good blog design?

A blog design should communicate to a viewer th Blogger’s personality and message. A strong design for the header is important to set the stage for the rest of the design. This can either be conventional, meaning it is a clearly sectioned bar at the top, or it could be some thematic element that more organically flows into the rest of the design. Right now, the often sought after trend is the centered “framed in” look, but there are other ways to go about a blog design. Try to steer clear of HUGE headers. Most people don’t like to scroll down to get to the first post.

The sidebar should support the header and not drop the theme, but rather carry it through along with the content area.

A footer in some form or another brings a conclusion the piece. When I design, I try to remember that no element is pointless, but rather purposeful and intentional. At Tekeme Studios, it’s really important for us to capture not just a design, but a personality.

How much is too much when it comes to blog design?

This depends on a few factors: Purpose (personal/business/misc), Content (the nature of the content... What does it call for?), Taste plays a roll for everyone, and yet the viewer should be in mind... What visually encourages them to read a blog? I think it is better in a design to caution on the side of “too much” rather than “not enough” This is not a question of “less is more”, but rather, what will it take to make the blog stand out from others? Let’s push the bar if we can.

I see several blogs that have several widgets of different colors and sizes that sometimes don't fit side bars. Some have a very LONG scroll for the side navigation bars. These seem disproportionate to me as a reader. What are some dos and don'ts for your blog sidebars?

Sidebars are a pet peeve of mine! I have many clients that often fill the sidebar to the brim with widgets that reflect anything from the cartoonish to the straight up junky(ish). If I had my druthers, I would ask them to cool it with the widgets. The eye desires organization, and what you are mentioning is visual anarchy. This is not the good kind of organized chaos, this is cause for distraction and nausea for ones eyes. If the sidebar is going to have several elements/widgets, do your best to have them follow a general pixel width. It is always nice if they follow the overall or at least relatively close or complimentary to the color scheme. 

What basic items should you include in your blog design? 

Is it coupled with a website, or is it to function LIKE a website, or is it an independent personal blog? In general, the design needs to be interesting, as unique as possible, and draw your reader in. If it is coupled with a website, I think it is wise to have an integrated look, something that looks identical or similar to the site (plus sidebar(s). The navigation that leads to various parts of the site is important in this case.

If your blog is to ACT like a site, it needs recognizable navigation. This is what we call a Pro Blog. The navigation can be pointed at single posts, or to categories of posts. This creates a faux website. See http://aweiswriter.blogspot.com for an example. Or it can be within you Web site. See http://fictionmatters.blogspot.com/ for an example.

Most blogs have a sidebar, so choose elements that make sense. Some people are like pack rats, and they see a widget on someone else’s page, and they have to pack it on in. Don’t get into that habit. If something makes sense for your content... Something relatively connected, use it. If you just think it is “cool,” think again. Some things are just plain useless.

Beyond design and MOST important is content that works for the readers. This is not where service like mine comes in, but a great design is only like an excellent backdrop, the content is like the actors... If they (it) don’t intrigue, no one will come back, even if the blog looks great.

What items are fun, but not necessary?

Again, this is largely directed at widgets. A music player for a personal blog might be “fun”, but it also might be annoying! Often times these are programmed to start playing immediately, and if someone has their speakers on, suddenly they are falling off of their seat... Not good!

Other nice things are signatures and dividing elements for both the content and sidebar. If well thought out, they can be a help... If not, a hindrance. 

How important is it for authors to have unique templates that dovetail with their Web site design?

Very. How is that for concise? Ha! Yeah, I think It is all about consistency/continuity. Platforms are hyped up for authors nowadays. Part of your platform is developing a great site and blog. Everything should be cohesive to your “brand” or personality or whatever it is that you write. If you write romance and a reader hops onto your plain, boring-looking blog, they won’t feel as intrigued. But if your blog looks romantic, they’ll want to know more. I think it’s definitely important for authors to develop a unique presence on the web.

Where can authors find unique templates?

In all honesty, I don’t know. I have seen other designs from other companies, but in most cases, the designer seems to have some knowledge of creating graphics, and some level of taste, but often things are not as well as they should be. Every blog we design is a 100% original. Via an in depth questionnaire, we seek to grasp what it is you want to do with your blog. In the future we will be selling pre-made designs, but for an author we recommend custom blogs. It just makes sense. You want your blog to reflect you, not Tekeme Studios.

If you want to hire a designer, what are key questions to ask to know you are hiring the right person or company?

Their work will be the first thing to evaluate. Do you like their treatments? Next, ask someone else how they liked working with the designer. Designers are a unique breed... Find one that will “get” you or can give life to your vision. Budget is another important question for many. Some designers work hourly, and others have flat rates/packages. Their is a benefit to both ways, but it is all about what is right for you and your wallet!

How costly is paying for a designer to do a blog design?

It seems to me that an average price to pay for a basic blog is somewhere from $80 to $100. We offer the basic Blogger design at $90, which includes one design with a few tweaks and the coding and implementing. It goes up from there for add-ons or pro blogs. Again, take a look at the designers work, is it worth the asking price?

When authors start blogs, or consider a redesign, what are key questions they should ask themselves before they get started?

What is the focus of my blog? How do I want to convey that in a blog design... What elements, textures, graphics support this? Are their any other blog designs I like... Why? Who can make this a masterpiece? Who are my readers? 

What else would you like to add for us?

Do your research. Don’t jump in blindly. Have a purpose for doing what you are doing. Have a vision, but don’t cramp the designer you hire... If you like their work, it is because they are gifted at what they do. Be patient with the creative process, sometimes it doesn’t go as quickly as you hope... Other times it goes so fast and smooth. Take time to be articulate about what you want to see in your design. Have fun with this! Playing a part in the design process is a treat!

Copyright 2009 Angela Wilson * * * Reprint with permission