Don’t Have an Ugly Site

Do you want people to read your words? Great! This is why blog design matters. Really, REALLY matters. The problem comes when we try to agree on what makes for a great blog design. The fact that there are people who have a fetish about feet teaches me this: there are a lot of different people who like a lot of different things. You will NOT please everyone with your site design. Stop trying. 

 

You can, however…

• Have legible font. (Please, no dark background with white font. Please.)
• Choose 1-3 fonts and NO MORE. (Especially all in the same post.)
• Make sure your sidebar isn’t running off the page or into the content area.
• Have crisp, clear images. (There are options if you don’t take pictures.)
• Be mobile friendly. (According to Google, not your mom.)

I know too many people who think, “I don’t want to have a trendy site that looks the same as everyone else. It stands out on purpose.” There is often a reason that so many sites look the same. It has to do with design aesthetics and (yes) trends. Standing out can be a gamble. Are you going to be memorable because your site is wonderfully unique or because it is memorably awful?

 

Try to find that sweet spot between keeping your own brand of unique and staying within a clean, modern aesthetic. Your words are too important to be hidden by an ugly site.

Not sure where to go from here? Listen to an interview with a blog designer to see what you need to know!

What are your biggest pet peeves when it comes to blog design? Let’s be critical in a civilized way in the comments.

More on how not to be ugly.
10 Blog Layout Tips from A Beautiful Mess
8 Blog Design Tips to Make Sure People Read Your Content by Jeff Bullas
Quick Tips to Make Your Blog Mobile-Friendly by Torque