How to Start a Blog - Blogging Tips and TricksWordPress is known as the
most versatile blogging platform available, and for good reason. With
thousands of plugins available, a myriad of extremely attractive designs,
and the most versatile and easy to use dashboard around, it's the CMS to
pick if you're aiming to become a serious blogger. However, even with
thousands of great themes to pick from, a lot of downright ugly ones seem
to slip through the cracks. Some appear on major blogs while some appear
on minor blogs but, wherever they are, they cause some serious
annoyances.Design is one thing, while usability is another. Almost all
WordPress designs are attractive, but there are quite a few that simply
are not pleasant to read. Whether it's a poor layout or distracting
navigation, things can get in the way and make it difficult to access the
most important part of any blog - the information. Blog usability is
absolutely essential for happy readers and high advertising earnings, and
a focus on form and usable design will result in a healthy increase in
both.How to Start a Blog on WordPressBlog content and advertising must be
kept separate.First, you need to clearly separate your content from your
advertising areas. Sure, it might not be great for your click through
rates, but it's a great way to ensure that your blog is easy to read.
People come to blogs for information first, and ads second, so structure
your blog to ensure people read through content before clicking an
advertisement. This isn't necessarily an anti-money strategy either, as
content can often be used to make a product a more attractive purchase.
For an idea of content used as a selling tool, look at one of the
thousands of Amazon Affiliates supported blogs out there.Keep access to
blog content simple.Second, you should aim for the most minimal
navigational system possible. Whether it's a simple sidebar or a floating
divider, your navigation should be focused on simplicity and usability
above any flash design options. Add in all of your major categories, an
archives feature, and most importantly, a search field. Your users will
want to search for content, and a blog without a search feature can prove
incredibly frustrating.Do not detract from blog content.Finally, you want
to design your advertisement areas so that they're reasonably appealing
to visitors, but not so distracting that they draw people away from your
content too quickly. To get an idea of what ratio is ideal, look at some
of the leading blogs in your field and use elements of their advertising
layout in your own blog. Remember, content can be a sales tool, so if
you're running an article that could be used as a sales piece, it's smart
to optimize the page design so that the reader moves from the article
directly onto your advertising area.Usability is about more than just
making sure people are happy when navigating your blog. If you have some
strategies for your readers or ideal goals for your blog, incorporate
them into the design and layout. Good navigation and usability means more
visitors, which in turn means more blogging income. Keep writing, keep
optimizing, and keep testing your blog for usability.