By Jennifer Brown Banks
Seems these days everybody’s doing it. From writers, to rockers, to businesses, to shy teens---everybody who’s anybody has got a blog.
Blogs are indeed the “new black.”
For writers, these online journals are a virtual showcase for displaying clips and editors’ comments, bragging about recent accomplishments, posting online bios, cultivating a consistent readership, or promoting products and services.
Some authors even attest that their blogs helped them establish a platform and seal the deal with reputable book publishers.
But, with so many folks saturating the blogosphere, your blog had better be bodacious to generate repeat traffic, create a buzz, make money, or merely “win friends and influence people.”
With this in mind, here are ten creative ways to add more bling to your blog.
1. Have a catchy title to jazz up your joint. Just like with print magazines, readers are drawn to dynamic titles. Choose something that will ideally identify what the blog is about, yet also make it memorable. Read it aloud to yourself. How does it come across?
2. Use quality photos and graphic images. Visitors like visual variety. Add pictures to your site to personalize its appearance and create greater interest.
3. Remember, there is a psychology to colors. Use the right combination to create the right effect. For example, beige and earth tone colors have a calming effect. Orange is energetic, while green is often associated with money and vitality.
4. Use colors, font styles and sizes that are complementary and easy to read even for older eyes that may not have 20/20 vision.
5. Invite guest bloggers to do periodic posts on related themes.
6. Make sure that your blog has value. In other words, what’s in it for online visitors? Will it educate? Entertain? Provide money making opportunities? Provoke thought on arts issues? Decide, then deliver!
7. Provide useful links. These should offer additional info or related resources so readers can learn more about the topic.
8. Keep it simple. With online readers "less is more."
9. Show some personality. Give your readers some substantive content and personality for a winning combination that keeps em’ coming back for more.
10. Experiment with different templates and designs. These should suit the topic and tone of your blog and your individual style of expression. Don’t be afraid to check out what other authors have out there to determine what works and what doesn’t. My favorite blogs? The Relaxed Writer, The Savvy Freelancer, and Afrogeek Mom and Dad.
Keep in mind that even though you‘re recording your own personal views and vents, your online entries should still be presented in a tasteful, professional manner. As a writer, I definitely defend First amendment rights, but you just never know who might click on to your site (it could be a potential client or editor). As they say, first impressions are important.
By following these ten tips you’ll increase your visibility and your fan base, and reign supreme in the ever growing blogosphere!
Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, consultant and popular relationship columnist. She teaches creative writing at Coffeehouse for Writers and blogs at Pen and Prosper.
Flickr photo of blog button courtesy of tarop
Headshot courtesy of Jennifer Brown Banks