Image by Felipe SkroskiIf you’re reading this, then I imagine you have an interest in blog design. Together, we invest huge amounts of time into tweaking our blogs, or huge amounts of money into paying others to do so. But how do we know our design is actually worth all that effort?
What is it that makes a good blog design?
The 4 Aspects of Good Design
There are many factors, but we can wrap the main ones under 4 umbrellas. These are what I would consider the main elements of a good blog design to be.
- Achieve Site Goals – What is your purpose for having the blog? What do you want visitors to do?
- Achieve User Goals – What is your user’s purpose on the site? What do they want to do? Your blog’s design should promote usability, and help make the user’s experience as enjoyable as possible.
- Branding and Remembrance - What impression does the site leave? Will it be remembered at all? Design is not important solely when the visitor is on the site, but also when they have left it.
- Distinction and the First Impression – Does your design separate you from the rest of your niche? When a visitor first loads it, what does it say about your site? Does it make them want to read on?
These 4 points have been analyzed as part of a series (links above), with a more in-depth explanation, and suggestions as to how your design can accomplish each goal.
Apply Your Knowledge
The purpose of asking this question is simple; without knowing why your blog needs a good design, then what is the point in designing at all? If you know why you are spending so much time on a design, then you are better equipped to make decisions about that design. It is more than just looks.
Often you will need to make a decision which aids one particular goal, but harms another. As a basic example, adverts inside the post content will aid the site goal of making money, but it will harm the user goal of easy reading. Knowing that, you can then ask yourself if the adverts are worthwhile. Do the pros outweigh the cons?
In the odd case, it is possible to have a good design by simply making something that looks nice. It is however impossible to have a great design without first understanding the goals of the design.
With that in mind, I’d love to hear what you would say makes your design good. What made you choose the theme you did?
Custom Search
Mason from SmallFuel Marketing (4 comments)25 September 07
Hey Mike,
Great topic for discussion, and a blog series.
I think there are several things that go into creating a site that achieves all of your four goals.
The site structure and layout is a big part of usability – navigation and contextual links need to be well separated from content and clearly visible.
Being efficient with all elements on the page is key to having a functional design. Everything needs to have a clear and beneficial purpose.
The color scheme and graphics will determine readability and, to a large degree, how beautiful your website is.
My personal favorite (and possible Skellie’s too) is keeping things simple and to the point. I think this helps create a memorable design that has a lot of impact. The whitespace also makes for easy reading and a clear separation of useful elements.
I’m going to stop now; I probably should have written a post of my own and just sent a trackback. Too late now…
Great series, I’m looking forward to the rest of it!
– Mason Hipp
goldfries (81 comments)25 September 07
People can start by stop spamming ads.
Unfortunately this is not the case. From what I see so far, the huge $$$$$$ making blogs are also the ones that fail web-design miserably in terms of user interface and all.
Well, they’re getting big bucks.
Who am I to tell them to remove those ads.
AL (11 comments)25 September 07
I’m currently going through a blog redesign, this time with heightened sense of what works and what doesn’t.
One thing I’m keeping in mind during this is ask myself a simple question for every design element I decide to include (or exclude from the old design for that matter):
Would I or someone from my target niche actually get this or find it usable?
Granted, this is a pretty simple question. Yet, it forces you to challenge the status quo of what you think goes into a blog design. For example, when most blogs have a simple list of recent comments, have you ever really asked yourself would anybody find such list useful, if it didn’t (for example) include an excerpt of the comment.
Dominik Lenk (25 comments)25 September 07
Well, I must say that my goal for my own blog is mainly that people come back: Not just to the webglog but also to my portfolio. Granted, I have to post more in order to seduce people into coming back, but apart from this I think that the one of the best methods to get repeat visitors is by providing something that they will remember: The standard K2 wordpress theme will probably not achieve that.
I think it was mentioned in an earlier post here, but providing personal, visual elements is a big key to making people remember your blog.
Of course, like I said earlier: Content is king, and it should be…
Well, i think I still have to get used to that;-)
Michael Martin (1511 comments)25 September 07
Mason – Thanks for sharing. It seems that you prioritize usability very highly, which is as it should be. It’s a shame that when designing a site, so many people choose one design over another because it looks nicer. Seeing past those looks and into the actual usefulness of the the design is crucial.
goldfries – lol – I can imagine some of the sites that you have in mind.
AL – That’s a great question to ask yourself. The questions never need to be complicated. Usability is common sense, more than anything else! If you can answer those questions truthfully, you’ll make much more informed decisions about your design. (Tomorrow’s post is on usability, and you’ll see plenty more “simple” questions there! All worth asking.
)
Dominik – I agree. The way to get people to come back is to give them something to remember you by. The content is one thing, but I often find that even in writing, the style of the writing is as memorable than the content itself. When I think of that site, I will remember if the author uses a lot of lists, or has a certain type of humour etc.
Of course, I’ll also remember their design as well. I don’t need to click your link to think of paint spatters!
Mommy Zabs (45 comments)26 September 07
Hey Michael.
HA.
I just redesigned my personal blog. I know because it is personal my rules are a lot more flexible- which is nice. Its really about all that I want it to be about- the facets of me… and for some reason people come back- though not like the “big blogs” or even moderatly big blogs.
I have some glitches to work out, but I like it. I like the colos. I like the balance of color and negative space, I think it is readable. I based it on Simplicity 10. I’m not a code genius but I really like the structure of his.
bottom line i think the blog reflect me…. The font is actually the same my husband and I used for wrist tatoos
Only they don’t say mommy zabs 
HA.
I’m launching another site and need to keep these things in mind very much…. i have learned a lot, but also have a ways to go.
pablopabla (50 comments)28 September 07
I haven’t thought much about it. I guess it boils down to my first impression on the design and just fitting it to my blog. Ha! Ha!
Of course, your comments in the redesigning stage helped a lot
bulut (4 comments)28 September 07
i love desinging a page, specially when season changes, like changing decoration of your house. I do like your blog, i’ve just discovered. I think a good design means a view everyone can like, it’s shouldn’t be too personal, but it should be original at the same time.
And Mike if you could look at my blog, i’d love to hear your thoughts on my new design which i made it myself.
Michael Martin (1511 comments)28 September 07
MZ – Sorry I didn’t reply here. I replied to your email, and forgot about this comment. Woops. xD
pablopabla – Hehe – You hit the nail on the head in one aspect there, though possibly without realising.
Getting feedback from users is invaluable. Any blog that doesn’t open itself up for some opinions, like yours did, is just foolish!
bulut – Keeping your design fresh like that is a great thing.
Your design looks great. In particular, I love the post headings. They’re very neatly done, like A List Apart. The one thing that jumped out at me as needing changing was the overall header. Does the “Life without music…” line really need to be sit on its own above the banner? Beyond that, looks great.
bulut (4 comments)29 September 07
You’re gorgeous Mike, thanks a lot:) yeah you must be right about that text, i fixed it now.
Michael Martin (1511 comments)29 September 07
Looks great. You could move the whole blog up now, and fill up that emptied space if you wanted (Or you could leave it as it is
)
Brian Purkiss (26 comments)30 September 07
Thanks for the advice!
You now have a new RSS subscriber!
Rose (7 comments)1 March 10
Hi Howare you?
Michael Martin (1511 comments)30 September 07
Hurrah!
bulut (4 comments)30 September 07
Yeah +1 i loved this blog very much!
Michael Martin (1511 comments)30 September 07
lol – Glad to hear it bulut.
Jacob Sikais (1 comments)4 October 07
Ease of use and readability makes a good blog design… awesome reading and as a new blogger… a big hate of mine is blogs just stacked to the brim with adsense when you can’t actually get to the content.
Your blog is cool as it is aesthetically pleasing and screams… we are warm friendly yet professional people and we are here to help… so makes the user want to stick around.
Michael Martin (1511 comments)4 October 07
Jacob – lol – Well I do hope that it had that effect on you!
But yes, I agree. Clutter is never good, and advert clutter in particular always makes me question the quality of the site as a whole.
Sigmar (1 comments)21 December 07
Hi Folks,
I’m having all sorts of design problems, this being my first ever blog site (Warhammer Fantasy Battle Reports and Gaming Tips).
I’m happy with my content and I love being able to post to my blog from my mobile phone while on the bus ! (which is why I have stuck with blogger so far)
I just cannot find a layout I’m happy with. It seems to be such a painful experience publishing to the internet if you want anything aside from the standard blog templates.
I do have a site I paid for through Google Page Creator but I’m not keen on the Page Creator software. I’d rather try to use Dreamweaver or ASP.NET.
Basically, at the moment I’m just confused and fuzzy headed about the whole thing, thank goodness the holiday is almost upon us
PS. I’d appreciate any layout tips anyone has and particualrly any kind of WYSIWYG html editors anyone can recommend.
All the best everyone,
Sigmar
Michael Martin (1511 comments)21 December 07
Hi Sigmar – While you’re new to everything, it’s all going to seem a little confusing.
Your best bet is probably to find a free template somewhere, and then use sites like this one to modify it to make it unique to you.
Best of luck!
Mattheous (4 comments)24 February 08
This is a great blog! I’ll be using it to help build on my template, which is currently in what I like to call ‘Modified Scribe 1.0′.Thanks for creating such a great blog!
Michael Martin (1511 comments)24 February 08
Mattheous,
Glad you’re enjoying it. Good luck with the theme.
Gavin (6 comments)10 April 08
Good ideas mike. I think it is best to plan ahead before you jump in feet first. I have made many mistakes in the past because i didn’t make plans. My motto is Plan Plan and Plan some more.
Michael Martin (1511 comments)11 April 08
Gavin,
Well, you won’t go far wrong with a motto like that.
sullivan (1 comments)19 June 08
our blog is cool as it is aesthetically pleasing and screams… we are warm friendly yet professional people and we are here to help… so makes the user want to stick around.
giuseppe (2 comments)25 June 08
Important is matching users needs and sites goals.. More, we have to be patient and observe customer behavior
phys (1 comments)17 July 08
great article for beginner blog designers. 4 umbrellas! that’s cool.
жби (1 comments)6 August 08
Нужная вещь!
Michigan Divorce Lawyer (2 comments)10 August 08
Very useful article for someone thats new to all this, thanks again.
Mr. Авиамодели (1 comments)6 October 08
From my point of view, a design must possess such qualities:
1 Simplicity (nothing superfluous).
2 Attention to the little things & handmade.
3 Comfort.
4 Absence of popular bothering receptions, as glass reflection for example.
Mainly, a design must not distract an user.
All other depends on a designer.
Robin (2 comments)12 December 08
Another great article. Always remember : “Simple is the better”.
James (12 comments)14 December 08
Thanks for a great article !
I can only agree that it works. Site Layout, content and good meta tags is the key to success with SEO.
Booklet Printing | PrintPlace.com (1 comments)15 December 08
I think a simple design that makes the blog easy to navigate is key to a great design. I like clear headings that point me to what I’m looking for. Blogs that have thought about the audience and what the audience is most likely to click on or look for keep those headings in prominent spaces. Clean areas here and there is also something many blogs lack – I understand wanting to be useful, but cluttering up the entire screen is not pretty. Allowing enough empty space (not too much since that won’t exactly be good either) can give the viewers a sense of organization and ease when it comes to browsing the blog.
prateek (2 comments)6 January 09
Can you tell me some good ways in which i can redesign my blog – its a movies and music blog which offers news and reviews and opinions about latest movie..thanks.
Creare Design (2 comments)25 February 09
I always try and keep in mind what my users will be using my sites for when designing. By doing this from the start you will find that they stick around and read more content on your site. It lowers you bounce rate and improves your users satisfaction.
SJL Web Design (14 comments)26 February 09
Remembrance is key, you want to leave your user with a positive lasting impression, that’s the best way to get them to return. You should try and always think about what the user is coming to the site for, that’s the best way to provide them an overall good experience.
Football Highlights (1 comments)16 March 09
I think achieving user goals, keeping you creativity intact is the most important aspect of web design. Great guide!
Dape (1 comments)17 March 09
Symbolism and design make a healthy partnership. If we consider the design principle where each image tells or promotes a purpose. For example ‘it’ might be business or simply to communicate to a select group of people. I try to adopt the principle if its worth doing, its worth doing right meaning that all content is important if you want to say something that is of worth.
Rak Logo Design (1 comments)20 March 09
Always keep your users in mind when designing a site, if you can combine great design and usability, you will have a site that works for both yourself and your clients. Thank you for the great advice.
web design norwich (3 comments)31 March 09
A good design should instantly enable the user to gain a positive opinion of the website
Alastair Conditioning (6 comments)22 April 09
A great website should capture the users eye while offering great usability and interactivity. I think your point about branding and remembrance is great, thanks.
Matt Clarke (1 comments)27 April 09
I always thought that setting up a blog was a sure fire way of getting better rankings for your website portfolio, ie. good content = designer hits = good content rank = more client hits!
Isn’t that what all this design blogging is about or am i being cynical? Either way, am a designer hitting and i like your blog, you may be one of the ones that just likes to educate for free
Top marks! Matt.
Michael Martin (1511 comments)5 May 09
It depends on what you’re trying to get out of it really. I think that blogs definitely can be a great way to bring traffic (and hence clients) to a site, but if you’re just in it for that purpose, you’ll get fed up with it after just a few months and you won’t get far.
I started this blog a good few months before offering design services through it. I really do enjoy blogging, which does make a difference I think.
That’s not to say that being able to offer design servics through it is a bad side-affect though!
Timothy (1 comments)13 May 09
Hey Michael. Great article.
I think it’s important that the design is balanced with the content of the blog. The main purpose for a blog is to get your message out and you don’t want your design to encompass the content. You want the design to be a supplementary element of the content, nothing too overwhelming.
TJ
Boston Web Design
Website Design (3 comments)29 May 09
A nice website design should instantly able the user to gain a positive opinion of the website siliconwebsolutions.in
Łukasz Chmaj (1 comments)10 June 09
Nice article. A lot of usefull information :]
Łukasz Chmaj’s Latest Post: WordPress cz.1: Tworzymy szablon
Wicker (1 comments)5 July 09
Ok, i agree that the design must catch your visitor, but you can have the best design in the world but if your content is bad then its a waste of time.
just my 2 cents
LoveGuru (4 comments)31 July 09
Colors mix need to be harmonious. I get inspiration from nature.. like an apple tree (lots of green w/ little bits of red), an island (lots of blue and some green) etc.. In my opinion, nature colors are the most pleasant.
.-= LoveGuru´s last blog ..The Five Love Languages: Overview =-.
Webdesigner (4 comments)30 August 09
Hi Mike,
At least I can see all four aspects of good design implemented in your own blog design. Well done!
Identity Web Design (1 comments)2 September 09
Usability is king. Function has to work over form. Great article thanks.
erkasoft web tasarim (1 comments)14 September 09
nice article. thank you
Web design company (2 comments)9 October 09
Thanks for useful tips. They will help me with my blog design.
Daniel (13 comments)18 October 09
wow, this is very awesome !
cortney (1 comments)20 November 09
I can’t wait to show this to my friend for her new scarf blog!
André (3 comments)24 November 09
Very awesome design!
Dog tags for dogs (4 comments)2 February 10
Love the actual fading in colors in your design.
Smeh (1 comments)8 February 10
Good!
Web Design (27 comments)24 February 10
great design thanks for this
Web Design Nottingham (1 comments)27 February 10
This is definitely what all designers have in mind and you just hit the nail in the head. Thanks a lot for the reminders and would definitely keep them by heart.
wrist weights (3 comments)27 April 10
Often times people are tring to up their conversion using designs, and as such they must be “designed” with parcimony.
Tods Paris (1 comments)10 May 10
Ease of use and readability makes a good blog design… awesome reading, thanks a lot !
logo designs (1 comments)13 May 10
Brilliant resource, and lots of beautiful tips; I too am fixated with their form. I might actually reblog some of my favourites in the future, if you don’t mind.
Web 2.0 Design (3 comments)31 May 10
Really excellent stuff. Many thanks for sharing this informative resource. I am sure it will of great use to all the designers, web professionals as well as for us.
Motercalo (3 comments)20 June 10
This blog is very nice and informative.Thank you for the great story.