Pro Blog Design

Tags have become a very popular way to browse sites online. You pick the keyword you’re after and get a set of posts specifically related to that topic. They’re ideal for bloggers for because one post can be tagged multiple times and it’s very easy to do.

Adding a tag cloud to your sidebar or footer is simple, but that only shows off a very small number of your tags. What if we could add a small link beside the tag cloud to a page with all your tags?

It’s extremely easy to do, as you’ll see below. The end result will be just like the Tag Archive page here.

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Most blogs put their posts into various categories, and then list the categories in the sidebar. It’s the done thing.

But how useful are categories really? Would tags be more helpful for your readers?

Few Categories vs. Many Tags

Categories are most effective when there’s a small number of them. The small list is easily digestible by a reader and organizes your blog into its major sections.

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We’ve talked a fair bit about personal blog design this week. Conveniently I came across a fantastic personal blog yesterday, by Yichi from Beijing. The design of his blog, Vikiworks, is one that all personal bloggers could pick up tips from.

What Has Been Done Well?

• Personal elements. The header and left hand side of the blog contain a wealth of information about Yichi, all wrapped up in the design. The PSP? Apple logo? Yankee’s hat? Even the date of his birthday! It all tells you a little more about who Yichi is, and what his interests are.

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