Blog Elements
Creating a blog requires a good combination of many elements; with purpose, content, design and audience being the main components. Purpose can range from self expression to political statements, with many other topics in between, but there needs to be some type of motivation that fuels the post, otherwise little interest will be created. This interest is tantamount, as ultimately a blogs main purpose revolves around the focus of attracting readers through its content. These elements are the main focus and work together with an overall design that draws in readers, and hopefully calls them to action, adding depth and meaning, which translates into not only a memorable blog, but one that people want to follow. Of course, intended audience can be comprised of only a small cross section of readers, while other blogs are intended to appeal to a much broader audience. One blog may have a scope that is vast, while another goes stagnant, and there lies the important focus of a blog and its components.
Purpose is the answer to the question of why someone would create a blog. Often a blog is an assignment for a class, but some blogs are intended to deliver a message of one kind or another. People search the web for answers to questions and the internet offers a wealth of information posted by bloggers and experts. Often, the distinction between the two is blurred, so it is important to verify information and look at the source and references. Just because it appears on the internet does not mean that it is true. Bloggers are filled with intention, and their vehicle is their post, coupled with content choice.
The most important component of a blog may be content. Though there are quite a few celebrity cites that seem to have a good following, not everyone is interested in this information. Some people are looking for current events, while others are interested in directions, or how to information for project completion. Providing interesting opening lines and titles that draw the reader in, coupled with an absence of grammatical errors shows professionalism in a blog, helping hold viewers. Receiving comments and offering responses, helps involve readers and make them feel wanted and appreciated, which can increase followers. Whatever the interest of the reader is, involving them and providing content that is interesting and current can make or break a blog.
Next, the audience can vary from post to post, but a blog needs focus on who the intended reader is. There should be some kind of uniformity for the intended reader and what may be of interest to them. Writing for an audience and the intention behind that will help with the actual information and how it is provided. Knowing who the reader is and how they will be written for is a function of knowing the audience.
Importantly, design will draw in readers or send them away. The content could be great, but if the design is too busy or distracting, the reader may exit the site. Structure of a blog is like the foundation of a building, and needs to be built with balance, while including clarity, details and functionality. “I recommend choosing the left alignment. This will make your picture move to the left of the page, with the text flowing to its right.” (Piechnic, 2011).Typestyle that is clear and easy to read is very important as the sizing and color of headlines and captions. You can design logos and custom headers at cooltext.com. This is a great site to add interest in a unique way that you won’t find on every other blog. The overall layout of a blog needs to be organized and simple, avoiding confusion and colors that clash. Black backgrounds are hard on the eyes and should be avoided at all cost. One word of caution goes out concerning widgets and gadgets: Too many of these can create confusion and make a blog look junky. It is important to choose them wisely without over doing it. Darren Rowse of Blog Design says that: “Remarkablity is the difference between a good blog and a great one.” (Rowse, 2008). Furthermore, soothing colors that blend well coupled with serene designs, with a few gadgets to create interest, will keep the visitor there and reading; the main intention of a blog.
Finally, a blog is an ongoing work in progress, always evolving to improve and create interest. Most blogs will change over time as their authors make advances in content and design creation. Since there are so many layouts, designs, gadgets and widgets, transformation is a combination of effort and time, and the product that results can be a site of great dimension. Blogs are like art, a wonderful creation that can be something beautiful to not only read, but to behold.
References
Piechnic, D., (2011), How to set up a blog, Website Set Up Guide, retrieved April 9, 2011 from http://websitesetupguide.com/basic/blog wordpress.htm?gclid=CLbc3eSRlagCFWUbQgodYgeBCg
Rowse, D., (2008), How to craft a blog post, ProBlogger website, retrieved April 9, 2011 from http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/08/12/how-to-craft-a-blog-post-10-crucial-points-to-pause/
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