How To Layout A Blog

Sign Up Forms

When you construct sign up forms like auto responder sign ups, free e-book downloads or login forms, the best place for the form is in the upper right corner of the layout. You can always test different layouts with a split tester program. Overall split tests conclude that is the best place to construct a web form, especially for auto responder series.

Content Position

Important content like blog posts appear the most visibile when centered in the screen. This might seem obvious to most bloggers.

Keyword Rich Content

Search engines like it when you place your most relevant content near the top of the screen in the source code. That equated to placing your keyword rich content in either the header area or left column when dealing with table layouts. I still use table layouts because it enbales me to use a content management system. CSS layouts are much more flexible but often can run into problems with content management systems.

Menus

I've run my own split tests on where to place navigation menus. The two most visible spots include the left column and the header graphic. The header graphic won't be SEO friendly. If you want to offer a menu that's built for pure usability, place it in the header graphic. If you are concerned about search engines crawling your site based on the navigation, use a left column navigation meny.

Blog Design Ideas

I come across bloggers who want to jump immediately to jazzing up their blog with great graphics. I always suggest to start with a simple design first. Its like buying business cards. You don't want to print 5000 business cards until you know the niche is profitable. Start with a simple centered layout with a header at the top. Once your blog starts making money, then you can spice up the design. Take a look at these blog designs for ideas.

Written By Drew Sire

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