Blog Talk: Design Basics
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March 2, 2019
Ever since I was in high school and played around on LiveJournal, I have been fascinated with coding. It is so much fun to be able to manipulate not only the aesthetics, but the functionality of a website. Since then, I have continued to teach myself code and in turn, design. That hobby has now turned into a full blown business that has me booked for weeks on end. I truly enjoy it, but I thought it would be nice to share some of the basics of design. I won’t get into coding (I think most people would consider that boring, plus it’s way too complicated for a blog post), but I will talk about the things I keep in mind while designing a site.
1. Keep it simple
It is so incredibly important to keep a design simple. When you go to a blog, the design is the very first thing someone notices and first impressions are everything. I know I’m not alone when I say that if I come across a blog that isn’t aesthetically pleasing or is too busy, I immediately navigate away; I don’t even give the content a chance if I don’t like the design. It’s sad, but true for many many people.
2. Let the content shine
This goes hand in hand with keeping it simple. You don’t want a potential reader to be distracted by a crazy logo, tons of bright colors, or extremely crowded double sidebars. Let the content shine by keeping it simple. One of the bes pieces of writing advice I ever got was “good writing is saying the most you can in the least amount of words.” I think this is true for design as well. Get your aesthetic across in a clean and simple way.
3. Balance
Web design is all about balance. This doesn’t mean everything needs to be centered or you have the have a certain amount of sidebar widgets, it means there should be a balance when it comes to colors, fonts & features. Never overpower the design with one thing, like tons of colors or all one font. Create balance by mixing and matching various design elements for a perfectly proportioned website.
What would you add to the list?
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Photo by Johnny Cheng.
Lilly Perkins
October 15, 2014 @ 8:10 am
Some great tips! I’m always happy to read tips about how to improve blogs as I’m continually striving to make mine better! Thank you!! Lilly xx http://alittlelilly.blogspot.nl/
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:28 pm
Thanks! So glad you like the post! 🙂
Monique
October 15, 2014 @ 8:42 am
Wonderfully said … and this is why you are my Designer. Such a pro at simplicity, balance, and making the content shine! You are a blog design gone wrong angel! Thanks girl!
Cheers, Monique
Casually Chic by Monique
Find me at : bloglovin’ | facebook
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:28 pm
Yay!! I’m so glad I could create a design you love! 😀
Tiffany Khyla
October 15, 2014 @ 10:15 am
I love these tips! They’re so simple, but they make a really huge impact. I remember when I first started blogging, my blog design was absolutely awful. No wonder no one wanted to read my blog! If a blog doesn’t look appealing to me, I usually take that blog less seriously and am less likely to visit again.
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:29 pm
Haha, we’ve all been there! My design was horrible as well – I had no idea what I was doing when it came to blogging! But now I’ve learned my lesson and I’m so happy I’m able to help others as well!
Morgan Paige
October 15, 2014 @ 10:47 am
I love these tips! Especially “keep it simple”. A lot of people over do it to the point where their site is distracting. I would also add making social media/contact icons easily accessible. If I love your blog 9 times out of 10 I want to follow you along on social media.
Morgan Paige
http://www.mygorgeouschaos.com
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:30 pm
So true. I was going to add that in there but I felt like it was getting too long haha. But I couldn’t agree more!
yael steren
October 15, 2014 @ 1:31 pm
I would add to keep the font at a size that is easy to read by everyone. Personally I love small font, but I know that is an individual thing, so when I built my website I made sure to pick a size font that everyone could read easily, and in fact people have mentioned to me that they like it! Great tips! xoxo yael http://www.yaelsteren.com
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:31 pm
I love small font too! But you’re right, people complain and isn’t the whole point of a blog so people can read your posts? haha Great point!
Kate
October 15, 2014 @ 1:34 pm
Great tips! I’m a sucker for lots of white space and a nice clean look on a site. If it’s too *busy* I instantly head away. Also I think it’s really important to have a clear and obvious About page so when you first land on a site you can find out more about it quickly and easily. I hate it when I have to hunt around for details like that!
Kate
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:32 pm
So true!! Lots of blogs are just way too busy and can quickly overwhelm potential readers. And I agree, an about page is key!!
Kelsie
October 15, 2014 @ 2:59 pm
Great advice! I’m still honing in on my blog design, but I knew I wanted it to be simple and basic to let the content stand out. I LOVE your site design, it’s so clean and fresh. You can tell you know what you’re doing! I would love to learn more about coding. Do you have any recommendations for books/websites?
-Kelsie
DesignLifeDiaries.com
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:33 pm
Good for you! That’s definitely important in any website. I like http://www.w3schools.com/ for coding help! I have learned a lot from that site 🙂
Eymi adrianza
October 15, 2014 @ 3:57 pm
oh i totally agree with you! busy sites in general whether it is a blog or any other kind of site scare me away!!
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:33 pm
So true! It can just get overwhelming. Thanks for stopping by!
Addie F.
October 15, 2014 @ 4:51 pm
These are some really great tips. I am considering starting a blog and I want to design it myself, so I’m glad I found this post! Thank you.
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:33 pm
Yay! So glad I could help 🙂
Farrah
October 15, 2014 @ 5:39 pm
I’m about ready to switch from Blogger to WP. Thank you for your opinions.
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:34 pm
Good choice! Did you read my other post about making the switch? Check it out here: http://www.lushtoblush.com/blog-talk-why-wordpress-is-better-than-blogger/
Alisha Nicole
October 16, 2014 @ 11:44 am
I love a great simple clean design!! Its gorgeous plus it doesnt take too much focus away from your content!
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:35 pm
Exactly! The content is really what makes a blog special anyway, so that should definitely be the focus!
Luchessa
October 19, 2014 @ 5:25 pm
Looks like a blog design is like clothes for a person. It’s what you see first (and judge…kinda of). Clean designs are great, but in my opinion it has also to reflect who you are as a person. Somehow i wish my blog would have more basic colors & widgets, but i feel like i’m more colorful inside…if that makes any sense…
Guess i’ll need to find the middle in the near future. So for now – keep it simple is a little goal of mine. 😉
Megan
October 21, 2014 @ 12:36 pm
So true! Such a great comparison. You don’t want people to be scared away or overwhelmed by a design, but it needs to reflect the content. Such a great point, Luchessa!