15 Easy Tips To Make Your Blog Look Top-Notch

Last Updated on July 19, 2023 by Jordan Alexo

Ready to take your blog from “meh” to “wow”? You’re in the right place.

In this guide, you’ll discover 15 easy tips to make your blog look good. We’re talking domain names, design, content, SEO, and more. And the best part?

These tips are actionable, practical, and perfect for bloggers of all levels. But we’re not just talking about making your blog look good. Oh no, we’re talking about creating a blog that connects with your readers, boosts your SEO, and reflects your uniqueness.

A blog that’s not just pretty but also powerful. So let’s go for a ride!

Key Takeaways

1. Domain Name Matters: Your domain name is your first impression. Make it count. Keep it short, easy to remember, and avoid niche-specific names. It’s all about flexibility and bendability.
2. Self-Hosted WordPress is King: Free blogging platforms can’t match the professionalism of a self-hosted WordPress blog. You get a custom domain, full control over your blog, and a more professional look.
3. Design Matters: Good design can make your blog stand out from your logo to your color palette. Keep it simple, consistent, and reflective of your brand.
4. Content is Queen: High-quality, valuable content is the heart of your blog. Use catchy, keyword-rich headlines, high-quality images, and a consistent posting schedule to keep your readers engaged and coming back for more.
5. SEO is Your Friend: From permalinks to plugins, SEO can help your blog get found. Use SEO-friendly URLs, install SEO plugins, and focus on a specific niche to boost your search engine rankings.
6. You are Your Brand: Your headshot, bio, and voice make up your personal brand. Be authentic, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

1 – Choose A Good Domain Name

Okay, so let’s talk about the first thing people notice about your blog: the domain name. You might think, “It’s just a web address, right? How crucial could it be?”

Well, think of it as your digital business card. And yes, people do judge a blog by its domain name. Also, once you choose one, there’s no going back.

Like it or not, your domain name will haunt you until the end of time. So, don’t make the first mistake of picking something too specific, like ‘bestmobilereviews.com.’

But here’s the pickle: it limits your growth.

What if, down the line, you decide to review more than just mobiles? Your domain name won’t reflect your content anymore. Plus, it looks badass ugly, doesn’t it?

So, what does a good domain name look like? Here’s the scoop:

1 – Short and memorable

Aim for 6-14 characters. See, shorter domains are easier to remember and less prone to typos. For instance, ‘TechBuzz.com’ or ‘GadgetGuru.com’. Both are short, catchy, and instantly recognizable.

2 – Easy to pronounce and spell

If you’re constantly spelling out your domain name, it’s too complex. Avoid slang, made-up, or commonly misspelled words. ‘PhoneFiesta.com’ is a good example. It’s easy to pronounce, spell, and remember.

3 – Skip hyphens and numbers

They just complicate things. Stick to letters to avoid any confusion. For instance, ‘MobileMania.com’ is better than ‘Mobile-Mania123.com’.

4 – .com is still the best

There are plenty of new domain extensions available today, like .photography, .blog, .guru, etc. But .com remains the most credible and recognized extension.

2 – Go For A Self-Hosted WordPress Blog

A web host is where your blog lives on the internet. It’s all about the foundation, and that’s where self-hosting comes into the picture.

You might consider, “Why not just use a free platform like wordpress.com or blogger.com?”

Well, free platforms come with strings attached. And those strings can hold you back when building a good blog.

Here’s why you need a self-hosted Word Press blog:

1 – Customization is a no-go

Free platforms often put a cap on the themes and plugins you can use. This means your blog might not look or function as you want.

2 – Ads and branding, not yours but theirs

Free platforms often sprinkle their own ads on your blog. And they might even stick their branding in your domain name. Imagine having a domain like: “yourblog.wordpress.com.”

It doesn’t scream professional, does it? Nope, ugly!

3 – Monetization? Not so much

Dreaming of making money from your blog? With a free platform, your options could be limited. Some don’t allow ads, while others take a slice of your earnings.

4 – Hard Work For Nothing

Building a blog is hard work. I mean, you’ll spend hours writing content to publish it on a platform you don’t fully control? It doesn’t make sense.

So, what’s the game plan? Opt for a self-hosted WordPress blog. You’ll have more choices over your blog’s design and functionality. Plus, you can monetize it your way.

And when it comes to hosting, WPX Hosting is a champ. It’s reliable and speedy, and its customer support is top-tier. Once you create an account, you only need to install WordPress on your server space, and you’re ready to go.

3 – Design A Sleek Blog Logo

Moving on, let’s talk about your blog’s logo. It’s like your blog’s signature, a visual cue that tells your readers, “Hey, you’re in the right place!”

Now, designing a logo might seem like a big deal. But it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a simple approach:

1 – What’s Your Niche?

See, your logo should reflect what your blog is all about. If you’re running a tech blog, a logo featuring a stylized gadget might work. Suppose it’s a food blog, maybe a cute cartoon of a chef’s hat or a whisk. The key is to make it relevant.

2 – Sketch It Out

Yep, good old pencil and paper. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece (nobody’s a Van Gogh here!). Just a rough idea of what you want your logo to look like.

3 – Hire Someone or DIY

You can use a platform like Canva.com to create your logo. They have several templates and images to help you create something that looks professional.

Or, take that sketch to a professional on Fiverr. You can hire someone there for $5 or a bit more.

Show them your sketch, explain your vision, and let them work their magic while you sit on your sofa eating popcorn.

4 – Choose A Color Palette For Your Blog

Your blog’s color palette is more than just a design choice. It’s a part of your brand, sets the mood, and can even influence how your readers feel when they’re on your blog.

Now, you might be tempted to go out and use every rainbow color.

But hold on! See, less is more when it comes to color. You should stick to a maximum of three colors that complement each other. Here’s how you do it:

1 – Start with your brand color

This is the color that you want people to associate with your blog. It could be a color that reflects your niche or just a color you love. This will be the dominant color on your blog.

2 – Choose a secondary color

This color should complement your brand color. It’s used for things like subheadings, links, and buttons.

3 – Pick a background color

This is usually a neutral color like white or light grey. It provides a clean backdrop that makes your content easy to read.

How Can You Find A Good Color Palette For Your Blog?

Now, if you’re scratching your head wondering how to find colors that go well together, don’t worry.

There are plenty of online tools that can help, such as Coolors.co and Adobe Color CC are two of my favorites.

They make it easy to create a color palette that looks great and represents your brand.

5 – Use a Lightweight Theme Design

A WordPress theme determines how your blog looks and functions. And it plays a big role in how fast your blog loads and how easily your readers navigate.

Now, there are thousands of themes out there. Some are packed with features and offer endless customization options.

But here’s the problem: all those bells and whistles can slow your blog down. And a slow blog is a big no-no.

So, what’s the solution? Go for a lightweight theme. These themes are designed to be fast and efficient. They have all the features you need without the unnecessary bloat that slows your blog down.

Here are a few benefits of using a lightweight theme:

1 – Faster page load times

A lightweight theme is stripped down to the essentials, so it loads faster. And faster load times mean happier readers and better SEO.

2 – Better performance

Lightweight themes are less likely to cause conflicts or crashes, which means your blog will run smoother.

3 – Easier customization

Lightweight themes usually come with fewer settings and options, which makes them easier to customize.

So, What Are The Best Lightweight Themes?

Now, when it comes to lightweight themes, Astra, Kadence, and GeneratePress are my top picks.

They’re fast, easy to use, offer many customization options, and look freaking fantastic.

6 – Install These 5 Powerful WordPress Plugins For Bloggers

Plugins add extra features and functionality to your blog, making it more powerful and easier to manage.

But with over 60,000 plugins available, where do you start? Well, here are five plugins that I believe every blogger should have:

1 – Akismet (Stops The Spam)

This plugin is your shield against spam. It automatically checks and filters out spam comments, saving you a ton of time and hassle.

2 – Rank Math SEO (Great For On-Page SEO)

Do you Want to rank higher in search results? Well, this plugin helps you optimize your blog posts for search engines, making it easier for people to find your blog.

3 – LightSpeed Cache (Boosts Your Blog Speed)

This plugin helps your blog load faster by storing a cached version of your pages, reducing the load on your server.

4 – Clicky Analytics

Meh… I just can’t help myself, but I dislike Google Analytics. Especially their GA4 version is clunky and messed up.

And Clicky is a fantastic, free, and simple-to-use alternative. It gives you detailed insights into your blog’s traffic. You can see how many people visit your blog, where they’re coming from, and what they do on your site.

5 – Easy Table Of Content

This plugin automatically generates a table of contents for your posts, making them easier to navigate. Just like the one you can see at the top of this blog post.

7 – Use High-Quality Images

Let’s talk visuals. You see, a picture is worth a thousand words. And on your blog, high-quality images can make your content more engaging, shareable, and memorable.

But it’s not just about slapping any old image onto your blog post. You need to be strategic about it. Here’s how:

1. Featured images: These are the images that represent your blog post. They appear at the top of your post and in social media shares. Make sure they’re high-quality, relevant, and eye-catching.
2. Images throughout your content: Break up your text with relevant images. They make your content easier to read and more engaging. Plus, they can help explain or illustrate your points.
3. Optimize your images: Large image files can slow down your blog. So, make sure to compress your images before uploading them. You can use a plugin like Smush or a tool like TinyPNG.
4. Alt text: Don’t forget to add alt text to your images. It’s a short description that helps search engines understand what the image is about. Plus, it improves accessibility for people who use screen readers.

Now, where do you find high-quality images? You can take photos, hire a photographer, or use stock photos. Sites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay offer high-quality stock photos for free.

8 – Have A Consistent Blog Posting Schedule

One of the most underrated aspects of blogging is consistency. You see, blogging isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. And to win this marathon, you must keep showing up, delivering value, and engaging your readers.

So, how do you do that? With a consistent posting schedule. Here’s how:

1 – Keyword Research

Start by finding out what your audience is interested in. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMRush to find popular keywords in your niche.

2 – Create a Content Calendar

Based on your keyword research, create a list of blog post ideas. You can use a Google Spreadsheet for this purpose.

Then, schedule them on a calendar. This will help you stay organized and ensure you always have something to post.

3 – Stick To Your Schedule

Whether you post twice a week or more, stick to your schedule. See, most bloggers give up without even noticing. They usually do this by telling themselves, “Oh, today, I don’t feel like posting anything.”

Tomorrow comes, and they do the same. Then a month goes by without a single blog post. So, don’t fall into the same trap consistency is key. You want to train your mind to work whether you feel like it or not.

Honestly, I don’t feel like writing sh**most of the time. But I still make myself sit down and do it.

9 – Focus On A Niche And Stay On It

Grab one niche like your life depended on it. Okay, a bit dramatic! But focusing on a specific niche is extremely important. Here’s why:

1 – Expertise And Authority

When you focus on a specific niche, you become an expert. You understand your audience’s needs, challenges, and interests better than anyone else.

And that expertise translates into high-quality, valuable content that your readers love.

2 – SEO Benefits

Google loves experts. When you consistently create content around a specific topic, Google recognizes you as an authority on that topic.

This can boost your SEO and help you rank higher in search results.

3 – Easier Monetization

When you have a focused audience, monetizing your blog is easier. Whether through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or product sales, a niche audience is more likely to engage with your offers.

10 – Use Catchy Headlines And Keyword Rich

A good headline grabs attention, sparks curiosity, and gets people to click and read your post.

But a great headline does all that and more. It’s also optimized for search engines. Here’s how you do it:

1 – Include Your Main Keyword

Your blog post headline should give both your readers and search engines a clear idea of what your post is about.

Also, include your main keyword in your headline to optimize it for search engines.

2 – Make It Catchy

Your headline should be interesting and engaging. Use power words, emotional words, or numbers to make your headline more enticing.

3 – Keep It Accurate

Don’t resort to clickbait. Your headline should accurately represent your content. Misleading headlines can lead to high bounce rates and damage your SEO.

11 – Keep It Minimalist With A Lot Of White Space

A minimalist design with plenty of white space can make your blog look clean, professional, and easy to navigate. Here’s the deal:

1 – Avoid Clutter

Too many banners, pop-ups, or widgets can overwhelm your readers and distract them from your content. So, keep your design simple and focused on your content.

If you need a better idea of what this looks like, check out Jordan Alexo (yes, that’s my blog).

2 – Embrace White Pace

White space isn’t wasted space. Instead, it gives your content room to breathe, making it easier to read and more enjoyable. I’d say it’s easier on the eyes.

3 – Be consistent

Use the same fonts, colors, and styles throughout your blog. This creates a harmonious overall look.

12 – Create The Necessary Pages

Let’s talk about the essential pages every blog should have. These pages provide key information about you and your blog, build trust with your readers, and can even boost your SEO. Here’s what you need:

1 – About Me Page

This is where you introduce yourself to your readers. You want to share your story, passion, and mission. Tell your readers why you started your blog and what they can expect.

2 – Legal Pages

These are those must-have boring pages every blog needs. These include your privacy policy, terms of service, and disclaimer.

They protect you legally and let your readers know their rights and responsibilities.

3 – Contact Page

This is where your readers, potential partners, or advertisers can contact you. Include a contact form, email address, and social media links.

Nowadays, some themes come with this feature. In case you have the Kadence theme. You may install “Kadence Blocks” to easily create a contact form.

13 – Have a Functional Permalink Structure

Now, you might be thinking, “Perma-what?” But stick with me. Permalinks are the permanent URLs to your blog posts and pages. And they’re more important than you might think.

Here’s the reason:

1 – SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

A clear and descriptive permalink can help search engines understand what your post is about. This can boost your SEO and help you rank higher in search results.

2 – User Experience

A good permalink gives your readers a clue about what they’ll find when they click a link. This makes your blog easier to navigate and creates a better user experience.

How Do You Create A Functional Permalink Structure?

Here are some rules to help you out:

• Keep it simple and descriptive: Your permalinks should be short, easy to read, and include your main keywords.
• Avoid unnecessary characters: Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens. Avoid special characters, spaces, or capital letters.
• Be consistent: Once you’ve chosen a permalink structure, stick to it. Changing your permalinks can break links and harm your SEO.

Your permalinks are like the road signs of your blog. They guide both search engines and readers to your content. So, make sure they’re clear, descriptive, and SEO-friendly.

14 – Pick a Headshot Photo & Write Your Bio

As a blogger, you’re not just sharing content. Also, you’re building a personal brand. And a key part of that brand is your headshot and bio. So you want to fill this info inside your “WordPress dashboard/ users/ profile” section.

And make sure to include:

1 – Headshot

This is your first impression. It should be professional, high-quality, and reflect your brand. So, smile, look approachable, and ensure the photo is clear and well-lit.

I’m not a very smiley guy, but I can do it. You can do it too.

2 – Bio Info

This is your chance to introduce yourself to your readers. Thus, share a bit about your background, passions, and why you started your blog. But keep it short and sweet, about 50-100 words.

Now, writing a bio might seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips:

• Be authentic: Share your true self. Your readers want to connect with a real person, not with a robot.
• Show your personality: Don’t be afraid to let your unique personality shine through. If you’re funny, be funny. If you’re serious, be serious.
• Include a call to action: Invite your readers to subscribe to your blog, follow you on social media, or check out your latest post.

15 – Don’t Be Afraid And Keep Updating Your Site

A piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to experiment and keep updating your site.

You see, blogging isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. It’s a journey. And along that journey, you’ll learn, grow, and evolve.

It’s like, initially, my blogs looked like a circus. But it allowed me to test different designs and features to see what worked and what didn’t.

So despite what I said, sometimes you must go all in before finding your design and style.

Go ahead and experiment with different layouts, colors, or content formats. Update old posts with new information or better images. Keep tweaking and improving until you find what you like.

Your first months of blogging are about discovering your style and refining content before your audience establishes.

3 Examples Of Professional-Looking Blogs

Here are three examples of professional-looking blogs that stand out in terms of design, content, and user experience:

1 – Smart Passive Income

Pat Flynn’s blog is a masterclass in professional blogging. The design is clean and easy to navigate, the content is superb, and Pat’s personality shines through in every post.

2 – A Beautiful Mess

Sisters Elsie and Emma have created a visually stunning blog that perfectly reflects their brand. The design is colorful and fun, the photos are high-quality, and the content is engaging and relatable.

3 – Minimalist Baker

Dana’s blog is a great example of a niche blog done right. The design is simple and clean, the photos are mouth-watering, and the content is focused and valuable.

Last Thoughts

We went haywire from choosing a good domain name to creating a consistent posting schedule, from designing a sleek blog logo to picking a professional headshot.

We’ve gone through 15 easy tips to make your blog look great.

But remember, all these tips are just tools. They’re there to help you create a blog that reflects you, your passion, and your hard work.

So, don’t get overwhelmed. Just go slowly and take it one step at a time. Go ahead and implement one tip, then move on to the next.

Also, keep learning, experimenting, and improving. And most importantly, have fun with it.

So, go out there and create a blog that you’re proud of. If you have any questions about blogging, leave them right below.