MUST-HAVES For Your Blog

~ Please permit me a mini-rant this month. ~

First of all let me say that I LOVE blogging and I LOVE reading blogs and encouraging other writers/bloggers. I'm serious y'all - I LOVE IT. But I'm growing increasingly frustrated because so many people lack of a couple of critical blog elements.

Your NAME

I'm constantly amazed at how many bloggers DON'T have their name anywhere on their home page! I can't tell you how many "site safaris" I've gone on in search of a name!

Your name should be visible somewhere near the top of your sidebar or
on your top menu on a tab/page. Lots of bloggers have their name in their header, which is helpful, but that's a personal preference. (I love the one on my SusanStilwell.com site.) Even if your name is in your header, it still needs to be SOMEWHERE in the TOP your sidebar.

Your PHOTO

Nobody cares that you don't look like Brad or Angelina, but it is helpful to be able to put a name with a face, especially if you link to other social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn. It's really helpful if you use the same profile pictures. It gives you a more uniform, professional look and therefore a more professional social media presence.

If you don't have a photo, check out Step 5 on my tabs: Add Your Picture. Let people get to know you!

Follow by Email

Since not everyone is savvy with Reader and other news aggregators, give them the option of subscribing to your blog. That way they will be notified by email each time you post.

If you'd like to GET savvy and learn how to read all your blogs in one place, check out my easy-to-follow tutorial: Tips on Using Google Reader. Learning to use this handy-dandy utility will save you a TON of time!

Last Minute Rant Items

Fonts: PLEASE use an easy-to-read sans-serif font as your Page Text. The absence of the serif really does make your blog more readable. You can stick with an old-school Arial or Trebuchet, or try out something newer like Droid Sans or Nobile. Check out my post for more details: Design Tips - Fonts.

Comments: Allow them! Blogging is about community and it's rude to hog the stage. Even if it IS your stage. Bloggers are an encouraging group, so let them share their thoughts! Here are some helpful hints: Comments and Notifications Settings.

Links to Other Social Media Sites: If you have a Twitter account or a Facebook page, add that gadget so your readers can follow you.

Thanks for bearing with me and letting me get that off my chest. I feel MUCH better. Check back next month when I'll talk about Link-Ups!

Susan

I appreciate your comments and feedback - please leave yours below!