Branding Your Blog: Create a Memorable Identity
Written By: Posted On: April 4, 2007 Tags:
Going back through the interview I had with Steve recently about my blog conception and design(thanks for the ego stroke, Steve), I realized this blog is missing something huge; a logo. Sometimes we get so caught up in writing relevant and interesting content that we forget to brand our creation. Right now I’m using my MyBlogLog avatar as somewhat of an icon– since it’s what users see across the blogosphere, especially when a blog has the MBL plugin for comments.
This also has an added effect of touching my readers on a personal level (wink, wink). My face isn’t the most attractive thing in the world to look at, but when you land on my blog, you probably know exactly who I am. And I’d venture to say you even know a little about my character and personality from other blogs I’ve commented on that you also read. You’ve likely seen my face 3 or 4 times a day, which is kind of freaky if I do say so myself. But, branding myself is something I think I am doing successfully so far.
Many blogs I’ve come across have failed to do this, and fallen into a sea of cookie-cutter blog designs as a direct result. Think about your design for one second. What about it sets you apart from anyone else in the blogging world? Have you done a consistent job in branding yourself and keeping a consistent image thus far? It’s probably one of the most important things for you to do, especially when you are just starting out.
So, needless to say, I will be introducing an official meridiancrest logo and also a contest to get your own logo made for free. Stay on the lookout for that, it’s going to be a tremendous opportunity for you!
Definitely so. First impression counts. A good, brandable blog/site from day one is going to grab the attention of the first visitors that look at it. The attention span of the average reader is very short (from my site stats). If they don’t click with your site at first hand, the likelyhood of them returning a second time is close to nil.
Always good to inspire a bit of change
The logo idea is a strong one. Remember that logos aren’t just for christmas, they can be for life! And make sure it fits in a favicon!
Until I saw the sidebar profile, I thought the header image was a picture of you!
As I was looking through your blog, I have one suggestion. The header should link back to your home page. I know you have a Home button in the header bar, but usually the logo should also bring you back home
You need an “About” page Scot. That’s a big part of branding your identity and letting people know who you are when they come to the site.
You’re kind of excluding the people who are going to be first time visitors to your site. You can’t have that many non-unique return visits!
But I definitely agree with what some of the people have said already about what you might want to consider adding.
It’s easy to get an idea of who you are by reading your posts, but that doesn’t really tell me WHO you are. I’m only able to read your thoughts, opinions, etc.. I don’t know anything about you, but I’m still interested in finding out who you are, etc. Curiosity killed the cat!
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I agree wholeheartedly with every last one of them, and they’ve inspired me to make a few changes! Two heads are better than one!
Thanks,
Scot
Jordan,
Welcome to my website! Thanks for adding to the discussion today.
I think you can tell a lot about one’s personality and character through their stories. I was never one to publish a bio, I’d rather my stories tell the story themselves– but your suggestion along with Shane’s has me thinking.
Thanks for that,
Scot
Jon Lee,
Thanks for stopping by and for the excellent suggestion. I was planning on back-linking the header but never got around to it. Your suggestion just gave me a reminder, thanks!
Scot
Keep me posted about the contest! I love design and logo contests! Great blog, BTW! Keep up the great work.
piggybacking on Shane’s comment re: having an About Me page. The next must-have item is a Contact page.
That encourages email from readers if they wish to have a conversation outside of a normal post.
Thanks Nate, will do.
And the contact page is an interesting idea. I will consider it!
Thanks,
Scot
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I second Shane; get an About page. It makes a huge difference knowing just a few facts about who you’re talking to. I’ve tried to include the reason why I’m blogging and some quick facts about me.
I completely agree with what you’re saying, though. I have been working on a logo for my blog, but find it hard to capture the essence. Won’t be a surprise if I end up using my initials in some way.
You’ve got heaps of interesting stuff here.
Cheers,
Asgeir.