8 Ways to Add More "Bling" to Your Blog and Increase Your Bottom Line!

Happy 2013!
Whether you're here for the first time, or one of my regular readers, it's a pleasure to have you join me here at Pen & Prosper.

If one of your goals for the new year is to take your blog to new heights, then today's post is for you.
I'm sure I don't have to tell you that blogging has become a very powerful medium to build a platform, gain recognition of important causes, and increase your bottom line. It's even served as a launching pad for some to secure book deals and movies.

With this in mind, today I'll share a few creative and clever ways to help your blog to stand out and stay in the "competition". Are you on board? Let's get started...

1. Do a "mini-makeover".
Take inventory. What does your blog say about you to the general public? Does it enhance your image? Does your "about me" page truly express who you are? Are the colors inviting? Is your site easy to navigate? These are things you'll want to consider. Sometimes a minor "tweak" here and there can make all the difference. If you're unsure, poll a few friends and get their honest feedback.

2. Add a logo.
Logos help to establish your "brand" and online identity. Logos don't have to be a huge investment either; many times we have friends, family members, and other artistic connections that can help in this regard. As many of my regular readers will recognize, Pen and Prosper starts this year off with a new logo and theme. YAy! (I hope you like it.) To get more "bang for your buck," why not consider a tagline? Mine at Pen and Prosper is: "Know more. Grow more." What's yours?

3. Have a catchy title to jazz up your joint.
Just like with print magazines, readers are drawn to dynamic titles. Choose something that will ideally identify what the Blog is about, yet also make it memorable. Read it aloud to yourself. How does it come across?

4. Use quality photos and graphic images.
Visitors like visual variety. Add pictures to your site to personalize its appearance and create greater interest.

5. Remember that there is a psychology to colors.
Use the right combination to create the right effect. For example, beige and earth tone colors have a calming effect. Orange is energetic, while green is often associated with money and vitality.

6. Have guest bloggers to do periodic posts on various themes.
It adds variety and also provides for an array of interesting perspectives.

7. Make sure that your Blog has take away value.
Glitter without substance won't sustain you.
In other words, what’s in it for online visitors? Will your blog educate? Entertain? Provide money making opportunities? Provoke thought on arts issues? Decide then deliver!

8. Experiment with different templates and designs that suit the topic and tone of your blog, and your individual style of expression.
Don’t be afraid to dabble a little; it's your blog and your prerogative. As a case in point, over the last few years, I've changed everything on this blog except the name! And I finally think I have a look and feel that suits me. And I'm wishing the same for you!


Remember that a well designed blog with great content helps to increase your readership and also attract potential advertisers and future fans.

In conclusion... if you want your blog to be as hot as "Bieber Fever" follow these eight timely tips. :-)

Your turn... 
Have you tried any of these methods?
What has provided the greatest success among them? Do tell. :-) 

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net