Once again, I seem to be talking about design, and the importance of a good, custom design. I’ve discussed how to achieve a unique theme in the past, and in that article I touched on some of the benefits you may experience from having a custom theme on your blog, but, like I say, I only touched on it. This article will discuss the advantages of a unique theme in detail.
So, let’s get right in to it.
Branding
Here I go again, talking about branding. However, I have a point. A unique theme will set you aside from the rest as, quite simply, it’s unique! No one else in the world will have the same theme as you, so you’ll be ten times more memorable. How many times have you seen the ‘uncustomised’ Thesis skin around? I visit a lot of blogs, and must have seen it tens, if not hundreds of times. If I’m completely honest, I only remember a few of them, but I can vividly remember blogs like Blogussion, who’ve customised the theme.
Traffic
You may have seen lists which are based around the idea of cool looking blog themes. Well, here’s your chance to get featured on them, as a unique blog theme can get you included in dozens of these lists if the design is good, but then again, what’s the point in getting a custom theme if it’s not aesthetically pleasing?!
Authority
Believe it or not, a unique theme will give you authority. As I’ve already said, I’m a regular visitor on loads of different blogs, and the ones with unique themes are the ones that usually have the best bloggers. OK, it may be that the better bloggers invest more time/money in to their blog and therefore invest in a custom theme, but maybe there’s something more meaningful behind it?
Motivation
Really? How can a unique theme motivate you as a blogger? Well, quite simply, it makes you feel good about your blog. When I first started Teenius, it was built on a free theme, and when I looked at it, I felt a bit upset that it was letting my content down. However, when I invested in the custom theme you see now, I felt that I’d really taken a step up in the blogging world. I now feel more motivated to keep pumping out high quality content, as on the inside I feel my blog can be successful.
Anything else?
What have I missed? Do you have a custom theme and want to add something to the list, or do you just want to voice your opinion? As always, I’d love to hear your views on this article, so please feel free to leave a comment below!
 A great way to achieve a unique theme without spending hundreds of dollars is to buy the Thesis Theme. This is a revolutionary Wordpress theme which is easily customisable without the use of code, making it ideal for literally any blogger! You can see my review of it here. |
Right on! Great post. Having a unique design is mission critical to someone that is using a blog for business reasons. Having a template just screams unprofessional.
Brendan Wenzel´s last blog ..How to Be the First Commenter on Any Blog
You are right, Simon, because a custom designed theme brings out your personality and brand and thus tells your visitors and readers who you are and what you are about with your blog.
Shirley´s last blog ..12 Reasons Why Contests/Promos Are Necessary For Your Blog Or Business
To understand branding in blog design, just pull up random posts from your RSS reader into your web brower without looking. If you can identify the blog instantly from the way it looks, then *that* is what you’re aiming for.
It could be something as simple as the color scheme, a wild logo, a unique navigation bar, anything… but your goal is to be as “top of mind” as possible in separating your blog from others in the niche.
I’ve kind of taken that approach in my current design – the bright orange may be a bit too “in your face”, but I’m pretty sure you’ll remember it!
Jordan Cooper´s last blog ..Top 10 Failed URL Shortener Spinoffs
That’s an awesome idea, Jordan!
I think mine probably does, purely because of my mascot at the top of the page!
It does sound weird, but a custom theme really does seem to perk you up. I know mine did for the longest time and my new one will even more!
Oops, kinda let the cat out there…
Dennis Edell´s last blog ..Send me your best articles, I’ll send you my best traffic!
Yeah – when I was writing that point I was thinking ‘hmm, is this common amongst bloggers, or am I just a sad individual?!‘ Thanks for making me feel a bit better about myself
Also, I’m no expert as I haven’t had a “dark” theme, but I’m guessing a bright theme makes you feel good?
You are completely right. If you want to stand out, one of the most important things to do is add a custom theme. Even if you buy a free or premium theme, be sure to customize it to make it perfect.
Eric B.´s last blog ..6 Tips for Basic Web Accessibility
All points you mentioned above are perfect. Custome theme give professional look to the blogs. And i am trying this for my blog…soon i will come up with a good one
Deepika´s last blog ..How To Comment On Other Blogs
I look forward to seeing your unique theme, Deepika. Let me know when it’s up!
Authority is something I honestly believe a professionally designed website can bring. It doesn’t have to be over the top full of great eye candy, just be ‘professionally’ designed by someone or guidance from someone that understands web design, colour theory and all that. It makes a huge difference I believe.
I never considered that if you had a great design that your site could appear in those top (x) list of great blog designs. Something to strive for perhaps
Sarge | BeginnerBlogger.com
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Yeah, it’s more than possible for them to appear!
Also, the point I forgot to make is that there are LOADS of design galleries over the web, so even if you can’t get on the lists, you’ll still be able to benefit traffic-wise by submitting your site to the galleries!
Yup, unique appearance surely can boost our reputation in blogosphere. As you may already aware that reputation mean everything in blogging.
Dana @ Online Knowledge´s last blog ..Web Hosting Type
Interesting ideas! Definately agree with your point about branding. For my blog it was important to come up with a logo straight away, a brand that I could use.
But customization takes either time, knowledge or money – something many new bloggers don’t have. I think that is why people don’t customize.
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I agree that those are the main reasons for not customising, but if you don’t have time then you shouldn’t really be a blogger! As for the other two, I have to disagree *slightly*. When I first started blogging, I used a free theme and, even though I had very limited design experience, I could customise the theme I was using. A lot of the code I changed was just common sense – relating the code to the location of the page and changing it using guides I found – and a basic knowledge of Fireworks/Photoshop – to edit images.
Also, I agree about the logo point. On ALL blogs I’ve started, the logo has always been the first thing I’ve sorted out. It’s just so important!
Definitive explanation Simon. I call unique design a weapon since its like a launchpad for a blog to get good traffic and traction.. I recently discussed too the advantages of both the custom theme and premium but I just kinda skimmed through it quickly..
A unique design is definitely very important if you want to have a successful blog.
I am always making improvements to my blog!
David Shaw´s last blog ..Approach Your Blog From A New Angle
Unique theme is always advantageous. I currently use a free theme but I customize it a little to look unique. I agree better bloggers invest in custom themes but custom themes are costly.
Agent Deepak´s last blog ..Back to Basics: What is Blogging?
I currently working with theme which is completely designed by me. I was designed it on 1024*768 and on firefox background with setting xampp local server on my Pc .My first creation was ugly.I was updated and customized it more than 50 times to get this nice design.
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Cool points, all were pretty known but last one of motivating yourself was a really good one. A Custom Theme is a must (see whose talking
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Enk.´s last blog ..PremiumThemes rebranded !
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Authority? This is something new to my ears…I didn’t know unique theme gives authority and thanks for this information.
Anyways, I have some free stuff in my blog…FREE THEMES, if someone needs a new theme I have shared some there.
Thanks Simon.
Best regards,
Jp Manching
Jp Manching @ Beginners Blogging Guide´s last blog ..No Commentator? Then be the Commentator
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