9 Important Elements Every Blog Should Have

February 14, 2011

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Topics: Blog, Blogging Tips

blog basics

Photo by futureshape

Whether you are new to blogging or not, focusing on content and easy navigation should be the main objective to your site.  Don’t distract and turn off readers or brands by not providing them with the essentials that can help create relationships, traffic and, most importantly, your brand.  You only have one chance at a first impression, make it a great one.

With that said, check out the list below of what I believe are key basics that should be a part of everyone’s blog.

  1. A title. Let people know who you are and how they can find you.
  2. Description. Let readers know what your site is about. What is your purpose? Provide a descriptive summary of your blog or website
  3. An About Me page. Let people know who you are. What you bring to the table as a writer and why a reader should get to know you or a brand should ask you to represent them. Highlight your expertise. If you choose, this can be its own separate page or as part of your site description page
  4. Easy navigation. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a site that is easy on the eyes and can easily be navigated
  5. Fresh Content. Create and commit to a writing schedule that works for you.  Publishing fresh content keeps readers coming back and not left wondering where you’ve gone
  6. Search bar/button. Make it easy for readers to search your site.  It is best if it is above-the-fold and as close to the header as possible.
  7. Grammar. Save yourself the embarrassment and check your spelling and grammar.  And then check it again.
  8. Copyright. It’s your content so protect it.  A simple © symbol with the current year and your blog´s name placed on your blog´s footer is enough for everyone to know you do not share content without permission.
  9. Contact info. Let readers and brands know how they can reach you.  You can use a contact form or just place your email on your About page or a separate Contact page.

Although most, if not everything, listed may be common sense, you’ll be surprised how many of these elements are often overlooked.  Take five minutes to go over this list with your blog and make sure you have it all in place.

The devil is in the details.  Take the time out to clean and organize your blog and be very clear in what you are offering.

Check me out next time as I’ll be sharing 21 Plugins Every WordPress Blog Should Have.

Related posts:

  1. 9 Tips to Writing Good Blog Posts
  2. Want to Monetize Your Blog? Create a Media Kit {Part 2 of 2}
  3. Want To Monetize Your Blog? Create a Media Kit {Part 1 of 2}
  4. 8 Ways to Create an Effective Home Page
Jessie Nuez

Jessie Nuez a native New Yorker covering stories that focus on mobile and personal technologies. When You can find Jessie writing for her site Hecho Para Mama. Follow her on Twitter @JessieNuez.

9 Comments | Leave your own

Related posts:

  1. 9 Tips to Writing Good Blog Posts
  2. Want to Monetize Your Blog? Create a Media Kit {Part 2 of 2}
  3. Want To Monetize Your Blog? Create a Media Kit {Part 1 of 2}
  4. 8 Ways to Create an Effective Home Page

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  5. Sylvia

    Thank you for remember me to organize my blog. I am going to improved my profile.
    Another recommendations
    Make sure to include at least one image in every post. Leave some breathing room.Create post that make your readers feel welcomed, not overwhelmed.
    Ask readers their thoughts on the subject.
    Write a top 10 list.
    Leave Comments button is easy to find and see.
    Be on time.Respond all comments and e-mails promptly.
    Gracias Ana
    Sylvia
    @orakadesigns
    http://www.latinaconestiloelocuente.blogspot.com

    Reply

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