Radium

5 blog settings you need to change

Monday, 19th July , 2010

Today it’s easier than ever to launch a blog. With so many free and easy to use blogging platforms available you can have a new site up and running in no time at all. Best of all, most of the functionality comes right out of the box. But with that standard functionality comes standard settings. And if you want your blog to stand out in a crowded space, you may want to rethink those defaults.

Here are 5 default blog settings worth changing.

1. Remove extraneous links
By default most blogs automatically link to categories, tags, comments, post dates and authors. Sometimes these links can be helpful to readers but many times they’re unnecessary and can create duplicate content issues for search engines. Every link on your website should add value for the reader. If you have links that don’t add value, remove them. Your readers will appreciate it and search engines will reward you.

2. Optimize your call to action
It’s very important to consider your call to action (CTA). What action do you want readers to take when visiting your site? Do you want to increase the number of RSS subscribers, get readers to consume more content, sell a product or service? Depending on what your CTA is, you’ll want to ensure your blog promotes this effectively. Review your layout and make sure areas that receive focus are geared toward generating conversions.

3. Change default text
Blogging platforms (Wordpress especially) are used for so much more than just blogs that often the default text doesn’t accurately describe your site. If something doesn’t fit your site, change it. Buffalo Restaurants does a great job of using Wordpress as a local restaurant review site. Notice that any reference to ‘comments’ has been replaced with ‘reviews’ to better fit the site.

4. Customize plugins
Plugins are an easy way to add functionality to your blog and can save a ton of programming time. However, that doesn’t mean you need to accept their default design and functionality. The plugins you select, should blend in with the look and feel of your website, and act the way you want them to. If you’re not a designer or programmer you may need some assistance with this step but it’s well worth the investment.

5. Change your Gravatar
Your Gravatar is an image that follows you from site to site appearing beside your name when you do things like comment or post on a blog. They are a great way to make your site more approachable and increase interaction among readers. Therefore make sure the authors of your blog take the time to set a relevant image. I lean toward using a personal photo of the author but a logo or unique design will also work.

Do you have any additional suggestions for simple blog tweaks? Let us know in the comments.

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