Wednesday, January 13, 2010

How to Use Free Blog Templates in Style

A blog is a platform for your thoughts and ideas, published for the entire world to see. Given that definition, it only makes sense that your blog should have a visual style that reflects your personality.

Most blog software can be customized using templates. A template is a set of instructions that tell the blog how to format and present the content of your blog. Free blog templates are available for most major blog software platforms. Many graphic designers have gone out of their way to create templates as a way to be noticed and to help the blog community.

Finding Free Blog Templates
Pick a search engine, any search engine. Type in “Free Blog Templates.” Be prepared for millions of hits. Finding free blog templates isn’t that hard. What’s hard is finding the time to wade through them and find the one that’s right for you. One way to limit your search is to add the name of the blog software you’re using.

Look For Blog Compatible Templates
The code behind a free blog template is specific to the blog software platform. Be sure to download only free blog templates that are listed as being supported by your blog software. Many free blog template websites have separate sections for each type of blog software. All templates should be clearly marked with the type of intended blog software.

On Blog Template Style
When you’re sifting through free blog templates, keep these tips in mind:

  • Match your theme. Try to match the template style to the theme of your blog. If you’ll be writing about nature, look for a theme that features plants and animals. If you’re writing on astronomy, look for stars and planets. With thousands of free blog templates to choose from, it shouldn’t be hard to find one that matches your theme.
  • Simplicity never goes out of style. Avoid free blog templates that have many small design elements or overly large, super-detailed images. Remember, your blog visitors come to your site to read your ideas and opinions, not to be overwhelmed by the “chrome.”
  • Take it easy on the eyes. Even worse than a super busy template design is one that goes in for bright, garish colors. That lime and pink free blog template may be eye catching, but, over time, it will only distract and push away potential readers.