Everyone is trying to get in the act. Blog usage is booming. Internet companies are employing blogs to inform consumers about their newest. Blogs are increasingly being used as Internet marketing media, where business can place banners and links to websites. Sometimes companies will place these types of links in newsletters and marketing letters that are pushed to customers.

A blog writer who has just launched his/her blog will want as much traffic as possible, this increases the chances of others wanting to advertise on their blog. To increase traffic to their blog, businesses and web users can join affiliate programs. Affliate programs will list your blog under a certain search category or name. Some advertisers will pay you every time their link is clicked on or if their webpage has been viewed by an interested party. Obviously there is an advantage to having advertisers on your blog. Therefore, it is imperative that your blog continues to be informative or amusing. To do so it must look good. This requires a good layout and design.

Most blog hosting companies offer pre-designed templates. But if you are a little computer savvy and like working with design and layout you may choose to create a customized design. This could boost your traffic greatly. Your blog will look different from the rest. Here are a few tips to think about when design your blog:

• Make a Custom Banner.

Banners are pretty much generic in nature. Personalize your banner by using a graphics. Include the blog title in the banner. You may choose to create your own graphic. Graphics can also be purchased online for as an average of $10.00.

• Use Personalized Photos

Most of your blog photos will be your own. Most of the time you will have to do some editing before posting them on your blog. Try enhancing your photos with borders, shadows, sharpen them, or color correct. This will entertain your readers and will add to the overall design.

• Add a Favicon

You know, those icons on the address bar that appear before the website's URL. Favicons make your URL appear to be professional. They are easy to make with photo or graphic software.

• Browse Other Blog Sites for Ideas

Take notice to other blog's templates, layouts, backgrounds, textures and skins. See something you like? Try finding something similar. .

• Don't Forget RSS Feeds

This is essential if you want the right readers for your blog.

• Use Audio!

Not only does audio personalizes the blog; it can entertains your visitors. Guess what! They'll keep coming back. Use streaming radio stations, MP3 files or playlists.

• Manage Your Advertising

If you have signed-up with Google Ad-Sense be sure that your ads are placed so that they deter from your readers' viewing.

Applying these template and design tips will increase and retain traffic on your blog.

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Good Luck! :-)

Jeff Spires