Does layout of a blog help it's success?

Question

I've seen successful blogs are much easier to navigate compared to those with images flying all over the web page. Is this part of why 'cleaner' blogs are successful because of it's straight-to-the-point minimalist layout?

Answer 1

Do you WANT visitors? Or is the blog for you alone? How do you spell success? If success is visitors, then, yes...

Simple, streamlined design is best. It leads not only to easy navigation, but quick load time (extremely important, especially for folks who are on dialup, and there's quite a few!). Also, there was a fellow here on Answers who asked for an opinion on his blog: I went to look, and it seemed he thought he was SOOO COOL it was quite obvious he wasn't, to the extent it was offensive: too much braggadocio (even if via complex design) isn't all that effective...

I vote for blogs that make the point, quickly - say what you mean, and mean what you say!

Answer 2

yes,

I don't know about you but I want info and I want it fast. Graphics slow me down (not alot but they do) and flash intro will always be skipped (except for movie or game sites) With simple clean looking lay-out and navigation, the user feels he is in charge and will stay longer. If he can't find what he is looking for within seconds, he hits the back button and tries another site.

Answer 3

it not just the minimalist layout.

how you tell your stories is the most important, then the design.

but yes, people who tell the stories brilliant way, may think their reader want fast access too, so they design it minimalist.

Answer 4

I guess it's more depending on your content.

e.g. Blog Topic

Answer 5

If you can't read what's there, why would you bother visiting any Web site?