I previously wrote that you should think and act like a Top Dog of the blogging world in order to become one. I followed up with a post to help you get more story ideas and then how to create headlines and oppening paragraphs that will grab your readers attention.

Today I’m going to reveal another way to ensure your post gets read and you look more like a top blogger. It’s all about looking good. Turn your Ugly Duckling of a Blog into a Beautiful Swan and see your traffic soar.

Whether we like to admit it or not, looks matter. We are all attracted to things that look good visually. For instance, while ladies tend to be more impressed by well dressed and groomed man, gentlemen are typically drawn to a woman with a healthy figure. Differences aside its obvious visual cues are important to both sexes and the same principles apply when we are reading and looking for information and entertainment.

Your blogs theme, whether you like it or not says a lot about your blog and will play a part in your success or lack thereof. It can instantly communicate to a reader whether you are professional and determined or a bit lazy and get by on doing the bare minimum.

Put your best foot forward. Not only should your blog look great but you should have your best posts on your front page somewhere as well. Get a plugin or manually keep track of your most popular posts so new people to your blog can instantly see your best material.

By making your blog look better you will also feel better about it (subconsciously) and be prepared put in more time and effort. Its the same effect as putting on a great dress for girls or a nice suit for guys, it gives you a confidence boost.

Perhaps consider putting a photo of yourself on the front page. Not just any old photo, its got to look good, you should be smiling, look confident and successful. Recent scientific studies are suggesting there may be a link between successful big businesses and happy looking CEO’s. Also by adding a photo readers will identify more closely with your writing and develop greater trust in you.

So remember, the look of your blog does matter. You only get one chance to make a first impression so make it count.

To get started heres a few free resources:

51 Great Places To Find Wordpress Themes

83 Beautiful Wordpress Themes You (Probably) Haven’t Seen

31 Professional WordPress Themes

But if you really want to stand out in a good way, consider forking over some cash and investing in your succses by getting a custom made blog theme.

Prices typically start at a few hundred dollars, however deals can be found. Look for up and coming designers who are still studying. Offer to blog about their company and or display an ad for their service in return for a healthy discount. Try sites like Elance where competition drives prices down and you get to pick and choose or the SitePoint Marketplace.

Highly customizable themes that come with support from the designer such as the WordPress Dream Theme can be great value for money and come loaded with great plug-ins so you’re ready to go.

To really set yourself up for success, follow in the footsteps of some very popular bloggers (including John Chow, Jeremy Schoemaker of Shoemoney and super affiliate Zac Johnson) who have used Unique Blog Designs. John Chow even commented that the switch to a custom theme increased his earnings by 25%, proving a custom theme may be a solid investment rather than an unwanted expense.

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