Looking for ways to make your Blog more efficient and user-friendly? Or just want to get it looking a bit more spiffy? Having spent a lot of time on the internet hunting for various buttons, badgets and widgets to add to my own blog, I've put together this list hoping that it will make your quest to improve your blog just a little sweeter ...
#1 Provide blog button code for your readers to use
See the little 'jQ jewelry designs' button near the bottom on the right side of the page?
It's for my blog readers or featured sellers to use. The code to add the buttons is
underneath, and people can easily copy the code and paste it into an html blogger widget
for their sidebar so that they can share your blog with a link to your site. Learn how to
set up your own blog button code here.
#2 Share this blog post on twitter, facebook, stumbleupon etc
This button is available at addthis and easily allows your readers to share blog blog posts they like. You can see examples at the bottom of this blog post.
#3 Free 'Follow Me' Twitter Buttons
You will find choices of Twitter buttons available to add to your blog at TwitterButtons. There are additional choices available here.
#4 Etsy Buttons and Badges
You can get Etsy buttons and badges on the Community pages. There is also a good
selection on the site of pre-made avatars and banners for you to choose from.
Adding a graphic to your blog showing a selection of the items you're selling on Etsy is
simple. Make sure you're logged in and go to 'your etsy'. Click on the 'promote' section
on your left side panel, and there are intructions for adding an etsy mini.
You can also add a scrolling etsy gallery that allows people to add your items to their cart
directly from your blog. The directions are available on craftcult, and another version at
cr8tivity - type in your Etsy username. Then go to 'helpers' then 'widgets'. Copy and paste
the longer code into your blog side bar in an html widget. There are examples of both at
the top and bottom of the right sidebar on my blog.
#5 RSS feed buttons, subscription counters and email subscription forms
These buttons can be found at feedburner.
#6 Add a Facebook 'Like' Business Page Box to your blog
It's simple to add a 'Like' button that allows your readers to add themselves to your FB
business page without leaving your blog! To get this button go here, and be sure to log in.
#7 Your readers might be interested in other blog posts you've written
Be sure to take advantage of the traffic that your older posts can bring to your blog.
LinkWithin suggests previous blog posts that readers might like by presenting thumbnail
pictures at the bottom of each blog post. See examples at the end of each of my posts.
#8 Spiff up your blog by adding a likeness of your latest Etsy Treasury
Show off your Treasury skills! Use the Treasury Widget on Craftcult to post live, clickable
versions of your Etsy Treasury lists on your blog or website.
#9 Request suggestions for blog topics etc from your readers
You can have a box on your blog that will allow people to post questions on your blog.
#10 Allow readers to submit their links - for social networking, giveaway lists etc
You can add a widget through MrLinky so that readers can add a link and details.
#11 Add the Following feature to your blog
#12 Assorted free stuff for your blog - buttons, gadgets, widgets, etc
Here are some of the zillion sites with lots of cool goodies for your blog ...
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| Vintage Czech Glass Button by Galla15 on Etsy |
