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- How to Create a Static Homepage
- Creating a “Go to Top” Button
- Creating a Custom Jump Break
- Adding a Post Signature
- HTML Converter
Tip #2: Avoid Grainy Images
Always save your design images as .png not .jpg
Code #3: Remove Image Drop Shadows
This code removes the drop shadow from behind your images. Insert it in the CSS section of Advance Settings in ‘Design’ or “Layout’
img {
-moz-box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, .1);
-webkit-box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, .1);
box-shadow: 0px 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, .1);
}
For example: I found image-maps.com by googling. I wanted to add my social media icons to my header, but I couldn’t think of a concise search to enter into Google. So I gave up on the “concise” part, and just typed in exactly what I was looking for, “I want to put my social media icons on my header in blogger, how.” Seriously. That’s what I typed in.
And that led me to lots of hits that contained key words like, “multiple links,” “one image,” “map coordinates.” Once I could identify the “techy words” for what I wanted to say, I was able to type those into the search engine, and the led me to exactly what I was looking for.
Moral of the story: google, google, GOOGLE! The information you need is out there!!
***Also– make sure you use the keywords “in blogger” or “in wordpress.” It makes a difference in the results.
Tip #5: Be a Copycat
Don’t be afraid to be a copycat! If you see something you like on someone else’s blog, don’t be afraid to try and re-create it (in your own way, of course) on your blog! And if you’re nervous about copyright infringement, there’s usually a link to contact the designer at the bottom of the blog. But as long as you aren’t copying and pasting images, you should be safe.
color: #000000;
}
Tidbit #7: Where to Find Clip Art
While I’m a firm believe that having a beautiful blog doesn’t need to cost you a penny– I’m also a clip art fiend. I love it. And You can find some of the BEST clipart packages on Etsy. And many of the shop owners offer BOGO type sales all the time! Simply go to Etsy.com and type in whichever kind of clip art you’re looking for. Or even just type in “cute clip art.” You’ll be stunned at how much cool stuff is available for $5.00 or less! And all you have to do is save the clip art to the computer and then pull it right up in Picmonkey!
Some of my favorite Etsy clip art designers are:
There’s also a lot of free clip art out there on the web– just google it! Again, it’s a simple matter of learning the key words to search for. Example: ‘silhouette’ is a helpful keyword to search for. Silhouette clip art is extremely useful because it’s solid and usually black– which means you can customize the color to match your blog settings using Picmonkey.
Tip #8: Reach Out
Don’t be afraid to email other bloggers and ask them “how they did something.” It might take them a while to get back to you, but, in my experience, they almost always do– and they almost always have a helpful answer for you!
Code #9: Remove Blogger Navbar
This code removes your blogger navbar:
#navbar {
height: 0px;
visibility: hidden;
display: none;
}
Tidbit #10: Do Your Homework
Get to know some of the “techy” blogs out there! There are tons and tons of helpful blogs solely dedicated to creating blogger plugin codes, writing how-to articles, and answering your blog design questions! Some of my favorites are:
And as I find more goodies that I can’t wait to use on Something Swanky, I’ll be sure to PIN them to my Blogging Tips & Designs Board or my Blogging Re-design Board!
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Here’s a quick question for you. After following your tutorial for making a custom header using image maps, how do you get rid of the default header (I am using blogger)? Right now I just uploaded a little sliver of white as a picture, but now I can’t use the mobile version (because the default header is a little sliver of white). Oh, and thanks so much for creating all these tutorials for people like me that have no clue what they’re doing until someone takes us by the hand and shows us how!
Nikki Kelly @ the ambitious procrastinator
you are such a smartie pants! can’t wait to set aside a few minutes and really peruse these tips! xo
Coming to an end? Waaaaa… {<- me, crying} Love all these tips, thanks for the quick links too. I ditto Erin Bradley, as her clip art is what my header uses. And they were commercial use too, super cheap. They’ll have to do until I can afford to pay someone to design me a supercute logo and site. That’s gonna be awhile…unless I sell a kidney. ;)
These are great tips. I have a Blog Hop on Wednesdays, and I would love it if you would link this post. You can find it at
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/06/natural-hair-gel-and-wednesdays-adorned.html
It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop.
I hope to see you there. Have a great Day.
Debi Bolocofsky
Adorned From Above
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
What about your photos after editing…do you save them as jpeg or jpng? Thanks for all your tips. I’ve loved them all!
Thank you so much for sharing these. I google a lot of stuff, but sometimes I still don’t find it! Thanks for the photo tip too! Didn’t know that one!
Thanks so much for the tips! They are SO helpful!
Great tips. I am going to add a signature right now. I am a new follower. Hope to see you at True Aim.
So many great tips!
I used number 6 straight away – I’ve been searching for a way to do this forever.
Thanks so much for the help!
What a great list of tips!!!
Thank you so very much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream to Reality! :)
Oh wow, thanks for this! Nifty tips of the trade =)
Great tips! I’ve been working on a new blogger series and these go along perfectly! Hope you’re having a fantastic 4th!
-Melissa
Thank you for the great tips!
Thank you so much for this series, I have a lot to do to redesign my blog but with all of the information you provided I am on my way.
Thanks for the shout out!
Hi, thanks a million for all the wonderful tips…can you show a tutorial on how to make drop down menu/label bars….and please do not stop posting DIY blogger tips.
If I ever figure out a good looking drop down menu, I will for sure post about it!