I used to rock html code.

I mean, seriously, I had the most decked out Myspace of ALL my friends.

But then Facebook came around and I couldn’t customize the code (which I was super bummed about) so I just stopped doing it.

Fast forward about 15 years (yikes) and now I’m a blogger and even though I have a certification in Graphic Design and can make a pretty mean Pin, I know nothing about code.

I still can’t believe how much coding knowledge I had back in the day and can’t quite figure out why it just doesn’t click anymore. Maybe giving birth burned some of my brain cells 🤷‍♀️

So when I was setting up the foundation of my first blog (long before I could pay an amazing web designer like Laura from Pixel Me Designs who designed the theme for Simplifying DIY Design) I struggled.

I found a theme I liked but I still thought it looked plain.

And I’m not plain.

I’m all about the visual elements. They matter!

So I started revamping what I could, with the tools I had available at the time– Canva.

Want to save this for later? Save this pin to your favorite pinterest board! ⬇

Your logo

Your logo is a great place to start since it’s the very first thing people see when they get to your blog. You don’t have to be a designer or have any kind of fancy program for this. Canva is perfectly fine.

Keep in mind that it is against Canva TOS (terms of service) to use any of their clipart in your logo. So, stick to text and possibly use shapes to add a little extra design element to your logo.

Another alternative is checking out the clipart and graphic bundles available on Design Bundles or Creative Market— make sure the artwork is available in PNG format so you can upload it to Canva.

Side note: If you haven’t already checked out our article containing all the details of creating a logo, you can do so here.

Again, you don’t need to have a design background to rock your logo. Search through some examples of logos for inspiration, stick with your brand, or use a template.

Here’s an example of one of our logo templates, and how it looks when I edited it to match my brand ⬇

A decent logo design starts at $100 and goes up depending on the package. Using a template or designing one yourself is a great way to save money big time and can make a huge difference with the overall look to your blog!

About Me Graphic

You’re “about me” graphics is a great way to add some design elements to your sidebar. It’s also a great way to draw people to your “about m”e page. The “about me” page is a great opportunity to tell people a little about who you are, a LOT about what’s in it for them and lead them into your offer (opt-in, product, or work with me opportunity).

Here’s an example of my “about me” graphic:

Again, you can easily do this in Canva. Simply use a circle frame, drag and drop your photo into it and then add some sort of greeting.

Upload images into your sidebar without having to know ANY code by using the Simple Image Widget.

FYI, here are some instructions for using Simple Image Widget:

1. Go to plugins and click “Add new”
2. Search “Simple Image Widget”
3. Select Simple Image Widget by Cedara
4. Click “Install Now”
5. Click “Activate”
6. Go to right side menu on WordPress dash and hover over “Appearance” and click “Widgets”
7. Scroll down and look for “Image (Simple)” — Click on it
8. Add it to your sidebar
9. It will prompt you to choose an image from the media library, upload and select the popular post image you created
10. Under the image will be a text area that lets you put in the link you’d like the image to go to, put in the link to the associated blog post.

Category Images

This won’t apply to every theme, but some of them allow you to use custom images for your categories. If your theme allows it, design some great images. It will not only lead people to click around your site, but it will also add to the overall design of the page.

Popular Post Graphics

Popular post graphics are a GREAT way to get people to click around. Not only does it attract people to click on multiple posts (which is great for SEO) it is also a great way to lead people to your heavily monetized posts. You can also choose posts that funnel people into your email opt-in as well.

This is a far better use of the sidebar than installing a “popular post” plugin that simply displays text links to posts that are most visited. Your actual “popular posts” aren’t necessarily your money-making posts!

In addition, this is also a much better use of space in the sidebar than things like showing the categories or archives. Unfortunately, those things aren’t visually appealing and don’t do anything for click through.

Here’s an example of my popular post graphics:

These also can be very easily designed using a program like Canva or by using a template. In fact, we even have a few sample popular post templates as part of our Design Your Blog Growth 3-Day Challenge.

Lead Magnet Opt-in Graphics

Lead magnets are a great way to showcase and give a little preview of your lead magnet. I generally include this graphic separate from the actual form. Usually, higher up in the blog post when I first mention the freebie (instead of having a million forms). I usually include the graphic and let them know that it is available at the end of the post.

This is generally a simple mockup style graphic that (again) can be easily created in Canva using stock photos and a 3-cover maker or frames from Canva.

Here’s another example of how I’ve used this style on my own blog:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the graphics matter.

The style and the brand, all those things matter. If you don’t have things on your blog to draw your reader in it will be much more difficult to keep their attention.

Kind of like a toddler looking at a book with no pictures. Pointless, right?

Optimize what you already have

You don’t need to start from scratch, you don’t need to redo everything you’ve already done.

Simply optimize what you already have. You have the blog, you have the “about me” blurb, the content that you can create popular post graphics for, and the opt-ins. Now just optimize it by making it more visually appealing.

You’ll be surprised at the difference a little graphic design can make.

The thing is, you’ll always need graphic design.

First, it’s the blog design. Then once you start trying to boost your traffic and grow your blog you’ll need the social media designs and the lead magnets. Then you’ll need to monetize and scale. Guess what? You’ll need to design products! Graphic design is going to be a part of your blogging career. Non-negotiable.

But, there’s a way to rock it without spiraling into a time-suck of frustration. Guys, let me show you! Click here to sign up for our FREE Design Your Blog Growth Challenge and I’ll show you exactly how to use templates to grow your blog (or if you want to just skip ahead to the gold mine of templates, click here.)

There’s a saying that I remind myself of from time to time: procrastination is the thief of time.

It’s true. As a mom, wife, and entrepreneur, I literally have no time. When I do have a few minutes, I need to make them count. So when I procrastinate during those precious moments, I know I’m doing myself a huge disservice.

But there’s sometimes.. just sometimes.. I consider something else a thief of time: Canva.

Seriously, sometimes it’s just slow (or my internet is slow). It can be glitchy and occasionally, it just doesn’t work right. I’ll search for something and the thing I’m looking for won’t come up.

Or despite all my efforts to line something up correctly, it just doesn’t download that way.

I preface this by saying that I do love Canva. I think it’s an amazing tool, especially for bloggers and people that need to rock graphic design but don’t have time to master adobe or take design classes.

It is an internet-based design program so while that is a blessing (work from ANYWHERE and ANY computer) it can also be a curse (server overload).

My love for Canva will always outweigh any frustration. Because honestly, I think most of the frustration I experience early on was the fault of my own and not really knowing the tips and tricks to using Canva efficiently.

Want to remember this post? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board! ⬇

So today, I want to give you your time back. I came up with a few quick, time-saving hacks that have made my life a little easier and wanted to share.

#1. Make folders.

When you first log in, you’ll notice on the left-hand side that you will be able to add a folder. I make folders for all the things I need to use frequently (mostly templates and big projects).

This can save you a ton of time when you are trying to locate something quickly, especially if you are like me and are terrible about naming things appropriately (in which case, the search bar comes in handy too).

I also like to make folders within my designs too. Once you’ve entered a design (any design), go to your uploads and make folders.

Some things I have folders for is stock images, textures, product images, clipart, etc.

This doesn’t seem like it’s a “shortcut” exactly, but trust me– when you’re looking for that Pinterest template, and all it takes is a click instead of 15 minutes of scrolling, you’ll be glad you took the time to make that folder! #askmehowiknow

#2 Configure your brand info.

This one is for my Canva at Work people. When you click on the “Your Brand” section (on that left-side menu) and enter all your info. Put in your brand colors, and commonly used complimentary colors.

Upload your brand fonts and set them under Fonts. That way when you are in your design, it’s quick and easy to just hit the text tool and have your text appear already in your brand font (then just switch the size). You can also set your logo, which saves time instead of looking for it in the uploads.

Sounds obvious but this took me a while to actually set aside time to set up. I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner (again with the procrastination).

It actually saves a lot of time and is so much easier to have your fonts and colors right there ready to go!

#3. Shortcuts.

Canva has a TON of shortcuts including:

• Keyboard shortcuts
  • Use arrow keys to move elements just 1 pixel, perfect for getting it just right or creating an offset look
  • Use Esc key to deselect the element
  • Move elements forward or back by using command/ctrl + using the arrow key up or down
  • Type T to create a new text box
  • Use command/ctrl +shift+K to turn lowercase text into uppercase
  • Hold the command/ctrl key down to select objects that are BEHIND another object
• Don’t spend forever trying to line things up or space them evenly. Group the things you want lined up or spaced (like checkboxes) and then go to arrange and select the task you want them to do (like space evenly vertically)

#4. Troubleshooting

Nothing is more of a time-suck than trying to figure out Canva when it’s just not working. Like I said earlier, the fact that it’s an internet-based program is both a blessing and a curse.

It’s a blessing because you can work from any computer and jump right into your project wherever you are. The downside is that the servers get overloaded when too many people are on the site.

There’re a few things I generally suggest when Canva seems glitchy:

(Remember to always save your work before trying any of the following EVEN THOUGH Canva auto-saves)

• Make sure you are designing your project while zoomed in at 100%
• Reload the page
• Clear your cache
• Log out and back in
• Switch browsers
• Reboot your internet connection
• Just walk away and try again later- as I said, it’s internet-based and sometimes there are just too many people designing 🙂

I can’t make your kids cooperate during your work hours, I can’t make your husband stop asking you where his iPad is. I can’t make you a master at time blocking and time management.

But, I’m a firm believer in the “work smarter not harder” mentality.

Knowing and practicing some efficiency tricks can help you save time (and sanity). I know you’re busy, and I truly believe you should be sporting a cape because you are a rockstar Super Mom-preneur (even if you don’t feel like it some days)

Your time matters. So make every second count!

#5. Check out this Canva 2.0 Quick Start FREE course

With Canva 2.0 came a lot of changes (good ones that help you save even MORE time!) I go over some of my favorite shortcuts in my free course along with a walk-through of Canva 2.0 and everything you need to get a jumpstart! Click here to sign up, it’s free!

If you want to save even more time when designing in Canva (like cutting design time down by at least 50%)– check out our free templates located in our design library!

Just fill out the form below for access to our library and start pumping out pins and lead magnets crazy fast ⬇

Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board! ⬇

This is a Guest Post written by Erika Lancaster. Check out the bio at the end of the post to learn more about Erika!

When a blogger is just starting out, it can be very difficult to decide what will require investing in right away, what can wait a bit longer, and what we’ll be attempting to do ourselves. These decisions will be different for all of us, depending on our personal wants and needs, as well as our initial budget.

In this blog post, I will be explaining why a logo design is such an important element for a business to have, the top characteristics that make a logo effective, as well as my top ten tips to make your logo and brand identity look professional.

This post includes a free downloadable checklist so you’re able to create your business Brand Book once you have finalized your logo. (See the bottom of the post for access to the checklist!)

As bloggers, we have to be practical and strategic when choosing where to invest our resources and, in the beginning, paying a designer to create our logo and overall branding may be way too expensive. However, as creative entrepreneurs starting an online business, we KNOW how important image is and how it is ESSENTIAL to stand out from our competition.

Because I have a background in Graphic Design and Advertising, I’ve been able to fully create my own business identity, website, and marketing strategies. Nonetheless, it took me MONTHS to finally decide what my specific niche and business goals would be. I had always been a full-time employee or freelancer designing for someone else’s business, but never my own!

When you are starting a business, you should NEVER jump into creating your brand’s identity without knowing what exactly it is you will be offering and to whom. It is imperative that you figure out what sets you aside from your competition and what your personal values are. This will be the foundation for everything else.

Your logo and overall branding should not only look professional but should also transmit what your business stands for. It will most likely be the first thing that your clients and/or customers will see when they learn about you.

What exactly IS a logo and why is it SO important?

A logo is, basically, a visual representation of your company’s values, beliefs, and goals. It is a very important tool that will help transmit your brand’s identity throughout all types of media you will be producing.

And yes, you ARE a brand, even if you are only one person!

There are different types of logos:

1. a) Symbol/icon: A small design specifically created for the brand that is made up of shapes and/or lines and has no letters or words
2. b) Word mark: Typographic arrangement of the company’s name
3. c) Letter mark: Letters arranged in a specific manner (usually the company’s initials or the first letter of its name)
4. d) Combination of typographic elements and a symbol

Which type of logo you create is up to you. It will depend on the type of marketing your planning for your business, as well as the products and services you offer.

It is important for you to understand that a logo is just ONE of the many parts that make up a brand’s overall identity. When we speak of a brand’s overall identity, we’re talking about ALL visual aspects that make up a brand’s look and feel (logo, colors, used fonts, style of photographs/imagery used, etc.).

Characteristics of an Effective Logo 

It is simple

Most often, the best logos are simple. They are legible, clear and don’t include unnecessary elements. You want to get your message through efficiently and immediately.

It is relevant

Are your chosen colors, fonts and symbols appropriate for your niche? Is your logo meaningful and does it connect with your target audience?

It is memorable

Is there anything you can change or add to your logo so that it can stick out in your potential customer’s mind amongst your competition? If you can’t think of a specific thing to change in your logo, think of it in terms of your brand’s overall identity.

It is timeless

To ensure that your logo will be able to stand the test of time, stay away from visual trends. Refrain from using imagery, fonts or colors that are specific of any one time period, unless this is specifically what your business is going for (vintage products, etc.). You want your logo to last for a long time!

It is versatile

Your logo design has to work on all types of media you will be creating. It has to be easy to use and legible at its smallest size.

It is unique

Is your logo aesthetically pleasing and easily identifiable? Does your play of color, shape, and style set you apart from your competition in some way?

10 Tips to Make Your Logo Look Professional

1. Build off a solid foundation.

Define your ideal audience, your business objectives (both short and long-term), as well as your values. This, in itself, requires a lot of thought and vast research about your competition.

Before you start designing, write down three words that describe your brand’s personality/attitude and have these in mind throughout the entire process.

2. Use references but NEVER, EVER copy them!

Designers use references of all types both to get inspired AND to ensure they don’t use an idea that has already been put out there by someone else.

Create a “reference” folder for yourself and include 3-5 logos that you like. Pinpoint what it is, exactly, that you like about them. Is it the color, the font style, the placement? Try to apply these points you like things in your own new way.

Look at what your competition is doing and think of ways that you can be different from them. Don’t ever design a logo with a particular style just because it’s what all the popular business owners in your niche seem to be doing!

Try to stay as original as possible to YOU, and don’t allow yourself to be influenced by trends. This will help you attract the audience you want.

3. Make sure your fonts complement each other.

If you’re using different fonts within your logo, make sure they play well together. Usually, fonts that pair well have a good amount of contrast between them but are also similar in some ways.

For example, a font that is highly stylized and handwritten could pair up with a font that is very simple and mechanical. Or perhaps one word is a thick sans serif font and the other is a thin serif.

However, just because two fonts are very different from each other, doesn’t necessarily mean that they will pair up well. There also has to be SOMETHING similar between them, which can be the kerning, proportions, etc.

Pairing fonts can be difficult for someone with an untrained eye. If you’re unsure, stick to fonts from the same family or simply use one.

4. Ensure legibility, over all things.

Stay away from fonts that are illegible. No matter how beautiful a font may be initially if it isn’t legible when you use it to type out your company’s name, it won’t work!

Think about the smallest size you will be using your logo in. Will you be able to read it? Are there any letters that could be misunderstood by your public?

5. If you use a symbol or any type of imagery, make sure it’s simple and clean.

If you decide to add any symbols or icons to your logo, make them simple. Use, at most, 2-3 different colors and stay away from gradients/effects.

When creating your symbols or icons, use grids and geometric shapes to ensure accurate curves and angles. This will ensure a clean effect and that it will work at its minimum size.

6. Make sure you use fonts and elements you have permission to use.

Always, ALWAYS, make sure you buy your fonts and any elements you will be including in your logo (or make them yourself). Also, make sure that the font and license you buy includes the use you will be giving to it. The last thing you want is to get in trouble for using something in a way you shouldn’t be!

7. Flip your logo upside down.

This is a trick used by the pros! By turning your logo upside down, your brain will see only shapes instead of specific letters and/or symbols. It’s a great way to make sure your logo doesn’t contain any imperfections or shapes that you may not have intended to create!

8. Don’t finish your logo in one sitting.

Designing a logo is a process and you want to end up with something you will use for years to come. Don’t rush! Take at least a month from the moment you start brainstorming to the moment you finish your brand book (more about this in a moment).

Just because you feel you’ve come up with something nice one day, doesn’t mean you’ll like it next week! I recommend working on it off an on throughout several weeks. This will ensure that the design is something that you’ll like for a long time.

Also, I highly recommend getting feedback from others before making your final call. Getting other people’s perspective is extremely valuable!

9. Above all, keep things simple.

Remember your logo is going to be used in combination with many other visual elements that will be making up your overall brand identity (colors, photos, etc.). You do not want to over-saturate and overwhelm your audience. Keep it simple, classy and professional.

10. Create at least a simple brand book

Brand books are important because they keep a company’s image coherent and consistent throughout all marketing efforts as well as products sold. They are especially useful when a business starts growing, as they make sure a brand’s image guidelines are respected and enforced.

A brand book is not difficult to create. Once you have arrived at your logo, have defined the fonts, colors and photo style you’ll be using throughout your website/blog, I highly recommend making one!

Fill out the form below to get access to the brand book checklist!

To finish up, I want to say that creating your logo and brand identity is totally doable. Yes, it requires research and effort, and you would definitely benefit from getting feedback from a professional designer. However, you shouldn’t let your lack of resources keep you from getting started!

About Erika

Erika Lancaster spends most of her waking hours using traditional art media to create both commercial illustration work and decorative fine art. When she’s not in her studio, she’s likely to be teaching about art and encouraging others to pursue their own creative paths. After having obtained her BA in Graphic Design, Erika gained experience working as both in-house designer for companies as well as advertising agencies. Years later, she left her last full-time design position to become a teaching artist. Throughout her years working in the field of art education, she has continued designing for select clients and is currently applying her branding and advertising expertise to grow her own creative business.

Connect with Erika on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Pinterest. If you have any questions for Erika, you can email her here.