How Do I Become a Blog Designer?

In this information age, most businesses have an online presence. If you are interested in learning how to design blogs, you can claim your stake in this lucrative market, help small businesses succeed and make money doing what you love. Become a blog designer by learning how to work with various templates, how to use hypertext markup language (HTML) and how to maximize your clients' web effectiveness by using search engine optimization (SEO) and good graphic design. Market yourself to local as well as Internet businesses to enjoy success in your web design career.

First, become an avid reader of blogs. To become a blog designer, you must know what is already out there and seek to improve on it. Read personal blogs as well as business-related blogs in as many industries as possible. Make notes on what works and what does not work, what catches your eye and what you find annoying or distracting.

Teach yourself how to use several blogging platforms. Many personal blogs are hosted by do-it-yourself platforms and are easy to navigate after you get into the template. Read the information on these sites to learn how to manipulate the sidebars, headings and text. After you have mastered one or more of these simple templates, you are ready to start your own blog, which is a vital part of your portfolio.

Learn how to use a graphic design program. Talk to others in the industry to get recommendations on programs that create impressive results while also being easy to use. Experiment and practice with your chosen program, adding different elements of graphic design to your own blog and volunteering to help your friends and relatives improve the design of their blogs. Compile a list of sites that you have worked on to use in marketing yourself later.

At this point, you are well on your way toward reaching your goal to become a blog designer. Hone your craft by learning HTML, an important web programming language. Do this by taking a class at your local adult education department or by using one of the many web-based courses that are dedicated to teaching users HTML.

Begin to market yourself. Make up business cards and visit local companies, dropping off your card and a cover letter that explains the importance of having an effective blog. Don't be afraid to make cold calls to businesses, and ask for the name of the person in charge of publicity, so that you know whom to contact when you arrive in person. Other ways to market yourself include contacting Internet businesses that do not have blogs as part of their web pages and taking out ads in the local newspaper.

To become a blog designer, you need to stay up to date on current trends in Internet marketing, software and design. Continue to add websites to your portfolio and show these to potential clients. Also, network with others in the field to keep abreast of what is happening and to bounce ideas off people who know what you're trying to accomplish.