A lot of us have blogs but don't know how to make them look custom. There's an assumption that one must be a web developer to do so. That's not the case!
Here are three easy ways to customize your blog in Blogger - change your banner, change your background and include an ad graphic.
BANNER:
- When you are in the design section you will see an outline of your blog - sort of a layout.
- Click on the word "Edit" by the Header section.
- Find "Image" and browse for the blog banner that was designed for you.
- Click on the file name and click "Open".
- The blog banner graphic will replace what you currently have – either text or an old graphic.
AD GRAPHIC
- Stay in the design section.
- Find "Add Gadget". This will be on the right side of your blog layout, most likely.
- A menu will pop up. Find "Picture" and click on it.
- Find "Image" and browse for the ad graphic that was designed for you.
- Click on the file name and click "Open".
- The ad graphic will be on your sidebar.
BLOG BACKGROUND
- This one is more complicated.
- Find "Template Designer" in the design section.
- This will take you to a new page and it will look a lot different than the previous.
- If you've uploaded the blog banner and ad graphic you should be able to see it on this page.
- Click on "Background".
- Click on "Background Image" - there will be a square graphic that has the text "Background Image" above it.
- Click on "Upload Image".
- Browse for the pattern graphic that I designed for you.
- The pattern will appear immediately.
There are plenty of sites to choose from when you're looking to print your business cards. I'm going to provide you with a list of websites with recommendations based on my experiences with them.
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www.overnightprints.com
This is the best site I've used to date. They are inexpensive, are fairly green and provide several shipping options so you can keep your price down.
- The paper quality is excellent - durable and heavy.
- The coloring is typically very, very accurate.
- Customer service is very good.
- There is no upload fee for when you upload your files for them to print.
This company services the US only. If you reside outside the US you can order from them. However, you will be charged a tax/tarrif by UPS to receive the delivery. It is not worth the expense.
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www.printrunner.com
The products are comparable with OvernightPrints in terms of quality. The item they offer that is unique are very inexpensive hangtags.
- If you have a business card or hangtag that is 2x2", rather than the traditional 3.5x2" you will get a fantastic price.
- There is no upload fee for when you upload your files for them to print.
- This company also has live customer service chat online.
Again, this company services the US only. You can order and ship to another country but will be charged a high tarrif outside of the purchase price.
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http://www.vistaprint.com/
This company is ideal if you live in Canada, the UK, Australia or many other countries throughout Europe.
- They print and ship direct to many, many countries.
- The downside is that the print quality is OK.
- The paper quality is flimsy.
- They nickel and dime you on everything from uploading your files to getting glossy paper.
- Printing and shipping turnaround is VERY SLOW unless you want to pay a LOT more money.
If you plan to use any of these websites go to http://www.retailmenot.com/ before you do and search for them to find fantastic coupons. You should NEVER pay full price on printing.
Visit the Crafty Graphics Blog regularly for DIY craft ideas as well as design and marketing advice for the booming DIY craft business. I will be posting articles, treasuries, crafting success stories and other super great and relevant information on a weekly basis.
I will be posting information on the best printing resources this week. Please come again to read up on just how easy and inexpensive using an online printer can be.
If you are in need of fabulous branding for your art or craft business, please check out my two design shops on Etsy:
http://www.craftygraphics.etsy.com/ - sells readymade etsy graphics and graphics as well as printing services and posters for home decor.
http://www.zigahelen.etsy.com/ - my original shop selling custom graphic design and printing services.
Thanks for visiting and I hope the blog is useful to you! Cheers!
