Does Your Online Marketing Blog Conform to The “Z” Layout?

Connecting with other online marketer’s means I get to view a lot of online marketing blogs.  Today I was flicking through the latest issue of What’s Working Now (WWN) after a good friend of mine, Leslie Matthews, told me she had been privileged enough to be chosen to feature in the Marketing Critique section this month.

The article by Tim Erway went on to describe a basic web design layout known as the “Z” layout.

Now, in the world of blogging and web design there are 2 common layout styles which most websites are based upon.  The “Z” and the “F”.

The ideal layout for an online marketing blog is the Z layout.

Now let’s talk about why and how to maximize your use of the Z layout on your online marketing blog.

When applied to an online marketing blog the Z layout takes visitors from your blog header across to the right side of the page, then across a visual display and/or content overview and finally back to the right with a strong call to action (such as an opt-in form).

The 4 Main Points Of Interest In The Online Marketing “Z” Layout

1. Blog header
2. Social media icons (navigation could work well too)
3. An overview of your site, i.e. Dynamic Content Gallery and/or Featured Posts
4. A strong call to action (opt-in form)

Online Marketing Blogs Need A User-Friendly Design

The Z-layout is a simplistic, yet effective design, letting you take your readers on a journey.

Beginning with your smiling profile in your blog header, through a  quick overview of your online marketing blog through an image gallery and featured posts and finally to an opt-in form.

After taking your potential subscribers on this short journey, providing them value and likeability, they will be more likely to want to subscribe to your site.

Main Tips For Optimal Online Marketing Blog Design

• Have a professional blog header including your photo and online marketing related tagline yet keep it compact so as not to impede on valuable “above fold” screen space – 150 pixels maximum
• Keep the sidebar on the right hand side of the page.  It’s been scientifically proven that people spend more time scanning the left side of the page!
• Break it down by using a Dynamic Content Gallery, images stimulate the mind as well as provide a quick overview of the content on your site
• End with the subscriber opt-in form since that is the number one goal of almost all online marketing blogs!

Now the above tips are easiest to apply to the main blog page which can easily be tweaked using widgets and plugins, but how do you optimize individual post pages for best results?

Break Up Your Blogging Text With Images, Headings and Block Quotes

Creating a visual hierarchy for posts on your online marketing blog allows you to draw your visitors down the page as you intend.

Maximizing Your Online Marketing Information

• Strategic placement of images, particularly on the right side of the page will attract the eyes.

• Breaking down large chunks of text by using  a centered image or a block quote in between paragraphs
• Use headings and bullets as well as paragraphs and sentences to appeal to scanners and readers.

Learn more about the “Z” layout and other web design related stuff here and while you’re at it visit Leslie’s blog too!

Did you enjoy this post?  Leave a comment below and let’s have a look at your online marketing blog!

To Your Success,

Elle Billias