Your blog header image says a lot about you, especially to a visitor who just happened to stumble upon it unintentionally. When a person visits your blog, the first thing they see is your header image. Then, it’s all in the first few seconds – to make a “first impression” followed by an important decision – to stay and read on, or to go on to the next listing on Google.
That’s reality.
You want a header image that reflects who you are, and what your blog is about. Just because an image works and looks good on someone else’s blog doesn’t necessarily mean that it will look good and fit on yours. Just like how you designed the rest of your website, put some thought into your header, too.
In your Doteasy Hosted Blog account, under Blog Header in the Blog Customization section, you will find the options to use your own header image or choose one from our Image Library. The Image Library is something we’ve just added to our hosted blog. So, if you have not yet done so, go ahead and check it out the 100+ images there.
If you are planning to use your own header image, keep in mind that the recommended dimension of the image is 800×96, and the file must be in .jpg or .gif format. Anything larger than 800×96 will be cropped to fit the structure of the blog. Also, keep your image file size 2MB or lower. Do remember that the larger the file size, the longer it may take for it to load, especially for the small percentage of visitors who are still on dial-up.
To make your own header image, you will need:
• a clear understanding of the purpose of your blog
• creativity
• an image editor
If you need an image editor, you can check out the free shareware or trial versions here.
So, this is what you do:
- Find one of your favorite images. It could be a photograph, your company logo, or an image that you used on your other web pages.
- Open it in your image editor and crop it to 800×96. You may have to play around with the image to make it fit the dimensions in a way that you’re most happy with.
- Depending on the image editor you’re using, you can play around with the image altering tools, such as making round edges, changing the color, adding text, etc.
- Save the image when you’re finished.
- Use the “Browse” button to upload the image to your blog account.
- Then, click on the “Save” button on the bottom of the page to save the new header image.
I just tested an animated GIF on my own test blog and it works. So, if you are looking for a little animation in your header, you can consider that, too.
Nate Whitehill wrote an awesome article on choosing the right header image.
So, with that in mind, and using the available tools in your Doteasy Hosted Blog account, engage them at first impression.