XML Blogger Templates

From LoveToKnow SocialNetworking

If you have hopes of creating an attractive and popular blog, you will want to explore the free, XML blogger templates that are available on the web.

What is XML?

XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. The word "extensible" implies that the user, in this case the blogger, can expand the language's capabilities. The advent of Web 2.0 increased the popularity of XML as a markup language and as a blogger template.

What is a Template?

When used in reference to web design, a template is a pre-formatted file on which other files can be based. Thus, an XML blogger template is a file that contains a basic design and format. Each of these templates have a unique theme, background and text color, type of font and page layout. However, the templates do not contain any content. The blogger chooses best template for his or her purposes, and then adds content.

Examples of Free XML Blogger Templates

The following websites offer free blogging templates:

Structure of a Blogger Template

Blogs are composed as sections which are also known as containers or blocks.

Header Block

The header block, is at the top of the page. It contains the title of your blog. Blogging expert Jennifer Apple suggests that this is the part of your page that should be altered, in order to give it a more personal touch. Most templates have a generic graphic at the top of the page. Apple suggests that you use an image, along with a unique, attractive font. She provides a list of websites that offer free fonts. If your blog is business-oriented, your business logo should be placed in the header block

Some blogger templates have a sub-header description block, which describes what the blog is about. Adsense banners and drop-down menus are other possible sub-headers. These are all contained within a header-wrapper.

Content Wrapper and Footer Block

The content wrapper is located below the header wrapper. The main section within the content wrapper contains your posts and comments, and possibly some ads. If the blogger wishes, it might also have an RSS feed icon, as well as a "Share This" icon, which allows readers to share your posts on various social networking websites. Two sidebars frame the main block. This is where the [[Blogger Widgets|widgets], About Me and Adsense ads might appear.

As the name implies, the footer block is located at the bottom of the page. This part of the blog often contains contact and copyright information.

How to Choose a Blogging Template

As with many things, form follows function when choosing a blogging template. If you are creating a personal blog, you have a bit more leeway in terms of font, color and images. While personal blogs can be whimsical, business blogs should have a more professional appearance.

Blog Template Color Choices

Your choice of color combinations will have a significant impact on your blog's appearance. When choosing a template, consider the colors of the background, banner, text and links. Fortunately, Crayola Crayons has a page which lists America's 50 favorite colors, as well as the personality traits associated with them. When choosing text color, also make sure that it is readable against your background color.

How Many Columns?

Most blogging templates are set up for two or three columns. Some blogging experts such as JD Meir suggest that the two-column template provides "a cleaner reading area." However, if you decide on the three-column template, the main content block should take up two thirds of the page, and the sidebar blocks should take up one third.

In Summary

Whether you are blogging for fun or for profit, free XML templates can help you save time and money. They offer more flexibility than traditional web pages, and can be easily updated without any advanced HTML skills.

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