[Blog Design] Hardwired on 2 Columns vs 3 Columns

Blog Design Frustrations

When it comes to designing a blog, one of the most important decisions is how many columns to use for the layout. A column is a vertical section of the web page that contains content, such as text, images, or widgets. The number of columns affects the readability, usability, and aesthetics of your blog, as well as its performance in terms of SEO and Page Rank.

In this article, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of using 2 columns or 3 columns for your blog design and provide some tips and examples to help you choose the best option for your audience and goals.

2 Columns Layout

A 2 columns layout is the most common and simple way to organize your blog content. It consists of a main column that displays your blog posts, and a sidebar that contains additional information or features, such as an author bio, an email opt-in form, related posts, social media icons, etc.

Here are some of the benefits of using a 2 columns layout for your blog:

• It is easy to read and navigate, as the main column provides a clear focus for the readers, and the sidebar offers supplementary or complementary content.
• It is responsive and adaptable, as the sidebar can be hidden or moved below the main column on smaller screens, without affecting the readability of the main content.
• It is flexible and customizable, as you can choose what to include in the sidebar, and how to style it to match your brand and theme.

However, a 2 columns layout also has some drawbacks, such as:

• It can be cluttered and distracting, if the sidebar is too wide, too long, or contains too many elements that compete for the readers’ attention.
• It can reduce the visibility and effectiveness of your call to actions, if they are placed in the sidebar, as they may be overlooked or ignored by the readers who focus on the main column.
• It can limit the width and design of your main column, as you have to leave enough space for the sidebar, which may affect the layout and appearance of your blog posts.

3 Columns Layout

A 3 columns layout is a more complex and sophisticated way to organize your blog content. It consists of a main column that displays your blog posts, and two sidebars that flank the main column on either side. The sidebars can contain different types of content or features, such as navigation menus, categories, tags, archives, ads, etc.

Here are some of the advantages of using a 3 columns layout for your blog:

• It is spacious and functional, as it provides more room and options for displaying and organizing your content and features and allows you to create a hierarchy and contrast between them.
• It is balanced and symmetrical, as it creates a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing look for your blog and enhances the visual appeal and professionalism of your design.
• It is optimal and strategic, as it enables you to place your call to actions and important elements in the most prominent and visible positions, and to optimize your blog for SEO and Page Rank.

However, a 3 columns layout also has some challenges, such as:

• It is difficult to read and navigate, as it can overwhelm and confuse the readers with too much information and choices and make it hard for them to focus on the main content.
• It is less responsive and adaptable, as it can be challenging to make it fit and work well on smaller screens and may require more coding and testing to ensure its compatibility and functionality.
• It is less flexible and customizable, as it can be restrictive and limiting for your main column and may clash or conflict with your brand and theme.

How to Choose the Best Layout for Your Blog

There is no definitive answer to which layout is better for your blog, as it depends on various factors, such as your niche, audience, goals, content, and preferences. However, here are some general guidelines and tips to help you make the best decision for your blog design:

• Consider your purpose and objectives. What are you trying to achieve with your blog? What are the main actions you want your readers to take? How do you want to present and promote your content and features?
• Consider your audience and content. Who are your target readers? What are their needs and expectations? What kind of content do you produce and offer? How do you want to engage and interact with your readers?
• Consider your design and style. What is your brand identity and personality? What is your theme and color scheme? How do you want to express and differentiate yourself from other blogs?

Based on these considerations, you can choose the layout that best suits your blog, and experiment with different options and variations to find the optimal solution for your blog design like how I would design my travel blog site.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2 columns and 3 columns are two popular and effective ways to design your blog layout, and each one has its own pros and cons. The best layout for your blog depends on your purpose, audience, content, and style, and you should choose the one that aligns with your goals and preferences. By following the tips and examples in this article, you can create a blog design that is attractive, functional, and successful.