How to create a Home Page (Blogger)

A few weeks back I got an email from the lovely Bryleigh, asking me how to make a homepage - something to welcome her readers and direct them toward the right path, whether it be to her services or blog posts.

For an example of a minimal homepage, go to my home url (http://www.selfknownblog.com) and take a look around. That's an example of a home page, and I'm going to show you the basics of creating one. :)

Before making any changes, please make sure you've downloaded your template to your computer. This tutorial is for those who have a fair knowledge of CSS. If you would like to create a home page, but don't want to go through the hassle of learning code, please contact me so we can discuss building a home page for your site today.

Decide What You Want

Before you can design your homepage, you'll need to have an idea of what you want it to look like. Sketching it out or coming up with a clear vision of it in your head will help create an end product that fits your needs - and looks pretty. ;)

Take 15 to 30 minutes to research and envision your new homepage. Think of the elements you want to feature (a link to your blog, your shop, your eCourse) and how you can arrange them elegantly. Looking at sites and searching Pinterest will definitely help you out in the long run.

Need help designing your homepage? Comment or email me so I can help you out!

Coding It

Now that you have an idea of what you want, it's time to take it from paper to your computer screen!

1. Go to your Blogger dashboard and choose the blog you'd like to add a homepage to.
2. Now to go Template >>> Edit HTML and find the following piece of code: ]]></b:skin>
3. Directly underneath this code, paste the following:

<b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:blog.homepageUrl'>
<style>
/* Codes placed here will only affect everything displayed on your homepage. */</style>
<b:else/>
<style>
/* Codes placed here will affect every page EXCEPT your homepage. */
</style>
</b:if>

4. Save template before making any other changes.

Adding this code to your site will set the foundation for your homepage. You can now make the appropriate changes you've envisioned. The next steps depend on how your want your site to look, so this is about as far as I can take you (tutorial wise). Again, I am available if you want to contact me for help. :)

Here's an example to help you get a better understanding of how the code you've just added works. :)

You've placed the code in your template and saved it.

There are no changes because you haven't applied anything yet (shown above).

In this photo I've added the CSS code "#Blog1 { border: solid 5px black; }" to get the effect shown below.

Because the CSS code I added was set in the first section, all changes will only be applied to the homepage URL. So if you click on a post (see below) everything reverts back to its original styling.

See?

Need help?

If you'd like me to help you style your homepage, or give some pointers on how to do so, please feel free to contact me or schedule a chat by emailing me at: rosecolflesh@gmail.com.

Don't know if you need a homepage?

Get this FREE homepage graphic to help you figure out if you need to spend your precious time on building a homepage!

Thank you for visiting. <3

xx Nicole Rose

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