Create an Attractive Hub Page
78First a Warning! I am not a designer
Not even close, I can write a bit, I can play with techie stuff until it works, but under no circumstance would I insult the talents and the profession of designers by saying I am one. I am not artistic - never got past stick figures at school and can not draw, even on a computer!
In short if I can make an attractive hub - anyone can!
Who this article is for? I assume that you know how to do some basic stuff like create a basic page with text, photo maybe a video and/or a list of links. This article is not about the mechanics of creating the hub, or even how to write or use correct grammar. This is how to make your hub page look better than a lot of the others.
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First off you Need a Second Text Capsule
You can't tell from reading it but this is a 2nd text capsule - I always start with at least 2 text capsules and a photo.
My first text capsule is full width with no photo. That lets the Adsense ads to display in the ugly rectangle to the right. Yes its ugly but people are most likely to click there than anywhere so I get paid. If you want pretty put a photo. If you want cash - put the photo further down.
The 2 text capsules allow google ads to appear in the middle of your text - they don't always, but usually do. If you have just as single too long text capsule they won't appear in the body of the text. In the body of the text is where the ads are most effective according to the marketing geeks.
Either way the photo is important - it's the photo that will be used on a thumbnail view of your hub when your hub is listed in best, most recent etc lists- click on your latest hubs listings from your profile to see what photos are showing. Now the photo in this view is not very big so I try to get something that is bright and eye catching - ideally - it should be relevant to the hub as well - but its hard with the computer/techie hubs and I liked the photo!
Now this is my 3rd text capsule I think most people only start a new capsule because they want a subtitle (like "Now You Need a Second Text Capsule"). However you can either:
- not have a capsule title - in which case the next text capsule will look like a new paragraph like the paragraph above
- at any time you can add a title within your capsule like this:
Have another title like this one
by typing a line and then using the drop down to change the style from the default of "paragraph" to "heading 2" - it won't look the same in edit mode -the title will look a bit smaller and bolder - but check the preview mode and you will find them identical.
So why start yet another new text capsule?
The main reason I use text capsules is so that I can line up images, links, videos, Amazon, eBay capsules etc with the appropriate text. Notice that so far on the right I have the lined up photos, some eBay auctions, and now a link box.
In each case the text capsule is a normal full width capsule but each of the photos/ebay/module/link capsules have been reduced to 1/2 width, and for the link module I changed the background to a grey so it stands out.
Why do I have images etc to the right of the text?
When you read fast you scan the lines rather than read the words - longer lines are slower to read, because they are harder to scan - this is I think one of the reasons that newspapers have columns the width they do. On the internet people read very, very fast, skim in most cases, so I want to make it easy for my reader.
Think about if you are confronted with a block of text - how likely are you to read it - compared to something laid out like this hub? Honestly I think you may not read every word I've written (your loss :-) ) but you will probably scan to the end of the hub - and along the way you may find a fantastic book on Amazon you may wish to buy!
- A hub which uses full width photos effectively
So you want a new theme for your WordPress blog? There are lots out there just be aware of the pitfalls and don't waste your time on the WordPress theme's that don't do what you need. A new theme can really make you blog look sharp - Mark does a nice design on this hub
A comprehensive guide and resource for 2008 motorcycles. links to all the new models, reviews and comparisons.Brand new models from all the major manufacturers, updates on existing models and the introduction of some new monster bikes make 2008 "
Using full width photos
If I am doing a how to hub or a review hub where the image is important for people to see I will generally use a full width, landscape image to break up the individual modules - it just seems easier that, way - the hubs at the right uses both full and part width photos and I think the mix/match works fine.
I don't put a photo right at the bottom of the hub because sometimes people may not see the comment feature - which I want them to use!
RSS and News Feeds
Towards the bottom I usually add a RSS or news feed which will automatically update my article which means I don't have to - and some further reading to keep my happy reader on my pages !
Note with all of RSS, News, Amazon and EBay capsules you can control how many items to display - this means that you can get any 2 to be pretty much the same length with a bit of playing
- RSS Capsules
An RSS feed is similar to a News Capsule, except that it shows most recent entries of a specific blog instead of news articles related to a specific topic. RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication" and is a...
What is an RSS Feed?
RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication" - that didn't help much did it! I think of it as online ticker-tape a rolling update of the last few stories from a source e.g. blog or hubpages. An example is much easier than trying to explain - have a go you won't break anything!
For example if you click on "subscribe to lissie's RSS feed" below my photo at the top right of my feed you will get a piece of code that looks like : http://hubpages.com/author/Lissie/latest/?rss
If you copy and paste this into a RSS capsule - you will see the last few hubpages I've published. You can also add it to a blog or website to get the list as well - I use this technology to update my blog with my current hubpages articles automatically: see the column on the right side titled "More of my Articles". Once you understand the concept its incredibly powerful and actually simple to use - despite the name! There's a detailed step-by-step how to use guide to the right from hubpages themselves.
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Example News Feed
- US marine not guilty of raping prostitute
A US marine who was accused of raping a Sydney prostitute has been found not guilty. - 2 hours ago
- Brother wants answers on Scientologist's suicide
A man whose Scientologist brother committed suicide has urged Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to allow a parliamentary inquiry into the controversial church. - 2 hours ago
- Classical composer Meale dies
Australian classical music composer Richard Meale has died in Sydney. - 2 hours ago
Further Reading on How to Write and Make Money on HubPages
- Capsules in Hub Pages
Metaphorically speaking, they are the tools in your toolbox. They are building blocks. You pick and choose the ones you need to build the hub you want. There are two types of capsules: Content Capsules ... - How To Write a Flagship Hub
Hubpages have announced a program encouraging hubbers to contribute high quality hubs which include a minimum of 1500 words of original content plus relevant photos, videos and links. Now in academia 1500... - Making Money on HubPages
To be honest I don't remember how I came to HubPages! I started fulltime on the web, trying to earn an income, in September 07 and within a month I found HubPages. At the same time I revamped my existing...
At the very bottom I try to round the whole page off even if it's just putting my author's byline in - I feel it makes the news/RSS feed look less gratuitous and gives me a chance to ask people to leave a comment or question and thank anyone involved!
So what are your top tips for laying out a hub?Â
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Comments
Glad to be of help -especially with your nickname!
I am slowly learning.
Thank you
It's only when we stop learning that there is a problem MrM!
great hub lissie, packed with helpful goodness.
stubbs
Excellent hub - I was wondering on a couple of the points mentioned! I need wonder no more!!
Thanks Lissie
Glad to be helpful stubbs adn mikedf18
Great article! I have to stub my toes to find out some of this info. But you have taught me some more I didn't know (but will now use!). And I still do not know: what IS an RSS feed? Thanks!
Thanks Maren -I've added an explanation and a link in the hub regarding what a RSS feed is - hope this helps!
Lots of great info Lissie Thanks. I'm slowly learning this new fandangled computer stuff (for me)
great HUB regards
Just signed up on Hub Pages yesterday 16 Jan and this looks like a great place to start, thanks and the best Regards Charlie
Welcome to HubPages glandwr House! You are too modest Zsuxy - you have some great content - the techie stuff is easy - you just have to learn how to do - writing is the art bit!
Excellent information Lissie. I just found HubPages today (duh) and aspire to create my own H.P. and this really hit the spot!
Thanks!
Glad it was helpful Hank
Thank you so much Lissie!! This is a GREAT Hub!! I so appreciate you sharing!! And your Hubs look fabulous!! Blessings, Earth Angel!!
Thanks EarthAngel - I guess the first time I did a flagship hub I wasted a lot of time finding the easiest way to do things - its easy to teach if you only just wnt thru the learning yourself!
Good infomation. Thanks alot
This is great information to read through. Thank you
Very useful information, Lissie, and well presented too.
Thanks Lissie -already made some 'aesthetic' changes to one of my hubpages...tomorrow the other one! thanks for the tips!
No problems guys/girls thanks for stopping by
Lissie that was a great hub! I learned a lot of new stuff to help make my hubs more interesting. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, I really can put this info to good use !...EEEEkk, Help ! Hahahaha !
Lissie wonderful advice. I'm still playing with Hub layouts. I think with each hub I try to do something new... Well, most of my newer hubs anyway. Each hub deserves its own special design.
So that's what RSS means :-) Thank you SOOO much Lissie for the info and easy-to-read explanation. I'll be using it from now on.
Thanks, Lissie! I was wondering how to do a lot of this stuff!
I can feel the caring voice you have though you don't talk. Very useful page for any one want to write a successful hubpage.
Thanks for visiting everyone - glad the hub has been of use!
The fact you are not a designer is a banefit to many of us, as you can explain in terms we can grasp. I am just starting and appreciated all the extra points that will help me build better hubs in the future.
Yes I agree netbuilder - the experts often assume too much for the rest of us! Glad it was of help
Lissie, you're terrific! I just had a new hubber asking me some of these questions, and it made me feel great to be able to help her by giving her the link to your hub. Thank you so much for helping me, but even moreso, thanks for helping the community. True friend! Hard to believe you've only been on Hubpages since September...
Oh shucks :blushes: thanks Caregiver!
...and I am the new hubber that Caregiver 007 gave your information to. See the power of the web! I just posted my first page, and I'm going to go back and use your suggestions to jazz it up. Thanks for your straight-forward approach.
Thanks; that was very helpful!
Hi Lissie,
Thanks for your help! I went back and made some changes to my hub based upon your ideas.
Thanks again. :)
Stick figures... love it! That's exactly what I tell anyone who talks "graphics" with me. Great job presenting all the different aspects of Hubpages. Thanks!
This is great, Lissie. Thanks for mentioning it in the forum. I did look at this hub once before, but, at the time, I wasn't experienced enough on hubpages to put it to use. Now I have a lot to think about!
Thanks! Very useful suggestions!
This is fabulous! I can't believe I'm only just seeing it.
That's oK Stacie I just saw your comment -we ust be busy writing!
Excellent hub!
Wow! Your're popular! You have another fan. Great information. Well done Lissie.
Thank you, Lis! I just did my first hub and I was having some problems with formatting. I found your hub and it answered all my questions.
I added you to my feed reader. You have some interesting hubs that I want to read. :-)
Thanks Lis, great content! Found myself redesigning my hub as I read yours; very inspiring and you kept it all oh so simple! Thanks again.
This is great! Now I've got some re-design work to do on my current hubs and some design plans to make for future ones. The simple explanation of RSS and how to use it is excellent. You have another fan!
Excellent....here's hoping I will get the hang of all this....I want to perk up my hubs..! Marisue
Nice one!
Is time for me to churn out more about the function of hubpages provided...
Thanks for taking the time to inform people like me
Newbie Viv
Thank you soooo much for the info. I'm not sure if I understand half of it yet (not your fault...I'm just slow). I have to really digest the myriads of tips given here. I've looked at that RSS several time and also tried clicking a few times on some sites only to end up abandoning the idea.
Before I could apply your tips, I need to get past typing the title. I just finally decided to join HubPages, but for some reason I seem to have gotten stuck somewhere in step 3 (?) after typing the title. I saw the the capsules but that's the extent of my travel...I'm wandering here for the meantime until I found this post. I've bookmarked it...but first I have to find the 'idiot guide' to starting a HubPage.
Lissie this is a great hubpage I am so happy to find out how to some of this stuff I was lost thanks
Thank you for providing such an informative hub, your links and layout make total sense.
Thanks Lissie you have given me some good ideas when I build my next hub. I am currenly RSS less but will soon ad a rss module to all of my hubs.
Thank you for your detailed information. Hopefully I can now present some great hubs myself.
Thanks for all the kind comments: Ive been a bit lucky with this page although hubpages has had a lot of improvements since I published it the principals described here still work!
thanks , i really needed to know the RSS stuff, i was wondering about how to link hubs to blogs and all that stuff!
Glad it was of help cflynn - Jenny's (inspirepub) hub on RSS feeds that I linked to above is one of the best explanations I've ever seen of this potentially confusing topic.
Thanks Lissie. I just stumbled over this and it's excellent. Very helpful. Thanks!
Very helpful indeed go to know good info!
Good tip about not putting the photo in the top right hand corner (where I've always put it, LOL).
I always put my RSS feed or news feed at the bottom of my Hub, under the comments - I include it for the updating benefit, not because I think it has much value to the reader, so I don't care if they miss it, and I'd rather it didn't clutter up my Hub.
Yeah its pretty with the photo in the top right -my early hubs had it there too - or you can get paid - especially when the adsense ad is actually an image that works really well :-)
Yes I tend to put RSS feeds and links to authorative sites at the bottom of the hub now
Ohhh.. Thank you so much.. Now I'd be able to make better... much better hubs.. They were always so dull and lifeless :(... Would make something attractive now :D.. Thanks
Glad it helped Clara!
These are great tips Lissie! thanks :-)
Another tiop hub Lissie, thank you, I am learning sooo much about hub pages from you.You are a star!
Cheers
Derek
Thanks for visiting APD - glad to be of help!
Another informative hub. Thanks. I still don't understand the RSS feed feature, but I will figure it out someday.
interesting hu, I didn't know how it worked with getting ads or images alongside the writing before I read this, so thanks!
Lissi, you make sense, I was so confused with all the stuff like a single piece of kangaroo dung in the whole of australia... tx hun, i'll put your tips to good use.
Lissie, thank you for this great hub. Now I know what RSS means and how to use it. I will start using it in my hubs and website.
Just created my first hub and this hub and your adsense hub were of great help. Thanks.
Thanks for this great hub! Great reference for a newbie like me. :)
Great advice! I'd never thought of some of these things!
Thanks Lissie, you have helped another newbie!!!
Making notes this time and going to start applying some of these ideas. Thanks a bunch!
Wow, so many of my questions answered!
now I don't feel like such a doofus.
thanks Lissie
ps love your name
Thanks, Lissie: I've been Hubbing for ten months and have written 55 or so Hubs, but I'm now just learning. I love to write, but never really translated that into how I can spruce up my articles and make some needed money at the same time. You have such great facility with everything, it's no wonder you have, seemingly, mastered this Hubbing stuff. It really is a fine art, you know. Thanks again, and i'll be watching for more of your stuff. Don White
Thanks for the effort, good hub with well explained info.
Hi Lissie,
I didn't understand everything but printed it off so I can refer to it as I am writing. I am very new to all this so will go back and print off more of your hubs/links. Thanks a lot!
Glojeanne
Finally some extremely good information about how to do the placement of photos, and leaving room for the ad's like google. I am glad to finally read something that doesn't call the new people DUMMIES, or make jokes, instead of giving information to help. Others just are filling pages, but you are truly helping. I REALLY APPRECIATE your hub.
THANK YOU, SO VERY MUCH. I'll sure pay attention when I see something you have written. You Go Girl. I hope you make the big bucks. I just hope to make a few little bucks. Thanks again.
As a newbie this is GREAT info. Thanks muchly!
Thanks Lissie
So nice when people share information instead of keeping it all to themselves
Thanks for your tips here. I especially appreciated the one about moving your picture into the 2nd text capsule so that the ads can flow into the first.
Also, the narrow columns for easier scanning is a great tip too.
Thanks!
Very useful info. I made the mistake of writing a lot of text in one capsule, as I didn't know how much text I could add. I've only written one hub so far, so I'll be using your tips next time to help me. Thanks!
Live N Learn says:
2 years ago
Thanks, Lis! You just educated an ignorant but soon-to-be hubber.