Is your blog feeling stale?  If your site has looked the same for quite some time, it might be time to freshen up your blog.  Here are 13 easy ways to give your blog a mini makeover; some are pretty major, and some are little changes that pack a big punch.

13 Ways to Freshen Up Your Blog

1.  Install a new template or theme.  Is it time for a blog overhaul?  Create a brand new look and layout by installing a new blog theme. 

Find a listing of free WordPress themes here, and free blogspot / blogger themes here.

2.  Get a new badge.  If you don’t do your own graphics, start looking for a graphic artist on twitter to design a new 125×125 badge for your blog.

3.  Change your link and title colors.  This small, easy change is quick to make and will give your posts a fresh new look. 

4.  Add avatars or gravatars to your comments.  Avatars next to commenter names make your comment section look more appealing.  Here are our step by step instructions for how to add avatars to your blog comments section.

5.  Rearrange your sidebar.  Move your widgets around to give readers a fresh perspective.  Bring some sections from the bottom of the sidebar to the top for a while.

6.  Get a new header.  This is another reason to find a good designer who shares your vision of the way you want to present your blog.  Asking for a designer on twitter is always a good starting place.

7.  Add a snazzy new background.  If you’re not up for changing your entire template and you like your current layout, consider adding a new background.  You can find free blog backgrounds at The Cutest Blog on the Block.

8.  Move your ads around.  Giving your ads a more prominent placement on your blog can present a very different look, not to mention helping you earn more money from your blog. 

If you’re using Google Adsense, you may even consider changing the sizes of your ads to change up the types of graphics which are displayed.  For example, using a 300×250 rectangle will give you the ability to display video ads.

9.  Add a new weekly or monthly feature.  Add excitement by coming up with a new regular feature that readers can participate in and look forward to.  Blog memes using Mr. Linky or MckLinky give your readers a chance to participate and help your blog get more exposure.

10.  Add Google Friend Connect.  If you’ve seen the widgets in blog sidebars with lots of faces, chances are you were looking at Google Friend Connect.  This feature allows your reader to join your blog’s community and connect with your other readers, as well as showing their picture off to your audience.

11.  Move your sidebar to the other side of the page.  It’s just like rearranging furniture!  Try moving your right sidebar to the left side of the page for a brand new perspective.

12.  Change the color of your navigation bar.  Does your navigation blend in or stand out?  Make the navigation buttons pop against your color palette to ensure your readers see it and know how to move around your blog.

13.  Change your site’s name.  This one is only to be used in extreme cases, such as when the content on your blog no longer fits with your blog’s name. 

Get more Thursday Thirteen at the new Thursday 13.  Thanks to stock.xchng for the graphic.

Have you seen faces next to comments on other blogs, but don’t know how to add them on your own blog?  Never fear!  Our step by step instructions for both blogspot and WordPress self-hosted blogs will teach you how to add avatars to your blog comments in no time.

Avatars next to commenters names make your comment section look more appealing. 

If you haven’t set up your own avatar for your site yet, visit Gravatar to find out how.

How to Add Comment Avatars on Blogspot Blogs:

• In your dashboard, go to “Settings”.
• Go to “Comments”.
• Near the bottom of the page, change “Show profile images on comments?” to “Yes”.
• Click the “Save Settings” button.

How to Add Comment Avatars on Wordpress Self-Hosted Blogs:

• In your dashboard, go to “Settings”.
• Go to “Discussion”.
• Scroll down to the Avatars section.
• Under “Avatar Display”, choose the radio button for “Show Avatars”.
• Under “Maximum Rating”, select what pictures are appropriate to show up your blog.  Avatar ratings are G, PG, R, and X.
• Under “Default Avatar”, choose the picture you want to show up for readers who don’t have an avatar of their own yet.

Avatars are a great way to add some pizzazz to your blog’s comments section and encourage readers to leave some feedback.  It’s nice to be able to connect words with faces and help to foster the community on your blog!