Blogs have increased popularity over this past months. Many people have started to create their personal blogs to express their thoughts and feelings. Internet companies have also started their blogs to inform consumers on the latest product news and reviews. Because of this, blogs are also being used as internet marketing media. Before, internet marketing is done by placing banners and links on popular websites, such as news and information sites. Links were also included on newsletters and marketing letters sent to the members of their mailing lists. Many people spend time reading and checking out blogs. People read their friend's and family blogs, their favorite author's blogs, blogs on topics that they are interested in, and blogs on product reviews. With the increasing popularity of blogging, it is even feared that people rely on blogs to get the latest news. Read the rest here http://topgptsites.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-important-is-blog-design.html
A blog design is much like your website design, it's all in the eyes of the beholder! SEO is the same for both.
this is actually a good question - most blogs don't seem to pay attention to site design. As a web designer, it irks me. Then again, I spend way too much time agonizing over graphics.
Design matters, but it must suit the purpose of the blog. The design should showcase content if content is what you're pushing. Or, if you're pushing adsense, your design should make it pretty clear how to leave the content. A lot of blogs I see are also not very targeted at their demographic. It's like the blogger picked something they thought was cool or pretty, and the theme makes no sense with the content.
I have purposefully kept my blog ugly, and I try to focus on the content. I can also boast that my blog is advertisement-free, something that sets my blog apart from most, if not all others.
I think it's important not to use a generic template, that thousands of others are using. At least change it up with a unique logo for instance, or change the default banner. It's all about the content, but that very first impression is made by the design.
I also noticed that many blogs don't bother to get into branding, or creating a unique logo/slogan/overall theme.
Depends on niche. If it's an art blog... Obviously more important than a medical journal. Realize your niche and build towards it.
I think content is what make people come back and tell friends, so work on that first. I think a free blog is fine. Some of the best, most popular blogs I have seen has been on free sites.