The business world has perfected the idea of designing for audiences. No corporate website tries to be "fun" or "creative." Instead, they regurgitate over-used colors and layouts to create a sense of familiarity. This is an example of design that works. It's like reinventing how a newspaper is laid out because it's too boring. It just doesn't make sense to change how corporate websites are designed.

Now more and more sites are being individual to catch the information of a new group of users on the internet. By reading my blog instead of Yahoo! News, you're probably part of this group. Knowledgeable with the web and looking for something unique.

This is a completely different audience. This is an audience to which design matters. Designs have to be unique enough to attract the readers attention. Otherwise, a user won't even bother to read what the site has to say. Web users associate professionalism to validity. Have a well designed site and users will be more likely to believe you no matter what you say.

Ultimately, to succeed on the web as an individual, you need to have a unique design that makes people want to see what you have to say. Don't fall into creating designs that look like they belong in the 1990s. Also, remember that hiring a professional is always an option.