You know, it is hartd to say what exactly do you need to use for your blog promotion. First of all, it is reasonable to pay attention to design, information value, etc. If your blog doesn't include these aspects... In the case, there is everything is Ok with your blog, may be you should to use benner, spam, contextual advertisements
All aspects are important!!! If you present best of the best, original content, you have to support it with no less best design, otherwise your super content takes chances to be unnoticed!