Blogging Advice

So, I've been doing this blogging stuff for about six months now. At first, I thought it was pretty stupid and a waste of time. I've discovered it is a useful tool to express my opinion on certain topics and to receive some great feedback as well. Now, I would like to take it to another level. I would like to personalize my blog to represent me more than blogging site allows. I would like a new background or template, more sidebar gadgets, a new banner and maybe a source to generate some income off of my blog. I would also like to have more followers but don't know how to attract them. I am not techy or computer savvy person. So, if anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate it.