Analysis of regional websites
- 1. ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL WEBSITES By Georgia Hardy
- 2. The masthead is in a bold font at the top of the page which allows the audience to easily identify the name of the website/magazine. The page varies in content, this will appeal to the target audience as it gives them a wide range of subjects to choose to find out information on. The main article has been placed in the middle of the page and draws the most attention. Therefore this will be the first article the audience see. The links to the social media accounts will appeal to the target audience as it is another platform for them to find out information on the magazine. It also shows the younger target audience that the magazine is modern. A quiz allows the readers to become more active and involved with the magazine. This will appeal to the target audience as the activity will engage their interest in the magazine/website. The most read and comments section will be appealing to the target audience as it allows them to see what their peers enjoyed and may be similar to their own tastes. It also relates to the uses and gratifications theory of ‘personal relationships’ as the audience can become part of a social group by discussing the articles with their peers. This leads to the magazines digital versions, which will appeal to the target audience as it shows the magazine is modern as digital versions are becoming popular. The deal of “£14.95 for 4 digital copies” will also grab the attention of the audience and engage their interest in the magazine. The latest blogs section will appeal to the target audience as it allows them to quickly access the new content of the magazine. This relates to the uses and gratifications theory of ‘surveillance’ as they’re gaining new information. This shows the audience where they are able to subscribe to the magazine. This will appeal to the audience as it provides them with a quick an easy way to access the magazine.
- 3. The masthead is in the boldest font at the top of the page which allows the audience to easily identify the name of the website/ magazine. This shows the audience where they are able to subscribe to the magazine. This will appeal to the audience as it provides them with a quick an easy way to access the magazine. The search bar will appeal to the target audience as it allows them to find a specific article in a quick and simple way. The widget section will appeal to the target audience as it allows the reader to find more information about the magazine as well as allowing the audience to interact with the magazine on several different platforms. This will particularly appeal to a younger target audience as they are more than likely to have several social media accounts. It also shows the target audience how the magazine is modern and ‘up to date’ with technology. This shows that the articles on the website are varied. This will again, appeal to the target audience as it shows the website has a wide range of content. This also relates to the Uses and Gratifications theory of ‘surveillance’ as the reader is able to gain information by reading these articles. The website varies in content, which will appeal to the target audience as it covers a wide range of topics and is therefore more interesting for the reader. The main article has been placed in the middle of the page and draws the most attention. Therefore this will be the first article the audience see. This also includes a competition, ‘win a eight-day cruise with Viking Cruises’. Which makes the read more involved in the magazine as they believe they can get something back from this magazine/website.
- 4. The masthead is in the top left corner of the page which makes it easily identifiable to the audience. The widget section will appeal to the target audience as it allows the reader to find more information about the magazine as well as allowing the audience to interact with the magazine on several different platforms. This will particularly appeal to a younger target audience as they are more than likely to have several social media accounts. It also shows the target audience how the magazine is modern and ‘up to date’ with technology. The readers are able to make their own personal accounts. This will appeal to the target audience as it allows them to become closer to the product. This relates to the Uses and Gratifications theory as it creates a personal relationship with the audience. Time Out is a free magazine and therefore generates its income in other ways. This adverts is one of the magazines source’s of income. The website varies in content, which will appeal to the target audience as it covers a wide range of topics and is therefore more interesting for the reader. The main section of the website has the most important/ popular article. It is the biggest image on the page which will grab the reader. The sub heading “London’s best cupcakes” will grab the audiences attention with the use of superlatives. This shows that the articles on the website are varied. This will again, appeal to the target audience as it shows the website has a wide range of content. This also relates to the Uses and Gratifications theory of ‘surveillance’ as the reader is able to gain information by reading these articles.
- 5. The masthead is in the top left corner and the white text stands out against the black background, this makes it easily identifiable to the audience. The magazine covers a wide range of content, this will appeal to the target audience as it shows that the magazine focuses on various subjects rather than being restricted to just one. The search bar will appeal to the target audience as it allows them to find a specific article in a quick and simple way. This shows the audience where they are able to subscribe to the magazine. This will appeal to the audience as it provides them with a quick an easy way to access the magazine. Absolute is a free magazine and therefore advertising in both their magazine and website is their source of income. ‘BREAKING’ directs the reader to this article. The article is also paired with a picture underneath. This makes a visual connection between image and article for the reader. This is also the main article as it’s the largest image and its paired with the heading ‘BREAKING’. This shows that the articles on the website are varied. This will again, appeal to the target audience as it shows the website has a wide range of content. This also relates to the Uses and Gratifications theory of ‘surveillance’ as the reader is able to gain information by reading these articles. This section here shows the main articles and underneath there is a small snippet of the article. This will lead to the reader being more likely to click on the full article and read it all. Again this relates to the Uses and Gratifications theory of ‘surveillance’ as the reader is able to gain information by reading these articles.
- 6. Conclusion: After researching into regional magazine websites I found that the codes and conventions include: Masthead - Usually in the top left of the corner, making it easily identifiable to the audience. Main Section – Where the most important article will be shown. Widget Section – So that the audience are able to view the magazines social media sites. Advertisements – A source of the magazines income. Links – To link the audience to other pages, for example, to digital versions of the magazine. Subscription – a button or link for the reader to subscribe to the magazine, to make the magazine company money.