A Newspaper or Website
Your website is more like a newspaper, but with a smaller viewing window.
When web sites were first developed over 10 years ago, pundits said the www would change the way we read and absorb information and revolutionise editorials. On the contrary, the first decade of websites has shown the more successful websites have adopted, tried and tested newspaper and magazine editorial layout and styles.
!The use of eye catching headlines and sub headings, with a few images in support and keeping text in small, bite-size chunks works the best.
Probably one of the most important newspaper headlines of World War II, which brought hope to millions:
Here are some lesser important but real headlines from recent newspapers:
M&S
JOINS COFFEE WAR
Store giant to offer hot food and drinks at takeaway
bars
Courtesy of the Evening Standard 7th December 2005
JUNK PUSHERS
Stores rapped for cheap, unhealthy food deals
Courtesy of the Sun 25th November 2005
MURDERED BY SANTA
Knife killer’s Xmas disguise
Courtesy of the Sun 25th November 2005
HE’S DEAD
After a long and very valiant fight, he died this afternoon
Courtesy of the Evening Standard 25th November 2005
The front page headlines reporting the death of George Best
These are real headlines and sub headings. You see how the main headline grabs your attention and the sub heading gives a little bit more information. The primary purpose of the headline is to catch your eye so that you then read the sub heading before you decide to read the article or story.
!When you are choosing a newspaper or magazine from the rack, you look at the headlines. This is exactly what readers of websites do as they look for interesting topics that meet their search criteria or grab their interest.
All Newspapers worldwide are basically in 2 forms, either Tabloid size or Broadsheet, and their style of layout is basically the same as it is a proven system. The difference is in the stories they carry and the language, but principally the layout is the same.
Like newspapers, a successful website has adopted a column layout but,
as the screen is much smaller than a newspaper, they are restricted to 3
columns with a masthead banner containing the logo on the left and search
either on the right or under the logo.
The 3 columns are:
- Navigation on left;
- Middle column content;
- Third column containing features.
Text can be aligned from the left hand margin or centred. Always place a footer on all pages which should contain all the global links – copyright – legal notices – privacy – terms of business, etc. It may be a boring layout, but your readers won’t appreciate seeing a different or unfamiliar layout. On the contrary, they will feel more comfortable with a layout they are used to seeing rather than a strange one.
!Remember how you feel when your supermarket moves things around and you can’t find items where you expect them to be? Annoying isn’t it? The morale of the story – If it ain’t broken don’t try to fix it and certainly don’t try to reinvent the wheel.
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