Research Task Seven : Independent Music Magazine Websites

 

The Wire has elements we would expect from an online website for magazines such as its use of advertisements and hyperlinks. The use of hyperlinks is key to an effective experience as it allows for ease of navigation across a website. These hyperlinks serve to transfer consumers to other sections of the website which may peak their interests or provide them with more content or information regarding the magazine. The placement of these hyperlinks in an obvious location allows for them to be utilised to their maximum potential making them easy and effective for a reader. Advertisements are expected within all magazine and newspaper websites as they rely on physical sales and advertisements in order to make a profit, therefore these adverts are placed in prime spots within the website so that companies wishing to purchase a slot will be satisfied it is worth the cost. These adverts also appeal to the audience who the magazine appeals to so that it is more likely they'll be tempted by the product which is advertised. Subscriptions are also used to increase profits and so there are lots of advertisements for their service whether it be the specific hyperlink, the subscriber login, or the adverts dedicated to it. This means it is more likely that consumers will subscribe to the magazine which would again provide them a financial gain.

The ease of navigation and ability to digest the website seems very central to its design and is incorporated into each and every section of the wesbite. Throughout the home page and the hyperlinked sections, the website has some sort of search function or one which narrows the items shown to an audience. This allows them to tailor their experience on the website to their own interest and means that they're more likely to spend more time engaged with the website increasing the likelihood they choose to contribute to the magazine in some way. The way all of the sections are laid out is easy to digest meaning that audiences can understand what is being presented to them as they navigate the website.The type of media presented (video, interview, tracks etc.) for each story clearly shown at the top of each story on the home page. Furthermore, the past editions and upcoming events are ordered chronologically, as would be expected making it easier for an audience to navigate through these sections and find the content which they are looking for or something which interests them.

To add to their sense of brand identity, the website features much cross-media convergence and aligns itself heavily with the magazine. There are many references and links on the website to other media products produced by the magazine whether it be their radio show, CDs, Socials, Newsletter or magazine which all feature at some point on the website. Although, the socials would normally be featured at the very top of the homepage, yet they only appear when you scroll down further or in seperate sections which suggets that the Wire isn't so engaged with their socials and instead sees it as another asset to their brand yet not a major one. The brand identity with the magazine is heavy with the website featuring a masthead of the same font and style which makes it immediately recognisable to a reader of the magazine and makes the link between the two products easily understandable. Moreover, the magazine has a prominent role within the website featuring at the very top of the home page and again on many of the hyperlinked sections which constantly reminds consumers of the magazine publication which may make it more likely for them to purchase a copy or a subscription due to its continual exposure to them.