The three websites I analysed are; The Echo, a local newspaper, Epigram and Varsity, both university newspapers. I have previously analysed The Epigram and Varsity in researching my newspaper so are familiar with both. Although all three websites all follow a similar format, there are noticable differences.
I found compared to the other two, The Epigram website lacked visuals. Varsity and The Echo feature video clips, and several images on the homepage, generating interest and making it look more visually attractive. The lack of visual aids I feel disadvantages the Epigram website and would not generate a great deal of interest. A similar aspect of all three is the masthead. Each has used the same font to establish continuity. They are all in similar colours to the newspaper also. The university websites both feature the strapline underneath the masthead. This is featured in a smaller font so it is not initially looked at. Each masthead is featured on a box of alternative colour. This ensures the masthead catches your eye. Two of the three newspapers have a horizontal row of tabs directly under the masthead, the remaining newspaper featuring it above. Each follows a similar colour scheme, the text alternating from the background it is on. The Epigram has bigger tabs, which I feel is better as they become clearer and more appealing. In addition to the tabs, The Epigram has a list of the tab subjects featured within the box containing the masthead. This ensures the subjects are seen, whether from the tab or the list. Similarly, all the newspapers contain an advertisment at the top of the page. Varsity's is advertising a bank, Epigram advertising a comedy night and Echo advertising a car website. I feel the Epigram would be more appropriate for my area, relfecting their local interests. However considering the stereotype and class of students at Cambridge, the advert does target its audience appropriately. The Echo uses colour to advertise successfully, using a bright yellow colour to attract the eye to the advert.
Articles are introduced briefly on each website, containing a headline and a smaller texted summary of the article. There are two articles featured in the print screen of the Echo homepage. As a general local newspaper, this allows the homepage space to focus on other aspects of interest. The Epigram contains 5 articles on the homepage, which I feel is too much. There are no visual aids linked to these and I feel they all look the same. Varsity focuses on one main article, shown linked to a picture, and two smaller articles. I like this homepage and feel it is successful as it contains enough, but not too much information about news. It also uses visual aids, and doesn't use all the space for news.
The layout of Varsity allows for a panel of images that link you to another page. These images have little text on them, however do not need a great deal of explanation. There is also another section for people looking for something specific. The headings 'Latest Stories' and 'Popular by section' are featured on the right hand side, in a small text. The text is a small sentance which can be linked to the full article. It contains music, film and event features. It contains thin lines segregating the articles so the website appears clear and uncrowded. The Epigram layout is clear, also containing lines seperating articles, however the lack of visual aids means there is lots of space.
In summary, I feel the websites use colour in a positive way, subconsciously leading the audience into reading what is most important first. The continuity between the newspapers and the website is vital, and successful. The most successful homepage in my opinion is Varsity, as it uses many techniques which successfully combine to attract the audience. It contains an clear layout which is easy to navigate around. It manages to combine many links to news and popular interest stories, while attracting the eye to images and videos. The articles importance is shown by colour and size of text, which the audience follows. This is the website I would like mine to mirror.
