News websites seem to have a class of their own when it comes to web design. Perhaps it’s the credibility that they have to portray, or the fact that they’re in a tricky industry where customer trust is a top priority. One thing’s for sure: designing a news site is a challenge, even for some seasoned designers.
But don’t let that discourage you. If you’re designing your first news website and you’re out of ideas, here are some tips and tricks that can help you.
A content management system
News websites deal with a large volume of content, both in text and images. A content management system (CMS) allows you to organize your files so that users can easily find what they need. This can be particularly useful for archiving, especially if you have a large database. A simple web-based CMS, such as WordPress, may be enough for a small personal site.
A professional look
Even if you’re after a casual approach, it’s important to appear credible to your readers when you’re dealing with news. That’s why major papers still keep their print layouts when publishing on the Web. People are more likely to believe you when you at least appear professional. So ditch the fancy layouts and keep it simple—after all, it’s your content, not your design, that should be the center of attention.
Readable text
One thing that distinguishes news sites from others is the heavy use of text. Big blocks of text can discourage readers, so make sure they’re easy on the eyes. Break up chunks of text by using subheadings and distributing photos evenly around the page. If it’s a long article, consider spreading it over several pages. And make sure to choose a readable font—generic ones like Times New Roman are very readable and will show up on most browsers.
Easy navigation
Many news sites are so packed that it’s hard to find your way around them. Make it easier for readers by putting all the important links within reach. These include the archives, breaking news, and popular sections such as weather, lifestyle, and sports. A search function can also come in handy—put it near the top of your sidebar where it can easily be seen.