Following up on our conversation from last week, here’s some additional information regarding the “voice,” content tone, and presentation I would like us to develop. As I mentioned, I’m looking for a light-hearted tone, something with a bit of whimsy and fun, but also very instructional and educational.
Creating a unique “voice” for our site can be derived from two complimentary site standards:
1. A unique site design
2. A unique writing/content style.
1. Site design communicating a voice for content.
Information that is technical in nature can be softened or creatively displayed through an effective site design. Some examples of sites that create a “voice” through their site design and the delivery of content:
http://www.ehow.com
http://journalism.org
http://www.wired.com
http://www.motherjones.com
http://www.theonion.com/content/index
http://www.redherring.com
A few minutes on each of these sites and you will see many common design & content display styles. Interactive, visual, well laid out, dynamic, etc.
2. Engaging content written in a unique style to create a “voice”
Obviously the actual content itself is equally as important as the display style of the site. Creating a unique twist on the same stories everyone is talking about is the primary goal. Some of the sites I listed above have some unique writing styles as well as great display (Wired certainly has a unique voice).
http://www.Moosejaw.com – Spend more than just a couple of minutes on this site. I’ve known the owners of this company for 6 years, and they continue to build a very loyal following, especially in the core 20-35 demo. Read their corporate bios, check out the photo gallery, spend 10 mins on this site and you’ll find yourself wanting to read more, click on more, and before you know it you’ll be buying from them. Very comical writing style.
Other unique content styles:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm – great instructional guides, articles, etc.
www.fatsecret.com
www.nowpublic.com – strong combination of content + user generated info
http://www.howtodothings.com/finance-real-estate/how-to-get-a-free-credit-report
Brought to you courtesy of Jeff.
