Studying Other Media Company Websites

     This week our groups studied three UK media company websites in order to find out how these types of companies present themselves, and to gain ideas and inspiration for our own company. 

Brand8pr

     This media company seems aimed at an older target audience than the other websites, as it is more professional and formal in its presentation- a  business-like font, technical language and a clear, user-friendly layout filled with information. They have utilised social media by adding links to social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn- a business focused site- and allowing users of the website to share articles and pages on these networks. The colour scheme for the website is bright and friendly- which users will find appealing, and is consistent on all of the site's pages. Whilst looking at this company, we decided that our own company brand would include a consistent colour scheme, which co-ordinated with the aim of our company, as well as the target audience. 

Brave

     In contrast with the Brand8pr website, Brave.co.uk is aimed at a younger target audience, and appeals to this group by using informal language on its site, such as the 'Say Hello' page which is conventionally titled 'Contact Us' on many other websites. This informal language is more welcoming for a younger target audience, and the use of the handwritten style font adheres to this theme. The site is very bold and simple, using more images than words, meaning any words on the site stand out; emphasising the 'brave' concept of the website- another element which will appeal to a young target audience. The social networking sites linked to this site are networks commonly used by younger people such as Instagram and Twitter. The ideas and inspiration we took from looking at this site was to use an informal font and friendly language if our target audience is a young group, such as students. 

We Are Fury

     This website was also targeted at a younger market, which was evident through its use of a bold and busy layout, and shocking and violent titles to articles and pages, named after martial art moves. The colour scheme was consistent on this site, as was the use of the red dot on each page and on the titles of links on these pages. The social networks used by the site were easy to find as they were at the top of every page next to the title, unlike the other two sites where the user would have to search specifically for the contact details of the companies. We decided that we would also remain consistent with the font name of our brand and any icon we choose to include with the logo.

Our Initial Thought and Ideas

     We had our first workshop this week for the Media Enterprise module, and are all very excited to begin the assignments. We began by thinking of apps which are popular at the moment and discussing why they are as popular as they are, such as social networking apps like Instagram, Snapchat and Tinder, and games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds. We decided that the social networking apps were popular because they brought people together, and the games entertained people, particularly whilst they had time to kill; such as when they were waiting for a bus or on public transport. We also found that apps which are useful are popular for example maps and translating apps. Therefore, we concluded that our app should fit into at least one of these categories- useful, entertaining or a social network- in order to be successful.

     When brainstorming ideas for new apps, we came up with four concepts that stood out amongst other suggestions. The first idea was an app which allows its users to share photographs of nights out as well as leave reviews for pubs and clubs in the area. This app would mostly appeal to university students- a large target audience- and it would be possible to include a discount and offers element through which users of the app could receive discounts on entry and drinks in local clubs.

     Another idea was an app which combines multiple loyalty and points cards to chain stores such as Nando's and Waterstones, and would mean customers could collect these points and redeem rewards through the app on their phone. This app would also appeal to students, and local businesses could offer rewards and discounts to users of the app.

     The third suggestion was an app aimed at vegetarians and vegans, another large target audience, that scanned barcodes on products and told the app's user if the product is suitable for vegetarians or vegans. For the rebranding element of the assignment, we could rebrand a shop like Holland and Barratt which would link well with this app.

     The final idea was an archive of television shows no longer aired on television made accessible through an app. With the success of companies such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, it is likely this app would appeal to a large market. We could then rebrand an entertainment shop like HMV to link with this app.

     Before making a final decision, we will need to research the pre-existing apps similar to our ideas, as well as the possibility of creating the app and any complications we may face.