Ancillary Tasks - Webpage Analysis

http://www.scoutingforgirls.com/gb/home/

Above is a link to the homepage of the band, Scouting For Girls (SFG).

Aspects that we may wish to replicate on our own webpage -

• The most obvious feature at first sight is the eyecatching presense of the band's name and current motif image in the top left corner. Initially, this image of the woman in the red dress was used as the cover photograph of their recent albumn 'Everybody Wants To be on TV', but has now become prominant at the band's live gigs and most notably in merchandise.


• A specific colour theme of red, sky blue and yellow is maintained throughout the website which ties all of the page together and creates a common thread. The colours also convey the nostalgic, fun public image of 'SFG' and therefore are effective in appealing to the youthful target audience.


• The navigation facility is positioned on the left-hand side of the frame which is unconventional. Traditionally, such helpful, neccessary features would be situated on the right due to the fact that in western society, we read from left to right (we are more inclined to look at the left first) making the transition from page to page/link to link much easier and effortless. However, there is also a navigation bar at the end of the page meaning that a viewer can access other areas of the site without having to scroll back to the top.


• Along the right hand side there are obvious indicators to the age of 'SFG's target audience. Firstly, the direct 'buy now' link for the band's new single acknowledges the fact that many teenagers now purchase their music online rather than in disk form. Secondly, tapping into the social networking culture, SFG also has onscreen links to both their Twitter and Facebook page. And thirdly, there is also a feature that plays SFG music videos, interviews/behind the scenes footage and most notably SFGTV. This is essentially a monthly homemade broadcast in which the band members share news and events through their youtube channel. Again, this links to their young target audience who enjoy a great deal of use of such sites. Below is a link to this channel...
  http://www.youtube.com/user/sfgofficial?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/27/BjPBQ1zliSU
  And here is the first episode of SFGTV to show the style and 'brand' the band tries to portray...
  
  

• The home page features a news feed where the band members update notifications on tour/gig dates and new releases. This allows the audience to feel more informed and connected with the band members; therefore building a stronger fan base.
• This website has quickly transformed in 'SFG's fanbase HQ as there is also an opportunity for fans to become 'Wolfcubs' (I'm one!) This status gives fans the priviledges of a monthly newsletter, sneak previews of videos/interviews/releases, and advanced notification of upcoming gigs. In most cases, tickets for live tours/performances are only available to wolfcubs first. Again, this aspect strengthens fan loyalty and maybe something we should draw into our own webpage.