Must Have #1: Consistent Branding

What It Is:

• Custom graphic header (logo)
• Complementary color scheme that ties into the logo
• Consistent “vibe” across the site (traditional newspaper, contemporary magazine, etc.)

Why It Matters:

• Establishes your credibility as a publication
• Gives your site a unique and recognizable identity
• Can translate to other mediums – like social media

Must Have #2: Featured Section 

What It Is:

• A widget somewhere near the top of your site that displays a curated category of your top content (e.g., Top Stories, Showcase, Features Stories, etc.)

Why It Matters:

• Gives you more control over what displays at the top of your site
• Chance to showcase your best work
• Looks best for site design to have a dominant area at the top of the site

Must Have #3: Updated Content

What It Is:

• Stories and other content on the homepage should ideally be no more than three months old

Why It Matters:

• Makes your site look more professional
• Builds trust and credibility with your readers
• Keeps the site looking updated and fresh
• Motivates readers to return often for newest content

Must Have #4: Squareness

What It Is:

• Making sure all areas of the homepage are nicely filled in and there are no large gaps or blank spaces – elements should fit together like a square

Why It Matters:

• Makes your site look more professional
• Creates visual balance
• Eliminates reader confusion (e.g., they may stop scrolling if they come to a big gap in content)

Must Have #5: Interactivity

What It Is:

• Include web-specific content that will encourage audience engagement and interaction on your site (think “clickable” things)

Why It Matters:

• Increases audience engagement with your site
• Makes your content seem more dynamic and fun
• Encourages repeat site visits (boosts in site analytics)