Basic features of a news site
Dynamic content management
Example: WordPress with Elementor
WordPress provides a powerful content management system that makes it easy to add, edit and publish articles.
With a plugin like Elementor, you can create unique and functional pages without the need for programming. You can also create different templates to use for different news categories. In addition, you can put information that is only visible to users who have paid for a subscription.
Easy navigation and news categorization
Example: BBC News
The site uses clear categorisation, with the main sections – news, sports, technology – easily accessible via the menu.
Users can filter content according to their interests.
Integration of social networks
Example: CNN
CNN uses share buttons to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn below each article. Additionally, it allows users to comment via their social profiles.
UX and UI for news sites
How to create an intuitive structure
Example: Reuters
Reuters provides an intuitive menu that guides to major topics, and includes visual cues for popular news stories.
Importance of loading speed for news portals
Example: Yahoo News
The site supports fast loading using optimised images and a CDN (content distribution network). In addition to the CDN, it is good to have all images optimized for size and pixels. Separately, when there are more articles, it is also good to optimize the server and all WP processes.
Responsive design: How to look good on any device
Example: The Guardian
The Guardian offers a highly mobile-friendly design, making it convenient to read anywhere.
SEO for news websites
Optimization for news keywords
Example: The Verge
The Verge focuses on keywords like “tech news” and “tech reviews” to improve its visibility in search engines.
The role of AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages)
Example: Washington Post
The site uses AMP for all mobile versions of articles, which speeds up loading and improves Google rankings.
Structured Data and News Schema
Example: New York Times
Through the News Schema, the site displays rich Google results, including title, date and author of the article.
From here you can see all possible types and choose the right one for your service.
Don’t forget the XML news card
Example: HuffPost
HuffPost uses an XML sitemap to ensure that its content is properly indexed by search engines.
How to monetize your news site
Advertising: How to include banners and sponsored content
Example: Forbes
Forbes integrates ads in key areas of the site, such as the home page and at the end of articles.
Subscription models and paid content
Example: Bloomberg
Bloomberg offers subscriptions to premium content and analytics.
Common mistakes when making a news website
Lack of easy access to basic information
Example: local news sites
Many local news portals fail to provide clearly visible links to major categories such as “news” or “contacts”.
Improper management of large volumes of content
Example: Sites with no filters
Some sites do not use adequate filters, making it difficult for users to find specific news.
Conclusion
Successful examples, such as those of the BBC, Forbes and The Guardian, show that a news website should combine functionality, intuitive design and SEO. Create a platform that is user-friendly while achieving your business goals.
Contact us for professional building of your news website!