A New Look For GMTristan.Com

December 27, 2007 · Filed Under Blogging

One of the things I need to tick off my “to-do” list is a new site design for gmtristan.com.

Not that I don’t like the current design. I actually love it. It serves its purpose.

But here are several reasons why I’m eyeing a redesign:

Navigation - visitors should be able to access information clearly. Sections should be highlighted so that readers can go wherever they want without need to scroll down.
Ads Optimization - I also want to optimize adwords further. So the need for unobtrusive, yet strategic, placement is key.
Highlights - Now that I have slightly changed formats, I need to highlight some sections (like Girls and Videos) as well.
Eye Candy - last not but not least, is to make the site fresh and pleasing to eye, of course.

I’m currently using my charm to convince Kiven Codamon to help me with the redesign. He’s just on Holiday hiatus. When he comes back, it’s back-breaking work as we struggle to put up the new look before January 2008 is over.

Meanwhile, here are some designs that will influence my site’s new look:

Details after the jump

Inluencer #1 - Problogger

Why I like it

Has provisions for video at the middle
3 columns
“Best of” post as the main highlight
Recent posts on the left
Good ad placements

Next…

Influencer #2: Sports Illustrated

Why I like it:

Big highlight box on the right.
Top stories on the middle
Promos and features on the right

Next…

Influencer #3: Maxim

Why I like it:

Same as S.I. - big right higlight feature
Girls in middle. Rawwr!!!
Nice right sidebar for ads, contests and promos

So there you have it, some of the ideas that I’m working with. After seeing the above, you will most likely get the idea how the new site will look. Here are the summaries of my “requirements”

3 columns
Big right side feature highlight
middle to be used for Girls, gadgets and games
Right side for blog sidebar, links, ads and promos

I guess that’s it. If you can show me more site design ideas, I would very much appreciate it. Just comment below.

Calling web techies out there - I would also love to hear from you. I’m not a design expert so I need all the help I can get.

Thanks,

GM T

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Comments

3 Responses to “A New Look For GMTristan.Com”

Karlo.PinoyBlogero on December 27th, 2007 12:12 pm

Hi GM Tristan. Based on the site examples that you have stated on your post above, I can see that the thing you are looking for are actually “Web Magazine” type of wordpress theme. These kinds of themes are really hard to look for these days that others are forced to hire web designers.

I’ve come up across some Web Magazine Themes myself and I thought I would share em to you. You may want to try out, “MIMBO” and “Wordpress Revolution”. Just try searching for them through Google. Meron pang iba, i just cant remember hehehe.

Just search for Wordpress Magazine Themes.
GM T on December 27th, 2007 1:08 pm

Thanks, dude. I will look into it.
sylv3rblade on December 27th, 2007 4:24 pm

Hmm.. ako await ko na lang yung upcoming design. If it looks too professional you might scare potential rant-ers though.

IMO Option 2 is the best for your niche. It provides space for news that matters (to LU gamers at least) and gives space for your “other” posts