Why Your Website Should Have an Editorial Aesthetic Instead of Templates

Introduction

The article explores the benefits of using an editorial aesthetic over template-based designs for websites. It delves into how an editorial homepage, characterized by large text headlines, muted color palettes, and a clear visual hierarchy, can age gracefully while offering a more engaging user experience compared to template-driven pages. This blog post also provides three steps to building such an editorial design.

The Benefits of An Editorial Aesthetic

An editorial approach in website design allows for greater flexibility and creativity. Unlike templates which often dictate the layout and aesthetics, an editorial aesthetic gives web developers a canvas where they can freely express their vision, from selecting custom colors that best match their brand’s tone to using large headlines for effective content promotion.

Step-by-Step Guide on Building an Editorial Aesthetic

Here is how you can start implementing an editorial approach in your website design:

#### 1. Plan Your Content Hierarchy

The first step involves understanding the primary message of each page and ensuring that it aligns with the overall site strategy. Use large, engaging headlines for crucial sections or calls to action (CTAs) to make sure users notice them quickly.

.hero {
    font-size: 2em;
    color: #333;
    margin-bottom: 20px;
}

#### 2. Choose Your Colors Wisely

Selecting appropriate colors is crucial for setting the tone and visual appeal of your editorial home page. Muted or neutral tones can help create a more inviting, sophisticated look that aligns well with an editorial aesthetic.

body {
    background-color: #f5f5f5;
    color: #333;
}

h1, h2 {
    color: #778;
}

#### 3. Implement Clear Visual Hierarchy and Typography

Incorporating a clear visual hierarchy by utilizing different font sizes and weights for headlines, subheadings, and body text is essential in making your content more accessible and engaging.

h1 {
    font-size: 2em;
    font-weight: bold;
}

p {
    font-size: 1.1em;
}

The Case Against Templates

Templates often end up looking stale or out of date, especially if they were built with the current design trends in mind. An editorial approach, on the other hand, can adapt and evolve over time to better match new user preferences and technological advancements.

Why Creators Should Choose an Editorial Aesthetic

For creators building websites, an editorial aesthetic provides a more personalized touch that reflects their unique style and vision. It also allows for greater flexibility in terms of design changes, as the focus is on content rather than strict structure dictated by pre-built templates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, leveraging an editorial approach for your website can lead to a design that not only ages gracefully over time but also enhances user engagement through clear visual elements and thoughtful design choices. By following the steps outlined in this article, web developers and designers can create dynamic home pages that effectively represent their brand's identity and content.