Website Analysis 2 - www.gq-magazine.co.uk

 GQ uses a black and white palette for its website is used to create a minimalist appeal. It emphasises a sense of sophistication, which is a key part of the magazine’s brand. Moreover, it helps content to stand out and prevents audiences from being overwhelmed. Instead, audiences are encouraged to pay attention to the high-quality photography showcased on the website. It should be noted that this is a very similar layout to other websites owned by Condé Nast, such as Vogue. Therefore, the use of a black and white, minimalist layout could be considered as part of Condé Nast’s wider brand identity. This should be taken into consideration when making a website, since the style magazine in the brief is produced by Condé Nast. 

The viewer is reminded of GQ’s target audience through the links in the top bar. The content within the top bar is primarily focused on the appearance of the viewer. This links to the ideas of a ‘spornosexual’ and ‘metrosexual’ man – in short, a man who is focused on his appearance.  

GQ’s audience is encouraged to take an active role on its website, by paying for the subscription. The subscription gives audiences a sense of exclusivity, by allowing early access to magazines before they release. It helps them to feel included within the brand’s ‘family.’ Readers are also encouraged to engage through social media, as shown through the links at the bottom of the page. However, it should be noted that the social media followings are considerably low. (1.2M on Instagram, 324.4k on X, etc.) These social media followings reflect the general stereotype that men prefer social media considerably less in comparison to women. It could also show that most men are less focused on their appearances, since GQ goes against the traditional ideals of a man being aggressive and tough.   

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• Simple black and white colour scheme and layout – easy on the eyes, feeling of sophistication 

• Stronger focus on images, which take up the majority of the screen  

• Focus on bodily appearance emphasised by links on the website  

• Masthead acts as the website logo – cross media synergy 

 

• Optional subscription free 

• Active audience 

• Exclusivity – receive magazine content before it arrives in stores – early access – feeling of importance and inclusion 

 

• Social media links targeted towards the sophisticated male audience 

• Instagram: 1.2M (British) / 6.8M (general) - limited followers on Instagram as platform is less used by males 

• X: 324.4k 

• Low social media following could relate to the idea that men are less focused on social media 

• Could also be due to the fact GQ goes against the traditional ideal of men being rough and aggressive – breaks stereotypes 

 

• Very similar layout to the Vogue website - Condé Nast brand identity