The Premier Destination for Running News – Marathon Handbook

marathon_handbook-belov_digital_agency
Services & Technologies

Website for Content Management
Establishing an Online Community
User Friendly Interfaces
Modern Techniques for the Best Performance

Client

Marathon Handbook is a popular online resource founded by Thomas Watson, an ultrarunner and UESCA-certified running coach, offering expert advice, training plans, and comprehensive guides for runners of all levels, from 5Ks to ultramarathons

Year

2024

About the Project

The project involved creating a modern, visually appealing website tailored to runners, featuring intuitive navigation and wide-format design for engaging content display. This platform not only enhances user experience but also supports business growth through increased traffic and monetization opportunities.

Location

UK

Competence

Running Lifestyle Content Creation

Industry

Running and Sports Media

Our Goals

To create a modern and engaging news website for the Marathon Handbook, we aimed to design a platform that would attract both runners and advertisers, drive substantial traffic, and provide a strong foundation for monetization. The goal was to inform inspire and activate users while ensuring the site net business objectives effectively.

The core focus of the project was on the design. It was essential that the website be vibrant and visually appealing to reflect the energy and dynamism of the running community. The design needed to be modern, leveraging current trends and technologies, while remaining timeless and accessible to a broad audience.

Solution

Ease of use was a key priority in the design process. Every element of the website was crafted to ensure intuitive navigation, enabling visitors to seamlessly explore content, access guides, and find resources that align with their needs. The design focused on delivering a memorable visual and functional experience, encouraging users to return frequently and engage deeply with the content, thereby fostering loyalty and trust in the brand.

Through this thoughtful and comprehensive development strategy, the Marathon Handbook website has evolved beyond being just a news portal—it has become a dynamic hub with high engagement for both runners and businesses, setting a new benchmark for engaging and purpose-driven digital interactions.

We developed a fully responsive design that became the key element in establishing the website’s competitive edge.

marathon handbook - a modern website for runners: functionality, visual appeal, and convenience

Functionality, Visual Appeal, and Convenience

The website was designed with a focus on displaying content using a wide grid layout. This approach enabled the effective visualization of information with large, vibrant photographs, creating a contemporary and relevant design. Key visual elements, such as arrows symbolizing the dynamic nature of running, are incorporated not only into the logo but also throughout the sections, ensuring a cohesive visual identity.

marathon handbook - podcast

Convenience and Interactivity

The primary goal of the website is to capture user attention and provide multiple interaction pathways. From the homepage, users can navigate to various internal pages tailored to their needs. These include detailed guides on different running distances, offering personalized insights for athletes. A dedicated section on the homepage promotes a podcast, with clear subscription buttons and quick access to episodes.

marathon handbook - newsletter

Content Relevance and Traffic Generation

The site’s high-quality content is regularly updated by a team of experts, including both articles and podcasts. Subscription functionality plays a vital role in keeping users informed about new materials, driving significant traffic to the site. This makes the platform highly attractive to advertisers. Importantly, ad placements are thoughtfully integrated into the design to avoid detracting from the main content.

marathon handbook - e-commerce integration

E-Commerce Integration

One of the sections of the website features is dedicated to sports products, complete with detailed descriptions and recommendations. User reviews and direct links to online stores make the shopping process seamless and engaging.

marathon handbook - about page

Distinctive Style and Visual Impact

The website stands out from competitors with its unique aesthetic. The use of serif fonts for body text gives the design a distinctive and memorable feel. Every detail has been carefully considered to create a modern, user-friendly resource that leaves a lasting impression.

Results

The design we developed not only makes the website visually appealing but also plays a crucial role in achieving key business objectives:

– Attracting users: Striking visual elements and an intuitive interface create a positive visitor experience, making the website memorable and easy to navigate. This encourages users to spend more time on the site and increases the likelihood of repeat visits.

– Boosting traffic: A unique design helps the website stand out among competitors, driving more visitors.

– Appealing to advertisers: The aesthetically pleasing and professionally executed website, combined with its high traffic, has become an attractive platform for advertising, enabling the project to be monetized.

For users, the website has become a convenient and visually appealing resource. Its aesthetic design and intuitive navigation provide a seamless experience, fostering a positive user journey and encouraging repeat visits.

The project has become a vital component of a successful strategy for the business. The high traffic generated by the site strengthens the brand’s position in the niche, enhances recognition, and builds trust among its audience. Additionally, the website’s uniqueness and professional quality create opportunities for monetization by attracting advertisers, turning it into a revenue-generating asset.

In this way, the site fulfills a dual purpose: on the one hand, it meets user needs, and on the other, it addresses critical business objectives, delivering tangible value to both its audience and the project’s owners.

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