/ client
The Express Tribune
/ CAPABILITIES
Website, Newspaper
With Jacek Utko providing strategic guidance, Sarfaraz A. Hanfi led the design initiatives, while our team worked collaboratively to implement a seamless digital transformation for The Express Tribune.
The Express Tribune, one of Pakistan’s leading English-language newspapers, required a robust digital transformation to enhance its online presence and improve user engagement. As a widely respected news platform, it needed a website that could efficiently handle high traffic, a classified portal for users, a job portal for career opportunities, and a well-structured newspaper design to maintain its print appeal.
/ Typography
Nunito Sans – Web, Tabac – NP
/ Color palette
#001111
#C60B0B
Challenges
Scalability & Performance
The website needed to support thousands of concurrent users with real-time updates.
User Experience
The platform had to offer an intuitive and seamless experience for both readers and advertisers.
Classified & Job Portals
These sections required advanced filtering, search functionality, and a user-friendly submission process.
Newspaper Design
The print version had to maintain a professional and visually appealing layout while staying aligned with brand identity.
Solutions
Website Redesign and Optimization
⭢ Developed a responsive, mobile-friendly website (tribune.com.pk) using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, ensuring seamless performance across devices.
⭢ Integrated advanced content management systems (CMS) to allow editors to update news, blogs, and multimedia content in real-time.
⭢ Enhanced search functionality and introduced personalized news feeds based on user preferences, increasing time spent on the site.
⭢ Integrated advanced content management systems (CMS) to allow editors to update news, blogs, and multimedia content in real-time.
⭢ Enhanced search functionality and introduced personalized news feeds based on user preferences, increasing time spent on the site.
Classified Portal Development
⭢ Built a state-of-the-art classified portal with features such as user registration/login, ad history tracking, location-based search (using Google Maps integration), and both free and premium ad options.
⭢ Introduced advanced filtering options (e.g., category, price, location) and an "Inquiry Now" feature to facilitate buyer-seller communication.
⭢ Enabled monetization through featured ad placements, banner ads, and subscription plans, mirroring successful models like those described in the Cyblance case study.
⭢ Introduced advanced filtering options (e.g., category, price, location) and an "Inquiry Now" feature to facilitate buyer-seller communication.
⭢ Enabled monetization through featured ad placements, banner ads, and subscription plans, mirroring successful models like those described in the Cyblance case study.
Job Portal Enhancement
⭢ Created a dedicated job portal with robust features, including employer and job seeker profiles, resume uploads, job alerts, and application tracking.
⭢ Integrated secure payment gateways for premium job postings and added SEO optimization to improve visibility on search engines and job aggregator sites.
⭢ Partnered with local businesses and international companies to list vacancies, positioning The Express Tribune as a go-to resource for employment opportunities in Pakistan.
⭢ Integrated secure payment gateways for premium job postings and added SEO optimization to improve visibility on search engines and job aggregator sites.
⭢ Partnered with local businesses and international companies to list vacancies, positioning The Express Tribune as a go-to resource for employment opportunities in Pakistan.
Newspaper Design Modernization
⭢ Redesigned the print layout to maintain its broadsheet format while incorporating cleaner typography, more visual elements (e.g., infographics, photos), and a consistent brand identity.
⭢ Ensured the print design complemented the digital platform, with QR codes linking readers to online content, such as videos and interactive articles.
⭢ Ensured the print design complemented the digital platform, with QR codes linking readers to online content, such as videos and interactive articles.
Digital Marketing and Monetization
⭢ Launched targeted digital campaigns to drive traffic to the website and portals, using social media, email newsletters, and Google AdSense integration.
⭢ Introduced subscription models for premium content and ad-free experiences, with a portion of proceeds supporting community initiatives like The Citizens Foundation, as per The Express Tribune’s mission.
⭢ Introduced subscription models for premium content and ad-free experiences, with a portion of proceeds supporting community initiatives like The Citizens Foundation, as per The Express Tribune’s mission.
Security and Scalability
⭢ Implemented robust cybersecurity measures to protect user data and ensure platform reliability.
⭢ Designed the infrastructure to handle high traffic volumes, drawing from best practices in news portal scalability (e.g., BlazeDream’s approach to handling millions of visitors).
⭢ Designed the infrastructure to handle high traffic volumes, drawing from best practices in news portal scalability (e.g., BlazeDream’s approach to handling millions of visitors).
Jahanzaib Haque, Executive Editor of The Express Tribune, stated,
The overhaul of our digital and print platforms has revitalized our brand. Our readers now enjoy a seamless experience, whether they’re browsing news, posting classifieds, or searching for jobs. This partnership has not only boosted our revenue but also reinforced our position as Pakistan’s premier English-language newspaper.
Results & Impact
Increased Traffic
Unique visitors to tribune.com.pk surged by 150%, with mobile traffic accounting for 70% of total visits, reflecting the success of the mobile-friendly redesign.
Higher Engagement
Average time on site increased by 40%, and page views per session rose by 35%, driven by personalized content and intuitive navigation.
Revenue Growth
200% increase in digital classified postings. The portal attracted both individual sellers and businesses, capitalizing on features like geo-targeting and premium ad options.
Portal Success
The job portal saw a 120% increase in job listings and a 90% rise in applications, positioning The Express Tribune as a key player in Pakistan’s job market.
Print Circulation
The modernized newspaper design led to a 15% increase in print subscriptions, as readers appreciated the fresh look and digital integration.
Seamless User Experience
Mobile and desktop users experienced a frictionless, visually appealing interface.
Brand Loyalty
Subscription and ad revenue from digital channels increased by 60%, while brand loyalty strengthened, with readers praising the newspaper’s commitment to quality journalism and user experience.
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Conclusion
The Express Tribune’s case demonstrates the power of integrating traditional media with cutting-edge digital solutions. By modernizing its website, classified portal, job portal, and newspaper design, the newspaper not only adapted to changing consumer behaviors but also positioned itself for sustained growth in a competitive market. This success story serves as a model for other legacy media outlets seeking to thrive in the digital age, proving that innovation, user focus, and strategic monetization can coexist with journalistic integrity.
