The relaunch of the site, www.destinyconnect.com, involved the design and development of an engaging, interactive social networking platform that stands out from DESTINY's competitors and will effective increase its revenue. The aim was to transform the website into a solid backbone for the printed product, using web 2.0 technologies and social media to enhance both DESTINY's image and the user experience.
The new website offers a platform where readers can connect with and inspire like-minded businesswomen, follow blogs, participate in forums and chat rooms, post responses and queries, and enjoy the benefits of a dynamic online community. Entrepreneurs, executives and all women who are economically active can access a visually appealing website with compelling material to inform, enrich and motivate themselves, in line with DESTINY's slogan: “Beautiful Powerful You”. They can learn, share and compare ideas using an array of new tools and technologies, all brought together by editorial- and user-based content. These tools have a strong leaning towards social media and networking capabilities.
Within six months of its relaunch, www.destinyconnect.com had attracted almost 9 000 registered users, making it one of the fastest-growing professional networks in South Africa.
The site will continue to enhance the user experience by offering additional value, improved networking capabilities, enhanced publishing tools and - crucially - an innovative mentorship module. In time, it will also explore ecommerce and other revenue-generating opportunities. As such, it will effective become its own business with an accompanying printed product, making it a truly unique, convenient and empowering online platform.
