The New MSN.com: Less Links, More Social

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 by Andy Beal

The New MSN.com: Less Links, More Social

MSN Logo I tried really hard to figure out how to “fluff-up” this announcement. After all, Microsoft went to the trouble to pre-brief me, but I just can’t say it any better than I can show it.

So here goes.

MSN is going from this:

To this:

Yes, one of the most popular destinations on the web–600 million monthly users no less–is getting a face-lift. Here are some of the key things to note:

There’s a new MSN logo to go with the redesign.
There are 50% fewer links on the page.
The Bing search box is better integrated, because MSN already drives 45% of searches to Bing–something this design will take further advantage of.
You can view and update Twitter and Facebook.
There’s more focus on Local–there’s even a new MSN Local Edition.
As you use the site, MSN will learn your content preferences and customize accordingly.

The new page design will start rolling out today, but most of you won’t see it as the default until early next year. If you’re anxious to use the new design now, you can head to http://preview.msn.com.

That’s all!

Social Media Monitoring in Just 60-Seconds. Guaranteed!

Similar Stories in: General | Forward: Email This Post

Share this post

6 comments on “The New MSN.com: Less Links, More Social”

Keonda Says:

November 4th, 2009 at 5:54 am

There are actually more links, they’re just more discrete:
Old msn.com: 193 links
New msn.com: 279 links

(found using http://url-info.appspot.com/)
Jaan Kanellis Says:

November 4th, 2009 at 11:33 am

Looks like a glorified blog.
Jaan Kanellis´s last blog ..Sitelinks in Google AdWords Ads?
Mike Says:

November 4th, 2009 at 11:40 am

I definitely like the new MSN design. So clean and zen like.

Maybe it’s the whitespace.. But I like it.
Mike´s last blog ..WooThemes Themes Giveway Contest from WPThemes.com
Kim D Says:

November 4th, 2009 at 3:23 pm

I like it. Looks cleaner and more organized. A lot easier on the eyes.
The change in layout may take some getting used to.
PS3 Says:

November 4th, 2009 at 4:36 pm

I’m not a huge MSN fan but am mightily impressed that MS pre-briefed you. Kudos to you Andy.
Does Bing’s Trending Search Terms List Reveal Its Weakness? | Technoinspire Blog Says:

December 2nd, 2009 at 6:12 am

[...] search term not apparently news driven.With that in mind, it’s no wonder Microsoft recently gave MSN.com a facelift. It also reveals perhaps a weakness in Bing’s attempts to challenge Google. Google is the [...]

Marketing Pilgrim