This document discusses the codes and conventions of contents pages in magazines. It notes that contents pages typically have a column layout with the magazine masthead and title at the top. Sections are organized to help readers easily find pages. Page numbers are included alongside images to aid navigation. Other common elements mentioned include the issue number/date, similar color schemes to the cover, and an editor's note introducing the magazine. Audience research comments provide additional perspective on what makes an effective contents page.

1. Contents Page
Analysis
By Beth Upchurch

2. Codes & Conventions of
a Contents Page…
• Conventionally set out
layout with the
columns at the side
• Masthead included at
the top along with
‘Contents’ to allow the
readers to understand
what page they are on
& what magazine they
are reading

3. Codes & Conventions
cont…
• Each section of the
magazine is under a certain
section, some are in
‘Features’ and some are in
‘Women in music’ this
makes it easier to find the
specific pages and navigate
through the magazine.
• Underneath each main page
title there is a little bit of
extra information
explaining what else is
included on that page, this
is great as it saves you
having to go and find the
page to then decide if you
want to read it straight
away.

4. Codes & Conventions of
a Contents Page cont…
• There is one main
image and then usually
a secondary image
which is smaller
somewhere else on the
page
• All of the pictures are
anchored with a
number so that you can
easily find the page
they are featured on

5. Codes & Conventions of
a Contents Page cont…
• At the top of the page
there is the mag issue
number & the date of the
magazine with also social
media links
• The same colour scheme
is used for the contents
page as well as the front
cover
• The biggest text is the
word ‘Contents’ so
people clearly know what
page they are viewing

6. Codes & Conventions of
a Contents Page cont…
• There is an editors note on
most contents pages which
introduces the magazine and
guides the readers to the top
stories
• Here there is some
advertising which is usually
featured somewhere on the
contents page to get readers
to subscribe to the magazine
& go online for more
information on the magazine,
to gain as many people online
as people are tending to go
online and look at magazines
rather than buying a copy
from a shop

7. Conventions of Indie Pop
contents
• Instead of the word
‘contents’ there is
‘inside this week’ which
is a clear difference to
other genres
• More use of images
around the page which
are different sizes and
are all anchored so
easy to navigate
through the magazine

8. Conventions of Indie Pop
contents
• Quite a plain & simple
layout to the contents
page which makes it
simple yet effective as
the pictures make up
for the white
background
• Listing to the
additional pages in the
magazine

9. Audience Research
“What is important on a contents page?”
• “It’s important to have
what you’ve featured on
the cover clearly listed on
the contents page so that
you can make a clear link
with the front cover and
navigate your way through
the magazine, also where
the posters pages are (only
reason I buy magazines!) –
Kirsty McMachan
• It’s important to have main
features each week to show
a clear structure & layout to
the magazine! – Hannah
Upchurch
• “It’s important to have page
numbers for most of the pages
and all of the sections so that
you can easily find your way
through the magazine quickly &
efficiently” – Chloe Surridge
• It’s important to have an editors
note on your contents page
especially as it’s the first
addition so you need to
introduce yourself to the target
audience, it’s also important to
have some pictures as one of the
main conventions of a contents
page are that pictures are
included” – Emma Saunders

10. Ideas for pictures to be
included on the contents page:

11. Ideas for pictures to be
included on the contents page: