webbywordsbygab

[webbywordsbygab]

Data Isn’t Just Numbers

One thing I really took away from the Data Analysis Practice is that data isn’t just numbers but a way to see what matters to your audience. At first, I thought likes were just a measure of popularity. But I learned that those numbers are part of a much bigger picture. They reflect strategy, timing, audience needs, and the design choices that either help a post connect or don’t.

That practice helped me slow down and ask better questions: What does this post do visually? Why might someone stop and click? Is the content meaningful for the space it’s in?

In Module 3, I’m carrying that mindset into my data collection.

Here is a reflection question for you: What’s one post you’ve seen recently that had high engagement but maybe didn’t have a strong strategy behind it? What made it “work” anyway?

Let’s talk

[webbywordsbygab]

Dr P Check-in Post

I’ve been thinking about how content strategy isn’t just about making good content but making good decisions about why, how, when, and where content is posted. I get now that high numbers (likes, views) don’t automatically mean a post was strategic. Sometimes people just get lucky, or the timing works by chance. So, my question is: How can I tell the difference between content that performed well because of a good strategy and content that performed well by accident or just because the creator is famous?

I’m trying to analyze patterns across thumbnails, but it’s sometimes hard to separate strategy from popularity. I’m hoping my data will help, but I want to make sure I’m not missing the deeper analysis. What else should I look at to make that clearer?

[webbywordsbygab]

Absolutely agree that this is such a smart example of how powerful design can be when it prioritizes clarity and user experience. The minimalism here isn’t just aesthetic; it’s functional. McDonald's knows their audience is on the move, often driving at high speed, and they’ve tailored the message for that exact context. It shows how strong branding, paired with intentional UX design, can communicate volumes in just a split second.

Original Content Writing

I saw this on the Design Porn subreddit, and it immediately stood out to me as a brilliant example of UX and clarity. These billboards don’t even need full words, just the iconic golden arches on a red background with a directional cue like “Next Exit” or “On Your Right.”

This design works because drivers only have a few seconds to engage with a billboard, and McDonald's simplifies the message to only what matters. The bold colors and familiar branding make it instantly recognizable, so even if someone glances at it for half a second, they know exactly what it's saying. From a UX perspective, it’s designed for quick comprehension. There’s no clutter, just a direct message that serves its purpose immediately.

[webbywordsbygab]

Great breakdown of how audience and purpose shape the visual choices in advertising! The use of barbed wire is such a powerful metaphor, and it's not just about selling a product, but about shaping how we feel about the alternatives. Dove is clearly aiming to position their soap as gentle and nourishing, while framing competitors as harmful or abrasive. It’s interesting how a single image can say so much without using words. Ads like this really show how visual rhetoric works in everyday media.

Original Content Writing

Share an image of a sign/ad with a key concept in action

Here is a Dove advertisement for one of their soaps, Deep Moisture. In this ad you can see that they are using two key concepts: Audience and Purpose. For the audience just about any person can be that audience for this advertisement since what they are selling is body wash and every human has to wash their body. Regardless of race, gender, culture, etc anyone can look at this ad and be a potential buyer. Then for the purpose Dove is trying to market that their soap is better for hydrating and moisturizing skin compared to other brands. The company chose to put barbed wire around the competitor soap to give that idea that their soap is harsh, the decision to put that imagery there has an important purpose.

[webbywordsbygab]

What My Data Is Starting to Say

As I’ve been collecting data, I’ve noticed some clear patterns in what gets noticed and what doesn’t.

Community and Practicality = Engagement Posts that speak directly to the student experience or offer helpful, relevant information are consistently more liked.

Emotional and Cultural Resonance Matters When posts reflect community values, people pause and respond.

Just Being Pretty Isn’t Enough Some of the most polished posts with bright designs and flashy colors didn’t get much engagement at all. It turns out, alignment with audience values matters more than aesthetics.

Content isn’t just about how it looks; it's about who it's for, when it's posted, and why it exists. Good web writing connects.

[webbywordsbygab]

Web Writing Is Not Just a Pretty Post

I spent my Saturday night and Sunday morning looking into Instagram posts from @ville.englishworldlanguage, and it shifted how I understand web writing. I used to think that to be noticed, a post had to look polished and be funny, have bright colors, a perfect layout, and aesthetic vibes. But I learned that web writing isn’t about looking good. It’s about being meaningful. Yes, visuals matter. But what actually makes people stop scrolling? What gets them to like, comment, or share?

The most popular post in my data set? Not the colorful flyer. Not the clever design. It was a simple, text-heavy faculty directory. No frills, just helpful, timely info that students needed. That’s it.

I also understood why likes aren’t just numbers; they are feedback. And that feedback tells us what the audience values, what feels worth their attention, and what makes content effective, not just attractive.

So now, when I scroll through a post, I pause and ask: Why did I stop here? What pulled me in? Will you do the same?

[webbywordsbygab]

Catching Up

I got a bit behind, but I’m back and dedicating the long weekend to catching up! To stay on track, I’m breaking the project into small daily goals, and I will draft and revise my reflection a little each day so I’m not overwhelmed.

Also, I’m trying to put some effort into aesthetics, so if you see a late post, please don’t scroll past it! It’s fashionably late but still doing its job :)

[webbywordsbygab]

Dr P Check-in Post -week 2

I’m planning to focus my content analysis on my own Tumblr posts. I want to see if more visually appealing posts like those with GIFs, color palettes, or specific layouts lead to more engagement from my peers. Here's the research question I came up with: How do my Tumblr posts' aesthetics influence user engagement, measured by notes and reblogs?

Since I’m only using my own posts for this, I wanted to check if the question is focused enough and if this approach works for the assignment.

P.S. I reread the assignment with a clearer mind and now realize that I need to choose between the two options provided. I’ll go ahead and leave the post here since it took me some time to put together, but I will move forward with one of the assigned choices as directed.

[webbywordsbygab]

There’s just something really satisfying about crossing things off a list, especially in a fast-paced class like this one! I’m a big fan of planners too. Even though my schedule mostly lives in my electronic calendar and most of my work is done digitally, I still keep a thick paper planner that I update every Sunday. It helps me see the full picture of what’s coming up for the week. I love the planner in your photo, and now I feel like I need to make a trip to Aldi soon!

Organization

I am a huge planner fan, and typically have a planner for each aspect of my life. I bought this planner from Aldi, and I love the set up. I am organizing my semester by looking ahead for the entire week and writing in the activities and assignments with the due dates for each. I am a visual person and I like to be able to able to physically cross or check off items as they are completed.

[webbywordsbygab]

I think you are absolutely right that content without direction can feel like shouting into the void. I like how you mentioned that engagement is not just about being read but it’s about creating something that sticks with people. Your point about every word needing to serve a purpose is so true, especially online where attention is limited.

Original Content Writing 3

What does it mean to write content? 

When writing content, you need to have a purpose and plan for what you are writing. If you go into writing blind and without a plan, you will most likely not be productive, and your work will not be good. When writing content, you need to have a strategy for what you are talking about to engage your audience. When writing content, you want it to be not just skimmed over; you want to get your insights up and have it reposted, liked, and commented on. Every word you write needs to serve a purpose, be clear, and be easily connected. 

[webbywordsbygab]

Content It’s Writing That Matters

Writing content means creating something with words that people can use or understand. It’s not about writing something nice, it’s about writing something that works. That means thinking about who will read it, where they’ll read it and what you want them to do with it. Good content has a clear purpose, and it explains, helps, or connects with people in a way that makes sense. It’s also easy to find, easy to read, and fits the place where it’s posted. Writing content is trying to make sure your words are useful for someone else. So, writing content is about making smart choices with your words to help others understand, learn, or take action.

[webbywordsbygab]

This class doesn’t have a textbook?

Does this mean I’m the one in charge of keeping things organized and not letting my brain turn into a chaotic browser with 29 open tabs?

My tried-and-true strategy is to actually take written notes (shocking, I know) and sort them by themes. I like to have sections for key concepts, big ideas, and probably a few “what was I even thinking?” moments. Since these notes are basically my survival kit for this super fast pace class, I want them to grow with me and keep me from getting lost in the web (pun totally intended).

[webbywordsbygab]

From No Head to Full Speed Ahead

We’ve all seen the blue figure in a wheelchair marking accessible spaces. But did you know the original 1968 design didn’t even include a head? It was simply a stick figure on a wheel, abstract and passive.

Eventually, a circle was added to suggest a human. Still, for decades, the symbol remained static implying immobility. In 2010 designer Sara Hendren launched a street campaign to replace old signs with a new icon that was promoting a more active and empowered image of disability.

Just like web writing, symbols send messages. They reflect how we see each other and how we want to be seen. The evolved accessibility sign shows a shift from charity to agency, from stillness to movement. As content creators we need to think about the messages we’re creating. Is our work passive, or in motion?

[webbywordsbygab]

When I first read that content is produced, it made me think of it like a product, like something made to get attention, make money, or meet a goal. Does this way of thinking is what pressure people to post only what looks good or gets likes? Does it turn content into something to control instead of something real?

[webbywordsbygab]

“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” ― Anton Chekhov