Like all independent news publications, Berkeleyside had to face its funding challenges head-on. Users are generally not fond of paywalls, and there is a limit to how much advertising users are willing to wade through while reading an article. This website was designed to allow Berkeleyside’s readers to apply invest directly in their favorite publication, sharing in any potential profits down the road and ensuring the publication’s viability for the foreseeable future. Users were able to apply via an online form that we developed, as well as sign the required documents with their finger on their phone or tablet, or with a mouse on desktop.
Visit invest.berkeleyside.com to see it in action.
site features
Goal Thermometer
Watch the thermometer in action in this video
This thermometer was updatable by Berkeleyside’s staff as new investments came in.
Application Form
Watch the form in action in this video
This form was a key part of the process that enabled Berkeleyside readers to invest directly in the publication. The form walks investors through six steps:
- Verify Location
- Verify Finances
- Verification Results
- Review Offering Docs
- Sign Agreements
- Pay by Check
This verification and signing process would otherwise have had to have been completed in a series of emeails, in person, or even by postal mail.
Investment Details Accordion
Watch it in action in this video
In order to prevent overwhelming potential investors with a wall of text, we chose to offer succinct descriptions of the main points of the offer.
FAQ Accordion
Watch it in action in this video
We wanted users to feel as if they were having a conversation with a real person, getting answers to their questions and concerns. The text is still present in the site’s HTML, so users who are using screen readers can still read the content, and search engines can parse both the question and the answers presented here.
the home page
desktop
mobile
