Web Review: handbag.com
Launched last week, handbag.com is the first in a recent wave of internet portals targetting women (see Telegraph And Boots Target Women With New Internet Service). A joint venture between Hollinger Telegraph New Media and Boots, its aim is to provide the modern woman with everything she needs, from relationship advice to gardening tips.
A marketing campaign with the slogan “A woman is lost without her handbag.com” launched the service last week, ahead of similar projects from Associated New Media and IPC Electric (see Telegraph And Boots Target Women With New Internet Service). Setting the precedent then, handbag.com gives free internet access to all users, has magazine features and an expansive directory with links to other sites.
The host site itself is not particularly inspiring. Today’s features include Would You Live In Slough? and a history of milk. The regular contents section however, is jam-packed full of information and online resources.
The arts and entertainment section has up-to-date listings for a wide range of events including cinema, theatre, art and music in every part of Britain. It also provides reviews, news and gossip. The careers section gives advice on setting up your own business and guides the reader to further online resources.
Other sections include education which allows parents to look up the best schools in their area and read their statistics; fashion which includes a link to a sales finder site; fitness has features and addresses of classes to attend, and food and drink which has recipes and supermarket deals. There are online discussion groups which range from surviving divorce to chocolate lovers anonymous.
Sticking to the familiar women’s magazine concept the site uses its online status well, with links to a wide range of resources. Overall, the portal is impressive in its structure, if a little bland in its content.