We are continually working to improve BLOX CMS to provide a better experience for our partners. From new integrations and functionality, to design layouts and blocks, here are ten recent updates you may have missed.
1. See better open rates with improvements to BLOX Notifier
BLOX Notifier puts the management of push notifications and social messaging right in the middle of the editorial process—saving your content editors time while increasing audience engagement. Now it's even easier to use, with better defaults for start times and titles, and paging in the creation panel so messages won't get lost.
You'll also see better engagement, now that notifications can include emojis. Emojis are often used by sites to promote sales, weather notices, light-hearted news, or sports updates.
2. Generate revenue with new photo sales partnership
Our new partnership with Fotomoto delivers an array of new features to help you maximize the earning power of your original photography:
Digital downloads of high resolution files.
Order photos printed on metal, wall peels, and cards.
Smart cropping options for prints with the same aspect ratio of the photo.
3. Show off related content using new search criteria
You can now showcase articles along with their related multimedia content using our new "child type" query rule. With this new search criteria, you can create blocks of content that drive traffic to the full article, rather than just a related video or photo. Use child type queries to showcase articles that include videos, photos galleries, collections, and polls.
4. Instantly log in users who forget their password
When a user forgets their password or has trouble logging in, it can be a frustrating experience not just for them but also for your customer support staff. We've made this process much easier with an "instant login" feature. In the User Accounts area of the admin, staff can send an email that allows an end user to go to the website already logged in, without entering a password. This session will be authenticated for 24 hours, during which time the user can reset their password or just browse the site.
5. Create a more mobile-friendly header and navigation experience
We've also designed the header and navigation to be responsive to scrolling, increasing engagement and time on site. Depending on the page a user is on, the header will display sharing and social media tools, the article headline, or the navigation menu to help users get around your site.
6. Make room for more content, photos, or ads with an additional 196 pixels
A few pixels can have a big impact on your site. Choose from the standard width of 1200 pixels or a new max width of 1396 pixels. This new setting allows for larger photos or ad spots, and additional content, when possible. And your site will still automatically adjust for smaller screen sizes and mobile devices.
7. Change up the background style for vertical images
When vertical images don't fit the landscape screen, add visual interest with a blurred background. You can now choose from three different styles: dark grey (default), white, or a blurred image. This setting changes front-end preview images for several blocks as well as images on article pages.
8. Draw attention with new "Centerpiece" layout
Create a different front page layout with the new mobile-friendly "Centerpiece" grid. The Centerpiece grid features a center column in the main layout area where top stories or ads can be placed. When the page is viewed on mobile, the centerpiece region is prioritized to the top of the content.
The Centerpiece grid also features many new regions including additional full-width areas that are great for promotional content, video spotlights, photo galleries, or special sections.
9. Emphasize content with a new row of promo boxes
Showcase items in a thin row across the page or with mobile-friendly swiping with the new "Card: Promo boxes." Promote an upcoming broadcast, a circulation promo, special section, collection, photo gallery, and much more. Allocate one row for different topics such as subscriptions, sports, news, contests, or newsletters.
Rows can be placed at the top of the page or throughout to break up content. Choose from square or rectangle preview images in size small, medium or large to change up the look and feel.
10. Promo codes and rates for BLOX Subscription Pro
BLOX Subscription Pro now has support for promotional rates and promo codes. Create a limited-time promotional rate for all visitors or require an offer code for activation. Rates can be set on a schedule so new prices go into effect automatically after the promotion has expired.
Don't miss any of our updates and new features. Sign up for our weekly release notes email today.
Christine Masters is the director of BLOX CMS at TownNews.
