Express & Star web traffic up 45 per cent

The Express and Star’s website has increased its unique users by 45 per cent from April following a strategy of greater newsroom integration.

Some 236,534 unique users visited the site compared to 162,820 in April.

The extra traffic follows a strategy by Midlands News Association and the companyï¿½s online arm MNA Digital of more in-house video content, the introduction of a fantasy football game and Google maps accompanying the main stories.

Online journalists Tim Walters and Stuart Pollitt have been working alongside MNA Digital electronic editor Chris Leggett, reporting to Express & Star editor Adrian Faber.

Every Saturday Pollitt hosts a web version of the MNA’s “pink” sports paper Sporting Star Live, including video updates and live match reports.

Video journalists Victoria Hoe and Wendy Lloyd produce daily news and sport video reports and users can comment on all the issues.

Users can also look for a new home or motor with the siteï¿½s property and cars sections.

Express & Star editor Adrian Faber said: “The impressive rise in visitor numbers and page impressions is a tribute to the efforts of the team and the quality of our journalism, both in print and online.

“While our print readership remains the primary focus of our newsgathering operation, with newer content such as our video we are leading the way in the digital age, while protecting the prestige of our newspaper, which remains Britain’s biggest regional title.

“The Express & Star brand is continuing to evolve by reaching new audiences across the world, outside of our solid core circulation area.”