MONROE –— The Monroe Times is debuting a redesigned website at www.themonroetimes.net. This site will have a revamped look, better presentation of news content and advertising, and a vastly improved online experience for mobile users accessing the site on cellphones or tablets.

The site is going through beta testing during which anyone interested will be able to log in and view the site without having to deal with a paywall or limited views. The site is currently open for viewing.

“By going through a week or two of beta testing, we hope readers will explore the new site and give us feedback, so we can make improvements as we prepare for a permanent switch to the new site,” Matt Johnson, Times publisher, said. “We know the experience itself is going to be much better for all electronic platforms, especially those who read The Monroe Times on their mobile devices.”

The site will feature a continuous scrolling feature of information and more news content on the home page than before, more photographs and graphics, and new display options for advertisers.

“Even after the new site goes live, we will continue to add more options and features that we were unable to offer before,” Johnson said. “We drastically reduced the cost of an online-only subscription earlier this year when we went to a bi-weekly format. A yearly online subscription costs $72. We will continue to use our social media platforms, such as Facebook, to alert people to news happening in the community.”

The Times has 3,200 subscribers for its print edition. On social media, the Times Facebook page has 5,700 friends and followers. The Monroe Shopping News distributes 19,300 copies through the United States Postal Service each week.

Print subscribers to the Times receive a free online subscription.

The Times will announce when it will make the site live in a coming edition of the paper.

Readers who view the beta site and would like to share their opinions can do so by emailing mjohnson@themonroetimes.net.