(Disclosure: If you didn't know I work for an agency that handles Senator McCain's online advertising and digital strategy)
I love the revised site design for JohnMcCain.com. There are a ton of reasons to like the new design starting right with the clean look and feel that encourages the user to dig deeper into the wealth of content that's been available from day 1. There is only one thing wrong with the site but more on that later. Starting at the top:
- An over-sized leader board banner placement at the top. Hmmm, I wonder what someone could do with that space, especially someone who has managed large commercial websites in the past?
- Rotating box ads on the left hand margin
- Big beautiful promotional boxes right in the middle of the page
- Action center in the right hand margin with a very pleasing contribute button at the top which dovetails nicely with the contribute link at the top right hand side.
- And then below the fold calendars and photos. Notice how the page doesn't endlessly scroll like other campaigns.
- Finally the choose your own version of the homepage that I've personally
always liked especially when it is easy to choose like this one. Some critics won't like it, but I always like it when it isn't obtrusive (the one on NJO.com is annoying).
OK, so what's the one thing wrong with the redesigned site? Simple. My son Jacob is no longer on the homepage which he graced for about a month (cute redhead holding the McCain sign on the bottom right). Come on Palmer, bring back Jacob to the homepage!!!
PardonMyFrench,
Eric
Eric Frenchman founded PardonMyFrench in 2005. PardonMyFrench is a small boutique digital agency that helps clients of all sizes and in all industries. Whether you are a small local business trying to drive store traffic or a large business, PardonMyFrench can deliver results for you – regardless of spend. We specialize in Google, Facebook, Twitter, Bing, as well as taking the time to explain and work closely with our clients.
Please tell me that was not an indirect compliment to palmer!
Dear God it only took them a year to implement the EXACT things we told them to do...and they finally do it...and not all that well. It is EXTREMELY OVER Developed. Many great things are now in place and work well (mostly things the two of us suggested for months) but none the less...it is ultimately too much...too late..................typical of that particular group of staffers. Add that to the recent weeks of ineptitude from the campaign. Hopefully all of us 'unofficial' campaign folks keep growing and doing what we've been doing..because if not........My friend John is completely screwed.
Slainte'
Mad
Posted by: Mad Irish Man | May 23, 2008 at 07:52 PM
The new site is fine. I hope for peeps still on dial up that they can navigate.
One HUGE problem is the Blog Roll. NOT ONE of the over 150+ McCain Victory 08 Bloggers
are on that list. People like Sheridan Folger, who has built many of the self-financed McCain web sites
; Brad Marston, one of the leaders of MV08 who started this, not on the roll.
Pretty sad that those who have MADE John McCain's Internet Presence viable, are left out in the cold?
Posted by: Tony GOPrano | May 23, 2008 at 08:03 PM
not to mention we are the ONLY reason there are ANY positive search results for Mac, even his own website only shows up because of things (we) did.
Posted by: Mad Irish Man | May 23, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Not only that MAD but how many times did they (McCain campaign) come crying to us for help? I have a ton of e-mails on this, I know you do also. Guess these "staffers" are afraid that VOLUNTEERS are doing the job they are being paid for? ALL I want, like you and Brad & all our other 'Teammates' is for John McCain to be elected the 44th President of the United States!
Posted by: Tony GOPrano | May 23, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Tony,
You don't know how right you are. I had a conversation with Kevin Scott a former candidate for US Senate. He said "I can be in the same room with these kind of people, but I try to take a shower as quickly as possible afterwards. The more successful you guys are, the less popular you'll be with the campaign staff."
I would say that based on our current level of popularity we are doing a hell of a job!
Posted by: Brad Marston | May 24, 2008 at 12:11 AM
You guys are killing me.
The site design is awesome and a far better version than the black/white version that first launched.
Eric
Posted by: PardonMyFrench | May 24, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Of course it is far far far far far far better. It just had NOTHING to do with palmer, and they should've done it LONG LONG ago. It's still over-developed
Posted by: Mad Irish Man | May 26, 2008 at 03:45 PM