London Marathon - Website Analysis

I will be analysing the Virgin Money London Marathon using ‘the 7C’s’ which are:

·         Context- the design and layout of the website

·         Content- any information on the website; text, images, videos etc

·         Community-how well the site offers user-to-user communication

·         Customisation- each user gets their own personalised experience

·         Communication- the connection between the site and the user

·         Connection- how much other sites are linked

·         Commerce- how commercial transactions are advertised

Context

At first look you can instantly notice the striking red and white colours which is clearly linked to the fact that the official sponsor is Virgin Money which has a distinctive strong red colour associated with the company. There is a clear bold headline welcoming you to the site in front of a picture of the previous winners.

The first page is neat and all of the information is clear while you are no bombarded with too much information. Tabs are well spaced across the top of the site and are simply titled ensuring no confusion for any visitors. You can hover over any of these tabs and it allows you to see more in depth pages with information on the specified tab. Although these tabs cover all aspects that would be needed by any visitor, the ‘news & media’ tab is found at the end which I feel could be placed better, closer to the middle of the site as this is quite an important feature.

Another effective feature is a ‘TAGHeuer’ sponsored countdown to when the race takes place. An easily identifiable search bar can be found in the top right corner, this works by using key words you’re looking for and it will direct you to the most suitable link on the website. As you scroll down the bold red colour is replaced by white, and tiled pictures are included with linked titles to the headers to the top of the page such as; how to enter and training information. Although this looks quite aesthetically pleasing it feels quite unnecessary due to the repetition, everything that is included at the bottom can easily be navigated at the top via the tabs.

Content

As I stated in context the page is very clear and laid out well. For majority of the page the back ground is red and the writing is white which is eye catching, yet easy to read. The logo is in the top left corner as well as the title written over a picture. With these features it is already clear to visitors what the event is and who it is sponsored by. A feature I really like is the countdown to the event, making it clear when the event is, but it is also interactive as visitors can keep checking the page and count down to the event. I feel all relevant information can be found within the headers at the top. Within “how to enter” you can find the different races you can enter at the varied levels. A helpful header if a visitor is  looking to enter the race is “training,” via this you can receive training advice, suggestions on nutrition and staying healthy as well as what to wear. If you click on “news and media” you can find a wide range of images and videos of the race as well as various interviews with runners.

Community

At the top right of the page, next to the search bar are the various symbols for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google plus. If you click on any of these it will take you to the London Marathons own profile  on these social media sites where you can like and follow their profile but also comment on these posts along with other people. If you go into the News and Media tab you can look at The London Marathons very own bloggers with experience in the race but using Realbuzz.com the visitor can also join the London Marathon group which gives them the opportunity to chat to other runners. Although a nice feature that allows a bond to be created between potential runners, I feel it should be made a clearer feature on the home page.

Customisation

This website does not provide a high level of customisation, however I do not feel for the event it is necessary. Most people who decide to take part have prior knowledge abut the event so just need the specific dates and need to know how to apply and maybe some training tips, which is hat the site already provides. As I stated in community via Ralbuzz.com there is the opportunity to sign up as individual users to make comments, ask questions and meet other runners. As well as that you can sign up to the newsletter to get additional, regular information

Communication

I feel the website is very helpful, trying to make everything as clear and easy as possible. It gives even information such as dates and times, then tells you how to sign up, after you can read about some of the training tips to prepare for the marathon. There is also the opportunity to purchase some of the official merchandise, providing everything you need to take part in the marathon. If there is something you haven’t found the answer to you can look on FAQ’s which stand for Frequently Asked Questions.

Connection

As I mentioned in community at the top right of the page are symbols for the social media sites for the London Marathon; Facebook, Twitter, Google plus and Instagram. Most people these days tend to have an account on at least one of these sites, even if they do not they can still access the data/information and may encourage them to get an account on these other social media sites. If you want to get involved with group chats with other runners then you have to make an account on Ralbuzz.com. If anyone who took part wants to look at any official photos of them then they can use ‘Marathon Fotos’. On the home page there is also the sponsored timer which has the logo of Tagheur and of course the logo of the main sponsor Virgin Money, although a user would not have to actually at any point use either company having it so strongly advertised may lead to people  wanting to find out more.

Commerce

There is a tab titled shopping, on this you can click on official merchandise and he London Marathon store. I believe you can buy a £18.50 ‘#oneinamillion’ T-shirt for both men and women. On this page you can also click on ‘Marathon Foto’ which is a separate website where you type I your bib number  and race name and can then purchase any of the photos professionally taken of you. If you go onto The London Marathon store it gives information such as where the store is and what times it is open, obviously hoping people will visit.

Context- 8/10

Content-7/10

Community- 6/10

Customisation- 2/10

Communication- 7/10

Connection- 4/10

Commerce- 5/10