Background

At the beginning of 2010, Australian Formula One star driver Mark Webber came to Thinkun looking for a website that was as slick as his driving.  Mark’s old site was looking dated, and was built on a bespoke content management system that was also ageing and unwieldy.  Because it was awkward to update, the site really lacked a dynamic, up to the minute feel, and therefore wasn’t engaging his thousands of supporters, or doing a good job of showcasing his news.

Project objectives

1. Build a good looking new site that reflected the new Mark Webber brand
2. Make the site far more dynamic and interactive so that it would become a frequent destination for his supporters
3. Develop the new site in a way that was easy for Mark’s team to maintain and add to over time
4. Add functionality to distribute news direct to supporters

Project execution

Thinkun built the new Mark Webber site on our favourite open source content management system – WordPress.  Designed in conjunction with FutureBrand, the site was constructed with one main goal – to give Mark an active voice and presence among his legion of supporters, and to allow them to answer back. Thinkun also got Mark onto Twitter with a custom designed page background and a feed that appears on Mark’s home page.

Mark’s site now makes his supporters feel like they are ‘in the know’ about all aspects of his racing career from his early days right through to the blow by blow accounts of his spectacular 2010 season.  The site incorporates template-based newsletter functionality and enables supporter comments on Mark’s news, as well as on his new book, which is sold via the website. Comments are moderated with just one click by the Webber team.

Site features

• WordPress implementation with Flash elements
• One click moderated commenting
• Integration of Twitter feed and social media sharing mechanisms
• Template based newsletter functionality with interchangeable email lists
• Flexible image, video and audio galleries allow for easy expansion

Project results

A happy client and happy supporters are Thinkun’s most gratifying results from this project.  In addition, Google Analytics statistics report nearly half a million visits to the site over the past year, peaking at a huge 18,282 on one day.  There has also been steady growth in number of unique visitors to the site.

For 2011, the site is being updated to incorporate even more interactive elements, expanded galleries and details of the upcoming grand prix season, which starts in March.