The Future of Club websites?
Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 4:49 pm
I was starting to put together the preview for next weekend's trip to Wisbech, and noticed they have quite a different approach to their online presence.
They seem to have given up on having a "traditional" website in favour of a facebook presence which they describe thus "The main difference will be the interaction with social media as each page and article on the site will allow you to 'tweet' or 'like' and also comment as appropriate.
In order to do this (and also to contribute to the new forum) you will need to be registered on Facebook. I know not everyone uses Facebook, but in this day and age we have to move with the times and, remember, you only have to be registered, you don't actually have to actively contribute to Facebook."
They also have created a series of Phone Apps, as well as a Video channel and the usual Twitter feed - http://www.wisbechtownfc.co.uk/showcase/ .
They seem to rely on the UCL web pages for their fixture lists etc, with the news and reports going onto Facebook, and use a neat iphone app to show their team line up before a game.
It seems a shame they are planning to phase out their official website, as it was one of the best in non-league.
What do people think of this approach? It certainly looks modern and somewhat stylish, but I won't touch Facebook with a barge-pole due to the security / privacy concerns, but accept that many people are happy to accept its limitations and risks. It also doesnt suffer the awful flash adverts you get on Pitchero or the Football League Websites, so it may be that a move to Twitter and Facebook is the way to go for some clubs.
They seem to have given up on having a "traditional" website in favour of a facebook presence which they describe thus "The main difference will be the interaction with social media as each page and article on the site will allow you to 'tweet' or 'like' and also comment as appropriate.
In order to do this (and also to contribute to the new forum) you will need to be registered on Facebook. I know not everyone uses Facebook, but in this day and age we have to move with the times and, remember, you only have to be registered, you don't actually have to actively contribute to Facebook."
They also have created a series of Phone Apps, as well as a Video channel and the usual Twitter feed - http://www.wisbechtownfc.co.uk/showcase/ .
They seem to rely on the UCL web pages for their fixture lists etc, with the news and reports going onto Facebook, and use a neat iphone app to show their team line up before a game.
It seems a shame they are planning to phase out their official website, as it was one of the best in non-league.
What do people think of this approach? It certainly looks modern and somewhat stylish, but I won't touch Facebook with a barge-pole due to the security / privacy concerns, but accept that many people are happy to accept its limitations and risks. It also doesnt suffer the awful flash adverts you get on Pitchero or the Football League Websites, so it may be that a move to Twitter and Facebook is the way to go for some clubs.