The RNC launched their new website overnight. If you have not seen it, I would head over and take a look at some of the new features.

As my twitter friend @StanOlshefski said:

the @rnc's new website is a bold step forward

I cannot agree more that it is a bold step forward just be sure to avoid the pothole's on the step forward. Fellow TechRepublican blogger James Richardson wrote a great post this morning talking about the highlights of the website including the cool video from Chairman Steele, unfortunately there are some small bumps in the road that have to be addressed.

1. The header needs to be changed - it looks (to me at least) to much like the Chinese flag. I love the different faces of the GOP but the stark red with the blended stars (did you even notice those) has to be broken up somehow.
2. There have been reported to be a few broken links - most notably the pesky Future Leaders.
3. The site content looks ok on my iPhone but I cannot navigate to any of the menu links because it is flash. You are neglecting every single person who has an iPhone (or mobile device for that matter) and that is just a no no. 
4. Last thing to point out - there is no social media presence above the fold. While it is on the website, you have to scroll down to see facebook and then scroll all the way to the bottom to get the rest of the networks. Could it not be at the top to help break up the red in the banner?

These 4 points are just a few of the big things I wanted to highlight - but with all of that said the website is a major upgrade. The backend pieces that are now in place will make it easier for the RNC to quickly update the online world with the latest happenings as well as make it easier for people like me to network with locals in my area. 

Great Job Todd on getting the new website out the door - now lets polish the site to take it to the Next Level!

On Friday, forementioned Todd Herman (new New Media Director of the RNC) announced that plans are now in the works for the new GOP.Com:

The website you see today is difficult to update, hard to use, and
locked in a Web 1.0 environment. It is also stale. It is in need of a
massive spring clean. To be fair, my predecessor and good friend, Cyrus
Krohn, and his team were on the way to changing all of this. Then, we
elected a new Chairman, re-grouped, re-staffed and then, finally, we
locked & loaded.

The project is underway.

You will soon witness some preliminary changes and, less soon—though, faster
than I have ever seen done—you will see the new GOP.com in its entirety.

I think everyone can agree we are looking forward to not only a new design but a new framework as well. 

Being a technology advisor to campaigns and organizations I am constantly told by candidates or organizations: "I need a website so I can show people I am serious about technology."

I usually smile and say respond with something that is (i hope) is funny and witty: "Why?"

In a majority of the cases the response is laughter followed with a statement that "everyone has a website so we need one too."

This is completely the wrong reason to have a website. You would not have a press conference just because everyone else is would you? Of course not, and there is no reason for you to have a website just because everyone else does as well. 

When you start your campaign or organization you need to layout exactly what you want your web presence to be and how it will drive your message. I (like David) am in the business of assisting campaigns and organizations this road map. Your new media campaign does not need to assist your campaign goals but drive them. 

For example, lets talk about your website.

Your first task is to define what you want your website to be. Below are a few starter questions:

Do you want it to be your online headquarters or do you want it to be your campaign headquarters?

Do you want it to be your Communications Director? Is my website my primary fundraising tool?

Do you want it to be your Grassroots Coordinator? Is this going to be my paid media source?

Answering these questions and a few others will allow you to understand what type of website your campaign or organization needs.

Your next step is to develop your website. This could be as easy as purchasing your domain name from GoDaddy and redirecting it to your Facebook page. You might want to go with a free website hosted at WordPress or Tumblr with a free theme. Or you may decide you want to call VM Technologies (shameless plug) to help you develop your web presence and meet your specific needs.

Whatever you decide to do you must think it out and plan for exactly how you want your web presence to drive your campaign or organization strategies.

(Cross-posted on the NRSC Blog.)

The online world of politics is moving at warp speed and we are proud of our ability to keep up with the pace of innovation and, in some cases, even stay ahead of the curve. In that vein, today I would like to alert you to the redesign of the National Republican Senatorial Committee's Web site and the launch of our Two Seats Program.

Our new site will be more user friendly and video driven, allowing our candidates' messages of smaller government, fiscal responsibility and lower taxes to come through more clearly. The new homepage will also provide visitors with easier navigation to our blog, press releases and the micro-sites that are dedicated to individual Senate races.

I am also excited to alert you to our innovative new Two Seats Program. Here, visitors will be able to donate online to a candidate, or slate of candidates, of their choice. This section of our new site will provide potential donors with information on candidates who share their views on government and allow site visitors to target their donations to those specific candidates.

There is so much at stake in November and it is important that people have a clear understanding of the stakes. On the left, Democrats offer Americans bigger government, higher taxes and a weaker national defense. On the right, Republicans offer Americans smaller government, lower taxes and a strong national defense. The choice is clear, and it is imperative the citizens of this country have the ability to support the candidates who share their views and values. We, as Republicans, will continue to work hard to fight for the American people and are proud to bring them an enhanced ability to support our shared cause.

Please come and check out the new site, www.nrsc.org, and our Two Seats Program located at twoseats.nrsc.org.

Two seats are all it takes to capture the majority and with your help we will achieve that goal.