Case Study of the Libertarian Party of Virginia Web Site

The Libertarian Party of Virginia Web Site has several basic strengths that provide a good foundation to build on as well as several weaknesses that must be overcome. I will briefly address the major strengths and weaknesses of the current site.

Major Strengths:

Clear Message
The message of the Web Site is very clear. As a minor party, the LPVA uses the site to educate people about the party. The message remains strong throughout the site. The site explains the basic principles of the Libertarian Party, what is going on in the party, what specific members of the party are doing, and how to get involved in the party. Delivering this message is crucial to the party and is done well in this site.

Clear Organization and Simplicity
There is a good organizational backbone to this site that can be built upon. Because the site is well-organized, it is also very user-friendly. Any additions and changes to the site should not make the site more complicated.

Interaction
This site provides several opportunities for visitors to get involved. They can join the party, register for e-mails and/or newsletters, make a contribution, volunteer, request information and so on. This is a crucial part of a political Web Site, and this site makes numerous interaction opportunities available and simple.

Major Weaknesses:

Visually Boring
The first impression that the LPVA site gives is that it looks like what one might expect from a third or minor party’s Web site. It is completely boring with no top-quality graphics or pictures. The site should be able to compete with the sites of the two major parties, and currently, it can not do that. Graphics and pictures must be added without significantly increasing the download time of the site.

Wordy
The site is also too wordy. The welcome page especially needs to be changed as it is overwhelmingly wordy. Giving information is great and necessary, but too much information right away could drive visitors away from the site.

Take a look at the site and let me know your thoughts on it.