NEW YORK, NY, USA - Maria Sharapova, the world's most followed female athlete on Facebook with 3.85 million fans, announced Thursday the relaunch of her official website, an innovative multi-dimensional platform that will enable users to engage in up-to-the-minute access to her life on and off the court.
Sharapova's new website is the latest advance in a comprehensive digital growth strategy designed to bring her closer to her fans than ever before. Among the features of the new website is a much deeper linking of Sharapova's 3.85 million-strong Facebook fan community to the unique content on the site, allowing the former No.1's global fan base to connect with her like never before.
"The world of digital, whether it be my website, Facebook page or developing digital platforms is borderless, allowing me to connect with my fans globally on an intimate level," Sharapova commented. "One on one engagement is important to me as my fans continue to provide an honest voice for me."
Visit Sharapova's new official website at www.mariasharapova.com.
Tightly integrated with social media, the visual rich, content deep website has a number of notable features, giving fans the opportunity to: explore a 360-degree view of Sharapova's daily life through unique photos and videos; go behind the scenes to experience the energy of her life through her personal blog called Doodles; amplify fan voice through an interactive social media component of tagging and posting a photo montage, article commenting, trivia and a dedicated forum; view a gallery of this season's campaign images of her brand partnerships; and get a closer look at her philanthropic endeavors.
The increase in Sharapova's Facebook community over the past year from 2 million to 3.85 million fans places Sharapova as the leading Facebook page for any female sports athlete globally. Averaging 200,000 new fans each month, 72% of her fans are between the ages of 13 and 24.
"Sharapova knows her audience and cares about bringing them into her world," said Stephan Croix, Vice President, Head of Global Marketing Partnerships at Sonny Ericsson Mobile Communications. "This unique approach allows us, as her brand partner, to organically and authentically connect to the consumer."
Sharapova teamed up with the award winning digital interactive agency Lightmaker to create her rich and engaging new website. Lightmaker has over 14 years' experience in creating and managing digital strategies and destinations for world class athletes and personalities, global brands, media and entertainment clients, and some of the largest sports properties in the world.
