Creating a Web Site

What is a web site?

A web site is any collection of one or more web pages—single files that

can be displayed on the World Wide Web

Why create a web site?• Holds lots of information • Info quickly available 24/7 • Establishes image & credibility • Reaches people you might not otherwise reach • Revisions immediately available • Can spur people on to action • Can help people contact you

When is a good time to create a web site?

• Any time! • Early on, it can help establish your public

image and some level of credibility with the public.

• Adding a web site at any point can do --or at least enhance-- these things as well .

How do you create and use a web site?

1. Decide who will create the site. – Must know HTML – Must keep site up-to-date

2. Make a rough budget. – Commercial web hosting can cost $15-$100/month – Often a setup fee of $10-$40 – Free services are often limited in terms of how much

you can do with your site3. Select a web hosting service. – Shop around!

How do you create and use a web site? (cont.)

4. Decide whether to register a domain name.– Registration costs $100-$225/year – Cost often included in monthly charge from host

5. Decide what info to include on the site.– Mission & purpose – Contact info – Info on services or programs – Info on volunteering & donations – News/Calendar/Upcoming Events – Links for further info – Links to sponsors, partners

Also consider:

• Site map • "What's New?" • Frequently Asked

Questions • Staff, board, volunteers • Guestbook or feedback • Stats on members,

services

• Organization history • Online gallery • Job openings • Action alerts • Web counter • Annual report • Awards

How do you create and use a web site? (cont.)

6. Work with your web host and webmaster to build the site.– Decide on graphics – Make sure site is easy to navigate – Consider accessibility issues for people with disabilities

7. Get feedback from others and make changes.– Does site load easily? – Is info arranged logically? – Is site easy to read? – Does the info make sense?

How do you create and use a web site? (cont.)

8. Publicize site address.– Messages to email lists and discussion boards – Submit site to major search engine sites – Submit to local "community guide" web sites – Submit to community or social service directories – Include URL in regular media campaigns – Consider using meta tags – Consider purchasing ad banners on major search sites