Building a website for your organization - PART II

So you've got your web-building tools and your domain name. The only thing left is banging out the content of your website, and then you're good to go, right? Not so fast, speedy. Before you do so much as create a homepage, I highly recommend taking the time to plan out your brand new, baby www.

The first question you'll have to tackle is: who will be responsible for updating the content? You might be shouting "me, me, me!" but even the most dedicated student leaders don't stick around much longer than 4 years. For this reason, it's best to use a web-based tool (so that the website files aren't stuck at your apartment). And since student leadership is usually team focused, sharing the responsibility of the site's content is usually a good idea too. Collaborative websites (think Wikipedia) can be more useful, fast-paced, and a lot more fun.

Now that that's settled, decide on the goal of your site. Collaboration? Recruitment? Information? Or all that and more? Let this direct the style and the content.

Decide on how information will be distributed on the site. Some popular page choices are:
- News and updates
- Resources and information
- About us
- How to join
- Calendar of events
- Image/video gallery
- Forum
- Contact us

And last but not least, get people's reactions to the design and structure. No one will use your site if it isn't user-friendly, it doesn't matter how nice your font is. Make sure that all information is easy to find, that it's up-to-date, and that the whole thing is easy on the eyes too. Then spread the word and enjoy your new presence on the world wide web.

P.S. In case you didn't believe me when I said in my last post that everyone has a website, please take a look at kaacoo.com.

Comments

[Deepak]

I was searching for my sons website name and your blog returns in result.Its nice to see that you are referring to my son's website.

[Tania]

Thank you. I thought your site was adorable. I hope he enjoys this journal when he grows up. I know I love reading the notes that my mother has about me as a child.