Lessons Learned Key Success Factors in Web-Based Services
Don’t believe in “build it and they will come”. Look into Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to increase your visibility. Advertise your website in all of your print materials. Use information on your website as a supplement to your existing programs and services…
Don’t believe in “build it and they will come”. Look into Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to increase your visibility. Advertise your website in all of your print materials. Use information on your website as a supplement to your existing programs and services.
Update the content on your site regularly – never have dead links, old content, or incorrect contact information. Your website should be visually interesting, give a snapshot of what you do, be organized in an intuitive fashion, work well on a wide range of browsers or systems, highlight successes, provide contact information (email, phone, mail) and always be kept current. Promote your website/email address on all your marketing materials. Cross-promote on other sites. Drive traffic to your site and track where they go and how long they’re there (“stickiness”).
Design your site to be easy to navigate and a good reflection of your mission and vision. If you need to raise funds for the website, demonstrate to prospective funders what the website will do for you in terms of marketing and service delivery.
Don’t use too much flash on your splash page. In fact, do without a splash page.
Don’t have a page that people have to scroll forever to read. Break the content of the page into smaller sections makes it easier to read and navigate.
Have a Computer Security Policy Statement for staff.
Keep in mind who is going to use your site. Design your site so it is easily accessible to them. Keeping the graphics files and text files small will help people with modems. Make your site screen reader friendly for those who are visually impaired.
Invest in innovative ways of communicating with your audience through you site. Use RSS feeds to keep news on your sites current. Broadcast RSS feeds so other sites can get up-to-date news and events from your organization. Blogging and Podcasting are great ways of sharing information with the community.
Use Open Source Software and applications to save you money on licensing fees. However, make sure you have someone to maintain these applications for you.
If you use the web for training, combine high touch (in person) with high tech. Online learning isn’t well suited for conveying complex and interactive learning.
