Gathering Web Site Content
Once your site outline has been created, the next step is to fill it in with content. This process is not unlike writing a paper or newspaper article. It involves research, editing, filtering and sometimes writing new content. Your content is the most important aspect of your message. It is important that you communicate in a manner that is clear, concise and professional.
Start with the Basics
Planning your Web site’s content is a matter of defining the message you want to convey. This process begins by gathering the information available. Gathering the information for your site may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by looking in the obvious places, like the materials you already use in your business or existing Web site.
Remember that this is an opportunity to improve your content and check for accuracy, readability (for the Web) and whether or not you are reaching your target audience.
Things to Consider
- Have we thought about the purpose of the site from the audience’s point of view?
- What information are my visitors looking for?
- How much content exists? How much needs to be created?
- Does the current content contain positive, accurate and up-to-date information?
- Does all of the material speak the purpose and objective of the site?
- Is the content in the format of Quick Reads and/or Calls to Action?
- Is there any information within the UNC-Chapel Hill Web site we can link to that would help visitors (calendars, maps, etc.)?
- Have I duplicated any information that is already on the UNC-Chapel Hill Web site?
Could I link to that instead? - When linking to external sources, are they up-to-date? Are they appropriate?
- Have we answered the questions that a visitor may have?
- Have we had someone proofread the copy? Do they understand it?
- Have we made a note to update or remove information if it becomes obsolete?
- Does the list include a list of the faculty or staff in my department?
- Is department contact information prominently displayed?
How to Send Us Your Content
Content should be proofread, approved and delivered in an electronic format before production begins. We request that content files are labeled to match the site outline (e.g. “About Us.doc”). Please read through all your content to make sure all of the information is correct and the links are still valid. When referencing a link to another page, you can either create the hyperlink in the document or simply reference the URL:
- For more information, please visit the UNC-Chapel Hill home page (http://www.unc.edu).
When indicating a link to an internal page that does not yet exist, reference the page how it is defined by the site outline or the document for the page:
- For a full staff listing, please visit our Staff Directory. (Link to Staff Directory)
Content Resources
Writing for the Web
http://its.unc.edu/divisions/communications/resources/writing4web.php
How Users Read on the Web
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9710a.html
Search Engine Optimization
http://webmasters.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/09062007_seo.ppt
