The Internet has proven to be a valuable communication tool for businesses and organizations of all types. It is now the first resource people turn to for local information. Even in the sport of synchronized swimming more and more clubs are recognizing the advantages of operating a site. This includes better communication, community visibility and club cohesiveness.
Successful Site Development
Before getting started on your club’s Web site, it is important to determine the purpose and goals that you wish to accomplish with the site.
Key elements to consider before beginning a new Web site:
Content
Good, interesting content is what makes Web sites useful and popular. Focus energy on creating, compiling, and editing the most compelling information you can put online (practice and meet schedules, event results, photos, etc.). Showcase your club’s accomplishments and post recent news items.
Architecture
Your site should be constructed so that the information it contains is easily accessible. You should have a demand-driven architecture - consider what your audience might want to find on your site and structure your content accordingly. Including an overview of the site layout through a sitemap also helps visitors navigate through efficiently.
Graphics
The use of graphics and images not only attracts a visual interest to a site but also helps to communicate the main message of your site. Determine an overall look for your site and keep it consistent throughout. Remember, large images take longer to download and often turn away impatient visitors.
Technology
The Web is a rapidly growing medium where new technology appears almost every day. Before taking advantage of the latest Web site enhancements consider your audience, because new technologies can exclude Web users who lack current computers and software.
Maintenance
It is important to update your Web site on a regular basis, as this will encourage repeat visits and prevent your site from becoming stale. Consider creating and maintaining areas such as "What's New?", "Update," and "Hot Topic of the Month" and make them highly visible.
Getting Started
Once your site’s goals are established it’s time to begin creating your site.
Software
Many current desktop publishing and word processing programs such as Pagemaker and Microsoft Word have built in web-publishing features. Programs such as Microsoft FrontPage, are also quite easy to use and are relatively inexpensive. All of the options are perfect for the beginning Web designer.
Hardware
If you plan on including any club photos or logos on your site it is very helpful to have access to a scanner or digital camera. It is also possible to have film put on a disk or CD when it is processed to avoid the cost of a scanner.
Web Site Host
The next step in Web design is finding a place on the Internet to host your site. Online services such as AOL and Compuserve, as well as many local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer Web storage space for their subscribers. If your ISP does not provide enough Web space there are many ways to find free Web site storage. Sites such as tripod.com, geocities.com and angelfire.com all offer free hosting.
Get Noticed
Now that your site is up and running, spread the word. Submit your Web site address to the major search engines such as Yahoo!, Infoseek, and AltaVista. And don’t forget to notify USA Synchro so visitors can link to your site through www.usasynchro.org.
Web Site Do’s
- Do answer the essential questions about your club - who, what, where, and when.
- Do include club contact information - phone number, address or email - for feedback and inquiries.
- Do maintain a simple, consistent look.
- Do check all of your links for functionality.
- Do link to www.usasynchro.org!
Web Site Dont’s
- Don’t forget to maintain the site
- Don’t post large graphics that take a long time to load
- Don’t bury your information
- Don’t hurt the viewer’s eyes with hard-to-read fonts or colored text on top of a colored background.
- Don’t forget to get permission from an athlete’s parents before posting photos and full names.
- Don’t forget to provide further contact information for your club.
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