Tips and Tricks for Website Management
Michelle Vroom's Blog Page
Website Maintenance
Second Semester: Website Cleaning 102
Posted 1/15/2016 at 12:05:15 PM by Michelle Vroom [System User]
Why wait for Spring Cleaning?
The beginning of the calendar year is a great time to do a semi-annual cleaning of your school or district's website.
True, we live in the world of years that start sometime in August or September and end in June, but most people -- even parents -- don't have that mindset. It behooves you to look at your website from your audience's state of mind (hint, hint...)
Here are a few quick tips to get you started:
1. A Picture is worth 1,000 words. Have you changed the banner photos on your site lately? Do you have pictures from the beginning of the school year? Photos from Fall Harvest gatherings? Pictures of students outdoors with green-leaved trees and tons of sunshine? Don't tell your parents your website is out of date right from the start. Update the photos in each section. Ask parents or teachers to share with you. They'll like contributing.
2. Old news is no news. When was the last time you posted new information to your site? Before winter break? Certainly, there are plenty of things happening. Take a look at the calendar and highlight a few upcoming events.
3. Look under the hood. Click through each site section. Make certain each is up to date. Were there staffing changes? Are the links on each page pointing to the right place? Are lunch menus and testing schedules current?
4. Save the date. Make sure the calendar is correct. Sometimes the Board may make a change to the calendar mid-year, or adopt calendars for upcoming school years. Help parents make plans in advance. They will appreciate the foresight.
5. Give us a Call: Always make sure the general contact information is correct. Is the email address directed at the proper staff member? Have phone extensions changed? Click on the map. Are directions accurate?
Make an appointment with yourself to update your site on a regular basis. If you rely on your site as the primary source of information, then you should be taking a good hard look at least once a week!