Web Technology Documentation

Building Your Own Web Site: Planning a Web Site

Planning It | Design & Content | Privacy & Copyright | Responsibilities | Creating It

Why Create a Web Site?

There are many reasons why your class or club may want to create its own home page. It is the easiest way to communicate with those alumnae who have access to the Web through their home or work computers. It allows you to update the group without the time constraints and expense involved in additional mailings. You will need to continue sending regular mailings, as your web site cannot replace their effectiveness in reaching many alumnae. Information on your home page should serve as a supplement to your mailings.

Many groups use their web site between class, club, or regional events to strengthen connections with those who are active volunteers and participants. In addition, they expect to reach alumnae who have not stayed in close touch with their constituency but may discover their site through links from the Wellesley College and Alumnae Association web pages.

There are a number of issues you should consider before you create a web site. Among them are:

Goals for Your Web Site

• Why do you want to create a web site?
• How will alumnae use it?
• How does it fit into your group's communication strategy, with your mailings and activities?
• How will you test its reach and effectiveness?

Content

• What kind of information is useful and appropriate to share?
• What information might be considered an invasion of privacy by fellow alumnae?
• Who will collect it? Create it?
• Who will maintain it and update it?
• What links to other Wellesley sites might be helpful?
• Should you attempt to be interactive through e-mail or chat rooms?
• Can you support interactivity?

Quality Control

• Anyone with access to the World Wide Web can view your web site.
• Your web site should reflect the standards of your group and Wellesley College.
• How can you maintain high standards for your site?
• How will you support creativity and still maintain quality?
• Who decides what is appropriate for your site? Who sets standards?
• How do you control what is posted on your site? Should you try to control content?