1. Easy steps to a better Web site Tracy McMurphy Agricultural Communications Services Oklahoma State University

2. Design Makes a Difference Use the OSU Web template. –Looks professional and gives consistency to the OSU identity. –The OSU template has recently changed www.dasnr.okstate.edu www.dasnr.okstate.edu Use lists, bullet points, and headers.

3. Make it Easy A Content Management System can make your life easier. –Creates your site and allows you to manage it with very little training –CMS is accessible anyway via the web –Multiple users can edit content

4. Take advantage of the Plone Features Blog –Blogs are a great way to promote events and recap prior events. Surveys –Plone allows you to create an online survey, customize your questions and then compiles the responses in charts and graphs for easy analysis. Photo Album –Upload photos of events for great visuals on your site.

5. Content that Works Consistent Clear Casual Correct

6. Consistent Content Make sure your grammar, punctuation, abbreviations and capitilization are consistent. Have content edited by several people.

7. Clear Content Keep text concise and simple. Read aloud to see if it makes sense. Try to eliminate tech-speak or specialty jargon if possible.

8. Casual Content Make points quickly and break up information into sections. Keep tone casual but still professional. The web can be more conversational than a text book or letter.

9. Correct Content Double check dates, times, content and LINKS! Have others review information to help spot errors. Check content again a day or two after posting for a fresh perspective.

10. Have What Visitors Need Provide a calendar of events. List recipes and tips. Establish an “Ask the Educator” section. You don’t need all that paper. Use links and let others do the work for you. UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE!

11. Homepage is Where It’s At Update your homepage frequently, more than any other page. Edit your homepage more often than any other. Remove any expired dates or events.

12. Keep Them Entertained Use photos and graphics as often as possible. Don’t be afraid of white space. Use video or interactive tools if you have them. http://www.oqbn.okstate.edu

13. Make Your Site Effective Get your Web address out there. Know your audience. Check and re-check.

14. Show Up In Searches Think about keywords that relate to your site and use them often in content Spell out acronyms Links and header tags can help content stand out in a search Describe images with text

15. Show Up In Searches Get your link on other sites Not all sites are equal –.gov,.mil and.edu sites will get more hits for your link

16. Extension Web Site Things are changing on the state Extension Web site. Be sure to visit! http://www.oces.okstate.edu/

17. Web Sites to Visit SUNUP Web Site SUNUP YouTube Channel Oklahoma Gardening YouTube Channel Ag Communications Site

18. Questions?