Thinking Web > CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Why is thinking about functional content development on the MCC Website so important? At least 57% of the United States is currently online You can increase productivity of users, faculty and staff by providing 24/7 access to typical 9-5 info and procedures What info do you get the most calls about? Point them to the web for detail and forms if appropriate 79% of users scan the page instead of reading word-for-word Reading from a computer screen is 25% slower than from paper You can promote the site in your communications You can download this form at (URL) For current info, check the MCC Website at www.mcc.edu/yoururl >

Developing Your Section CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Developing Your Section The first page is the Main Page of any section and should provide the user with a brief overview of the content contained in that section, and services provided by that area. The elements are:  An Introduction discussing who you are, and what services you provide Include contact, where: location, when: hours etc, in the Contact Box Listed/linked items of content to be found in section with description if needed What is the most requested information in your area? Set these as priorities when developing your content. Is this info easy to find on the page? How: consider what action do you want the user to take? call, get forms, sign-up online, etc. < >

< > CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Developing Copy When developing copy, try to limit the copy to a single frame if possible, and avoid long scrolling pages. A template to help you with this process is available at www.mcc.ed/WDT Using this format will help you see if content requires editing, formatting or restructuring to include more individual pages. Second Level Pages are pages that contain more detail and go directly off the main section page. Remember, users can enter the site at any page, so make sure you explain its topic without assuming the previous page has been seen. Third Level Pages: if longer pages are required, they should be at this level or deeper. Think of each page as a newspaper article, the first paragraph contains an overview — the facts are filled out in the rest of the article (in this case, linked pages). < >

< > CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Keywords These are words that are picked up in search engines, and should be used in your page as is possible. These words can also be included invisibly within the code, and is ideal for synonyms or other words that are not included in the copy. This page is a draft, more to add here < >

< > CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Scanability 79% of web users scan pages, they do not read word for word Highlighting key words in Bold is effective, feedback for this needs to come from the provider Listed/linked or bulleted items slow down the eye, and give those items more attention These items should be used with good judgment, sometimes trying to make too much stand out, nothing does...remember your priorities. < >

Navigation: Getting to your content CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Navigation: Getting to your content How do the users get to your information? Home page, if your content is on that level Key User Paths: Prospective Students, Current Students, Faculty & Staff Search MCC: as many as half web users get around by using searches This is why careful consideration of your “keywords” are important Highlights area: a changing area, meant to draw attention to events and areas of interest Jump Menu: the pull down menu on the home page, links to areas that might be specific destinations for users, priority is necessary as this is limited to approximately 8 items From another section of the site < >

Navigation: Graphic Path To Content CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Navigation: Graphic Path To Content < >

Navigation: Getting around within your content CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Navigation: Getting around within your content Provide a listing of links to your content as addressed previously Keep in mind, linking within text can be a good tool, and informative when linked to other areas of the site, if appropriate. Local Nav come in when you’re on the second level page, and contain links for all of your content, and for other areas that play into decision making, information gathering by user more to add here? < >

Navigation: Graphic Path Within Content CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Navigation: Graphic Path Within Content < >

Navigation: Other Tips CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Navigation: Other Tips Become very familiar with the existing Sitemap to help provide access to information and to avoid creating new content that may already exist in some format, such as directories, maps, etc. Doing an analysis on site stats could inform this process, if you are interested in this, please contact the Web Development Team. More to add here? < >

< > CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Tone & Style Use a personal, informal tone.  Short sentences.  Bulleted copy.  The section/page should provide a quick read...scanable copy. Speak to the user as the user — to the students as students, to faculty as faculty — Use words and phrases that are easily understood by the user. Make sure that repeated references to specific information be named the same For instance “Class Schedules”, “Schedule Locator” both link to Search For Classes. Mission Statements are a valuable tool for keeping your goals in mind — but doesn’t always communicate the information that the user needs or the services that you provide, if you’d like to post it on the site, avoid making it the introduction to a section. If you’d like more information about writing for the web, one good resource is http://www.sun.com/980713/webwriting/ < >

< > CONTENT DEVELOPMENT What do you do now? If you have a simple change on your existing page Submit it right to the Webmaster using the Page Change Order at the bottom of each page If your page does not have a Page Change Order, it may be a data-driven page, print and fax these changes or errors to the Webmaster Content/Drafts should be approved by Department Head Please check spelling and grammar on your revised content If you’re developing extensively, you’ll want to work through the WDT Representative for your area to be assigned to work with one of the Content Developers (Much of this will be addressed in the workshops scheduled) Do you have dated information on any of your pages? Note when this information will expire when you turn over your content Content provided may be edited or rewritten as deemed necessary by the WDT < >

< > CONTENT DEVELOPMENT WDT Resources A variety of information is available to you online at www.mcc.edu/WDT, current content includes: WDT Contact List: A complete listing of all the members of the WDT, Advisors and Content Providers. WDT Schedule: The current schedule of meetings, workshops and agendas WDT Links: An evolving list of resources Content Development: This PowerPoint Presentation is available for download Content Flow Chart PDF: Visual Flow Chart of the Development Process < >