A good website will grow over time. You will therefore need a maintenance strategy as well as a budget and staff resource.
Other things to think about include:
- how often you will need to update the site
- the content strategy. How will you know what new content is needed and who will provide it
- the editorial strategy. Who in your team is allowed to publish content
- any extra functionality you want to add, and by when
- if and when you should refresh the look and feel of the site
- if there are any software licences you need to renew or new ones you need to buy
- if the budget and staff resource is enough
- if the budget and staff resource is centrally managed, or under your control. If not, how do you ensure you get what you need
- technical support you need, and where it will come from
- how you will evaluate and monitor users
- how you will keep on top of what users want from the site
- how you will market the website and ensure it is fully integrated into all of your communications
- if there are any big publications or events coming up, how the website can push information and help promote their success.
You must ensure that your website is properly maintained. Websites that contain broken links or outdated content are particularly frustrating to users.
You should:
- ensure that all features and functionality work effectively – including navigation, tools and search
- check that links work and remain relevant
- ensure that all content is up to date
- add new content on a regular basis, in particular, blogs and news items
- allocate adequate resources for building and maintaining the site – including time, hardware, software and staff
- make a good impression with your homepage – keep it clear, with direct links to the most popular pages, which may change over time.