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Content of course! That's right, content is by far the most important component of any website. In fact, this should be the reason why you would put up a website on the web - to have something of noteworthy value that will interest others. Almost everything you find on the web could be considered as content. However, the quality of such differs, and it's really easy to tell whether a site offers excellent content or just trying to make money.
Proper planning...
Decide beforehand on the following before you start your website:
- What your website will be about (Such as a personal homepage or if you want to sell something)
- Purpose your site will have - examples are business, educational, informative etc.
- Consider your audience (interest group, age group, etc) you want to attract to your website.
- Do a lot of research, not just to improve your content, but to answer the needs of your audience.
Once you have established this, you will be able to address your visitors in a suitable way. Before you approach your computer, prepare a set of blue prints on paper of what your site should be. Clearly define your goals, for example, if you are going to have a personal homepage, your strategy will be will be different from a site that sells something online. Once done, you will know what to do to surprise your audience...
What will earn you points...
- Original and interesting content is the key to a successful website. Do not bore your visitors with something they probably have seen somewhere else.
- It is easy to see if you have spend time planning and writing your site. Careful and proper planning is always spotted.
- Creative use of your local language will certainly make a positive impact!
- Your site is judged on what your site evaluators reads. This will get their undivided attention:
- Compelling (Gripping, catching your visitors attention immediately)
- Convincing (Make them believe in what they are reading)
- Comprehensive (Describe your topic in a wide range)
- Complete (Ensure that you've finished what you've started)
- Useful (Use practical and constructive content)
- Motivate (Always use cross references)
- Unique (Your content should be "one of it's kind")
- Update your content regularly. Judges are always on the look to see how often you update your site. Where applicable, include on active pages a small statement such as "This site was updated on "
- Organize your website's content properly. Use separate sections on your website to keep things apart that does not belong together.
Thing you should avoid...
- Do not use any cursed language. Many award programs will disqualify you on the spot.
- Address your audience properly. The use of slang can count against you. (Example - using the word "kewl" instead of "cool").
- Improper use of typography - here are a few examples:
- Anything flashing or blinking,
- Out-of-proportion or "Screaming" text,
- Text meant to be read by ants and bees (tiny type),
- Too many different font types,
- Font color that almost matches your background color,
- Text written like this: dId YoU kNoW thAT tHiS wILl dRiVe uS NutS!?
- Cramped, concentrated text.
- Using someone else's content without their permission. (Text is also protected by copyright laws!)
- Rushed production of content - More is not always better! Besides, the chance of making errors are even bigger.
- Grammar and spelling errors: these are carefully looked at when evaluating websites. Use utilities like a spelling checker and a thesaurus to check for possible errors on pages, and if possible, let some else read through your content before submitting it for an award.
- Lots and lots of advertising inside content areas - this is the most effective way of loosing your visitors!
- Content so old and outdated that we literally could smell your pages when they are accessed.
- Irrelative content must be avoided at all costs! This is the main reason why so many websites are disqualified when reviewed by prestigious award programs. Keep your content (including links, references etc.) relative to your website's subject / topic - (Example: if your website is about music, a page about your hamster would be entirely irrelative)
- Websites containing sex- or other sensitive related material may offer a lot of good content, but will most likely not be considered for many website awards.
- Your site should not contain more links to other sites with content than it does to your own content - it should be the opposite. Websites containing nothing but links will most likely not be considered for any award.
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