How to create a Website

How to create a Senior Center WebsiteBen FaverRobin Freeman7 Steps in Web Development Find a Web HostChoose a Domain NamePlan Your WebsiteBuild Your Website page by pagePublish your WebsitePromote Your WebsiteMaintain Your Website

Hosting - In Simple TermsHosting is like a storage unitIt holds all of your informationMonthly fee is requiredYou can get different size storage unitsSomeone else owns the building, you just pay rent

1. Hosting: Find a web hostWhat does a Host do?Stores your files, pictures, and other website information on their server (computer).Backs up your website data.Secures your website.Provide bandwidth (access to your data) Bandwidth - In Simple TermsBandwidth is how fast is your data providedHow much data can be sent at the same time? Good bandwidth is like a freeway compared to a one-lane road.Slow bandwidth is like a freeway after a wreck and everyone slows down and stops. 1. Hosting: Find a web hostWhich web host is best?Choose based on: Cost monthly feesDependability Does the server stop working often?Bandwidth is it fast or slow?Storage space How much data can be stored?Customer service Do they have 24 by 7 telephone support? Or is their support like the Peggy commercial? Things to consider on choosing your web host61. Hosting: Find a web hostExample: BluehostFatCowGoDaddyHostGatorOr search the web for web hosts

Domain In Simple TermsDomain name is like an addressTheres only 1 address per location.No two websites can have the same Domain. Your Domain tells the internet browser how to get to your website.

123 Main StBenton, AR2. Add a Domain nameExample: www.salinecounty.org, www.salinecountyrswmd.com, www.cadc.com Extensions - .com, .gov, .org, .edu, .netKeep the name short and simpleHas to be UniqueYou can check to see if someone already has the Domain you wantWebsite Design In Simple TermsIts important to keep your website organized

Bad ExampleGood ExampleBuild the website - In Simple TermsDanger Will Robinson Danger Techno speak on next few slides. Its complicated.But, there are easier solutions too.

3. Build your website page by pageLearn HTMLLearn CSSUse Web page Editors Adobe Dreamweaver, Microsoft Web Expression 4, WordPress, etcOr, use text editor (wordpad or notepad) but you will need to know HTML wellOther Web development languages/toolsHTML, CSS, PHP, PYTHON, JAVASCRIPT, AJAX

How much HTML they need to know. Dont forget cost of web page editor. Easy to use. 124. Plan your websiteContent Pictures LogoMap Hours of OperationContact informationLinks to other websitesEvent CalendarDonations and volunteer opportunities about your organization, board, staff, your mission.134. Plan your websiteDesign Using templatesBackground colorsFonts (colors, and size)Pictures should be gif or jpeg formatPictures should not be too largeDesign Multiple pages (pictures, detail information)Page size (not too big)

Using Templates In Simple Terms

HeaderNavigationBackgroundContentFooter4. Plan your websiteNavigation home, contact us calendar

Publish the website - In Simple TermsPublishing is like sending your Novel to the book publisher. You need to review, edit, proofread, and make final adjustments before publishing.Your website will be made available to the world!

5. Publish your WebsitePreview and test the website on local pc before publishing to hostTest with different web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera)After testing Publish it using FTP software provided by the Host (FTP software sends data to the Host)Preview website using web editing software to view in different browsers IE and Firefox18Promote the website - In Simple TermsWays to let people know you have a website. 6. Promote Your WebsiteGet your site linked to other sites Area development councilCounty WebsiteCity WebsiteChamber of CommerceInclude a like button for Facebook on your websiteAdd a page view counter (optional)Add your website address to mailings, brochures, flyers, email signatures

Maintain the website - In Simple TermsOld news is not good news. Take out the trash before it starts to stink. Keep it current.

Oh boy! They are dyeing Easter Eggs at the center tomorrow! 7. Maintain Your WebsitePreview web pages before publishingReview on a periodic basis to keep it currentSpecific dates for events Make it interestingLet the world know whats going on at your center!Social network sites (SNSs) Present Organization to the World (750 million +)Articulate social networksEstablish or Maintain Connections With OthersInteract with people you already knowMeet new peoplePresent information in an online profileAccumulate "friends Join virtual groups based on common interests

Great Opportunity to Let Your Product Be KnownLower CostTrust and CredibilityPrivacy Settings Enable you to block personal information to prevent infringementCreate Business Profile

Create an Account

Create a ProfileFrom your Facebook profile page, click the Pages header in the left-side navigation. Next, click the Create a Page button, and select the type of page--Local Business or Place, for example, or Brand or Product. You'll see a number of fields to fill out, such as your business category, name, and address.Next, click the Get Started button, and Facebook will guide you through the rest of the setup process, step by step. If you skip any of those steps, you can fill them out later.Facebook will request information about your business--a logo for the page avatar, details for the About section, contact information and hours, and the URL of your website.Twitter

Social Networking Site millions of usersFree & Efficient (140 characters)Enables Networking All Over the WorldFollow influential peopleGet latest trends and news in your fieldTweet about a topic while it's popular.TwitterInclude link on your websiteTwitter is effective marketing tool, but social media is about engaging in conversation and providing valueMake your tweets entertaining and witty, and say something unique. Position yourself as an expert in your field and offer free advice

Twitter AccountsGo to http://twitter.comNeed Email & PasswordCreate a UsernameStart Connecting# = hash tags (#seniorcenter)@ before username = public reply to comments (@benfaver)d before username = private reply

Online Social NetworkingNo shortcuts or miracles.Daily work.Be patient. Provide value. Build a community.Let the content and success of that community be the force that drives your success.

Questions?How to Create Senior Center WebsitesBen Faver, Website DesignerIndependent Contractor501-570-6236benjfaver@aol.com

Robin Freeman, Planning DirectorCentral Arkansas Development Council501-778-1133rfreeman@cadc.com