News To Use
Welcome to the February 2007 edition of ChamberExpress™ News to Use. Our goal: provide ideas, information and news to help chambers of commerce succeed online.
In This Edition
- Best Practice: Get Graphic
- Tools of the Trade: Planning Pages
- News from ChamberExpress™: Say “Hi!” in Ohio
- ACCE wants YOU!
1. Best Practices: Get Graphic
Most businesses realize they need a balance between text and images to make their web sites user friendly and attractive; however, many may not understand how to use images effectively or correctly. Here are some suggestions on how to incorporate images on your website while not frustrating your visitors in the process:
- Whenever you are using images, be sure to optimize them by saving them in .gif or .jpeg format at a 72 dpi resolution or lower.
- As a general rule, .gif format seems to be better for text type images (like logos) while .jpeg is better for pictures. Saving images in the proper format will save on the download time on your site, so visitors don't become irritated and leave.
- Photographs are covered by copyright law, so do not use someone else's photos unless you have their permission, and it's always a good idea to give credit to the photographer as a courtesy.
- When adults are featured in a photo and are easily identifiable (i.e., they are the main or only subject of the picture), make sure you have their permission. When children are identifiable in a photo, do NOT use the photo without permission of their parents or guardians.
- If possible, use action pictures, not static ones where the people are staring at the camera. Show people doing what your webpage is describing.
- Don't use blurry photos and be careful when placing photos not to distort the image.
- Crop photos to eliminate distracting backgrounds and boring extra space.
- Another great photo tip – photos are an effective and often overlooked way to add some keywords to your page, a vital tool for better search engine rankings. So if you sell dog collars, for example, instead of naming a photo file "myfile.jpg" use "dogcollars.jpg".
2. Tools of the Trade: Planning Pages
Which pages need to be included on your site? The answer varies for each chamber and depends on how informative and "deep and wide" you want your site to be. Below is a list of possible pages for you to consider when planning site:
- About Us: A short description of the chamber and bios of your leaders and/or staff. Can also include your mission/vision.
- History: A BRIEF overview of the highlights from the chamber's past – especially good to consider including if you have a long-standing or unique background.
- Our Services: A listing of the different services provided to members, along with a short description of each. If some or all of your services require a more in-depth description, a link to more information should take the viewer to a separate page for those services.
- Contact Us: Can range from a simple listing of your contact information to a more complex “intake form” with a range of questions about your customer’s needs.
- Testimonials: Excerpts of letters or interviews from satisfied members, listed on a specific testimonial page or distributed throughout the site.
- News/Media: Can include “reprints” of articles, press releases, articles written by your leadership about industry topics, newsletters and press kits. Bonus: These pages give visitors (especially local media) an incentive to return while adding credibility and information to your site.
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): A list of questions and their answers commonly asked by visitors and members.
- Map and/or Directions: Very important if you need members to find you for meetings, events, etc.
- Calendar of Events: Details about, schedule of and/or sign up for events, classes and/or workshops you may be hosting.
- Resources: Other services or businesses that are compatible with the chamber, or links to places online where you can learn more about topics listed on your site.
- Tip: Create a different name for pages if you'd like to add more personality to your site. For example, your “About Us” page can be titled “Who We Are” or “Get to Know Us.” But don't get too cute - the goal is to help visitors find information quickly, not confuse them with clever word play.
And remember this above all - less is more! Page content should be clear, concise and to the point.
* Excerpted from a web article by Erin Ferree.
3. News from ChamberExpress™: Say “Hi!” in Ohio
The ChamberExpress team is on the road in February, serving as Master Sponsors for the 2007 Winter Conference of the Chambers of Commerce Executives of Ohio (CCEO), February 21-22, 2007, Marriott North, Columbus OH. If you are registered for this conference be on the lookout for our NO PEEKING mailer that will be mailed to each registered chamber on February 2. Be sure not to open the envelope that has been sealed before you come. We have gift cards, discounts and other fun giveaways for everyone!
ACCE membership means flexibility and versatility all in one. Your membership provides the national network, resources and development your chamber and staff need to compete and stay ahead of the times in this ever-changing chamber industry. Fill out the form below or call Allie Williams, Director, Organizational Development, at 703-998-0072
