Building a Content Rich Website

The Art Gallery

Text is not the only form of content. Sound, music, pictures, photographs, video clips - and soon maybe smell and dreams (!) - can be attractions on a Website.

If you are a professional photographer, you could create a display of your snaps. If you are a music group, you might offer some of your creations for download. Amateur moviemakers can use the Internet as their low-cost global distribution channel.

As broadband connectivity becomes more widely accessible, we might soon see the majority of Websites converting to such interactive and dynamic content models.

The Reviewer

Use your Website to recommend the *best* products and services to your visitors - books, websites, music, movies, artwork, web designers, restaurants, anything. You, the expert, tell them what is good and what isn't.

Share something that will be of interest and benefit to them. If you read a great book, or surf into a wonderful Website, then tell your visitors about it. Reviews help build credibility and trust for your site.

How to write a review?

Here are some tips:

· Provide contact/ordering information for those who want to know more.

· Be relevant. Limit your reviews to the topic and subject of your site

· Be selective. Set high standards for the products you review. Be analytical. Tell your reader specifically what is good or bad about the thing you review, and why.

· Don't go overboard. Restrain your impulse to offer extremes of praise and criticism.

· Offer Recommendations. At the end, say what you think about it. Is it good? Or bad? Should your reader buy the product, visit the Website, order the service? Tell them.

What should you review?

Anything - as long as it is relevant to the topic of your site, and is likely to have interest for your reader. Here are some ideas:

· Books: There are bound to be many books on your topic. Review good ones, and even bad ones. If an author/publisher sends you a book to review, write about it.

· Websites: If you have a favourite Website, or run across one that is useful, entertaining or informative, review it. Your readers will love you for this - they might never have found it on their own!

· Products and services can also be grist for your mill. Just remember to stay within the guidelines - relevant and useful to your reader.

Announcements

· Has your company done something new and innovative?
· Have you developed an improved version of your product?
· Are you privy to insider information in your industry?
· Do you follow the rumours and gossip in your field?
· Do you track swings and developments closely?

If you do, announce them on your Website. People love to feel informed and up with the latest gossip and happenings.