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Needs Assessment
- Why do you want to have a Web site?
Make sure you are not building a Web site just because it seems like the thing to do. Do you want to increase constituent and donor bases, display your artwork, increase earned revenue, expand your audience, or perhaps advertise employment opportunities? What additional information, activities, and services could you provide on the Internet that you do not otherwise provide? Selling tickets, sharing information, entertaining, and/or educating?
- How will you justify the investment?
If you do not have the means of getting free/inexpensive Web development, you must determine how you will make a return on your investment. Research the probability of increased ticket sales, gift shop sales, art sales, etc. If you are primarily concerned about furthering your mission, (rather than increasing revenue,) writing proposals to foundations and other funding organizations may help offset the initial costs of building a Web site.
- Do you have the human resources required to implement a Web presence?
Is your organization ready to make an investment in setting up a presence? You need to interview staff, volunteers, and organizational leaders to determine who has the expertise that can be utilized to assist in the Internet planning and implementation process. During this process, it is imperative to determine the level of commitment to this venture.Building a Web site can be an expensive process, but if you have the in-house expertise or know where to get free/inexpensive assistance, then this is an additional obstacle out of your way. If you decide to hire a Web development consultant/firm, you need to determine who will control the Internet presence? If the Web developer will maintain control, how much will it cost to update the site? If updates will be done in-house, who in the organization has the technical abilities to maintain the site? One person should be responsible for keeping the site updated and answering Internet queries (email, forms, and sales). Sites should have new information added on a regular basis to promote your organization and up-and-coming events. This will also attract constituents and encourage repeat visits.