Preparing for a Regional DIDI Site Launch Using the Template Package
Files needed for preparing your website.
updated logo [image] - 3/19/09: This will replace "mainlogo.gif" in your images folder for previous versions of the template package.
The Web Development Team at Media WORKS Enterprise has prepared a DIDI Regional Website template package designed to make the task of creating a Web presence for new DIDI Regions easier. This document outlines some of the steps necessary in order to be ready to work with the MWE team to set up your DIDI Regional site.
Two ways to use the template package
1. Download the template and populate it with content yourself.
2. Have MWE set up your site with your content.
This package contains HTML and supporting CSS and Image files to get a Dream It. Do It. Regional site started. Some regions have the technical expertise within their mix of member organizations to take this package and set up their site without much assistance. The package contains logos, colors, wire frames, images, flash files, mock-ups and all the necessary code to create a DIDI site, if you know how to use them. This works for some member regions, again, provided they have knowledgeable people in their organization. Whether you choose to set the site up yourselves or have MWE set it up you will still need to gather your content and follow the steps outlined below.
Recommended steps for Regional DIDI Website launch:
Step 1: Form a Website Development group - This should be a small group of stakeholders who can make decisions on content including headers, navigation labels, banners, photos, videos and informational text.
Step 2: Who is your primary audience? – This is the most important step. Knowing who your primary audience is will determine everything from navigation to actual content of your site.
Step 3: Choose a layout design - Regional sites are intended to follow the same overall branding scheme as the National DIDI site. Because each new member region has its own unique needs, we have put together three different layouts for you to choose from. Below are wire frame examples of the three layout choices for a Regional DIDI homepage. Note that each area of the layouts is labeled with the type of information or media it is intended to contain. A few areas have required information such as the DIDI logo and link to the national site. Others can be used to contain whatever kinds of content you decide on.
Choice One
Choice Two
Choice Three
Inside Page
Step 4: Content Organization – Once your Website group has decided on the audience and layout for your site it’s time to start planning for content of the site. The first step will be to determine the kinds of content your site will have. Do you want a news and events page, media page, a page about schools an careers, an area for secondary audiences like industry or parents, a registration area or a career toolkit area? Again, knowing the kinds of information you are going to include will dictate what content you gather whether photos, videos or text. Below is an example of a site layout mockup showing images, logos and navigation labels to give you ideas.
Content Organization
Inside Page
Step 5: Content Development - You will need to decide what information your Website will provide for your audience and what formats you will use to deliver this content. Someone will need to gather or write any text you need for your site. You will need to choose images and video that portray your region and it’s industries. Some of the more basic choices tht need to be made but that are often overlooked are:
• Regional branding or logo
• Contact information
• News articles or events calendar
• List of Partners
• Logos of partner organizations
Step 6: Website Maintenance: - Plan ahead for changing content on your site, both text and images. Who will be responsible? How will new information and images be chosen? How often should changes be made? Who will actually make the changes?
