Websites, laid out and run efficiently can be the powerhouse of your organization.

Websites give a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week access to information you want to get out there. If you tune your audience into your website, it will likely be the biggest bang for your buck in advertising.

Your well thought out positions are presented clear and concise. Write it well so that anyone could cut and paste it into their article if needed.

Many potential supporters get their first good look at your organization on your website. If they feel comfortable with the information and presentation, they could be supporters.

Your supporters can follow events in a more timely fashion. Some weekly newspapers can report something long after it's effectiveness . You need to be the timely, reliable source.

It can kill the "heresay" defense. By putting up scanned official documents as you get them you eliminate the question of validity. Viewers can see actual proof of documentation. This is a very important function a website can provide.

You can collect information, comments and occasionally a 'hot tip' from a contact via email on your site.

The press can use it to come up to speed with your issue. Make the sources and resources available and obvious so one could quickly fact check. A reporter looking for a shortcut could find your website a welcome help to his report.

A caveat here!
Keep in mind the opposing forces will use your website to develop strategies against it. Don't put detailed strategies up you wouldnt mind everyone seeing.Often the first big burst of visitors will be the very group you are standing opposed to. Remember absolute facts are difficult to dispute.

Your website is open to world wide searches and curiosities. It creates what I call the "wild card" element. Someone, somewhere else with information or resources you may need could conceivably stumble onto your site and contact you. It's not likely but it does happen!

A website can be as simple or as developed as your resources allow. Whatever your choice, make sure your issues and positions are very clear.

In putting together a website I offer these basic suggestions.

Get started

Start the website immediately.

A website is an evolutional process. It will change, but it must start somewhere, and no time like immediately.

Get a name

Come up with a domain name that relates to the issue or the name of the group, is easy to remember and available.

.com is the most common and easiest to remember, some organizations use .org because of its alignment with other bigger name organizations.

If you what you decide is taken, consider adding something to the name like your town name (if it is easy to spell ) As a web guy I can usually always come up with a name as good as, and in some cases even better. Make the effort!

Get it Going

A creative logo is great to have but not essential in the beginning. This warrants some real creativity as it will often be the public signature of the group. Get it right and flaunt it proudly

Initially put everything on the home page. warning it will likely NOT fit. From the crowded page you will quickly establish the other pages you need to add links to.

Keep it very organized and easy to navigate and load it up with pertinent information.
You want your viewers to understand you have done your homework and are very serious about this cause.

Getting it out there.

Include your web address, everytime you speak, on everything you print or hand out.

Keep it updated and make it change often.
I cannot emphasis this enough.
Update the progress, change pictures, add stories and, at the very least, move things around. Get your viewers attention and confidence to always come to your site for information!

For more information on websites and getting one "on the air"click here