Web Team: Contribute Resource Guide
Ready-to-Launch Checklist
Before you release your site publicly, do a final check to make sure all your Web page information is correct. You may want to ask a co-worker to run through your site, too.
After your site is launched, you should perform this check throughout your site on a regular basis. These are all important maintenance points.
If you don't have access to the manual or prefer a printed checklist, download our printable Ready-to-Launch Checklist (PDF file) version.
- All site pages are templated.
Check that you do not have any pages that do not match the CAES template design. PDFs, Word documents and other non-HTML file types may be excluded from this requirement.
- Templates are appropriately used.
Are there any pages where the template does not match the content? For instance, is the 4-H clover template accidentally included on an ANR page? In addition, templates should not be altered. This includes changing the text, colors, or graphics; adding background images; or adding graphic elements to the local navigation area.
- Local navigation is consistent throughout all pages.
The local navigation should match on all pages that are at an identical level. If any alterations are made, be sure to edit the local navigation on subsequent pages.
- All pages have descriptive page titles.
Every page has a unique and descriptive page title. This should include specific information that identifies the unique page, as well as how it fits into your organization, UGA Cooperative Extension, CAES, or UGA.
Remember, the page title may be the only item a user will see using a search engine. Page titles also help distinguish one page from another and are often used as bookmarks. - All pages include the proper name.
Every page in your site should include the name of your unit, department, organization, office, or site. This is important information that will help your users understand what information they are accessing and from whom. Your site name should be on every page in the following places:
- Page title
- Local navigation
- Heading in content area (either in small red text or large black text, depending on site)
- All links are explicit and working.
Be sure that all links on your site are up-to-date and refer to the correct Web site. The text for these links should be explicit and concise descriptions of the site that is linked. In general, it is safe to use the title of the site in question for the linked text. Do not use "click here," "go to this site," or other vague information.
- All images have ALT text.
Every image that you include on your site MUST have appropriate ALT text. This is referred to as an "image description" in Contribute.
- All linked pages indicate level of completeness (no "under construction" pages).
Do not include placeholders or "under construction" pages on your site. If you have pages that are not ready to be viewed or whose content is under development, do not link them. If you plan to come back and add content to a page later, that's okay. In the meantime, remove any incomplete information until you are ready to finish it.
- Font styles are used appropriately.
The CAES templates use Verdana as its primary text font. Do not alter the font style or color of the text in the content area. A system of headings is also used to give web pages structure. These headings should not be used out-of-order.
- Any generic text from templates has been edited or removed.
If you have been provided starter pages to develop your site, be sure to edit or delete any generic text that was included or not appropriate for your site purposes. Generic text may be found in page titles, home navigation link, content titles, and contact information in the footer area.
- Layout is logical and clean.
The content on each page makes sense and is orderly. This most often refers to the relationship between the text, images, and headers on a page.
- All text has correct spelling.
Be sure that you run spell-check on every page in your site, and read each page to locate any typos or problems with the written text.
- No copyrighted images or other media are used inappropriately.
Assume that all images, movies, music, and text from outside sources are copy written by their appropriate owners. Do not incorporate any of these items into your Web site without express permission of the owner.
- Appropriate contact information is provided.
Your Web content manager's contact information should be provided on your Web site. This is an important feature for users that have questions about the web site or need to report a problem. This can be included in any of the following places:
- Home page footer area
- Footer area on all site pages
- Your office's contact page
- Site content is appropriate and up-to-date.
Your office or organization is the best judge for the appropriateness of your site content. This is an important aspect to review with a co-worker, content expert, or supervisor.
Be sure that any items that have an expiration date are handled appropriately – this would include removing seasonal items, updating recommendations, checking for broken links, and so on. You should be proactive in maintaining the timeliness of your site content.