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Focus of the website

• Solve problems people came to the site for -- the service or info they are looking for
• Do not just tell what the program does -- it is usually not the focus of a website visit

Get rid of pages people do not visit

Only keep regularly visited pages -- If page has less than 20 views pick one…

• Delete
• Simplify and combine with another page
• Make the case for why it is needed

Each page going on the site needs to be scrutinized with the following questions

• What is the goal of this page?
• Is the content meeting the goal?
• Are we the primary sources of this information?
• Focus on Maine-specific information in the topic. General knowledge on the topic is available to search via encyclopedia, wikipedia, etc.

Less is more! Be concise. Be Organized

• Start with the most important, high-level information
• Use headings with less under each heading
• Use short lists and bullets to organize information
• Eliminate unneeded words or information
• Do not create pages that contain only links to offsite content

Language

• Use words your readers may use if searching for your info. Especially page titles
• Don't assume readers know about the subject or have read related pages on your site
• Clearly explain things so each page can stand on its own or combine pages
• Never use "click here" - Have link language describe what the reader sees if they click it

Other important things

• Focus on lasting content. Do the pages need regular updating and is there staff to update?
• If there is too much content, it is hard for people to find what they want and they leave
• Consider only adding new pages if someone outside the Program suggests it is needed