Before you Publish a Page
Every site editor in the CMS wants the pages they create to be their best.
Here are some things to consider when creating and publishing your site pages.
- Do visitors know what to do when they visit the page?
- Is the page user friendly?
- Are my images small for downloading?
- If I posted a PDF, does it have my logo and a date?
- Are my links valid URLs?
- Did I check my spelling?
- Is my page easy to read?
- Did I use Lamar University instead of "Lamar" wherever I could?
Do visitors know what to do when they visit the page?
- Are your menus/navigation in place and make sense?
- Do they have access to links, files, and the intended information?
- If further action is required of your visitor, do they know what to do next?
- Have you answered their questions before they ask them?
Is this page user friendly?
- It is clean and inviting?
- Is your content in sections, making it easier to scan and find?
- Are you excluding anyone? (example: international students, people with disabilities, those who may not have certain software for downloads, users on mobile devices, etc.)
- Are you using friendly, positive verbiage?
Using positive language tends to reduce conflict, improve communication, reduce defensiveness in others and helps portray the site owner as credible and respectable.
Not so Positive:
We regret to inform you that we cannot process your application for admission, since you have neglected to provide sufficient information.
Positive:
Congratulations on your decision to apply. To complete the application process, we need more information. If you return the attached form, with highlighted areas filled in, we will be able to complete the application process within two weeks.
Positive phrasing and language have the following qualities:- Tells the visitor what can be done
- Suggests alternatives and choices
- Sounds helpful and encouraging
- Stresses positive actions and positive consequences that can be anticipated.
STAY POSITIVE!
Are my images small for download?
- The CMS has a limit of 300kb images for a reason. The smaller the size, the faster the download.
- Small does not mean blurry, grainy, or distorted. If you need help optimizing your images, please ask for assistance. Visit "getting the most out of your images" to learn more.
If I posted a PDF, does it have my logo and a date?
- Your departmental logo should appear on ALL documents you post to your site. If you need an updated logo, please contact Cynthia Hicks in University Advancement at cynthia.hicks@lamar.edu or X8421.
- We also recommend adding a date on each document so the visitor knows how current the information is.
Are all my links correct?
- Broken links are BAD NEWS! Having broken links on your site will earn you a bad reputation with Google and other search engines. That reputation could start to downgrade your rankings. Search engines strive to create a better web experience for everyone. In doing that, they’re trying very hard to not direct people to websites that have broken links.
- Use your "advanced options" link in the yellow section at the bottom of your EDIT page in the CMS. Make sure the "check broken links" box is checked and the CMS will double check your links. It's a great habit to get into!
Did I check spelling?
- This is a no-brainer! Bad spelling reflects poorly on any business or organization. AN EDUCATIONAL institution... even more so.
- Again, use the "advanced options" link to CHECK SPELLING. Put the CMS to work for you. It's worth every extra second!
Have I made my page easy to read?
Most web users only scan your pages for content. Make finding the information they need easy.
- Did I use bulleted lists and chunk information instead of an overload of text?
- Did I write short succinct text for scanning and not reading?
- Did I provide clear and pleasing images that may get their attention, where and when it was appropriate?
- Is it written using plain, easy to understand language?
Know the expertise and interest of your average reader, and write to that person. For Example, instead of "additional", try saying "more". Instead of "numerous" use "many".
Eliminate excess words. Challenge every word--do you need it? Use short paragraphs - four on average, and short sentences - 12 words on average.
The simplest verb tense is the clearest and strongest. Use simple present whenever possible--
Say, "We issue a newsletter every quarter," not "We will be issuing a newsletter every quarter."
