Build a Web Community!

If you are fluent with Web 2.0, an online community may not be out of your reach.
Here are a few tips for building and maintaining a powerful Web community:

• Work closely with your Web designer

• Take risks!

• Build relationships with your audience

• Study your competitors

• Make it convenient for your audience to communicate with you

• Stay current with new design trends

• Test regurlarly!


Reference

Binz, J. & Ireland, C. (2007). Building a web community. Circulation Management, 24. Retrieved October 25, 2007, from EBSCO.

An Online Culture Redefined

The shift to an online culture has made us all co-creators of the content we use. Web 2.0 has allowed us to write and publish content with a single click (Salz, 2006).

As a result of advanced technology, the online culture includes writers, photographers, and designers. These individuals no longer have to buy the content they want (Salz, 2006). They can use various tools (Wordpress, Flickr, YouTube) to build what they want for themselves.

While this newfound freedom of self-expression is both liberating and invigorating, we are only beginning to understand what we can achieve when we use technology to create a network of ourselves (Salz, 2006).


Reference

Salz, P.(2006, January). Creating a network of ourselves. EContent, 29(1), 15. Retrieved October 17, 2007, from EBSCO.

What Color is Your Audience?

When creating the look and feel of your Web site, it is important to choose your color scheme wisely.

Think about your target audience: What colors do they prefer? If you know this, your users will spend more time on your site.

Here is a quick guide to color on the Web:

Business
Web sites targeting business professionals use blue or green. Blue evokes trust, while green is the color of money.

Spas
Many spa sites use muted earth tones and blues to create a relaxed user experience.

Extreme Sports
Web sites geared toward skateboarders and snowboarders will often use neon colors and black for shock value.

Children
Web sites geared towards kids generally favor bright, bold, fun colors that young people love.

Retail
Web sites for retail establishments use red because it is associated with impulse shopping (2007).


Reference

(2007). Color your audience. Sales Leader, 13, 1. Retrieved October 11, 2007, from EBSCO.

Online Segmentation: It's For the User!

Web marketers are progressively using online segmentation to develop stronger relationships with their users. Although this can be complex, online segmentation can be very straightforward (Muntone, 2004).

Use these segmentation strategies to customize the user's online experience

• Establish a clear purpose for the site

• Provide engaging information for all audience segments

• Prompt the user for direct input with online registration and/or surveys

• Use CGI forms to gauge how successful the website content is organized

When using online segmentation, your company assumes the information presented is what the user wants to see (Muntone, 2004). Therefore, it’s imperative to ensure each user can find the necessary information to make important decisions.


Reference

Muntone, J. (2004). 8 tips to segment online. Pharmaceutical Executive. 114-116. Retrieved October 4, 2007, from EBSCO.