““Editing in E-Space: The Editing in E-Space: The Front Door”Front Door”

By: Mindy McAdamsBy: Mindy McAdams

Presented By: Eric MortinPresented By: Eric Mortin

Main PointsMain Points

The importance of a home page.The importance of a home page.The biggest difficulty.The biggest difficulty.Drawbacks of overcompensation.Drawbacks of overcompensation.Potential pitfalls.Potential pitfalls.Home page solutions.Home page solutions.

Why A Home Page Is So ImportantWhy A Home Page Is So Important

First impressions are vital on the internet.First impressions are vital on the internet. With vast amounts of free material, there is With vast amounts of free material, there is

plenty of competition.plenty of competition.

The average user doesn’t stay to browse a The average user doesn’t stay to browse a site if they are not interested by the home site if they are not interested by the home page.page.

How Publishers Solve This ProblemHow Publishers Solve This Problem

Many web publishers attempt to entice Many web publishers attempt to entice visitors by placing every link that they have visitors by placing every link that they have available on their home page.available on their home page. This overwhelms first time viewers.This overwhelms first time viewers. This makes it difficult for repeat visitors to find This makes it difficult for repeat visitors to find

new material.new material.

How Many OvercompensateHow Many Overcompensate

Other web publishers choose a large Other web publishers choose a large graphic and a few small buttons in an graphic and a few small buttons in an attempt to focus visitors’ attention.attempt to focus visitors’ attention. This method lacks the ability to change, thus This method lacks the ability to change, thus

neglecting the repeat-visitor.neglecting the repeat-visitor.

What to Watch Out ForWhat to Watch Out For

The goal of a homepage is to appeal to The goal of a homepage is to appeal to the first time visitor and repeat viewer the first time visitor and repeat viewer alike.alike. Newcomers should be drawn into the main Newcomers should be drawn into the main

purpose of the site.purpose of the site. Regulars need to be attracted by something Regulars need to be attracted by something

new and updated.new and updated.

How to Solve the IssuesHow to Solve the Issues

Present new material at the top of the site Present new material at the top of the site regardless of category.regardless of category.

Give brief descriptions and teasers for Give brief descriptions and teasers for updated content.updated content.

Feature an item every week in order to Feature an item every week in order to redisplay old material in a new light.redisplay old material in a new light.

Add dynamic content, such as a tip or Add dynamic content, such as a tip or quote of the day, to static pages, such as quote of the day, to static pages, such as employee contact listings.employee contact listings.

ConclusionConclusion

Remember to focus on the repeat visitor Remember to focus on the repeat visitor and first time viewer alike.and first time viewer alike.

Questions?Questions?