Planning for your new website is essential. During the planning phase, you should:
1) Identify Audiences and Messages
Identify your primary audience(s) and the key themes and messages you want the site to convey. The University's Messaging Strategy provides a helpful framework for developing your communications and telling your story. OUC is willing to review and consult on your site's messaging and content strategy.
2) Audit Existing Content
Consider auditing your existing content and review each page, event and news story on your current website to determine if it should be kept as-is, revised or removed. View a sample content audit in a Google Sheet.
3) Draft Information Architecture (IA)
Develop a draft information architecture (IA) for the site. Information architecture describes the navigational structure of a website, and it should outline how every page fits into that navigational structure. View a sample information architecture in Google Docs.
4) Revise the Content
Outdated information on a website is frequently the primary source of frustration for our users. Time you spend rewriting your content to make it accurate, up-to-date and free of typos is worth the investment. More on improving your content »
5) Explore Options in University Theme
Explore the University Theme website and consider which components will effectively display and elevate your digital content. In your information architecture you should note the pages on which these components will appear. The OUC Web and Digital team can provide additional consultation on the best use of the theme components.
6) Collect Visual Assets, Images and PDFs
Gather visual assets, images and PDFs that will appear in the new website. Be sure all of the images you wish to include comply with Brown's Image Use Policy.
7) Consult with the Web and Digital Communications Team
We will work with you to refine your information architecture, consult on the best use of University Theme components, and devise a project plan for building and launching your new site.