Do it yourself
If you're not afraid to dive into website development, there are lots of resources
to help you.
Tools
Ask a hundred web developers how they create web pages and you're
likely to get a hundred different answers. The most important thing
to remember is that there is nothing magical about HTML. It all comes
down to a simple text file. You can even use your word processing software.
For a list of HTML editing tools, try Yahoo
Graphics
The U.S. Government's web portal, http://firstgov.gov/, hosts a library of pictures and graphics: http://firstgov.gov/Topics/Graphics.shtml
Find A Volunteer
- Ask around in your organization. Someone may be a budding web manager
without your even knowing it. Many people have experience putting pages
together.
- Contact your local high school or community college. Students may
be willing to create your website for community service credits or a
nice line on their resume.
- Network for Good
http://www.networkforgood.org/
This organization can also help recruit volunteers.
- CharityFocus
http://www.charityfocus.org/
This volunteer-run organization will work with you step-by-step in designing
a website. After they've accepted your application, they'll assign a
team to work with you on everything you need to get a basic website
up and running.
If you use a volunteer to build your site, make sure you have access to all passwords and have your volunteer show you how to make updates to the website and post them yourself.
Use the Web Clinic Wizard
Download the latest version of the software from HUD's website:http://www.hud.gov/library/bookshelf11/webclinics/alumni/
(See your packet for password.)
Style Guides/Advice
No matter how you initially create your site, you should write down your standards and conventions. This will help you with future updates, and also serve as a guide to anyone who works on your website in the future. At a minimum, document basics such as the size, typeface and color of font you use on your site. It is also helpful to develop a sample template that you can give to people, so they can "fill in the blanks" when creating a new page.
If you decide to create your own pages, we offer help on how your pages should look:
- Webcontent.gov - the practical guide to managing U.S. Government websites.http://www.webcontent.gov/
Things you need to know including: federal website requirements, web policies, common content practices, staffing and governance issues, website design and usability, and performance measures. Also has style guide examples from several government agencies: http://www.firstgov.gov/webcontent/resources/style_guides.shtml
- You can also find HUD's web style guide and many other web-related documents in our library on Bookshelf 11. http://www.hud.gov/library/bookshelf11/
Technical Resources
- Webmonkey
http://webmonkey.wired.com/webmonkey/
Webmonkey can be a great source for information on the web. From introductory
pieces (like the beginner's
guide to HTML (http://webmonkey.wired.com/webmonkey/teachingtool/) to a conversation on Photoshop and domain names, Webmonkey
can be a terrific resource.
