Collecting information from your users is a fundamental part of modern websites. This section discusses how to use x-Forms and when to integrate with external systems, for example the Partners Database or an e-newsletter provider.
To create a custom form that sends a newsletter sign up to an external system is also possible. The below example demonstrates how this can be done to Vertical Response, a company who offers not-for-profits 10,000 emails per month for free.
To create a custom form that sends a newsletter sign up for your own newsletter into the Partners Database is both easy and a good strategic decision, as it means that new contacts are added inmmediately to the global system. It also means that you have immediate access to them via your reporting interface in the Partners Database.
Left hand pushes are blocks of images, links or downloadable documents (what ever you need!) that show on the left hand side of the page under the lef thand menu all the way through your website.
"Modules" is the name given for each block of links and text that shows on the right hand side of each page.
Creating a site, be it a microsite, regional or rethinking gwp.org should be approached methodically. This section provides some best practices and some very basic tools to help you through this proccess.
After you have identified your audience, and the content you know you must include it's time to design your site map.
(1) Assemble a library of all your key documents
(2) A report containing a list of all important documents and pages people link to on your current site
(3) Create a keyword report so you know what search terms people are using to find you
Researching your audience is critical when it comes to designing your website. You need to know who you are aiming to attract and what they are ultimately going to get from your website.