DEVELOP Develop Introduction Hosting Considerations Content Management Promotions Maintenance and Updating Maintenance Checklist

Development - Maintenance

Educational websites that host broken links, error messages, and failed downloads tend to stop visitors in their tracks. Statistics show that many visitors only stop and glance at websites. If there are technical difficulties on your website most web visitors will not take the time to search for an alternate route to access your museum online.

Just as you maintain your exhibits and examine your collections, you will need to designate a staff member or volunteer to review your website and respond to website inquiries on a regular basis. Once you have built your website, set aside ample time and resources to maintain, develop, and update it. Timely maintenance will protect your investment and build confidence with your audiences. Consider using the tools hosted on the NetMechanic website to developing and maintaining your website:

Is your site ready?
NetMechanic

Maintenance Schedule

Include a visitor evaluation for your website. Ask for feedback from visitors and evaluate their responses. Each year consider options to update your website or add new pages or images based on your audiences' needs and requests.

Communications

Communicating through a website is safe, quick, and convenient for visitors. But communicating through a website is only effective for the visitor if a museum places the same priority in answering e-mail or web generated inquires as they would other forms of communication, such as in-person or over a telephone. Monitor website inquiries, answer questions in a timely manner or let visitors know when they might get a response, and make sure website contact information is functional and correct.

Use your website to encourage and gather feedback about your museum. Reach out to your website audience by starting an e-mail newsletter or monthly distribution list. Consider integrating your website communication tools into every day practices at your museum, such as encouraging teachers to ask questions of your museum experts, or providing access to an online educational booking calendar.