A “sticky” Web site is one that engages users at length and encourages repeat visits by featuring regularly updated content and creating a sense of community. During the first part of this workshop, CAMT consultants present an overview of some effective and affordable interactive Web features. Using this overview as a guide, participants have an opportunity to review their own Web sites and discuss opportunities for improvement. Attendees leave the session with practical ideas for enhancing the usability and interactivity of their sites.
When used to describe a web site, the term "sticky" refers to a site that is able to get viewers to stay at the site longer and come back frequently.
Feed daily news or update the site frequently with new information.- Blogs with fresh, valuable content - http://blog.steppenwolf.org/ Great info about productions and artists - http://www.alliancetheatre.blogs.com/ Have several blogs... one for each production and even an audience member review blog.Could be fresh - http://www.tapdanceman.com/index.php – has the content, but not in the right place!
Clear navigation-http://www.steppenwolf.org/ - Very clear using highlights and tabs-http://www.walkerart.org - Sense of exploration; site nav laid out in large colorful blocks-http://alvinailey.org/ - Navigation could be much clearer. When I look at this, I don’t know what they want me to do first…
-Content, content, content: Simple, engaging and concise - http://www.metmuseum.org - concise blurbs about their exhibits
-Content for kids--SF Symphony Kids - http://www.sfskids.org -- Learning, music, fun - Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: http://www.dsokids.com
Your site should load quickly. Limit Flash-based content and make sure images are resized before you upload them. Don’t resize them through HTML.
-Where’s the RSS feed?
-Oh, there it is!
Educateyour visitors. -For example, if you provide subscription options using RSS, offer a page that clearly explains “RSS.”
-Your site should be interactive to encourage repeat visitation. No one wants a “look but don’t touch” experience.
There are a lot of ways in which you can use your online presence to build community.A simple tool for engaging your audience is a guestbook - http://www.music-and-motion.com/guestbook/-
- Use your homepage to highlight the best and latest content on your site. Don’t just use it as a boring gateway.