Staff Web Services

Web Publishing

Publishing for the Web

You can create your web-pages on Google Sites through your DCU Apps account.

Just log into DCU Apps and click on Sites at the top of the page (click the More option if Sites is not available).

How to write great content for your web site

Don't over look the most important factor of your web site, the CONTENT!

Web Content

The content that you put on your web site is the most important part of your web site. Content comes before slick design and functionality.

Here we aim to give you a synopsis of how writing for the web can increase your visits and user experience tenfold.

Writing for the web is one of the easiest types of writing and yet it is overlooked in over 70 per cent of web sites. You buy a newspaper to read the stories within it and the web is no different, you view a web site to do something, gain information or drive action.

1. Create a set of keywords for your topic:

    

   • • • Create keywords about your content and remember them when writing.
   • • • The keywords for this page are 'Writing and Content'
2. Create great headings:

    

   • • • Lead with the need, lose redundant information and just use the keywords for a sharp, catchy headline.
3. Content:

    

   • • • Don't tell people what they already now, tell them what they need to know, content and information should always drive an action for the user.
4. Focus:

    

   • • • Focus on your keywords and message, get it across as quickly as possible with the minimum amount of content. Web users are very impatient.
5. Less is more:

    

   • • • Content declines with quantity. A small amount of QUALITY content is better than large amounts of POOR content. Keep content to a minimum, put up only what is needed.
6. Create a call for action:

    

   • • • Don't be vague in you content, just tell the user your message in the least complicated way. Always drive the user to an action, this might be more articles on the subject, contact information, a web form etc.
7. If its important:

    

   • • • If you have a particularly important point put it on the homepage, make it visible and don't hide it deep in your content.
8. Know your Audience:

    

   • • • Write for your intended audience, know who you are writing for and aim your content at these people. Always think like your audience.
9. Killer not Filler:

    

   • • • Use killer content on your web site not filler content. Killer content drives an action, filler content is dull and does nothing for the user.
10. Don't make me think:

     

    • • • Don't make users think about where to go or what to do, drive them to specific content and actions, people are impatient on the web.
11. Short Paragraphs:

     

    • • • Always use short paragraphs. Use 2 or 3 lines for each Paragraph. Web users scan the pages for keywords and will not see these in large blocks of text.

Domain Naming

DCU Internet Domain Naming Conventions Policy for DCU & Associated Organisations

This document defines the Standard for Internet Domain Name Registration for DCU and associated organisations(e.g. dcu.ie is a domain name).

These Internet domain names are principally used for websites but can also be used for other Internet services e.g. Email.

"DCU" must appear in the domain names of DCU related organisations(e.g. organisations based on campus and using the resources of the University).

Individual organisations can still retain their individual identity by using the convention "www.dcu.ie/ABCOrganisation".

All sites being accessed on a dcu.ie domain must adhere to the DCU Web Hosting Policy.

Deviations from the standard need to be approved by the DCU Executive Group. Such requests should, in the first instance, be submitted to the Director of Information Systems & Services who will, in turn, submit them to the President for the attention of Executive.