This is the fifth in a series of entries on credit union web site planning. The series follows CU Village’s web site planning model that includes six phases: 1) Goal Setting , 2) Strategy Development, 3) Decision Making, 4) Site Development, 5) Site Launch and 6) Maintenance and Growth.
The fifth step in the planning model is Site Launch. This phase is about more than asking the programmer to “flip a switch” and make your site live. It’s about making sure that everything is in place and every staff member is familiar with the new site before it is made available to the public.
In this phase you’ll focus on:
Final quality testing – Do one last check for quality, using staff and even members that may have not seen the site yet. Your quality testing should include the following reviewing the following:
- Links – Do they all work? Do they open in a new window if necessary and include the “you’re leaving our site” message?
- Content – Triple check the accuracy of your information—especially rates—and make sure all disclosures are included. Check your spelling, grammar, and phrasing/wording as well.
- Graphics – Are all graphics appearing as they should? If you have rotating banner ads, are they working as envisioned?
Developing policies and procedures – Develop policies and procedures to ensure the ongoing quality, relevancy, and consistency of your site. Be sure to include what should be updated, who should do it and when, and who is ultimately responsible for the site overall. For instance, the marketing manager might be in charge of the site overall, but heads of various departments might be responsible for their own updates. Also, will the entire site be updated on a monthly basis—or will some sections be updated more or less often? For credit unions’ sites, the rates will likely need special attention, while for leagues’ sites, a current educational or events calendar is a must. Will an individual or a team be responsible for proofreading the updates to ensure that they are consistent with the overall style of the site? Making these decisions now—before you launch your site and before any updates are needed—can save you time and frustration later.
Training – Plan for and conduct staff training on how to administrate and use the various components of your site. For example, you might decide that only some users need to know how to update the rates or set up new users in your system. Consider how much cross-training and back-up you’ll need among departments as you’re planning your training.
Launch planning – Work with your Web developer long in advance to set a launch date and to define the steps needed to ensure it happens smoothly. This may include domain transfers, DNS record changes, and new security certificates. Some changes, like DNS changes, can take many days before they are fully in effect.
Marketing and PR – Your work and your new site is important, so make sure everyone, including staff, knows about it. If you’re not doing this already, be sure to include your site’s URL in all marketing materials and publications. Don’t assume that people, including your members and even board members, know you have a site. Let them know about your site and remind them of the relevant and useful information that it contains.
Launch your site – Go live with your site and celebrate!
In my next post, I'll talk about successfully maintaining and growing your site.
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