Building an Environmental Website
There are several criteria, you must keep in mind, while creating a website dedicated to the solution of some environmental problem.
1) The first and the most important rule – you must be passionate about what you do. It means, that the content of your page must be not only informative and provide true, though sometimes shocking, facts but it also must demonstrate that you have put your heart into the solution of the problem! Often people who care for environment, do not want to be show-offs, but this is not the case when you should keep your emotions back.
2) This may sound paradoxical, but do not also be over emotional It is not enough that you just shout – the earth is in danger, people, let’s do something about it! You must also clearly indicate the problem, provide facts, and – provide the solution of the problem.
3) Providing the solution may seem a tricky point. But you just have to decide what you want your audience to do. Is it enough for them, that they just learn some facts about our environment? Or you want them to do something? Do you want them to save energy at home? Then, just give them some practical steps where to start – like switching off the extra lights and etc. Do you want them to approach politicians? Tell them what exactly they should do, at which offices they should aim their letters or visits. Do you want them to donate? Again, you must tell it directly, providing accurate information on how the money is going to be spent.
4) Remember also, that the content of your environmental page is just half of the business. You must also organize the page correctly, so that it would be visible on search engines. You can hire, of course, someone who can do it for you, but actually, often it will be cheaper (and more environment friendly) if you yourself learn how to use some of the tools, which are widely available on the Internet. This will let you change and improve your page instantly, as soon it is necessary.
5) Check other websites writing on the same issue. Here, in the page of Green Business News, you may find a list of ten best environmental websites. Though the list has not been updated for some time, still it contains useful information about the sites, which are worth paying attention to. Also, you may choose to test their pages with Market Samurai – keyword research tool, which will let you know around which keywords and keyword phrases these pages are organized. Do not doubt, that these will be the same, which will make also your page more popular!
6) Do not forget about illustrative materials! Add pictures, add videos. Do not forget to add your own picture – this is not to show off, but just for people to learn that you are a real person. People prefer to communicate with a human not with a site!
The most important thing you should remember – even if you are not quite sure about the correct way how to build your website, you will not be able to improve it, before you have started it. So, just go on, and start working!
