The NAPRP Blog

Feb 14

Written by: NAPRP Admin
2/14/2012 5:43 AM

Because of my radio show, I see a lot of shelter and rescue Web sites. I've made the observation before that many shelter Web sites aren't as effective as they could be because of poor design. But assuming you've got the basics of decent design handled already (which I hope you do), what's next? If it seems like your site isn't doing much for you, what can you do to keep people interested and coming back?

Ideally, you want your site to become a resource that people return to time and again. People tend to go online for three reasons: to research or buy something, find solutions to a problem, or be entertained. If your website provides all three; products, information, and entertainment, you’re in great shape!

The key is quality content. Your content can provide information, entertainment, and when done well, can even inspire donations or adoptions. Here are a few content ideas from my book Publicity to the Rescue:

• How to articles, videos, and audio. ("How to teach your dog to sit.")
• Tips articles, videos, and audio ("10 tips for keeping your dog flea free this summer.")
• Adoption stories ("Rover goes from starving stray to couch potato at his new forever home!")
• Workbooks and reports (Vaccination record books or a post-adoption handbook)
• Interviews with experts (Find a vet or behaviorist who is willing to answer the tough questions.)
• Product reviews ("Acme Dog Beds: Sure they sound like a good idea, but don't hold up over time.")
  

Notice that all of the content ideas specifically focus on the visitor. Along those lines, Michelle over at the "Pet News and Views" blog shared a helpful link to a post called "Charitable Deductions for Animal Rescue Volunteers" by attorney Julian Block. It's specific and useful if you're a volunteer.

Think about equally helpful content that can help YOUR Web site visitors. Brainstorm some ideas and then start creating!

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