Why Make a Site?
While many of us build websites because we believe we can do it better than others, we need to think about their durability in the long run. Why build a site that you’ll abandon after 3 months?
So: You Want Your Own Web Site
After you’ve browsed through thousands of sites, each more boring than the other, you’ve decided: you HAVE to have one as well. After all, you can make one just as good, if not better. Sure, go ahead. Before you jump head-first into things, you might want to take one tiny thing into consideration: what will you put on your site?
No, don’t give me a detailed description of how your top left button will move around if you click on it three times, only the general idea. Will you help people learn to cook? Will you present yourself, or maybe show off your artwork? Or offer said artwork to others?
No matter how much you frown at me, you HAVE to think of this as well. Otherwise, no matter how cute those animations, or how lovely the layout is, no one will spend more than 5 minutes on your site (let alone return)… of course, there might be the odd exception, but I’m talking about the vast majority of the internet users.
I Want a Site, Period!
I’m well aware that thinking requires some sort of effort (heck! what wouldn’t I give not to have to do it so often). Nevertheless if you want to have a decent site, you’ll have to decide on its topic. If you’re unsure, you might consider one of the following:
- Make a site about something you’re exceptionally good at.
- If all else fails, a personal site is always a good choice.
Number 1, would be the most logical choice. It will ensure that your site is at least SOMEWHAT different from others we can find on the net. Plus, there’s always the added bonus of people liking your origami more than the half-hearted attempt you’d make at designing fancy avatars.
Number 2 is a bit tricky, but is generally easily made original. You’re unique, no matter what that annoying 14-year-old from the corner shouts at you. It’s scientifically proven that there are no 2 persons 100% identical (apparently not even clones). So keeping this in mind, focus on yourself (no need to be modest: this is YOUR web space!), as much as you can.
Filling the Site
You have finally managed to decide on the topic of said site. Then kindly don’t start talking about Christina Aguilera’s latest video, where she fell and scraped her knee, just because you think that visitors would be more interested in MTV news, than your life. Don’t get your hopes up, they most probably ARE more interested in celebrities’ life than yours. Still they can read said news on MTV’s official site. As a result, they are less likely to search your site for it. Of course, if you can present said episode in a highly personal way, or maybe you were present at it, I’m most DEFINITELY NOT the one trying to dissuade you from writing it.
Having a general topic will make updating easier, and you won’t have to decide about whether installing a hidden cam in Mrs. Chapman’s living room, or describing how utterly cute your new classmate is, will be better additions to your website. Stick to the chosen topic and your visitors will be less confused and prone to stay more, not to mention come back again.
